Collecting British Silver Coins Pre-1946: A Practical Guide

British Silver Coins have a long and complex history. If you’re interested in collecting Silver Coins, understanding their development before 1946 helps you make better choices.

This guide walks you through that journey, from ancient times to the end of the silver standard. You’ll learn what to look for, what to avoid, and how to build a meaningful collection.

The Origins of British Silver Coins

Silver coins in Britain go back over 2,000 years.

Celtic tribes minted coins before the Romans arrived. These early pieces were influenced by Greek and Roman styles but had distinct local designs. Most were crude, often showing horses, faces, or abstract symbols.

Then came the Romans. They introduced the denarius, a small, high-purity silver coin that circulated across the empire. These coins are still found across Britain today.

After the Roman withdrawal, there was a gap. Coinage nearly disappeared until the Anglo-Saxons began minting again in the 7th century.

These early Anglo-Saxon coins were mostly silver pennies. Designs included kings’ portraits, crosses, and runes. By the time of Alfred the Great (late 800s), the silver penny was standard across much of England.

What to Look For

• Clear inscriptions and good metal
• Condition and legibility over shine

The Age of Hammered Silver

From around 600 AD to 1662, British Silver Coins were made by hand, known as British Hammered Silver Coins.

This period includes:

• Anglo-Saxon pennies
• Norman issues under William the Conqueror
• Plantagenet groats and half-groats
• Tudor coins under Henry VIII and Elizabeth I
• Stuart shillings and crowns

Hammered coins were made by striking a blank piece of silver between two engraved dies. No two coins were exactly the same. Mis-strikes and clipped edges are common.

Collecting Tips

• Check for signs of clipping
• Look for complete legends
• Handle with care — many are thin
• Store in non-reactive holders

The Introduction of Milled Coinage

In 1662, the Royal Mint adopted machinery for minting coins. This started the milled coinage period — silver coins became more uniform, round, and difficult to counterfeit.

Key milled silver coins:

• Threepence
• Sixpence
• Shilling
• Florin (introduced 1849)
• Half-crown
• Crown

These were struck in .925 sterling silver up to 1920. From 1920–1946, silver content dropped to 50%.

Practical Tips

• Start with Victoria or George V coins
• Learn to grade coins accurately
• Watch for worn dies or poor strikes
• Consider collecting by type or range

The 1920 Silver Reduction

Until 1919, British Silver Coinswere struck in sterling (.925) silver.

In 1920, silver content was reduced to 50% due to rising silver prices after World War I. These coins looked similar but had less intrinsic value.

How to Approach These Coins

• Sort pre- and post-1920 coins separately
• Use a ring test or magnet for authenticity
• Keep coins with good edge detail
• Do not clean — preserve original surface

1946: The End of British Silver Coins in Circulation

1946 marked the final year of silver coinage in Britain.

From 1947 onward, coins were made from cupronickel. They kept the same size but lost all silver content. This change drew a clear line between collectible and modern base-metal coins.

Collecting Suggestions

• Stop at 1946 for a defined historical focus
• Include a mix of denominations
• Consider proofs or commemoratives if relevant

Collecting Strategies and Storage

You don’t need to start with rare coins. Build structure into your collection:

Possible Strategies

• By Monarch — e.g. Edward VII or George V
• By Denomination — focus on shillings, for example
• By Year Range — such as 1837 to 1946
• Hammered Coins Only — start low and scale up
• Historic Themes — e.g. Civil War coinage

Storage Tips

• Use acid-free holders, albums, or capsules
• Keep coins dry and cool
• Avoid plastic with PVC
• Label coins with monarch, year, and type

Learning and Resources

Knowledge grows over time. Some ways to improve:

• Study Spink’s Coins of England
• Compare multiple examples of each coin
• Visit local coin fairs or auctions
• Talk to collectors and dealers
• Read Royal Mint history publications
• Keep a collecting journal

Ask Yourself

• What makes this coin interesting?
• Is it part of a type or a transition?
• What does it say about its time?

Final Thoughts

Collecting British Silver Coins pre-1946 helps you connect with centuries of history. From rough hammered pennies to well-struck milled crowns, every coin holds a story.

Start with a clear goal. Keep learning. And enjoy the hunt.

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