1 Penny coin, Australia, 1916. Mint: Calcutta. During World War I, from 1916 until 1918, the Calcutta Mint was employed to strike Australian bronze coins. The coins bear the mint mark I (for India) below the lower scroll. This coin was acquired by Museums Victoria in a collection of belongings from World War I soldier Private Michael Ward, within suitcase HT 48377. Ward, service no. 4138, was an unmarried 26-year-old farm labourer born in Eddington, Victoria, when he enlisted to serve in World War I on 26 April (attestation 21 March) 1916. He served in the 29th and later the 38th Battalions, and was wounded in knees and hand on 15 April 1918, at Buire in the Somme region of France. He was sent to England for treatment and returned to Australia in late 1918. His discharge from service was delayed until 20 February 1921 because he was still undergoing treatment for war wounds. Michael Ward lived to 72 years of age.
1 Penny coin, Australia, 1916. Mint: Cal