In 1902 the first coinage of King Edward VII was finally issued. He became King in 1901. Now, the rules say that no coins are to be released until after the Monarch’s Coronation, which in this case, almost didn’t happen. Edward had appendicitis and in those days people died from it. But an early operation saved him and the only consequence was that his Coronation was postponed. This Shilling is a most important denomination because when you joined the Armed Forces you were said to ‘Take the King’s Shilling’. It might have been one of these that were taken, who knows... Each Shilling is dated 1902, the Coronation Year, it is struck in Sterling Silver and will grade Very Good – Fine condition. The Edward VII series is a very short one, 1902-1910, yet there are many difficult coins in this series.
