Halfpenny 1937 Edward VIII, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

Within a beaded border, the obverse of the coin depicts the bare head (uncrowned) portrait of King Edward VIII facing left.

Below the truncation of the neck, the designer's initials HP (for [Thomas] Humphrey Paget).

Around, the monarch's legend EDWARDVS VIII D : G : BR : OMN : REX F : D : IND : IMP.; translated from Latin: Edward the Eighth, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India.

A full port view of a three-masted sailing ship, with bowsprit, full rigging and bellowing sails (representation of the Golden Hind of Sir Francis Drake), upon waves the lower outline of which is curved and concentric with the edge of the coin. Above the fore- and after-masts flutter the flags of St Andrew; above the main mast is a pennant incorporating the cross of St George.

Around above, the denomination HALF PENNY; below, the date 1937. In the field, to the right of the stern, the designer's initials HP (for [Thomas] Humphrey Paget).

Except for a few nickel brass 12-sided threepence coins which escaped the melting pot, no British currency of the reign of King Edward VIII exists. However, some trial proofs were produced. They are listed in Spink with no IDs, and are not listed in Remick or Krause.

References to additional information:

[Book] Freeman, Michael J. 1970. The Bronze Coinage of Great Britain. Motherwell, Scotland, (2016 ed. p106)