Summary

Australia
Shilling 1921 Star
Mint: Sydney

Above the date on the coin is a small star. This star was intended to indicate that the metal content in the coin had been dropped from .925 fine to .500 fine, a debasement thought necessary because of increased post World War I silver prices. At the request of the Australian Government master tools with the addition of the star were prepared in London in 1920. The debasement did not occur, the 1921 shilling dies carried the star in error, the working dies were supplied from London.

Physical Description

A silver coin (23.5 mm diameter with milled edge) featuring a crowned and robed bust of George V facing left; around, GEORGIVS V D.G: BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: ; below bust in small lettering the artist's initials B.M. 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 SHILLING and below, between arrow heads, the date, 1921. Above the date is a small star, this was intended to indicate that the metal content in the coin had been dropped from .925 fine to .500 fine, a debasement which did not occur.

Obverse Description

Crowned and robed bust of George V facing left; around, GEORGIVS V D.G: BRITT: OMN: REX F.D. IND: IMP: ; below bust in small lettering the artist's initials B.M.

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 SHILLING; below, between arrow heads, the date, 1921.

Edge Description

Milled

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