KGV Pennies – Pearls, Bands & Jewles
I often hear newcomers ask about the “pearls” or “diamonds” on a penny, so here’s a quick explanation. These details apply to all King George V coinage
Pearls, Diamonds and Bands are the high points on a coin and the first things effected by wear and thus helps to determine grades
Pearls & Bands on KGV Coins
This image highlights the pearls around the king’s portrait and the bands across the crown. These high points are usually the first features to show wear and are a key part of grading King George V coins.
Order of Pearl Wear
The pearls are shown in numbered order to illustrate the typical wear pattern. The 7th & 8th pearls wear first, then the 5th & 6th, followed by the 3rd & 4th, and finally the 1st & 2nd.
Knowing this sequence helps separate light, moderate, heavy wear and determine borderline grades with more confidence.
Jewels & Centre Diamond
This image focuses on the crown jewels and the centre diamond — all high-relief points that quickly show friction once a coin circulates.
The sharpness of the centre diamond and surrounding jewels is important when identifying aUnc, Unc, Choice Unc and Gem grades.
Pearls, diamonds and bands are the highest relief points on King George V coins and are the first to show wear. When grading, examine how many pearls remain sharp, the strength of the centre diamond, the condition of the bands, and the state of the fields and rim.