Obverse. Photo © Heritage Auctions
  • 10 Cents 1948-1952, KM# 43, Canada, George VI
  • 10 Cents 1948-1952, KM# 43, Canada, George VI
Description

In 1948, India was granted independence from the British Empire. Because of this, the words "ET IND IMP" (And Emperor of India) had to be removed from all obverse coin dies.

Obverse

Bare head of George VI facing left, surrounded by the legend, an abbreviated translation of “George VI, by the Grace of God, King”.

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.

Engraver: Thomas Humphrey Paget

GEORGIVS VI DEI GRATIA REX
HP

Reverse

Depicts the Bluenose under sail, a Canadian schooner from Nova Scotia, a celebrated racing ship and a symbol of the province, is surrounded by the facial value and the country name.

The artist used three ships including the Bluenose as his models, so the ship design is actually a composite.

Engraver: Emanuel Otto Hahn

CANADA
1948
10 CENTS

Edge

10 Cents

KM# 43 Schön# 42
Characteristics
Material Silver
Fineness 0.800
Weight 2.33 g
Diameter 18.034 mm
Thickness -
Shape round
Alignment Medal
Mint
Royal Canadian Mint (RCM)

Related coins

Silver, 2.32 g, ⌀ 18.034 mm

Silver, 2.324 g, ⌀ 18.034 mm
Without DEI GRATIA

Silver, 2.324 g, ⌀ 18.034 mm