Lot #527: UK 1961 One Shilling Coin - Elizabeth II - English Reverse - Three Lions "Passant Guardant" - Twelve Pence

Obverse: Features the "First Portrait" (Laureate Head) of Queen Elizabeth II by Mary Gillick. She faces right, wearing a laurel wreath tied with a ribbon. The inscription reads ELIZABETH II DEI GRATIA REGINA. Reverse: Features the English Crest: a a flat-topped shield bearing the arms of England: three lions "passant guardant" (walking to left, facing the viewer), crowned with the Crown of St Edward. The inscription reads FID DEF (Defender of the Faith) above, with ONE SHILLING and the date 1961 below. The 1961 "English" shilling is a classic representative of the late pre-decimal era. During the reign of Elizabeth II, the Royal Mint produced two distinct designs for the shilling—one featuring the English crest and one featuring the Scottish crest—to honor the Queen's dual heritage. The shilling was a fundamental unit of currency, equivalent to 12 pence or 1/20th of a pound. By 1961, these were struck in cupro-nickel. The English variety was typically minted in larger quantities than the Scottish version, though both were used interchangeably throughout the UK. Dimensions: Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). 23.5 mm. 5.66 g. Pickup category timeslot {A}