Summary

Australia
One Florin - Two Shillings 1910
also known as two bob
Mint: Royal, London

The first issue of florins for the Commonwealth of Australia.

Physical Description

A silver coin (28 mm diameter with milled edge) featuring a crowned and robed bust of Edward VII facing right; around, EDWARDVS VII D: G: BRITT: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP: ; below bust in small lettering the artist's initials DES. The reverse features the Ensigns Armorial of the Commonwealth of Australia, as authorised by Royal Warrent 7th May 1908 - composed of a simple shield enclosing a cross of Saint George on which are five six-pointed stars, around the outside of which are six small escutcheons, i.e., small shields. The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu standing on a grassy mound. Above the shield a crest, the seven-pointed star of Federation on a wreath. Below on a ribbon the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA is inscribed. Around above, ONE FLORIN - TWO SHILLINGS and below, between arrow heads, the date, 1910.

Obverse Description

Crowned and robed bust of Edward VII facing right; around, EDWARDVS VII D: G: BRITT: OMN: REX F: D: IND: IMP: ; below bust in small lettering the artist's initials DES.

Reverse Description

At centre, simple shield enclosing a cross of Saint George on which are five six-pointed stars, around the outside of which are six small escutcheons, i.e., small shields. The shield is supported by a kangaroo and an emu standing on a grassy mound. Above the shield a crest, the seven-pointed star of Federation on a wreath and on a ribbon at the base the motto ADVANCE AUSTRALIA is inscribed; around above, ONE FLORIN - TWO SHILLINGS; below, between arrow heads, the date, 1910.

Edge Description

Milled

Significance

1910 was the first year that an Australian Commonwealth coinage was issued. The four silver denominations were all struck in London.

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