Lot 872: A Pair of UK George V 0.500 Silver Half Crowns, 1920 and 1921
A pair of United Kingdom half crown coins minted in 0.500 fineness silver alloy. The obverse of each coin features the left-facing bare head portrait of King George V by Bertram Mackennal, surrounded by the Latin legend GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX. The reverse displays a crowned shield of the Royal Arms within a garter, with the inscription FID: DEF: IND: IMP:, the denomination HALF CROWN, and the respective dates of 1920 and 1921. Both coins feature reeded edges. These issues represent the debasement of British silver coinage from sterling to 50 per cent fineness following the First World War.
Condition report:
Both coins show significant circulation wear consistent with a grade of fine, with loss of detail to the hair and reverse shield. The 1921 coin exhibits a notable amount of green surface oxidation (verdigris) on both the obverse and reverse faces. The 1920 coin displays moderate toning and numerous small surface marks and scratches.
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