Kookaburra Penny, 1919, Type 4 • A jewel in the crown of the series • $95,000

Four variations on the one kookaburra theme were produced in 1919 and they are designated the Type 3, Type 4, Type 5 and Type 6 Kookaburra Pennies. Typically, the Type 4 Kookaburra Pennies are stunning for quality, highly reflective mirror fields, almost proof-like, and a deeply etched design. And this coin is no exception.

The Type 4 Kookaburra Penny is a jewel in the crown of the series. With perhaps four known it is the rarest of those struck in 1919. And along with the Type 8 Kookaburra Penny, is the rarest penny of the series. We have sold only three examples of the Type 4 Kookaburra Penny. The first in 2000, this coin. The second in 2005. And the third in 2014. Re-affirming its scarcity, a Type 4 Kookaburra Penny last appeared at auction in 2003. 

Rarity - One of four known. We estimate an example would be offered every six to seven years.

Composition - Nickel 75% Copper 25%

Reverse - Kookaburra perched on a section of a tree branch, the word 'AUSTRALIA' sharply curved in large lettering, the penny denomination over two lines. The kookaburra presents a fuller version to the Type 5 and is shared with the Type 6, the beak elongated extending past the 'L' in 'AUSTRALIA' to the 'I', the tail with four feathers, the eye struck incuse. 

Obverse - Uncrowned effigy of George V, portrait reduced from a metal die supplied by Australian manufacturer, Stokes & Son and shared with the Type 3 and Type 5 Kookaburra Penny. The circular legend reads, GEORGE V D. G. BRITT: OMN:REX, the date appearing below the portrait with ornamental stops separating it from the legend.