Summary

Australia
Shilling 1920 M Star
Mint: Melbourne
Previous Collections: A.M. Le Souef (Deputy Master of the Melbourne Mint)

This is an experimental piece produced as part of planned debasement of the silver alloy. The debasement, in the end did not occur.

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, 1920. Below the date is the mint mark M; above, a small star

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, 1920. Below the date is the mint mark M; above, a small star.

Edge Description

Milled

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