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.

King George IV was made Prince Regent in 1811 during the Napoleonic Wars, but he only ruled from 1820-1830, so his coinage was rather short-lived. After his coronation in 1820, and in times of peace, it was more important for the king to build and that's exactly what George IV did! He was notoriously known for being an outstanding builder and collector, some would call him extravagant - but the King's fondness for pageantry helped to develop the ceremonial side of the monarchy. And although he wasn't a coin collector (we all have our flaws...) he certainly held an impressive amount of works of art across different fields including: paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, prints in vast numbers, books, and even jewellery. His charm and culture earned him the title of 'the first gentleman of Europe'. The coin on offer is his sterling silver shilling issued between 1825-1829 all in Fine. You have the King’s head facing left and the reverse has a lion standing on a crown. They were only issued in 1825, 1826, 1827, and 1829. So all coins are now over 180 years old. When you joined the army or navy you were said to take the King’s shilling but in times of peace, it's important to be a gentleman. So take one or more of these shillings of George IV, a king that helped shape our traditions, and let them serve you as a reminder of the importance of being a gentleman!

King George IV only ruled from 1820-1830, so his coinage was rather short-lived. The coin on offer is his sterling silver shilling issued between 1825-1829. You have the King’s head facing left and the reverse has a lion standing on a crown. They were only issued in 1825, 1826, 1827 and 1829. When you joined the army or navy you were said to take the King’s Shilling, so why not take The Sailor King’s Shilling? These coins are now over 180 years old and time to add one or more to your collection. In Very Good condition.