2 Shillings - George VI Trial Strike

Trial strikes for British West Africa were produced in London, typically at the Royal Mint, to test new compositions or designs ahead of authorized circulation issues. The 1952 nickel brass trial for this denomination coincides with the final years of the colonial currency board system — the West African Currency Board would be wound down within the decade as independence movements reshaped the region's monetary arrangements. Piedfort and trial pieces from this board are rarely encountered, as production runs were minimal and most were retained by the mint or issuing authority rather than released.