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Shilling


Elizabeth II Type II (1955 - 1963)

The ram design continued into this type right until the introduction of decimal currency with the conclusion of the shilling series in 1963. This type features a slightly reworded obverse legend, 'ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D', ('Elizabeth II, by the grace of god, queen, defender of the faith'), after public outcry that the previous type omitted 'FIDEI DEF' ('defender of the faith').

Several mint rolls have appeared from all dates in the 1960s a few 1959 rolls a substantial hoard of 1957 shillings has turned up (Pacific Rim Coins, 2002). All other dates are quite scarce especially if sought in the upper mint state grades though the 1955 and 1956 usually have a price to match. The 1958 is another elusive date, however when it does turn up it tends to average much higher than the earlier years.

All dates in the series were struck at the Melbourne mint and do not display any mintmarks.
 
Contents
Reverse Designer
George Kruger Gray
Obverse Designer
Mary Gillick
Weight
5.65 grams
Size
23.5 mm
Composition
50.00% Silver
40.00% Copper
5.00% Nickel
5.00% Zinc
Bullion Value
$2.89
Reverse
Reverse

Obverse
Obverse

Business Strikes
Coin Mintage Average Circulated
1955 7,492,000 $4
1956 6,064,000 $4
1957 12,668,000 $3
1958 7,412,000 $4
1959 10,876,000 $3
1960 14,512,000 $3
1961 31,864,000 $3
1962 6,592,000 $3
1963 10,072,000 $3

Proof Strikes
Coin Mintage Typical Handled
1955 Proof 1,200 $280
1956 Proof 1,507 $220
1957 Proof 1,256 $220
1958 Proof 1,506 $200
1959 Proof 1,506 $180
1960 Proof 1,509 $160
1961 Proof 1,506 $160
1962 Proof 2,016 $175
1963 Proof 5,042 $120

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The values listed here are for average examples of the date. Coins in better condition will be worth many times the values listed here. For example, an average 1911 florin is worth around $50, but in choice uncirculated condition is worth about $15,000! To view valuations in higher grades, please click here to subscribe.




Current Auctions
Australia Elizabeth II - 1961 Shilling Current Bid: $17.00 (6 bids)
Estimate: $50 - $70
Lot 1403 PCGS MS66 19 days
Walter Eigner Numismatics
Location: Canberra, ACT
Member Since: Dec-2009
Australia Elizabeth II - 1963 Shilling Current Bid: $1.00 (1 bid)
Estimate: $24 - $32
Lot 1404 PCGS MS64 19 days
Walter Eigner Numismatics
Location: Canberra, ACT
Member Since: Dec-2009

Glossary
  • legend - The inscription around the inner edge of the coin
  • mint roll - A common means of distributing coins where a mint stores coins in paper rolls before distributing them to banks
  • mint state - A state of a coin that shows no signs of circulation
  • mintmark - A marking, usually a letter or dot that signifies which mint struck a particular coin
  • obverse - The heads side of the coin

Numismatic Glossary - View the full glossary of numismatic terms.

References

References - View full bibliography

Index