Quick Coinage Facts
Years Minted: 1937-1952
Number of Types: 2
Composition: 50% Silver (1937-46), Copper/Nickel (1947-1952)
Diameter: 23.62 mm
Weight: 5.65 grams (.0908 oz of silver 1937-46), 5.5 grams (1947-1952)
Total Series Mintage: 11,560,000
Obverse Design: Bust Design
Reverse Design: Warrior
Design
The obverse, designed & engraved by T.H. Paget, features the bust of George the VI facing left. At the bottom of George's neck are the designer’s initials “HP”. On the outer periphery are the words "GEORGIVS VI KING EMPEROR".
The reverse, designed by G.E. Kruger-Gray, features a Maori Warrior crouched with weapon in hand. Just below the warrior’s left knee are the designer’s initials “KG”. On the outer periphery are the words “NEW ZEALAND ONE SHILLING” and year of issue.
Types
From 1937 to 1946 coinage was based on a 50% silver composition. Beginning in 1947 the composition was changed to copper-nickel providing us with two types for the series.
Type 1 – Silver Composition 1937-1946
Type 2 – Copper-Nickel Composition 1947-1952
Major Varieties
In 1947 India received its independence from Great Britain. Beginning in 1948 all shilling coinage had the obverse legend changed from "GEORGIVS VI KING EMPEROR" to “GEORGIVS VI KING” providing us with two major varieties for type 2 coins.
Variety 1 – Old Obverse Legend 1947
Variety 2 - New Obverse Legend 1948-1952
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General Market Notes
Excluding proofs and errors, the keys to the series are the 1941 & 1942 issues in grades above XF. The semi-keys are the 1940 & 1947 issues in grades above XF.