Catalog
1 Shilling - George V Suid Afrika, Pattern
| Issuer | South Africa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1934 |
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| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Edgar Bertram MacKennal Reverse: George Kruger Gray |
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| Reverse description | Standing allegorical female figure, draped in classical robes with billowing cloak, positioned centrally and leaning upon a large ship's anchor whose fluke extends to the lower left field, symbolising hope and maritime strength. A radiant star or compass rose device appears in the upper right field. The denomination SHILLING is inscribed along the lower arc, while the bilingual legend SOUTH AFRICA · 1934 · SUID AFRIKA runs around the upper periphery, all separated by ornamental stops. The engraver's monogram KG for George Kruger Gray appears discreetly at the base of the central device. |
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| Reverse lettering | SOUTH · AFRICA · 1934 · SUID · AFRIKA SHILLING |
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| Additional information |
South Africa's 1934 copper-nickel shilling pattern was part of an exploratory push to reduce silver consumption in subsidiary coinage — a cost-driven exercise that ultimately went nowhere for the shilling denomination. The Union government had been watching Britain's own composition debates closely, but conservative monetary sentiment prevailed and silver was retained for circulating shillings through the remainder of the George V series.
Surviving examples are institutional or cabinet pieces. No copper-nickel shilling ever reached circulation.