1918 King George V Silver Shilling

This silver Shilling was struck in 1918 during the reign of King George V, at a pivotal moment in British history as the First World War drew to a close. Featuring the portrait of the King by Sir Bertram Mackennal, this attractive coin belongs to the final years of Britain’s sterling silver circulating coinage and remains a popular choice amongst collectors today.

The shilling was one of the principal denominations within Britain’s pre-decimal currency system, valued at twelve pence and widely used throughout everyday commerce. Struck in sterling silver, the 1918 issue was produced shortly before the reduction of silver fineness from .925 to .500 in 1920, making it particularly desirable amongst collectors of historic British silver coinage.

The reverse features Mackennal’s iconic lion standing proudly upon the Imperial Crown, a bold design symbolising Britain’s strength and imperial authority during the final year of the Great War. Its distinctive appearance has made it one of the most recognisable reverses of the George V series.

This historic issue offers collectors an opportunity to own a genuine piece of First World War-era Britain and an important example of pre-1920 sterling silver coinage.

Historical Background

The year 1918 marked the final year of the First World War, one of the most significant events in modern history. British coinage continued to circulate throughout the United Kingdom and the wider Empire as the nation mobilised its resources in support of the war effort.

Pre-1920 silver coins are especially sought after because they were struck in sterling silver (.925 fineness), unlike later circulation issues which contained only .500 silver. As a result, the 1918 Shilling combines historical significance with intrinsic precious metal content, making it a popular addition to collections of British silver coins and First World War memorabilia.

Specifications

• Country: United Kingdom
• Issuer: King George V (1910-1936)
• Denomination: Shilling
• Year: 1918
• Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)
• Weight: 5.66 g
• Diameter: 23.5 mm
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Milled
• Alignment: Medal Alignment
• Obverse Designer: Sir Bertram Mackennal
• Reverse Designer: Sir Bertram Mackennal
• Obverse: Bare head of King George V facing left
• Obverse Legend: GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:
• Reverse: Lion standing left upon the Imperial Crown
• Reverse Legend: ONE SHILLING / 1918
• Mintage: 32,437,000
• Catalogue References:
  • Spink: S.3996
  • KM: KM#816
  • Bull: 3596

Condition

Please carefully examine the photographs provided as these form an important part of the description. The coin shown is the exact item that you will receive.

Shipping

• Securely packaged for safe transit.
• Combined shipping available on multiple purchases.
• Dispatched promptly following receipt of cleared payment.

Categories

• British Coins
• George V
• Silver Coins
• Shillings
• Milled Coins

Tags

1918 Shilling, 1918 Silver Shilling, King George V, George V Shilling, Lion on Crown Shilling, Sterling Silver Shilling, Pre 1920 Silver, First World War Coin, WWI Coin, British Silver Coin, One Shilling, George V Silver Coin, British Coinage, Pre Decimal Currency, Milled Coinage, British Numismatics, Spink 3996, KM 816, Numicraft