1954 Florin, Two Shillings British | British Florin, Two Shillings 1954
Elizabet II Florin Coin
Type 2: BRITT OMN
Elizabeth II (1952–1967)
Florins were produced for Queen Elizabeth II each year between 1953 and 1967, with proof coins again produced in 1970. The obverse shows the Mary Gillick head of Queen Elizabeth, inscribed ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA BRITT OMN REGINA (1953 only) or ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA (all other years), while the reverse shows a tudor rose in the centre surrounded by thistles, shamrocks, and leeks, with the inscription FID DEF TWO SHILLINGS date. In accordance with the plan for decimalisation of the currency (120 years after this denomination was first introduced in the first plan to introduce a decimal currency), from 1968 the decimal ten pence coin was introduced of the same size, weight, and metal composition as the florin. Florins (usually dated 1947 or later) remained in circulation until the size of the decimal ten pence was reduced in 1992, and they were finally demonetised on 1 July 1993.
The obverse, designed & engraved by W G. E. Kruger-Gray, features a crown tudor rose. To the right of the rose is a shamrock with the mongram “R” below. To the left of the rose is a thistle with the mongram “G” below. Flanking either side of the stem of the rose are the designers initials “K” and “G”. On the upper outer periphery are the words “:FID: DEF: : IND: IMP:”. On the lower outer periphery is the denomination
For years that may be potential sleepers look at the 1937, 1940 and 1946 issues. The 1937 is a first year issue and though the value may not rise dramatically there will probably be strong demand as it is the first year issue.
For the investor, the key to the series (excluding proofs & errors) is the 1938 issue.
In 1968, in the run-up to decimalization, the two shilling coin was superseded by the decimal ten pence coin, which had the same value and initially the same size and weight. It continued in circulation, alongside the ten pence coin, until 1993, when the 10p was reduced in size.