St. Helena, 1st Crown (25 Pence) 1973 Silver

Because of World War II the only Silver Crown issued for King George VI in this country was his Coronation issue of 1937. But South Africa issued Silver crowns for this monarch from 1947 until he died in 1952. This is the last George VI Silver Crown ever to be issued. This 1952 South African Silver Crown is also very special, as it is South Africa’s first-ever commemorative coin. It was issued for the 300th Anniversary of the founding of Cape Town. On the reverse is a wonderful old sailing ship and the dates 1652-1952. Struck in 500 fine Silver, the examples that we have on offer are in Choice Brilliant Uncirculated condition, which is about as fine a quality as you can get. A friend in South Africa says that there are no crowns available there, so perhaps our offer is even just a little bit better.

In 1966, Ireland issued its first ever commemorative coin to mark the 50th anniversary of the Easter Rising in 1916. It has the portrait of Padraig (Patrick) Pearse, who was one of the leaders of the rebellion against British rule in Ireland. The coin was struck in .833 silver on a concave silver planchet, it is 30.5mm in diameter and 3.21mm thick. The reverse shows the statue of Cú Chulainn, an Irish mythological hero. Two million of these coin were struck but almost 80% of them were melted down when decimalization came in and silver was high. Today, it is, in our opinion, one of Ireland’s most important type coins and much underappreciated. Several years ago, a company in Ireland offered them in the Irish newspapers at €125 (£107) each. We recently bought a small hoard in uncirculated condition. While that hoard lasts you can add one to your collection for just £29.50. Maybe worth buying a few to put away..

This is the first time we’ve been able to offer these iconic halfcrowns of George IV. They feature a regal portrait of George IV by Pistrucci, adorned with a laurel wreath on the obverse, symbolizing victory. The reverse features the intricate crowned and garnished shield of the Royal Arms by Jean Baptiste Merlen. Struck in sterling silver and dated 1820 or 1821, these halfcrowns usually come very heavily worn as they circulated for almost 100 years. We are offering them in VG grade – well circulated, but still showing all the main features. Grab one while you can, who knows when they will next be offered.