Material: .500 Silver
Diameter: 28.5 mm
Weight: 11.31 g
Mint / Mintmark: London (no mintmark)
Obverse: This florin, equivalent to two shillings or one-tenth of a pound sterling, is a classic example of British circulating currency from the twilight of the George V era. The obverse presents the left-facing, uncrowned effigy of the King, meticulously sculpted by Australian medalist Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal. Encircling the regal portrait is the traditional, abbreviated Latin inscription reading "GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX", meaning "George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains." These heavy silver pieces saw widespread use throughout daily commercial transactions across the United Kingdom and parts of the British Empire, serving as a pillar of pocket change before the mid-twentieth-century transition to base metals.
Reverse: Four crowned shields arranged in cruciform with sceptres in angles, legend FID: DEF: IND: IMP: ONE FLORIN 1936
Circa: 1936
Condition: Very Fine (clear shields and crowns, light even tone, minor rim wear)
Notes:
The year 1936 holds immense historical and numismatic significance as it marks the death of King George V, making this issue the absolute final date in his coinage sequence. Struck in a 50% silver alloy—a standard adopted in 1920 to cope with rising post-WWI bullion costs—this specimen features the "Modified Effigy" portrait adjustments made to flatten the King's ear and beard slightly, which prevented the high-relief elements on the reverse from wearing through unevenly during the minting press strike. Because 1936 coins were actively hoarded by the public as mementos of the passing king, examples frequently surface, yet finding specimens with crisp, un-rubbed definition on the delicate mustache hairs and a bright, original mint luster commands a solid premium from collectors.