The half penny series was first issued in 1911 at the beginning of Australian coinage. During its period of circulation three monarchs were featured on the obverse - George V (1911 - 1936), George VI (1938 - 1952), and Elizabeth II (1953 - 1964). Two reverse designs were utilised, the first design was by W.H.J Blackmore and was entirely text-based. This design was used until 1939 when it was changed to Kruger Gray's iconic bounding kangaroo obverse. The half penny series concluded in 1964 when decimal currency was introduced in Australia.