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Festival of Britain Crown
United Kingdom – 1951 5 Shillings (Crown) – Festival of Britain – George VI (KM#880) - Image 2
United Kingdom – 1951 5 Shillings (Crown) – Festival of Britain – George VI (KM#880) - Image 3
United Kingdom – 1951 5 Shillings (Crown) – Festival of Britain – George VI (KM#880) - Image 4
United Kingdom – 1951 5 Shillings (Crown) – Festival of Britain – George VI (KM#880) - Image 5

United Kingdom – 1951 5 Shillings (Crown) – Festival of Britain – George VI (KM#880)

R150.00

Commemorative 1951 Festival of Britain crown featuring King George VI and the iconic St George and dragon design, issued in cupronickel.

Country/Issuer
United Kingdom
Year
1951
Denomination
Five Shillings
Metal/Composition
Copper-Nickel
Est. Grade
Uncirculated
Notes
In original box as issued with pamphlet. Box damaged as per images. Weight 28.28g Diameter 38.61mm

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Coin Description

The 1951 United Kingdom 5 Shillings (Crown) was issued to commemorate the Festival of Britain, a major national event celebrating British achievements in science, industry, art, and design following the hardships of World War II. The coin was struck during the reign of George VI (1936–1952), making it one of the last commemorative issues of his reign.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of King George VI, with the Latin inscription “GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP”, translating to George VI, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India. This classic portrait reflects the dignity of the monarch during the post-war recovery period.

The reverse showcases a beautifully detailed design by Edgar Fuller and Cecil Thomas, featuring St George slaying the dragon, inspired by the famous motif originally created by Benedetto Pistrucci. The surrounding inscription reads “FESTIVAL OF BRITAIN 1951”, marking the commemorative nature of the coin.

Struck in cupronickel rather than silver due to post-war metal shortages, this crown-sized coin was widely distributed and became a popular souvenir of the Festival. It represents a moment of optimism and renewal in British history.

Today, the 1951 Festival of Britain crown is a popular collectible, appreciated for its historical context, attractive design, and status as the only British commemorative coin of George VI.

Coin Specifications

  • Country: United Kingdom

  • Ruler: George VI

  • Year: 1951

  • Denomination: 5 Shillings (Crown)

  • Catalogue: KM#880

  • Composition: Cupronickel

  • Weight: approx. 28.28 g

  • Diameter: approx. 38.6 mm

(MB 34)

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