The 1935 UK Florin: A silver relic of a changing era...
The 1935 UK florin is a coin steeped in history, minted during a period of economic recovery and social change under King George V. Struck in 50% silver, it represents the final years before Britain's coinage took a significant turn toward base metals. While it may not be the rarest coin of the era, a 1935 florin in fair condition still holds historical and numismatic value, appealing to both collectors and silver stackers.
The florin, or two-shilling piece, was introduced in 1849 as an early attempt to decimalise British currency. By the time the 1935 issue was struck, the florin had become a standard part of daily transactions, sitting between the shilling and the half-crown in value.
- Monarch: King George V
- Metal Content: 50% Silver, 50% Copper-Nickel Alloy
- Weight: 11.31 grams
- Diameter: 28.5 mm
- Edge: Milled
Obverse: Features the left-facing portrait of King George V, designed by Percy Metcalfe, with the inscription GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX (George V, by the Grace of God, King of all Britain).
Reverse: Displays a crowned cross of shields, with sceptres in between, designed by George Kruger Gray. The date appears above, while ONE FLORIN and TWO SHILLINGS are inscribed below.
A florin from 1935 in fair condition will show noticeable wear, particularly on the high points of the King’s portrait and the shield details on the reverse. While its numismatic value might not be as high as a well-preserved example, it still holds intrinsic silver value. Coins like these serve as affordable entry points for collectors looking to own a tangible piece of Britain's monetary past.
The 1935 florin represents a time when British coinage still contained silver but was slowly moving toward more economical alternatives. Just a few years later, in 1947, silver was completely removed from circulating UK coins. Owning a 1935 florin, even in fair condition, is like holding a piece of history, one that bridges the gap between the silver standard of the past and the changing monetary system of the future.
