British Half Crown Coin, 1967 (Elizabeth II)
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic currency) · The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. Founded over 1,100 years ago, it is the sovereign mint for the UK and is known for rigorous quality control and historical prestige.
Pattern: Standard Pre-decimal British Currency; Elizabeth II Second Portrait series. Reverse design by Mary Gillick (obverse) and Edgar Fuller/Cecil Thomas (reverse).
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic currency)
Maker
The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. Founded over 1,100 years ago, it is the sovereign mint for the UK and is known for rigorous quality control and historical prestige.
Material
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Despite being called 'silver' coins in common parlance, British high-denomination coins transitioned from .500 silver to cupro-nickel in 1947.
Dimensions
Diameter: 32.3 mm; Weight: 14.1 grams; Thickness: 2.25 mm. This was the largest commonly circulating coin of the pre-decimal era.
Description
A set of three 1967 British Half Crowns. These cupro-nickel coins feature the iconic shield of the Royal Arms. Though following the design conventions of silver coinage from the earlier part of the century, these are the modern utility versions meant for high-volume commerce in the swinging sixties.
Key Features
The 'E R' royal monogram, the date '1967', and the Latin 'FID DEF' inscription. They are distinctive due to their large physical size compared to modern currency.
Material & Composition
Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Despite being called 'silver' coins in common parlance, British high-denomination coins transitioned from .500 silver to cupro-nickel in 1947.
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck finish. Features the Garter Shield of the Royal Arms flanked by the royal cypher 'E' and 'R' (Elizabeth Regina). Decorative elements include a Crown imperial and a peripheral legend in Latin abbreviations.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks as this is cupro-nickel. Notable stamps include 'FID DEF' (Fidei Defensor/Defender of the Faith) and 'HALF CROWN' along with the date '1967'.
Construction Details
Machine-manufactured through high-pressure die striking. Features a milled (reeded) edge to prevent coin clipping, a traditional security feature inherited from precious metal eras.
Functional Features
Milled edge for tactile identification and security; raised rim to protect the field and design from excessive wear during circulation.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A (Numismatic item). The milled edge provides a textural grip for the thumb and forefinger.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial coinage. The detail in the shield reflects high-quality die production, but as mass-produced items, they lack the hand-finishing found in actual silver hollowware.
Authentication Indicators
Correct font for Royal Mint 1967 issues; sharp reeding on the milled edges; correct relief on the shield. Lack of 'S' marks indicates they are not proof versions.
Origin & Manufacturing
Llantrisant, Wales (likely site for 1967 production) or previous Tower Hill, London workshop, United Kingdom. Produced by The Royal Mint using industrial coining presses.
Era & Period
Transition to Decimalisation (late 1960s). These coins represent the final years of the 'LSD' (pounds, shillings, and pence) system before the 1971 changeover.
Age Estimate
Issued in 1967. This specific date is common as it was the final year of general circulation mintage before decimalisation.
Cultural Significance
Known colloquially as 'two and six' (two shillings and sixpence), the Half Crown was a significant unit of currency, often associated with substantial pocket money or tipping in mid-century Britain.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine (VG-F). Visible circulation wear on the high points of the shield and crown; surface scratches and minor 'bag marks' are evident. No significant corrosion, but moderate dulling/toning characteristic of cupro-nickel.
Value Estimate
$0.50 to $2.00 per coin. Value is primarily based on numismatic curiosity rather than metal content, as they contain no actual silver.
Care & Maintenance
For circulated cupro-nickel, avoid harsh chemicals. A dry microfiber cloth is sufficient. Storage in PVC-free flips or tubes prevents 'green slime' (plasticizer damage). Do not polish with silver cream.
Similar Pieces
1953 Coronation Half Crown (highly collectible), pre-1947 Silver Half Crowns (actual silver content), and Florins (the 2-shilling coin which was smaller).
Interesting Facts
The 1967 Half Crown was the last date issued for circulation. Over 33 million were struck, making them very common today. They were demonetized and withdrawn from circulation on January 1, 1970.