Half-crown
Edward VI half-crown
Like the crown, the half-crown was introduced as a gold coin during the reign of Henry VIII and, also like the crown, under Edward VI in the year 1551 it was issued as a silver coin. The issue of gold half-crowns ceased in the 17th century, but the silver half-crown continued in circulation. In 1849 its existence was threatened by the introduction of the florin as a first step towards a decimal currency. In January 1970, over 100 years later, this threat finally became a reality and the half-crown ceased to be legal tender.
Elizabeth II half-crown, 1953
You might also like
![Coins](/siteassets/collection/coins/coin-teaser-v2.jpg?width=800)
Coins
The Museum collection contains over 80,000 coins which span from ancient times to the modern day.
![Fractional Farthings](/siteassets/journal/curators-corner/fractional-farthings/ff-teaser.jpg?width=800)
Fractional Farthings
Fractional farthings were struck in the 19th century but did not remain in circulation for long.
![The Mint and the First World War](/siteassets/journal/history/the-mint-and-the-first-world-war/first-world-war-teaser.jpg?width=800)
The Mint and the First World War
The Royal Mint could not - and did not - escape the massive impact of the First World War.