1/2 Crown - George VI
| Issuer | Southern Rhodesia (1932-1955) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1947 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/2 Crown (1/8) |
| Currency | Pound (1932-1955) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel) |
| Weight | 14.14 g |
| Diameter | 32.3 mm |
| Thickness | 2.5 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Percy Metcalfe Reverse: George Kruger Gray |
| In circulation to | 1 June 1965 |
| Reference(s) | KM#15b, Schön#19b |
| Obverse description | Portrait of George VI, King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions from 1936 to 1952. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | GEORGE VI KING EMPEROR PM |
| Reverse description | Crowned Shield with pick, denomination below, name at the top |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | SOUTHERN·19 47·RHODESIA G VI R.I K G + HALF CROWN + |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1947 - - 6 000 000 1947 - Proof - |
| Numisquare ID | 1512772210 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: The 1947 Southern Rhodesia 1/2 Crown features King George VI, whose reign (1936-52) spanned a transformative post-WWII era. This coin reflects the British Empire's evolving landscape, including India's 1947 independence, reflected in its obverse legend. Southern Rhodesia, a self-governing colony, maintained strong imperial ties. Crucially, this issue marks a shift from earlier silver coinage to economical copper-nickel, a common Commonwealth practice due to post-war silver shortages and economic needs.
Artistry: The coin's obverse displays Thomas Paget's dignified bare head of King George VI, facing left. Paget's work exemplifies early 20th-century British numismatic portraiture, blending regal authority with realism. The legend, GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP., specifies his titles. The reverse features the iconic Zimbabwe Bird, a powerful national symbol from ancient carvings. This stylized bird, perched left on a pedestal, is encircled by the country's name, denomination, and 1947 date, blending colonial and indigenous design.
Technical/Grading: Struck in copper-nickel (75% copper, 25% nickel), weighing 14.14g, 32.3mm, the 1947 1/2 Crown generally exhibits a strong strike. Obverse high-points for wear: King's hair above ear, cheekbone. Reverse high-points: Zimbabwe Bird's head, breast, feather details, upper pedestal. Higher-grade examples show sharp definition, crisp lettering, and the milled edge. Copper-nickel allows excellent detail retention.