George VI Two Shillings (Florin)
Country of Origin: United Kingdom (Royal Mint)
Year of Issue: 1948
Denomination: Two Shillings (Florin)
Composition: Cupro-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel)
Brief Description
A British two shilling coin featuring the portrait of King George VI on the obverse and a crowned rose flanked by a thistle and shamrock on the reverse.
Historical Significance
This coin dates from the post-WWII era under King George VI. Notably, 1948 was the last year British coins included the title 'IND: IMP' (Emperor of India), as India gained independence in 1947.
Estimated Value
$0.50-$2.00 in circulated condition; $5.00-$15.00 in high Uncirculated grades.
Care Instructions
Do not clean or polish, as this destroys numismatic value. Store in an acid-free holder (PVC-free) to prevent toning or surface degradation.
Mint Mark
None (Typical of London Mint)
Mintage & Rarity
Common; approximately 52,185,000 minted.
Weight & Diameter
11.31 grams / 28.5 mm
Edge
Reeded
Apparent Grade
Very Fine (VF) - Visible wear on the King's hair and the high points of the rose, but details are still clear.
Obverse (Front)
Bare head of King George VI facing left. Legend: GEORGIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX. Design by Thomas Humphrey Paget.
Reverse (Back)
A Tudor Rose crowned, flanked by a thistle (representing Scotland) and a shamrock (representing Ireland). Letters 'G' and 'R' flanking the stem. Legend: FID: DEF: IND: IMP: TWO SHILLINGS 1948. Design by George Kruger Gray.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Value is primarily driven by condition and eye appeal. It is not a rare date, so only coins in exceptional, uncirculated condition command a significant premium.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the One Shilling coin, which is smaller, or Australian/New Zealand florins which used similar denominations but different reverse art.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Counterfeits of this specific non-silver date are rare. Authentic coins should have crisp reeding on the edge and weigh approximately 11.3g.
Notable Varieties & Errors
No major die varieties or errors are widely recognized for this specific year.
Created At: 2026-06-08T11:20:07.257864