1/10 Penny - Edward VII Pattern

British West Africa's decimal coinage system required substantial negotiation between the Colonial Office and the Bank of British West Africa before any metal reached the mints. This 1906 piece is a pattern struck to evaluate the copper-nickel alloy as a candidate material — the denomination itself was experimental, as fractions of a penny were being tested for practical use in markets where cowrie shells still functioned as everyday small change. The alloy was ultimately deemed workable, though the specific proportions and sizing went through further revision before regular coinage commenced.