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
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Fractional Farthings
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