The United Kingdom established the global gold standard for silver with its Sterling (92.5%) purity. For centuries, British silver coins were the benchmark for trade across the Commonwealth, influencing the systems of Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. This era produced legendary issues like the massive Silver Crown and the iconic Double Florin.
The aftermath of WWI led to a drastic shift in 1920, when the silver content was reduced to 50% to pay off war debts. While these later coins remained in circulation until the mid-1940s, the "Sterling" era remains the most sought after by bullion hunters. Understanding the 1920 cutoff is essential for any stacker looking to maximize their silver weight when buying British coinage.
| Coin Type | Purity | Years | ASW (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crown (Sterling) | 92.5% | 1818-1902 | 0.8409 |
| Crown (Coronation) | 50.0% | 1927-1937 | 0.4546 |
| Double Florin (Barmaid's Ruin) | 92.5% | 1887-1890 | 0.6727 |
| Trade Dollar | 90.0% | 1895-1935 | 0.7800 |
| Half Crown (Sterling) | 92.5% | 1838-1919 | 0.4205 |
| Half Crown | 50.0% | 1920-1946 | 0.2273 |
| Florin (Sterling / Two Bob) | 92.5% | 1849-1919 | 0.3364 |
| Florin (Two Bob) | 50.0% | 1920-1946 | 0.1818 |
| Shilling (Sterling) | 92.5% | 1838-1919 | 0.1682 |
| Shilling | 50.0% | 1920-1946 | 0.0909 |
| Sixpence (Sterling) | 92.5% | 1838-1919 | 0.0841 |
| Sixpence | 50.0% | 1920-1946 | 0.0455 |
| Threepence (Sterling) | 92.5% | 1838-1919 | 0.0420 |
| Threepence | 50.0% | 1920-1945 | 0.0227 |
