1937 George VI British Silver Proof Set

The UK 1937 Silver and Bronze Proof Set is one of the most iconic British coin sets of the 20th century. Issued to commemorate the coronation of King George VI, this set is celebrated for its superb craftsmanship, historical significance, and complete representation of the circulating coinage of the era.

🏛️ Historical Background

The set was struck by the Royal Mint in honor of King George VI’s coronation on 12 May 1937, following the abdication of King Edward VIII in 1936. This coronation was an important national event and the first major royal coinage update since 1911 (George V).

💰 Coins Included in the Set

The full 1937 UK Proof Set contains 15 coins, made of both silver (.500 fine) and bronze, representing the full range of circulating denominations at the time:

🔹 Silver Coins

1. Crown (5 Shillings)

2. Half Crown (2 Shillings 6 Pence)

3. Florin (2 Shillings)

4. Shilling – English type (1 Shilling)

5. Shilling – Scottish type (1 Shilling)

6. Sixpence (6 Pence)

7. Threepence (3 Pence) (silver version)

8. Penny

9. Halfpenny

10. Farthing

11. Brass Threepence

12. Maundy Silver money set (1d, 2d, 3d, 4d)

🪙 Design and Features

• Obverse (All Coins): Features the left-facing portrait of King George VI, designed by Thomas Humphrey Paget.

• Reverses:

  • Each denomination bears a unique design steeped in British heraldic tradition.

  • Includes the crowned lion, royal arms, thistle and rose, and the Britannia on the penny.

🧰 Presentation

• Coins are struck to proof quality, with deeply mirrored fields and frosted designs.

• The set was issued in a fitted Royal Mint leather or card case, lined with velvet and silk, often bearing the Royal Mint insignia.

• Total mintage: Approx. 26,000 sets, making them relatively limited.

📈 Value and Collectibility

• Highly collectible due to its completeness and historical importance.

• Sets with original boxes and no toning or wear carry a premium.

• Individual coins from broken sets are also traded, though a full set is more valuable as a complete collection.

Summary