1921 Kookaburra Square Penny, design type 12

Australia entered a modern age post World War I and for many Australians, it was a time for breaking out, of questioning and changing old values and behaviour and enjoying the good life.

It was a time of great change. People forgot the old and embraced the new in an attempt to leave the hardship and struggles of the war behind them. New technology was being created, like toasters and cars, things that today we take for granted. The fashion world was exploding, Australians embracing great change in their styles of dress.

Australians were identifying with their own culture, keen to lessen the emotional and cultural ties with Great Britain.

Creating a new, totally Australian coinage was a part of the deal which is why the Government floated the idea of the Kookaburra Penny envisaging a coin that would be unique to Australia.

It was one of the instruments the Government believed would give us a greater awareness, and appreciation, of all things Australian.

This Square Penny was struck in the final year of testing at the Melbourne Mint - 1921 - and features a plump kookaburra with the words ‘AUSTRALIA’ AND ‘ONE PENNY’ above and below it. The coin is referenced, Renniks Type 12.

The design is unique to the date 1921. No other Square Penny has this bird.

The coin has an additional feature that collectors enjoy. It is extremely rare for we would be lucky to sight one, maybe two, Type 12 Square Pennies on the market every year.

So if you are excited by the prospect of owning a 1921 Square Penny then you can be even more excited by the prospect of owning this particular example because it is well struck and well preserved.