Florins of the 20th Century Monarchs

A Collection of Silver Florins: From Queen Victoria (Old Head) to Queen Elizabeth II

The silver florin was a British coin valued at two shillings (1/10 of a pound) and was first introduced in 1849. It remained a key part of British currency until decimalization in 1971. A collection spanning from Queen Victoria (Old Head, 1893) to Queen Elizabeth II 1967 offers a fascinating insight into over half a century of British history and coinage evolution.

1. Queen Victoria (Old Head, 1893–1901)

• Obverse: Features the "Old Head" (or "Veiled Head") portrait of Queen Victoria, designed by Thomas Brock. The inscription reads "VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP" (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of Britain, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India).
• Reverse: Displays a crowned cruciform arrangement of shields, with a central Garter Star, designed by Edward Poynter.
• Composition: 92.5% sterling silver
• Historical Significance: The final florin design of Victoria’s reign, issued during the British Empire’s peak.

2. King Edward VII (1902–1910)

• Obverse: Features a right-facing portrait of King Edward VII, designed by George William de Saulles.

• Reverse:Britannia is portrayed as a classical figure, embodying British strength and maritime prowess. She stands proudly on the deck of a stately ship, symbolizing the nation's imperial heritage and naval dominance at the turn of the 20th century.

• Composition: 92.5% sterling silver
• Historical Significance: Represents the start of a new era after Victoria’s long reign.

3. King George V (1911–1936)

• Obverse: Features a left-facing portrait of King George V, designed by Bertram Mackennal.
• Reverse: Two major designs:
  • 1911–1926: Crown cruciform shields with sceptres in angles
  • 1927–1936: Redesigned with a large crowned Tudor rose in the center, flanked by thistles, shamrocks, and roses.
• Composition: 1911–1919: 92.5% sterling silver; 1920–1936: 50% silver (debased due to economic constraints after WWI).
• Historical Significance: Covers the turbulent years of World War I and the interwar period.

4. King George VI (1937–1952)

• Obverse: Features a left-facing portrait of King George VI, designed by Thomas Humphrey Paget.
• Reverse: Features a crowned Tudor rose with a thistle and shamrock on either side.
• Composition: 50% silver (1937–1946); after 1947, switched to cupronickel.
• Historical Significance: World War II era coinage; 1946 was the last year silver was used in British circulating coins.

5. Queen Elizabeth II (1953–1967)

• Obverse: Features a right-facing portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Mary Gillick (young head).
• Reverse: Features a crowned Tudor rose with thistles and shamrocks, designed by Edgar Fuller and Cecil Thomas.
• Composition: 100% cupronickel (no silver after 1947).
• Historical Significance: The florin was still in use but would soon be replaced by decimal coinage in 1971.

Collectibility and Value

• Victorian and Edwardian florins (especially in high grades) are highly valuable due to their sterling silver content and historical importance.
• Pre-1920 George V florins are also prized for their high silver content.
• Post-1920 silver florins (50% silver) are still collectible, but less valuable than earlier ones.
• Post-1947 cupronickel florins have low intrinsic metal value but hold historical and numismatic interest.

A full collection from Victoria (Old Head) to Elizabeth II provides an excellent representation of the evolution of British silver coinage and the economic shifts that led to the removal of silver from circulating currency.