Australia’s silver coinage was initially struck to the same standards as the United Kingdom. From 1910 until 1945, Australian silver coins maintained a high 92.5% Sterling purity. This consistency made them a reliable store of value across the Commonwealth, much like the coinage of New Zealand and South Africa.
Following the war, the silver content was reduced to 50% in 1946. Australia continued this standard until the mid-1960s, producing iconic circulating commemoratives like the 1951 Federation and 1954 Royal Visit Florins. The era of circulating silver concluded in 1966 with the introduction of the one-year-only round 50 cent coin, which remains a favorite for modern bullion hunters.
| Coin Type | Purity | Years | ASW (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown | 92.5% | 1937-1938 | 0.8409 |
| 50 Cents (Round) | 80.0% | 1966 | 0.3416 |
| Florin (Sterling / Two Bob) | 92.5% | 1910-1945 | 0.3364 |
| Florin (Commemorative) | 92.5% | 1927-1936 | 0.3364 |
| Florin | 50.0% | 1946-1963 | 0.1818 |
| Shilling (Sterling) | 92.5% | 1910-1945 | 0.1682 |
| Shilling | 50.0% | 1946-1963 | 0.0909 |
| Sixpence (Sterling) | 92.5% | 1910-1945 | 0.0841 |
| Sixpence | 50.0% | 1946-1963 | 0.0454 |
| Threepence (Sterling) | 92.5% | 1910-1945 | 0.0420 |
| Threepence | 50.0% | 1946-1964 | 0.0227 |
