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Australian Silver Florins

1951 50th Anniversary of Federation

50% Silver
First of the q-metal commemorative florins with the second of the George VI obverse's. IND IMP was eliminated from the legend, (necessary because India became an independent nation in 1947) and F.D. was expanded to FIDEI DEF.

The reverse was designed by William Leseley Bowles with the sword and the mace taken from the Arms of Canberra and the imperial crown depicted is symbolic of the British parliamentary traditions inherited by Australia. Stars of the Southern Cross constellation are another element of this coin and the Australian flag along with the Federation Star.

Mintage
2,000,000

The seven pointed Federation Star caused some confusion at first glance and a huge outcry ensued. Bowles was accused of taking his Southern Cross from the Arms of Victoria instead of the Commonwealth flag and losing one of the stars. But careful inspection shows all the required stars are there, it was the placement of the star in "FLO*RIN" that seemed to cause the confusion in the public at the time. To this day there are people who still say that Bowles used the Arms of Victoria.
Points to consider when grading the obverse are:
  • the King's eyebrow;
  • the top of the ear;
  • definition in the hair;
  • the sharpness of details on the denticles and lettering;
  • the rim for dents and nicks;
  • A weak strike will show in the hair, ear, eye, mouth and nose.

Specifications
Composition: 50% Silver
40% Copper
5% Nickel
5% Zinc
Silver Content: 0.1818 oz
Edge: Reeded
Weight: 11.31 grams
Size: 28.5 mm
Obverse: Thomas H Paget
Reverse: William Leslie Bowles

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