Continuing the tour of the Heaton Mint’s global output, my collection lands in British East Africa (a currency union that covered modern-day Kenya, Uganda, and Tanganyika).

This coin is a heavy, bronze heavyweight compared to the small silver coins of the era. It was designed to be robust enough for use in rural markets and carries a design that is unmistakably African.

The Historical Context: A New King

While the user description initially noted this as a George V issue, the legend GEORGIVS VI marks it as the first issue of King George VI.

1937 was a pivotal year. The previous year, 1936, saw the “Year of Three Kings” (George V died, Edward VIII abdicated, and George VI took the throne). Due to the time it took to ship dies to the colonies, 1937 was the first time the new King’s name appeared on East African coinage.

The Coin: 1937 East Africa 5 Cents

  • Denomination: 5 Cents
  • Monarch: George VI
  • Year: 1937
  • Mint: Ralph Heaton & Sons (Birmingham)
  • Metal: Bronze
  • Reference: KM 23

The Design:
This is one of the great Art Deco designs of colonial numismatics.

  • Obverse: The Imperial Crown and the King’s titles.
  • Reverse: Two large Elephant Tusks curving around the central hole. This motif was chosen to represent the ivory trade, which was a major (if controversial by modern standards) export of the region at the time.

The Heaton Mark:
You don’t need to hunt for a “Ghost” here. The H mintmark is clearly visible on the reverse, located at the very bottom, just above the date 1937 and between the tips of the two tusks.

Condition & Grading

East African bronze is incredibly hard and durable. These coins often circulated for decades.

The Assessment:

  • Obverse: The Crown details are distinct, and the legend is sharp.
  • Reverse: The smooth curves of the tusks often show scratches and dings easily, but here they are relatively clean.
  • Surface: The coin possesses a deep, dark “chocolate” patina. This is the ideal look for vintage bronze. There is some minor verdigris (green residue) in the recesses of the date, which is to be expected for a copper-based coin of this age.

Grade: Very Fine (VF)
A solid, problem-free example with excellent eye appeal thanks to that rich dark toning.

The Verdict

This coin is a tactile delight—it feels heavy and significant in the hand. It links the industrial capacity of Birmingham (the Heaton Mint) with the vast landscapes of East Africa. As a 1937 issue, it also stands as a historical marker for the beginning of the George VI era.

Further Reading & Data: