Summary

Australia
Pattern Shilling 1918 M
Mint: Melbourne
Other Details: 50% silver pattern from defaced dies

Previous Collections: Reported in sale catalogue as retained by the Federal Treasurer from 1919

Physical Description

A pattern 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, 1918. Below the date is the mint mark M. Two large dots have been added to the standard design on either side of the arrows which point to the date.

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, 1918. Below the date is the mint mark M. Two large dots have been added to the standard design on either side of the arrows which point to the date.

Edge Description

Milled

Significance

At the end of World War I the price of silver rose and the Commonwealth considered dropping the silver content of its coinage from .925 to .500. This piece was an experiment for the proposed new alloy. The change was not proceeded with.

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