Catalog
| Issuer | British West Africa |
|---|---|
| Year | 1913-1920 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 2 Shillings (1/10) |
| Currency | Pound (1907-1968) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 11.3104 g |
| Diameter | 28 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | Edgar Bertram MacKennal |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#13 |
| Obverse description | Crowned portrait of King George V facing left |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | · GEORGIVS V D.G.BRITT: OMN:REX F.D.IND:IMP: |
| Reverse description | Palm tree dividing the date and the denomination below, along with the issuer name at the top |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | BRITISH WEST AFRICA 19 13 TWO SHILLINGS |
| Edge | Reeded |
| Mint |
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London,United Kingdom (1810-1975) H Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham (Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham Limited),United Kingdom (1850-2003) |
| Mintage |
1913 - - 2 100 000 1913 - Proof - 1913 H - - 1 176 000 1914 - - 330 000 1914 H - - 637 000 1915 H - - 66 000 1916 H - - 9 824 000 1917 H - - 1 059 000 1917 H - Proof - 1918 H - - 7 294 000 1919 - - 2 000 000 1919 H - - 10 866 000 1919 H - Proof - 1920 - - 683 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 2160559360 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 2 Shillings coin for British West Africa, issued 1913-1920, dates to the reign of King George V (1910-1936), a period marking the British Empire's economic zenith. Its issuance by the British West African Currency Board standardized coinage across territories like Nigeria, Gold Coast, and Sierra Leone. This coin was vital for trade and consolidating imperial administration, replacing diverse local currencies with a uniform monetary system.
Artistry: The coin’s obverse showcases the bare head effigy of King George V facing left, a distinguished work by Sir Bertram Mackennal. This portrait exemplifies the neo-classical style common in British imperial coinage, conveying regal authority. The reverse design, typical for colonial issues, features a stylized crown above a scroll inscribed "2 SHILLINGS," with the date below, encircled by "BRITISH WEST AFRICA." This clear, functional design was executed by Royal Mint engravers.
Technical/Grading: Struck in .925 sterling silver, weighing 11.3104 grams and 28 millimeters in diameter, this issue reflects standard Royal Mint quality. High-points for wear include the King's hair and ear on the obverse, and the crown's details and scroll lettering on the reverse. While generally well-struck, minor weaknesses in higher relief areas are observed. Uncirculated examples retain strong luster, though contact marks are common due to the soft silver and extensive circulation.