1951 British Festival of Britain Commemorative Crown (Five Shillings)
Coin/Bullion (Commemorative Currency) · The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious mints, dating back over 1,100 years.
Pattern: Festival of Britain Commemorative Issue; Reverse pattern: St. George and the Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci.
Type
Coin/Bullion (Commemorative Currency)
Maker
The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious mints, dating back over 1,100 years.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). While it has a silver appearance and is highly collectible by silver enthusiasts, it does not contain precious metal.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.61 mm; Weight: 28.28 grams; Thickness: approx 2.89 mm. This is the standard 'Crown' size.
Description
This 1951 Crown is a significant piece of British numismatic history, issued to celebrate the Festival of Britain. The reverse depicts Pistrucci's masterpiece of St. George and the Dragon, a design that first appeared on the 1817 Sovereign. It serves as a symbol of British resilience and post-war recovery, often found in a specialized maroon presentation box.
Key Features
Large 'Crown' format; Incuse edge lettering; St. George and the Dragon motif; Specific 1951 date for the Festival celebration.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel). While it has a silver appearance and is highly collectible by silver enthusiasts, it does not contain precious metal.
Finish & Decoration
High relief striking. The reverse features the iconic Neoclassical design of St. George slaying a dragon. The obverse (not visible but implied by the date) features King George VI. The edge is incusely lettered.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date stamp '1951' at bottom center; Designer's initials 'B.P.' visible in the exergue to the right (barely visible in high wear); Edge lettering: 'MDCCCLI * CIVIUM * GRATIA * MCMLI'.
Construction Details
Milled/Die-struck coinage. Produced using high-pressure steam or electric presses for uniform detail and sharp edges.
Functional Features
Legal tender value of Five Shillings (at the time), though primarily intended as a commemorative souvenir for the centenary of the Great Exhibition.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item)
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die-striking. Despite being a base metal coin, the Royal Mint utilized heavy-duty presses to ensure the intricate detail of Pistrucci's original 19th-century engraving was preserved.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and 'chunkiness' for a cupro-nickel crown; typical color of the 1951 alloy; edge font consistency; crispness of the date numerals '1951'.
Origin & Manufacturing
London (Tower Hill) or South Wales, United Kingdom. Manufactured by the Royal Mint.
Era & Period
Mid-Century Modern / Post-War Britain. Specifically minted for the 1951 Festival of Britain to boost national morale after WWII.
Age Estimate
Dated 1951. Exactly 73 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
The 1951 Festival of Britain was an attempt to provide a 'tonic to the nation,' and this coin was a tangible souvenir that millions of Britons kept as a symbol of a better future.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine. Visible surface wear on the high points of St. George's thigh and the horse's flank. Light contact marks and minor oxidation consistent with handling without a protective case.
Value Estimate
$5.00 - $25.00 USD. Value depends heavily on the presence of the original box and the amount of surface luster remaining.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives or silver polish, as it will damage the numismatic value. Store in a PVC-free plastic flip or capsule to prevent further oxidation.
Similar Pieces
1953 Coronation Crown (similar size/metal), 1818 Silver Crown (same design but sterling silver), 1935 Jubilee 'Rocking Horse' Crown.
Interesting Facts
This was the first British crown ever issued in cupro-nickel rather than silver. It was minted to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great Exhibition of 1851.