The smallest denominations of Ghana’s first national coinage — the bronze ½ and 1 penny of 1958. Both carry the profile of Kwame Nkrumah, the first leader of the independent country, and the Latin legend «CIVITATIS GHANIENSIS CONDITOR» — «Founder of the State of Ghana».

The portrait is the work of Paul Vincze, a British medallist who designed coins for several African nations; his initials «P.V.» appear below the bust. The other side of each coin shows a five-pointed star, the name «GHANA», the year and the value in words: «HALF PENNY» and «ONE PENNY».

These coins arrived a year after independence was proclaimed on 6 March 1957. Ghana still reckoned in the British way — pounds, shillings and pence — but its coins already bore national symbols. In 1965 the pound gave way to the decimal cedi at 2.40 cedis to the pound, leaving the whole 1958 series a one-year issue.

This bronze pair is an easy way to begin a collection of Ghana’s first money or to round out a group of coins portraying African statesmen.

F-VF: wear on the high points is visible, especially on the portrait, yet the profile, the star and the legends remain legible — both coins saw real circulation.

The VPcoins catalogue brings together coins from many countries and eras, from circulation issues to commemorative series, so a collection is easy to continue.