In 1859 the British struck their last copper pennies, halfpennies and farthings. From 1860 new smaller bronze coins were struck for these denominations. This new smaller size remained in use into the 20th century and became the model for Australian penny and halfpenny coins until 1964. The full Latin legend from both sides of the copper coin was placed on the head of the smaller bronze penny. The date was then taken from under the Queen's head and placed on the back, under the figure of Britannia. The denomination ONE PENNY was added to avoid confusion that it was an old copper halfpenny.

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Obverse – On the copper coin head of Queen Victoria facing left, below which it the date 1859. Around the head in Latin is VICTORIA DEI GRATIA [Victoria by the Grace of God]. On the bronze coin is a bust of Queen Victoria reaching to the edge of the coin. Around it in abbreviated Latin is VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F: D: [Victoria by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britons Defender of the Faith].		Reverse – On the copper coin is Britannia seated facing right, holding a trident and a shield bearing the Union Jack. Around Britannia is the Latin legend BRITANNIAR: REG: FID: DEF: [Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith].

Copper penny transferred from Melbourne Mint, 1976 Bronze penny donated by Alfred Chitty, 1922