Douglas writes: I am trying to find the gradings and worth on a 1951 British Five Crown coin. I found that they were made at the Royal Mint and some were made at the Festival but what is also the differences and worths?
The 1951 Crown (5 shillings) copper-nickel piece was made in large numbers for the Festival of Britain. More than 2 million pieces were struck. They are non-circulating legal tender. The coins have a proof-like finish, that is highly polished fields, and the design in normal relief.
The coin features the head of King George VI facing left (father of the present Queen, Elizabeth II). The legend around in abbreviated Latin is GEORGIVS VI D:G: BR: OMN:REX: F.D. (George VI, by the Grace of G-d, King of all the Britians, Defender of the Faith). FIVE SHILLINGS is below. The reverse features the famous 19th century portrait by Benedetto Pistrucci of King George slaying a dragon. (This portrait was first introduced on some coins of George III in 1818). The date, 1951 is below.
Proof examples in high relief and a VIP proof (about 30 pieces minted) also exist.
Values depend on the type. The approximate prices listed below assume that the coins are in the original condition.
Uncirculated P/L = $8
Proof = $20.
VIP Proof = $250.
