Deborah W. writes: I have a silver dollar size coin with Georg1V sextvs rex and the head of a man facing left on one side and on the other says SUID-AFRIKA+1652-south africa*5*. I would like to know the history and possibly the value of this coin.
You have a 1952 South Africa 5 Shilling. During this period South Africa was part of the British Commonwealth and appropriately shows the current king of England on the obverse. This year, the coin was struck as a commemorative of the founding of Capetown, South Africa in 1652. The description of the coin is as follows:
The obverse shows the head of King George VI of England facing left. Around, is the Latin legend GEORGIVS SEXTVS REX (King George VI). The reverse shows a ship at center; land with mountains in the distance. The legends around are in Afrikans and English, SUID-AFRIKA 1652-1952-SOUTH AFRICA* 5s.
The coin was struck in .500 fine silver and contains .4546 troy ounce of pure silver. 363,000 pieces were struck. Approximate value range, depending on grade: bullion value – bullion value + 50%
