United Kingdom 1948 George VI Cupro-Nickel Half Crown
Coin/Bullion · The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. Founded over 1,100 years ago, it is the sole producer of British coinage.
Pattern: George VI Second Coinage (Modified Legend), Half Crown Denomination, 1948
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The Royal Mint, United Kingdom. Founded over 1,100 years ago, it is the sole producer of British coinage.
Material
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains 0% silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 32.3mm. Thickness: 2.2mm. Weight: 14.14 grams (standard).
Description
A classic British Half Crown featuring the quartered Shield of Royal Arms representing England, Scotland, and Ireland. Flanked by crowned royal cyphers and the Latin inscription of the King's titles.
Key Features
Retention of 'IND: IMP' (Emperor of India) title on a 1948 coin despite Indian independence in 1947; Cupro-nickel composition rather than silver.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains 0% silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike circulation finish. Features the Royal Shield of Arms, crowned monograms 'GVIR', and a beaded border/dentils.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not hallmarked as it is legal tender. Inscription reads 'FID: DEF: IND: IMP' and 'HALF CROWN 1948'. Initials 'KG' for designer Kruger Gray appear near the harp.
Construction Details
Machine-struck/milled coinage produced using high-pressure dies at the Royal Mint.
Functional Features
Reeded edge (milled) to prevent clipping; features the Royal Shield for denomination identification.
Handle & Grip Details
N/A - Numismatic object.
Craftsmanship Details
Standard industrial minting. Design by George Kruger Gray shows intricate heraldic detail despite the shift to harder base metals.
Authentication Indicators
Die-consistent lettering; weight and diameter match Royal Mint specifications; typical circulation wear patterns for cupro-nickel base metal.
Origin & Manufacturing
London (Tower Hill or Llantrisant transition context), United Kingdom.
Era & Period
Late George VI Era (Post-WWII). Part of the transition period following Indian Independence in 1947.
Age Estimate
Dated 1948. This was the first full year of the 'IND: IMP' removal transition (though this specific 1948 die still retains it).
Cultural Significance
Represents the 'Two Shillings and Sixpence' unit of the pre-decimal sterling system, a staple of British commerce until 1970.
Condition Notes
Very Good (VG) to Fine (F). Visible circulated wear on high points of the shield and crowns; significant tarnish/sulfide toning; common rim nicks.
Value Estimate
$0.50 - $2.00 USD. This coin has no bullion value and is common in circulated condition.
Care & Maintenance
Do not clean or polish with silver chemicals as it is not silver. Store in a PVC-free coin flip or acid-free paper envelope.
Similar Pieces
1946 Half Crown (contains 50% silver) and 1949 Half Crown (same metal but removes 'IND IMP' from legend).
Interesting Facts
The UK silver standard was reduced from .925 to .500 in 1920, and all silver was removed entirely in 1947 to pay back WWII silver debts to the USA.