Description

British West Africa was the collective name for British colonies in West Africa during the colonial period, either in the general geographical sense or more specifically those comprised in a formal colonial administrative entity. The United Kingdom held varying parts of these territories or the whole throughout the 19th century. From west to east, the colonies became the independent countries of the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Obverse

Crowned bust of King George VI, left, wearing the Tudor Crown, legend around.

George VI (1895–1952) was King of the United Kingdom and the Dominions of the British Commonwealth from 11 December 1936 until his death. He was the last Emperor of India and the first Head of the Commonwealth.

As the second son of King George V, he was not expected to inherit the throne and spent his early life in the shadow of his elder brother, Edward. George's elder brother ascended the throne as Edward VIII upon the death of their father in 1936. However, later that year Edward revealed his desire to marry divorced American socialite Wallis Simpson. British Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin advised Edward that for political and religious reasons he could not marry a divorced woman and remain king. Edward abdicated in order to marry, and George ascended the throne as the third monarch of the House of Windsor.

The Tudor Crown, also known as the King's Crown or Imperial Crown, is a widely used symbol in heraldry of the United Kingdom. While various crown symbols had been used for this purpose for many years previously, the specific Tudor Crown design was standardised at the request of Edward VII. It was never intended to represent any actual physical crown, although in shape it bears a close resemblance to the small diamond crown of Queen Victoria.

Abbreviation meaning: George VI by the Grace of God, King of all the British territories, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India

Engraver: Percy Metcalfe

:GEORGIVS VI D·G·BRITT·OMN·REX F·D·IND·IMP
PM

Reverse

Palm tree at the centre dividing date inside a circle with mirrored decorations, country name above, value below.

Mintmark (if any) under the palm tree trunk.

BRITISH WEST AFRICA
. 19 38 .
ONE SHILLING

Edge
Characteristics
Material Nickel Brass
Weight 5.63 g
Diameter 23.6 mm
Thickness 1.8 mm
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mints
Heaton Mint, Birmingham (H)
Kings Norton Metal Company, Birmingham (KN)
Royal Mint

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