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Australian Shillings

1917 Australian Silver Shilling

Sterling Silver
By 1916 the Melbourne branch mint was equipped for the striking of silver coins and so it assumed that task. Melbourne Mint used dies delivered from the Royal Mint to manufacture these coins which can be distinguished by the mintmark "M" at the base of the reverse. Only 3 years carried the "M" mintmark denoting the Melbourne Mint, with 1916 being the first, followed by 1917 and 1918.
The 1916 and 1917 shillings are amongst the most common of the George V shillings and can often be found in high grade at relatively affordable prices.



Mintage
5,274,000

Points to consider when grading the reverse are:
  • the Emu's back feathers;
  • the shoulder and haunches of the kangaroo;
  • the head of the emu;
  • the point of the Federation star;
  • the sharpness of details on the denticles, lettering, scroll and shield;
  • the rim for dents and nicks;
  • A weak strike will show in the grass and the shield, the Emu's back, Advance Australia and the centre top of the shield.

Specifications
Composition: .925 silver
Silver Content: 0.1680 oz
Edge: Reeded
Weight: 5.65 grams
Size: 23.5 mm
Obverse: Sir E.B. Mackennal
Reverse: W.H.J. Blakemore

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