Victoria, Godless Florin 1849 Fine

The florin of 1849, often called the "Godless florin," was Britain’s first attempt at decimalisation. The florin was valued at two shillings, or one-tenth of a pound, making it the first decimal coin in the UK. The coin featured a portrait of Queen Victoria on the obverse, but controversially omitted the usual inscription "Dei Gratia" (By the Grace of God), leading to public criticism and the "Godless" nickname. The reverse showed cruciform shields with national emblems. Although it was only struck for two years, from 1849 to 1851. By 1851, a redesigned “Gothic” florin was introduced, restoring the religious inscription, and the "Godless" version was discontinued. These first florins marked a significant step towards eventual decimalisation in British currency, 120 years later!