1951 United Kingdom 5 Shillings - George VI - Festival of Britain - Proof-like

1951 United Kingdom 5 Shillings - George VI - Festival of Britain - Proof-like

Commemorate a significant moment in British history with this 1951 George VI 5 Shillings coin, issued for the Festival of Britain. This particular coin boasts a proof-like finish, offering a striking appearance.

What makes this coin truly unique is its continued status as legal tender in the United Kingdom. Despite the decimalisation of 1971, it was intentionally excluded from demonetisation legislation and has since been remonetised by the Royal Mint with a value of 25 pence.

Originally, five shilling coins were struck in .500 silver. However, under the Coinage Act of 1946, the composition of this issue changed to .750 copper and .250 nickel, while retaining its standard weight of 10/11 troy ounce (436.4 grains).

The edge of the coin features distinctive incuse Latin lettering: "MDCCCLI CIVIUM INDUSTRIA FLORET CIVITAS MCMLI". This translates to "1851 By the industry of its people the state flourishes 1951", perfectly linking the Great Exhibition of 1851 with the Festival of Britain in 1951.

With a mintage of 1,983,500, this historical piece comes supplied in a brand-new, clear plastic capsule for protection. All coins are in a similar excellent condition to the one pictured.