1904 Edward VII Half Penny – Lustrous Bronze

1904 Edward VII Half Penny – Lustrous Bronze – High Grade Example

This listing is for a genuine 1904 Bronze Half Penny of King Edward VII, struck at the Royal Mint, London. The 1904 issue is one of the finer strikes of the short Edwardian bronze series, often admired for its rich metal tone and smooth die finish.

This particular coin displays excellent residual mint lustre across both sides, with even golden-bronze hues and subtle toning around the edges. The portrait of the King and the seated Britannia design both retain sharp, clear detail, while the surfaces show minimal handling marks — a premium example of the type.

Historical Context

Edward VII’s bronze coinage (1902–1910) continued the tradition established under his mother, Queen Victoria, featuring Britannia on the reverse and a refined portrait by George William de Saulles on the obverse. Coins of this period were well-struck but often saw heavy circulation, making high-grade lustrous examples like this particularly desirable among collectors.

Coin Details

Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Edward VII (1901–1910)
Denomination: Half Penny (½d)
Date: 1904
Metal: Bronze
Weight: 5.67 g
Diameter: 25.5 mm
Edge: Plain
Mint: Royal Mint, London

Design

Obverse: Bare head of King Edward VII facing right, legend EDWARDVS VII DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:, designed by George William de Saulles.
Reverse: Britannia seated right, holding trident and shield; HALF PENNY around, date below.

Condition

A bright and attractive example with full original lustre and light olive-brown toning. The fields are smooth, with no major blemishes, and detail remains crisp throughout the design. Overall, a choice grade example that captures the visual appeal of early 20th-century bronze coinage.

Collectors’ Notes

High-grade Edwardian bronze coins are increasingly scarce in this state, as many were lost to wartime recycling or circulation wear. The 1904 Half Penny is particularly well-struck, and lustrous specimens are highly sought after by collectors completing date runs or type sets.