Content:

• Obverse: Laureate bust of Queen Elizabeth II, facing right; legend: ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D:.

• Reverse: Depicts Sir Francis Drake’s ship, the Golden Hind, a celebrated emblem of Britain’s seafaring power and Elizabethan exploration.

• Composition: Bronze.

• Diameter: 25.5 mm.

• Mint: The Royal Mint, London.

Historical Insight:
The late 1950s and 1960s were a period of optimism and modernization in post-war Britain. The half penny — though of small value — remained a beloved coin in daily use, a reminder of the country’s deep maritime roots and historical pride. By 1965, with inflation rising and the shift toward decimalization already being planned, these coins were nearing the end of their journey in circulation.

Collecting Note:
The Elizabeth II halfpennies are notable for their detailed engraving of the Golden Hind, one of the most admired designs of the pre-decimal series. The 1965 issue, being the last in the denomination’s history, often holds sentimental and historical appeal for collectors.