Material: Sterling Silver (.925)
Diameter: 32 mm
Mint / Mintmark: Royal Mint, London (no mintmark)
Obverse: This elegant sterling silver coin showcases the bare head of King George V facing left. It was minted right at the outbreak of World War I and represents the traditional pre-war standard of British currency. The Latin inscription encircling the portrait translates to "George the Fifth by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains". Designed by the renowned engraver Bertram MacKennal, this obverse profile captures the distinguished features of the monarch with incredible precision. The reverse features a meticulously detailed crowned, quartered shield inside a Garter band containing the traditional motto, "Honi soit qui mal y pense".
Reverse: Ornate crowned shield quartered with arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland, surrounded by “FID DEF IND IMP HALF CROWN 1914.”; design by George W. de Saulles.
Circa: 1914
Condition: Very Fine
Notes:
This coin consists of 925 fine sterling silver, a high-purity precious metal hallmark that would be permanently lost just a few years later. Due to the severe economic strain and metal shortages of World War I, the Royal Mint heavily debased all British silver coinage down to just fifty percent purity starting in 1920.