United Kingdom 2 Shillings Half Silver Florin - 1936

Here’s a richly detailed, collector‑ready summary of the UK 2 Shillings (Florin) – 1936, drawing on the most authoritative numismatic data available. This coin marks the final year of the George V florin series, making it historically and emotionally significant for collectors.

🏛️ Historical Context

• Monarch: King George V

• Era: The last year of his reign; George V died in January 1936, making this the final circulating florin of his era.

• Monetary Role: A pre‑decimal denomination worth 2 shillings (1/10 of a pound).

• Significance: The 1936 florin closes the chapter on a long and beloved portrait series and precedes the short-lived coinage of Edward VIII.

🪙 Specifications

• Metal: 50% silver (0.500 fineness) 1

• Weight: 11.3 g 1

• Diameter: 28.5 mm 1

• Edge: Reeded 1

• Mint: Royal Mint, London

• Mintage: ~9,897,000 coins — a relatively common issue for the period 2

🎨 Design Details

Obverse

• Portrait: Bare head of King George V facing left

• Designer: Sir Bertram Mackennal

• Legend: GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX (“George V, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britons”) 1

Reverse

• Designer: George Kruger Gray

• Design:

  • A cross of four crowned sceptres, forming a cruciform pattern

  • In the angles:

    • Three lions for England

    • Single lion for Scotland

    • Harp for Ireland

  • Legend: FID DEF IND IMP (“Defender of the Faith, Emperor of India”)

  • Denomination & Date: ONE FLORIN 1936 1

This reverse is one of the most admired of the George V series for its symmetry and heraldic clarity.