British penny, 1797

This is an example of the 1797 British penny, which became the first official Australian coin after a shipment arrived in Sydney in 1800. The coins in this shipment were given a local value of two pence by a proclamation of the Governor. The coins remained in use for some 60 years and found their way to Melbourne in the 1830s and 1840s. Examples found in archaeological excavations can be seen in the Melbourne exhibition. The coins were made in Birmingham by Matthew Boulton on presses driven by James Watt's new steam engine. It was the first use of the new engine.

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Obverse – Bust of King George III laureate facing right. Around, incuse on a broad rim: GEORGIUS III D:G: REX (George the third, by the grace of God, King).		Reverse – The back of the coin depicts a seated figure, Britannia. Impressed into a raised rim is the legend BRITANNIA 1797.

Transferred from Melbourne Mint Collection, 1978