Halfpenny 1967, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the laureate young laureate bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right - her effigy known as the "First Portrait". The laurel wreath in the Queen's hair is tied with a ribbon with two ends flowing behind.

The designer's initials, M.G. (for Mary Gillick) appear incuse on the base of the shoulder truncation, and can be seen when the coin is viewed at an angle.

The monarch's legend runs continuously all around the bust: + ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRATIA · REGINA · F : D :. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith.

Freeman distinguishes two obverses in 1967:

Obverse 3 as in earlier issues. Details are in higher relief; the bust is exactly 17 mm from the top of the head to the base of the neck truncation. The cross points to the left of a border tooth, while the "I" of "GRATIA" points directly at a dot. The designer's initials are not as distinct as on Obverse 2, but more so than on Obverse 1.

Obverse 4 is similar to Obverse 3 but has a thicker rim, as a result of which the legend is closer to the border. The "I" of "GRATIA" points to the right of a border dot. The "I" of "DEI" points between two dots.

The reverse of the coin depicts, within a beaded border, the full port view of a three-masted sailing ship, with bowsprit, full rigging and bellowing sails (a 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 1967.

In the field, to the right of the stern, the designer's initials HP (for [Thomas] Humphrey Paget).

Most half penny coins of 1967 have Obverse 3 and Reverse J (Fr-494; definitions by Freeman).

For information about Freeman obverse/reverse varieties, see descriptions on the halfpenny / ship type page.

References to additional information:

[Book] Freeman, Michael J. 1970. The Bronze Coinage of Great Britain. Motherwell, Scotland, (2016 ed. p116)
[Book] Remick, Jerome. 1971. The Guide Book and Catalogue to British Commonwealth Coins., pp199-200