1 Penny - George V (Kookaburra Pattern - Type 10)

The 1920 George V Kookaburra pattern penny was produced as part of an experimental series by the Royal Mint in London to explore potential new designs for Australian coinage. Following the success of the pre-federation coinages, the Australian government considered moving away from the standard British designs toward imagery that reflected the unique flora and fauna of the continent. The Kookaburra, a bird iconic to the Australian landscape, was selected as a centerpiece for these patterns to establish a distinct national identity on the country's currency.

The design was crafted by Royal Mint engraver George Kruger Gray, a prominent artist known for his elegant approach to coinage. His work on this pattern emphasized the detailed plumage of the kookaburra perched on a branch, framed by a classic beaded border. Despite the artistic appreciation for these pieces among numismatists, they were never circulated. The Australian authorities ultimately decided against the design for the penny, opting to maintain the George V effigy and traditional heraldic themes for the duration of his reign, relegating these patterns to the status of rare experimental strikes.