Jewish Star on 1940 British West Africa Penny???

Prethen · April 1, 2006 6:16AM

In the 40's and 50's (and, I guess, possibly earlier) British West Africa issued "One Penny" coins with a hold in the middle (of the star) with a giant 6-pointed star on the obverse that looks like a Jewish Star (Magen David). Is it? What's the significance of that star? The reverse has "ONE PENNY" on it with some Arabic-looking writing below the hole and GEORGIUS VI REX ET IND: IMP:

The coin I have an example is a 1940 coin which appears to be in AU shape. I would love more information on this coin. Thanks for any help in advance.

tbirde56 · April 1, 2006 6:30AM

It's only a coincedence. The six points are supposed to refer to the 6 British colonies comprising British West Africa at the time: Nigeria, Ghana, British Cameroon, Gambia, Sierra Leone, British Togoland.
There were 3.84 million struck at London (no mintmark), and 2.4 million each struck at the Heaton mint (H) and King's Norton mint (KN) both in Birmingham. The small mintmark letter(s) would be below the central hole. Values in AU may be about $1.50, $5 and $7 respectively.

satootoko · April 1, 2006 9:32AM

<< <i>a giant 6-pointed star on the obverse that looks like a Jewish Star (Magen David). >>

The usual romanization of the Hebrew is "Mogen David".

The symbol is also known as the Seal of Solomon, and as such is used on a variety of Muslim coins, including 19th and early 20th Century Morrocon issues.