Product Information

Housed in a colourful presentation folder, the nine coin feature the portrait of King George VI and are the last to bear the legend IND IMP, the King relinquishing his title as Emperor of India following India's independence in 1947. The 1948 coins are guaranteed to be in at least very fine condition while the 2008 crown piece is of Brilliant Uncirculated quality.

The set includes an illustrated booklet recalling important world events of 1948 and recounting the fascinating story of the coinage of George VI in the post-war years.

Background & History

In 1948 Britain was still enduring the after effects of the Second World War. Provisions remained in short supply and the rebuilding of the war-damaged country was far from complete. However, despite the austere conditions, 1948 was a significant year that saw several momentous events which raised the nation's spirit and gave it confidence for the future.

The coinage of George VI was struck at the Tower Hill site in London where the Royal Mint had been housed for more than100 years. From a numismatic point of view, it is fascinating for many reasons not least the final abandonment of a silver circulating coinage, the replacement of the tiny silver threepence with the 12-sided nickel-brass threepenny piece and the introduction of a 'Scottish' shilling to run alongside the 'English' shilling.