Shilling (Bob)

When Elizabeth took the throne in 1558, much of the country’s coinage was in a poor state after her father, Henry VIII’s debasement of silver coins. It was Elizabeth’s intention to raise the quality of the country’s coinage back up to Sterling quality, and in 1560, the Tower mint began striking her Fine Silver coins. They feature Elizabeth facing left on the obverse and cross over a shield on the reverse, they were struck between 1560 and 1602 and are getting very expensive in higher grades. For the first time in 13 years, we’re able to offer you Elizabeth I’s Fine Silver shillings, they are graded Fair as these were heavily circulated for about a century and are now up to 463 years old.

Bust 6B, S.2577. Good Very Fine and toned. A slight flan flaw to the obverse that doesn't detract from this excellent portrait and absolutely superb depiction of the Hand mintmark, scarce.

In 1816, they changed our coinage system completely. Gone was the Guinea and in was the Sovereign. The Shilling was one of the first of the new coins to appear. This first new shilling was issued from 1816-1820 with the portrait of King George III. They were struck in Sterling Silver and are now over 200 years old. We have examples of this coin in different grades. Dates will be of our choice but the more you order the more different dates we will try and give you. Remember this is the FIRST of the new coinage…

George III’s reign covered a crucial period in British history, which included the American Revolutionary War and the Napoleonic Wars. In 1816, The British economy was in a state of transition, it was a time of rebuilding and economic stabilization for Britain after the long and costly wars against France. The shillings of 1816 serve as a tangible artifact, minted during a time of historical significance as they marked the introduction of Britain’s new coinage in 1816, as well as reflecting the historical context of the post-Napoleonic era. We’ve been putting aside high-grade examples of these fabulous 1816 shillings for a while and are delighted to offer them to you in Choice Uncirculated, we only have 17 in stock so get one while stocks last.

George III Bull Head (1816-1820) Shilling offered in Fair. Dates will be of our choice, but the more coins you order the more dates we will try to give you.

In 1816 the Currency Reform Act came into force, which allowed coins to be struck even without the Monarch’s permission. This was put into place because of King George III’s illness and the shortage of small change. From 1816 on, new designs, new weights, new everything. These are the first of the new Sterling Silver Shillings issued from 1816-1820. You have the bull head of the King on one side and a crowned shield on the other side. Even in this grade supplies are limited.

With beautiful blue and maegenta peripheral toning.