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Silver Coins of the United Kingdom

Silver coins have been minted in the United Kingdom for centuries. Early forms of currency became standardized during the Roman ocuppation, which occured from 43 AD - 410 AD. During that period, the Romans introduced the silver denarii to the British Isles alongside other coins.

Post-Roman Britain saw a decline in coin usage until the Anglo-Saxon period (5th - 11th centuries). Silver pennies, also known as "sceattas," became the primary coinage. The penny remained the main silver coin for centuries, with notable issues from kings like Offa of Mercia and Alfred the Great.

Tudor and Stuart Era Silver Coins

During the Tudor period (1485 - 1603), coinage saw significant changes under monarchs such as Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. The introduction of the shilling (12 pence) and the sixpence (6 pence) provided more denominations in silver. The Stuart period (1603 - 1714) continued these trends, with notable issues including the silver crown (5 shillings).

By the 18th century, the silver coinage included denominations such as the half-crown (2 shillings and 6 pence), florin (2 shillings), and the crown. The Great Recoinage of 1816, under George III, standardized British coinage to the pound sterling system, with silver coins playing a crucial role.

19th and 20th Century British Coinage

During the late 19th and 20th centuries, several prominent silver coin denominations circulated in the United Kingdom. Below is a list of key silver coin denominations, including the first year of minting and details about their silver content and purity:

Threepence (Silver)

• First Year Minted: 1551 (historically) but notably in 1870 with the modern silver series.
• Silver Weight: Approx. 1.41 grams (from 1870 onwards)
• Purity: 92.5% (Sterling Silver) until 1920, then reduced to 50% silver from 1920-1946.
• Description: Used for everyday transactions, it was a small yet important denomination that continued in use until silver was removed from circulation.

Sixpence

• First Year Minted: 1551 (but in regular circulation by the 19th century)
• Silver Weight: Approx. 2.83 grams (Sterling) until 1920, then reduced to 50% silver.
• Purity: 92.5% (Sterling Silver) until 1920, then 50% until 1946.
• Description: A popular coin worth half a shilling, used frequently for smaller transactions.

Shilling

• First Year Minted: 1549 (but modern period began in 1816)
• Silver Weight: Approx. 5.65 grams (Sterling) until 1920, then reduced to 50% silver.
• Purity: 92.5% (Sterling Silver) until 1920, then 50% until 1946.
• Description: Valued at 12 pence, the shilling was widely circulated and remained an essential part of the currency system well into the 20th century.

Florin (Two Shillings)

• First Year Minted: 1849
• Silver Weight: Approx. 11.31 grams (Sterling) until 1920, then 50% silver until 1946.
• Purity: 92.5% (Sterling Silver) until 1920, then reduced to 50%.
• Description: The florin was introduced as part of the drive toward decimalisation and was worth two shillings or one-tenth of a pound.

Half Crown (Two Shillings and Sixpence)

• First Year Minted: 1549 (but the modern series from 1816)
• Silver Weight: Approx. 14.14 grams (Sterling) until 1920, then 50% silver until 1946.
• Purity: 92.5% (Sterling Silver) until 1920, then 50% until 1946.
• Description: Worth two shillings and sixpence, the half crown was often used for larger transactions and remained in circulation until 1970.

Crown (Five Shillings)

• First Year Minted: 1818 (modern series)
• Silver Weight: Approx. 28.28 grams (Sterling) until 1920, then 50% silver until 1946.
• Purity: 92.5% (Sterling Silver) until 1920, then 50% until 1946.
• Description: The crown was a larger coin, worth five shillings, and was often minted to commemorate special occasions.

Double Florin (Four Shillings)

• First Year Minted: 1887
• Silver Weight: Approx. 22.62 grams (Sterling)
• Purity: 92.5% (Sterling Silver)
• Description: Only issued from 1887 to 1890, this coin was part of the efforts toward decimalisation but was short-lived due to confusion with the crown.

Denomintization of Silver

• 1920: A significant change occurred in British coinage when the silver content in circulating coins was reduced from 92.5% sterling silver to 50% silver.
• 1947: Post-WWII, silver was entirely removed from British circulating coins and replaced with cupronickel, which contained no silver content. The decision was largely due to the rising costs of silver and economic constraints.

Final Note on Collectibility

Coins minted before 1920 with sterling silver content are particularly sought after by collectors due to their higher silver purity. After 1946, with the removal of silver from British coins, older silver coins became valuable for both their metal content and historical significance.

Commemorative Coins

In recent years, the Royal Mint has issued various commemorative silver coins, often in higher purities such as .999 fine silver. These are typically not for general circulation but are popular among collectors and investors.

Britannia Silver Coins

The Britannia Silver Coin Series is a globally recognized investment-grade bullion coins. These coins are minted annually from .999 fine silver and are available in a variety of denominations that range from as small as 1/10 oz to as large as 1 kilogram, but the most popular is the 1 oz Britannia Silver Coin.