Kookaburra Penny, 1920, Type 7 • Most popular '1920' kookaburra • $65,000
The year 1920 is the glamour year of the industry and the glamour year of the kookaburra coin series. The collector that wishes to acquire a 1920 Kookaburra Penny has four options, the Type 7, Type 8, Type 9 and Type 10. The decision about which coin to acquire will most certainly be influenced by availability. And perhaps price.
The Type 7 Kookaburra Penny is the most available of the 1920 designs. That is not a criticism. Simply a statement of fact. For the Type 7 is still extremely scarce with a waiting time of perhaps eighteen months to two years for an example to come onto the market. But a collector could realistically be looking at a waiting time of six to ten years, or more, for another design type dated 1920. A time lag that would exasperate even the most patient of buyers. Extremely rare, and yet available within a reasonable time frame are the prime reasons why the Type 7 is the most popular of those dated 1920. There is no doubt that the Melbourne Mint utilised different finishes with each coin type, and in each year. Our comment is that a superb Type 7 is a coin to behold! Proof-like and mirror fields and this coin is no exception.
Rarity - one of twelve known. We estimate an example would be offered every two to three years.
Composition - Nickel 75% Copper 25%
Reverse - A kookaburra with coarse plumage resting on a branch, the eye struck in relief, the tail with three feathers. The word 'AUSTRALIA' is curved, the letters large and well spaced, the penny denomination over two lines. A reverse that is shared with the Square Legend Type 9 and the Crowned Head Type 10
Obverse - Uncrowned effigy of George V, portrait prepared by Australian artist, Douglas Richardson, the portrait with a distinctive central part in the hair. A design shared with the Square Legend Type 9 Kookaburra Penny. The circular legend reads GEORGIVS D. G. BRITT: OMN:REX, the date '1920' appearing below the portrait, separated from the legend by ornamental stops.