George II British Sixpence or Shilling
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Silver) · The Royal Mint (Tower Hill, London); Chief Engraver John Sigismund Tanner
Pattern: George II 'Old Head' Coinage (1743-1760)
Type
Coin/Bullion (Numismatic Silver)
Maker
The Royal Mint (Tower Hill, London); Chief Engraver John Sigismund Tanner
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), with suspected copper oxidation or heavy environmental staining appearing as a 'bronze' patina
Dimensions
Approximate diameter of 21mm (Sixpence) to 25mm (Shilling); estimated weight 3.01g to 6.02g depending on denomination and wear
Description
A heavily circulated and environmentally damaged sterling silver coin from the reign of King George II. The obverse depicts the King in his later years, a design introduced to replace the youthful 'Young Head' portraits. The coin shows significant surface oxidation, giving it a dark, reddish-brown appearance that mimics copper or bronze, likely due to burial or exposure to sulfur.
Key Features
Laureate bust of George II, 'Old Head' design, milled edge, Latin legends
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 purity), with suspected copper oxidation or heavy environmental staining appearing as a 'bronze' patina
Finish & Decoration
Die-struck numismatic design; Obverse features the 'Old Head' or 'Elder Bust' of George II facing left, wearing a laurel wreath and Roman-style mantle. Reverse would traditionally feature a cruciform shield of Royal arms.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks as it is legal tender; legends include 'GEORGIUS II DEI GRATIA' (obverse) and usually 'M·B·F·ET·H·REX·F·D·B·ET·L·D·S·R·I·A·T·ET·E' (reverse)
Construction Details
Machine-struck on a screw press (milled coinage), not hand-hammered
Functional Features
Milled/Reeded edge to prevent 'clipping' (the practice of shaving silver off the edges of coins)
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld currency
Craftsmanship Details
Evidence of high-quality mid-18th-century die engraving; despite wear, the proportions of the King's bust remain anatomically correct to the period's standard.
Authentication Indicators
Portrait style is consistent with Tanner's 'Old Head' dies; wear pattern matches genuine silver coinage of the 18th century; edge appears milled rather than cast
Origin & Manufacturing
London, England; Royal Mint
Era & Period
Georgian Period (specifically Mid-Georgian, 1740s-1750s)
Age Estimate
Circa 1743–1758 based on the 'Old Head' portrait type
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard of British silver currency during the expansion of the British Empire and the Enlightenment; also a symbol of the stability of the sterling standard.
Condition Notes
Poor to Fair condition; significant environmental damage/tarnish, heavy circulation wear, loss of detail in the hair and peripheral lettering
Value Estimate
Relatively low ($10 - $40 USD) due to the severe environmental damage and lack of high-grade detail, despite its age.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean with abrasives or silver polish as this destroys numismatic value; store in an acid-free PVC-free flip or capsule; consult a professional numismatist before attempting to remove the heavy tarnish.
Similar Pieces
George II 'Young Head' silver coins (distinctly younger face), George III silver coinage (different portrait), or contemporary counterfeit 'Evading' copper tokens.
Interesting Facts
The silver used for many George II coins was often captured from Spanish treasure ships (marked 'LIMA') or supplied by the South Sea Company (marked 'S.S.C.'), though this piece lacks visible provenance marks.