British West Africa, Edward VIII, Penny Error KN Mint, 1936

In the brief reign of King Edward VIII, the only coins to be issued for circulation were for overseas territories. The coin on offer is the Halfpence for British West Africa. The Halfpence is the most difficult denomination to get. These coins were struck in Birmingham at the Kings Norton Mint and carry the KN mintmark. The coins are in Uncirculated condition and the KN is the most difficult of the Halfpennies to find.

Many collectors only go for silver versions of the Edward VIII series, yet many of the Copper and Brass pieces are very low mintage and much underappreciated. But as the mintages were low, they are in short supply. These are private issued pieces but are listed in Colin Bruce’s Unusual World Coins as published by Krause Publications. Edward VIII India Brass pieces have always been very popular because the Prince of Wales spent a long time in India.

Although no coins of King Edward VIII were released in this country, due to his Abdication, they did strike some coins for the overseas Colonies. British West Africa had three different denominations struck and that were actually used as day to day money. They are the Penny, Halfpenny and Tenth Penny, all were struck with holes in the middle, as the locals had no pockets and the hole allowed them to be stuck on a string that they could then wear. Not only were there three denominations, but they were struck at three different Mints, some of which are scarce. Offered here is the 1/10 penny in uncirculated.