Summary
Silver coin; Denomination: Halfcrown
Royal Mint, London
King George III (1760-1820)
A severe deficiency of silver coins in circulation in Britain in the late 18th and early 19th centuries was addressed from 1816 with the introduction of a silver coinage which did not contain metal to the value of the denomination. Gold coins were made the standard measure of value. Silver coins were only legal tender under the value of two pounds.
The first bust of the King, with its broad bare shoulders was not well accepted and was discontinued after 1817, being replaced by a simpler head.
Obverse Description
Laureate bust of the King facing left, undraped, around, GEORGIUS III DEI GRATIA, below, 1816
Reverse Description
Garnished shield bearing Royal arms within the Garter, crowned, and Collar of the Order; motto on Garter, HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE; around, BRITANNIARUM REX FID: DEF:; the lower left garniture of the shield has the incuse initials WWP (for William Wesley Pole, master of the mint) and at lower right incuse W (for Thomas Wyon, chief engraver)
Edge Description
milled
More Information
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Collection Names
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), George McArthur, 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
1916 AD
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Issued By
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Mint
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Previous Collection
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Denomination
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Material
Silver
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Axis
12
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Classification
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Category
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Discipline
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Type of item
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Overall Dimensions
32 mm (Outside Diameter), 14.069 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
[Thesis] Lugton, Mary E. 1989. George McArthur of Maldon: his Life and his Book Collection.
[Catalogue] Morrison, Ian. 2003. The Baker of Maldon.
[Book] Skingley, Philip. 2007. Coins of England and the United Kingdom., Spink 3788 Pages
