Heavily Tarnished George V British Silver Coin (Likely Sixpence or Shilling)
Coin/Bullion · Royal Mint (United Kingdom), established in 886 AD, known for producing official British legal tender and imperial coinage.
Pattern: British Imperial Coinage, George V Circulation Series (1910-1936)
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Royal Mint (United Kingdom), established in 886 AD, known for producing official British legal tender and imperial coinage.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925) if pre-1920 or Quaternary Silver (.500) if post-1920. Includes base metals like copper, nickel, and manganese.
Dimensions
Approximately 19mm to 24mm in diameter; weight varies by denomination (approx 2.8g for sixpence to 5.6g for shilling).
Description
A small, circular British silver coin from the reign of George V. The item is currently covered in a deep, dark brown and purplish tarnish, typical of silver that has been exposed to environmental sulfur or buried in soil. The silhouette of the monarch remains visible despite the surface corrosion.
Key Features
Characteristic left-facing bust of George V; circular form; evidence of silver-base alloy oxidation; milled edge.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925) if pre-1920 or Quaternary Silver (.500) if post-1920. Includes base metals like copper, nickel, and manganese.
Finish & Decoration
Circulated finish with heavy sulfide oxidation (tarnish). Features the profile of King George V (obverse) with a crowned shield or lion motif (reverse).
Hallmarks & Stamps
Date and denomination markings (likely obscured by tarnish); no standard jewelry hallmarks as coin purity is regulated by the Mint's own standards.
Construction Details
Die-struck at the Royal Mint using industrial steam or electric presses; features a milled/reeded edge to prevent 'clipping'.
Functional Features
Standard currency for trade and official legal tender within the British Empire during the early 20th century.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (circular currency disc).
Craftsmanship Details
Industrial die-striking; crispness of the lettering and monarch's beard (when clean) indicates high-quality Royal Mint craftsmanship standards.
Authentication Indicators
Milled edge consistency; King George V profile silhouette; characteristic sulfide oxidation which occurs on silver-copper alloys.
Origin & Manufacturing
London or Llantrisant (Royal Mint), United Kingdom. Manufactured using standardized imperial minting traditions.
Era & Period
George V Era (1910-1936) / Early 20th Century Imperial Britain.
Age Estimate
Circa 1910-1936; based on the discernible profile of King George V facing left on the obverse.
Cultural Significance
Represents the standard of the British economy during the transition from the Edwardian era through the Great Depression.
Condition Notes
Poor/Fair condition. Excessive tarnish and environmental damage. Surface details are significantly obscured; possible 'environmental damage' or 'corroded' grade in numismatic terms.
Value Estimate
$2.00 - $10.00 USD based on bullion (melt) value and condition; if a rare date/denomination is beneath the tarnish, it could be higher.
Care & Maintenance
DO NOT SCRUB. Use a mild silver dip (Hagerty) temporarily or warm soapy water. Collectors generally advise against cleaning coins as it can destroy numismatic value.
Similar Pieces
Queen Victoria or George VI silver coins; can be confused with modern copper-nickel coins which tarnish differently (more gray than dark brown).
Interesting Facts
In 1920, the British government reduced the silver content of its coins from 92.5% to 50% due to the rising price of silver after World War I.