1/2 Penny - George V Kookaburra Pattern - Type 1, Silver

In 1920, the Australian government was actively debating whether to replace the kookaburra-less British-derived coinage with distinctly national designs. Several pattern types were struck in silver — far removed from the intended bronze composition — almost certainly for presentation or approval purposes rather than any genuine production trial. The Type 1 designation distinguishes this from a second kookaburra design submitted in the same round, both ultimately rejected in favor of retaining the existing Britannia-derived types.

The reform push failed. Australia wouldn't see native fauna on its circulating coinage until decimal conversion in 1966.