UK 1941 silver coinage: Wartime relics in a collector’s market...

The year 1941 was one of struggle and endurance for Britain. With World War II raging, resources were stretched thin, and coinage was no exception. Yet, even amid the chaos, British silver coinage remained a link to stability. The half crown, florin, shilling, sixpence, and threepence of 1941 were struck in 50% silver—a remnant of a bygone era before austerity measures would see silver removed from circulation just a few years later.

Today, these coins serve as both historical artifacts and valuable pieces for collectors. I have a set of these 50% silver wartime coins in fair to fine condition, and if there’s any interest, they are available for sale.

Breakdown of the 1941 silver coinage

Half Crown (2 Shillings & 6 Pence)

• Weight: 14.14g
• Diameter: 32mm
• Silver Content: 50%
• Design: King George VI on the obverse, crowned quartered shield of England, Scotland, and Ireland on the reverse
• Value Today: £8-£12 ($14-$16 USD)

Florin (Two Shillings)

• Weight: 11.31g
• Diameter: 28.5mm
• Silver Content: 50%
• Design: Features the same obverse as the half crown, with a reverse displaying the crowned Tudor rose flanked by thistle and shamrock
• Value Today: £5-£8 ($7-$12 USD)

Shilling

• Weight: 5.65g
• Diameter: 23.5mm
• Silver Content: 50%
• Design: Two types exist—English (featuring three lions) and Scottish (with a single rampant lion)
• Value Today: £3-£6 ($4-$8 USD)

Sixpence

• Weight: 2.83g
• Diameter: 19.5mm
• Silver Content: 50%
• Design: A crowned Royal cypher on the reverse
• Value Today: £2-£4 ($3-$6 USD)

Threepence

• Weight: 1.41g
• Diameter: 16mm
• Silver Content: 50%
• Design: A Tudor portcullis with chains
• Value Today: £1-£2 ($1.50-$3 USD)

Wartime coinage: A market for collectors

These coins represent a time when Britain was deep in the fight for freedom. Their silver content, historical significance, and connection to WWII make them desirable for numismatists and investors alike.

I have a set of these 1941 50% silver coins in good condition for their age, and I’m open to selling if there’s interest. Whether you’re a collector looking to complete a wartime set or an investor drawn to the tangible value of silver, these coins offer both history and intrinsic worth.

Would you be interested in acquiring a piece of 1941? Let’s talk!