Summary
Crown (5 Shillings), Issued by New Zealand, 1949
Struck to commemorate a proposed Royal Visit by King George VI
Minted by Royal Mint, London
Obverse Description
King's head, bare, facing left; around, KING GEORGE THE SIXTH; below neck truncation in small letters the artist's initials HP ([Thomas] Humphrey Paget)
Reverse Description
At centre a silver fern leaf flanked by the four stars of the New Zealand Southern Cross; around, NEW ZEALAND CROWN 1949
Edge Description
Milled
Significance
A visit to New Zealand and Australia by King George VI, Queen Elizabeth and Princess Margaret was proposed for 1949. As the dates for the tour grew near, it became apparent that the King's ill health would not allow it to occur. This coin struck to commemorate the visit to New Zealand 200,020 had already been prepared by the Royal Mint, London. Of these 190,000 were shipped to New Zealand, while the New Zealand Government made arrangements for the balance to be distributed for collectors: 4020 in the UK, 1000 in Canada and 5000 in the USA
For the Australian visit see National Archives of Australia:
http://www.naa.gov.au/naaresources/publications/research_guides/guides/royalty/chapter07.htm
More Information
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Collecting Areas
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Acquisition Information
Transfer from National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), 15 Mar 1976
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Date Issued
1949 AD
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Issued By
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Artist
Percy Metcalfe CVO - Royal Mint, London, Great Britain, 1948
The reverse design was modelled by Mr. Metcalfe from sketches supplied by the New Zealand Government -
Artist
Thomas Humphrey Paget - Royal Mint, London, Great Britain, 1937
with the new legend: KING GEORGE THE SIXTH -
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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Dimensions
38 mm (Outside Diameter), 28.31 g (Weight)
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Shape
Round
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References
KM#22
[Book] Bruce, Colin R. 2009. 2009 Standard Catalogue of World Coins 1901 - 2000., 1542 Pages
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Keywords
British Commonwealth Coins, Royal Visits, British Commonwealth and Empire Coins