🔎 About the 1948 English Shilling

Starting in 1937, the UK minted two designs for the 1 shilling: one for England, one for Scotland. The English version, like this 1948 piece, features a crowned shield with three lions — the Royal Arms of England — and was struck in cupro-nickel, following the 1947 removal of silver from circulating coinage.

Specifications:

• Material: Cupro-nickel

• Weight: 5.65 grams

• Diameter: 23.5 mm

• Edge: Milled

• Obverse: Portrait of King George VI

• Reverse: Crowned English shield with three lions passant

• Designer (Obverse): Thomas Humphrey Paget

• Mint: Royal Mint

🕰 Historical Context

The year 1948 was one of reconstruction and new beginnings in the United Kingdom. Most notably, the National Health Service (NHS) was founded in July — an event that reshaped British society. The transition from silver to base metal in coins had just been completed the year before, and this shilling marks one of the earliest examples of fully cupro-nickel British coinage.

While its material may be humbler, its design remained majestic — a conscious effort to preserve national identity and pride in a time of rationing and recovery.

💡 Collecting Insights

• Historical Crossover: This coin embodies the transition from precious to base metal and from war to welfare state.

• Pair-Worthy: Combine with the Scottish version from the same year to explore regional identity in coinage.

• Postwar Minimalism: A simple, sturdy piece reflecting the era’s utilitarian spirit.

This 1948 English shilling, humble in form but rich in meaning, now continues its journey from wartime purse to your curated collection — carrying with it echoes of resilience and reform.