King George VI Coronation Crown 1937 Silver Coin
Coin/Bullion · The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the UK; it has over 1,100 years of heritage.
Pattern: Commemorative Coronation Issue; Reverse design by Percy Metcalfe featuring modern Royal Coat of Arms.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. The Royal Mint is the government-owned mint that produces coins for the UK; it has over 1,100 years of heritage.
Material
0.500 Silver (50% silver, 50% copper alloy). This was the standard British silver purity from 1920 to 1946.
Dimensions
Diameter: 38.6 mm; Weight: 28.28 grams (approx. 0.909 troy oz total, containing 0.4546 oz of pure silver).
Description
A distinguished British silver Crown issued for the coronation of King George VI. This piece is highly regarded for its bold, Art Deco-influenced heraldic reverse design by Percy Metcalfe. Unlike many Victorian crowns, this 1937 issue features a more simplified, clean rendering of the Royal Coat of Arms, reflecting the aesthetic shifts of the late 1930s. It represents a significant historical moment following the abdication of Edward VIII.
Key Features
Distinctive Percy Metcalfe reverse design; 'CROWN' denomination text; 1937 date; 50% silver composition; crown-topped shield.
Material & Composition
0.500 Silver (50% silver, 50% copper alloy). This was the standard British silver purity from 1920 to 1946.
Finish & Decoration
Satin-like circulation strike with high relief. Features the Royal Arms supported by the Lion and Unicorn, surrounded by the legends 'FID DEF IND IMP' (Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India) and 'CROWN 1937'.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No hallmarks (coins use denominations and dates). Stamped with 'CROWN', date '1937', and Latin abbreviations; Obverse (unseen) would feature Thomas Humphrey Paget's portrait of George VI.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/Die-struck at the Royal Mint in London using high-pressure coinage presses with an upright orientation.
Functional Features
Milled/Reeded edge to prevent 'clipping' (shaving silver off the edges); legal tender value of 5 Shillings (One Crown).
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Standard flat numismatic disc.
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial die striking; the relief is balanced to allow the coin to stack while maintaining the intricate details of the harp and rampant lions in the shield quadrants.
Authentication Indicators
Correct die-struck details (sharp lettering and crisp denticles); 50% silver 'quaternary' alloy appearance (slightly greyish compared to .925 sterling); correct 1937 font style.
Origin & Manufacturing
London, United Kingdom (Royal Mint).
Era & Period
Interwar/Early 20th Century (1937 Coronation of King George VI).
Age Estimate
Dated 1937; 87 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Issued to commemorate the sudden and vital coronation of George VI after his brother's abdication, serving as a symbol of stability for the British Empire in the lead-up to WWII.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Extremely Fine. Surface shows light circulation wear and minor contact marks consistent with age. Slight tarnish (patina) visible in the recessed areas (crevices of the shield). No visible major rim hits or scratches.
Value Estimate
$25.00 - $60.00 USD depending on exact grade; 'Proof' versions and high-grade uncirculated examples can reach $150+ USD.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver chemicals, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in the current PVC-free plastic flip or a non-reactive capsule; handle by the edges only to avoid fingerprint oils.
Similar Pieces
1935 Jubilee 'Rocking Horse' Crown (Art Deco style, same silver content); 1951 George VI Festival of Britain Crown (Cupro-nickel, no silver).
Interesting Facts
This was the only George VI crown ever issued for circulation. While 418,699 were struck for circulation, an additional 25,000 were struck in 'Proof' condition for collectors.