© KennyG
© KennyG
½ Crown - Elizabeth II 1st portrait; with 'BRITT:OMN'
1953 year| Copper-nickel (75% Cu, 25% Ni) | 14.14 g | 32.3 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Elizabeth II (1952-2022) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1953 |
| Value | ½ Crown (⅛) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel (75% Cu, 25% Ni) |
| Weight | 14.14 g |
| Diameter | 32.3 mm |
| Thickness | 2.2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | 31 December 1969 |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#9538 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 9% |
Reverse
Crowned quartered shield of arms flanked by E and R, legend above, denomination and date below.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
+ FID· ·DEF +
E R
E·F C·T
HALF CROWN 1953
Unabridged legend:
Fidei Defensatrix
Elizabeth Regina
Translation:
Defender of the Faith
Queen Elizabeth
Engraver: Cecil Thomas
Edge
Reeded
Comment
House of Windsor (1917 to date), Elizabeth II (1952-2022), Pre-decimal issues (1953-70).The standard weight of these coins was 5/11 troy ounce (218.2 grains). Under the Coinage Act of 1946, the composition changed from .500 silver to .750 copper/.250 nickel but the weight remained unchanged.
Two die varieties exist for this type - Obverse 1 from the plastic set issue and Obverse 2 struck for circulation:
Obv 1 I of DEI between beads, 1st A of GRATIA between beads, I of LIZ between beads, faint silhouette, 123 beads;
Obv 2 I of DEI at a bead, 1st A of GRATIA at a bead, I of LIZ to the right of a bead, clear silhouette, 127 beads;
