A specific 1919 penny with a certain mint mark could be worth far more than its face value
A specialist has revealed details about a particular UK penny that could fetch upwards of £2,000. The coin must bear a distinctive mark to command such a high value.
This coin, dating from 1919, showcases King George V’s portrait on the obverse (heads side) and features Britannia wielding a trident on the reverse (tails side). Nevertheless, it’s a tiny set of initials on the tails side that renders this coin extraordinarily sought-after.
The expert emphasised that collectors should search for the letters K and N on the reverse, which signify the Kings Norton Mint. In a clip shared on social media platform TikTok, a specialist known as the Coin Collecting Wizard explained: “Today we discuss the 1919 KN penny.
“‘KN’ meaning King’s Norton Mint. Of the two mints, the King’s Norton is by far the most difficult to get.
“The obverse shows a portrait of King George the fifth by Australian sculptor Bertram Mackennal. George the fifth was king of the United Kingdom and the British dominions and Emperor of India from 6 May 1910 until his death in 1936.
“The reverse shows Britannia seated with trident and shield.” The “KN” marking can be located on the reverse side to the left of the date 1919.
Nevertheless, it’s diminutive so careful examination will be required. The specialist added: “It is the same as other pennies of that era with the exception of the KN mint Mark.”
If you are lucky enough to find the 1919 KN penny, then it may surprise you that this coin can sell for over £2,000 depending on condition.”
The Royal Mint’s website provides further details about the coin. It states: “During 1918 and 1919, The Royal Mint called upon the services of The Kings Norton Metal Company Ltd to help meet demand,” and it specifies that “The pennies produced by the company can be identified by a ‘KN’ mint mark near the date on the reverse of the coin. “
Experts at All Coin Values suggest that such a coin in pristine condition could command a price exceeding £1,900. They noted: “The retail value of a 1919 (Kings Norton Mint) UK penny can range from £7 to over £1,900, depending on grade, condition, desirability, and demand.”