One Shilling - Elizabeth II (Scottish Crest)

United Kingdom · 1963

A British cupronickel shilling featuring the first portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the Scottish royal crest on the reverse.

Country: United Kingdom
Year: 1963
Denomination: One Shilling (12 pence)

This report is AI-generated and can be wrong. Always verify grade, authenticity, and value with a qualified dealer or certified grading service before buying, selling, or insuring.

Identified September 8, 2026More united kingdom coins →

Explore One Shilling - Elizabeth II (Scottish Crest) in the encyclopedia →

Identify your own coins.

Get a report just like this from any photo, free.

App Store Google Play

Overview

A British cupronickel shilling featuring the first portrait of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and the Scottish royal crest on the reverse.

Historical significance

Struck during the reign of Queen Elizabeth II before the decimalization of British currency in 1971. Shillings were issued in two distinct heraldic designs depending on whether they were intended for circulation in England or Scotland; this Scottish version features the Royal Lion rampant.

Obverse (front)

First crowned portrait of Queen Elizabeth II facing right, surrounded by the legend 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA'. Designed by Mary Gillick.

Reverse (back)

The Royal Crest of Scotland (a lion sejant affronté holding a sword and sceptre, topped by the Scottish crown) dividing the date 1963, with the denomination 'ONE SHILLING' below and 'FID DEF' above. Designed by William M. Gardner.

Estimated value

$1 - $5 in circulated condition; up to $10 - $15 in uncirculated Mint State grades.

What drives this coin's value

Overall state of preservation, absence of scratches or environmental damage, and striking details on the hair and crown.

Grade assessment

Extremely Fine to About Uncirculated (XF-AU) with minor surface wear on the highest points of the design.

Mintage & rarity

Common; mintage for the 1963 Scottish Shilling is typically in the tens of millions.

Authenticity & counterfeit red flags

Counterfeits are extremely rare for standard circulated cupronickel British shillings due to their low face value. Weight and dimensions should match specifications.

Notable varieties & errors

Standard business strike with no major rare major varieties, though proof versions exist for collectors in mint sets.

Similar coins

English Shilling of the same era, which features the English Three Lions crest instead of the Scottish Lion.

Care & preservation

Handle by the edges with clean cotton gloves or bare, clean fingers. Store in a cool, dry environment using PVC-free coin flips, tubes, or holders. Do not clean or polish, as this damages the surface and severely reduces numismatic value.