Material: Cupro-Nickel (75 % Cu, 25 % Ni)
Diameter: 28.5 mm
Weight: 11.31 g
Mint / Mintmark: London (no mintmark)
Obverse: This numismatic piece captures the obverse design of the British two-shilling coin, universally known as a florin, struck during the early years of the Second World War. The central motif features an uncrowned, classic portrait of King George VI facing toward the left. Encircling the regal profile is the prominent Latin inscription "GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX". This royal abbreviation translates to "George the Sixth, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains". Tucked discreetly below the truncation of the king's neck are the tiny initials "HP", attributing the masterful engraving work to the esteemed artist Thomas Humphrey Paget.
Reverse: Crowned Tudor rose flanked by thistle and shamrock, legend FID:DEF:IND:IMP:TWO SHILLINGS 1940, designer’s initials K.G. (Kruger Gray)
Circa: 1940
Condition: Very Fine (clear crown and rose detail, even silver-grey tone, mild high-point wear)
Notes:
This particular 1940 issue was struck in 50% silver at the Royal Mint on Tower Hill in London, boasting a hefty total mintage of over 18 million pieces for general wartime circulation. Interestingly, this specific coin variety carries immense historical weight because it represents the final design series to feature the title "IND:IMP" (Emperor of India) on the reverse side. The title was officially removed from all British coinage after 1948 following India's independent transition. Due to the severe economic hardships and mounting debts of World War II, the UK government abandoned silver content entirely in 1947, switching production to a cheaper cupro-nickel alloy. This makes the 1940 florin highly collectible for its precious metal baseline and its exceptional endurance, as pre-decimal two-shilling pieces remained legal tender all the way up until June 1993, circulating right alongside the modern decimal ten-pence coin.