Description

The half crown was a denomination of British money, equivalent to two shillings and sixpence, or one-eighth of a pound. The half crown was first issued in 1549, in the reign of Edward VI. No half crowns were issued in the reign of Mary, but from the reign of Elizabeth I half crowns were issued in every reign except Edward VIII, until the coins were discontinued in 1967.

George V (1865–1936) was King of the United Kingdom and the British Dominions, and Emperor of India, from 6 May 1910 until his death in 1936. He was the only Emperor of India to be present at his own Delhi Durbar. His reign saw the rise of socialism, communism, fascism, Irish republicanism, and the Indian independence movement, all of which radically changed the political landscape. In 1917, George became the first monarch of the House of Windsor, which he renamed from the House of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha as a result of anti-German public sentiment.

There are four distinct types of half crowns minted during the reign of George V. The initial two types, spanning from 1911 to 1919, and subsequently replicated from 1920 to 1926, showcase the first portrait type of George V alongside a shield in garter on their reverse. The only notable discrepancy lies in their silver content. Following this, the third type, circulated from 1926 to 1927, introduces a subtly altered effigy, with the engraver's initials positioned farther back and with more pronounced beading. Lastly, the fourth type, issued from 1927 to 1936, presents a revised shield design.

KM# 818.1a (1920-22) crown touches shield
KM# 818.2 (1922-26) groove between crown and shield