Australia Shilling: 1953-1963 Elizabeth II

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Quick Coinage Facts

Years Minted: 1953-1963
Composition: 0.50 silver
Diameter Type: 23.5  mm
Weight: 5.56 grams (0.0894 ounces of silver)
Total Series Mintage: 135,944,000
Obverse Design: Bust Design
Reverse Design: Ram Head
Unique Features: Reeded

Introduction

On February 6, 1952, King George VI of the United Kingdom passed away in his sleep.  Upon his death, his daughter Elizabeth assumed the crown to become Queen Elizabeth II.  As is tradition, United Kingdom and Common Wealth Nation coinage replaced the effigy of King George the VI with Queen Elizabeth II on all denominations in the following year of 1953. Australia, being a Common Wealth Nation, likewise updated their coinage.

The Elizabeth II silver shilling minted from 1953 to 1963 at the Melbourne Mint represents the last shilling type coin of the pre-decimal or sterling monetary system.

During 1963, Australia initiated the change from sterling coinage to decimal currency. All sterling coinage (florins, shillings & pence) would cease to be produced in 1963. A three year change over period was given to allow for a smooth transition to decimal coinage (dollars & cents) in 1966 without impacting businesses, banks, or vending.

Description

The obverse, designed by Mary Gillick, features the image of a young Queen Elizabeth II facing right. On the outer periphery is the legend “DEI GRATIA REGINA F:D” (By the Grace of God, Queen, Defender of the Faith) and “ELIZABETH II”.

The reverse design remained unchanged from previous the previous George VI shilling. Designed by W G. E. Kruger-Gray, the reverse features the bust of a ram. Behind the rams head to the right is the designer's initials “KG” while on the outer periphery is the denomination “shilling”, country name “AUSTRALIA” and year of issue.

Obverse Reverse
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Major Varieties

Initially, the legend was modified by eliminating the religious title “FIDEI DEFENSOR” or “F:D” from Elizabeth II coinage. The amount of controversy among the public was enough to have the religious title return to coinage in 1955 until the series end in 1963.

Variety 1 – 1953-1954 No “F:D” in legend
Variety 2 – 1955-1963 With “F:D” in legend

General Market Notes

The key to the series is the 1956 issue but even this issue remains affordable.

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