Ruqayyah Snyder
The Australian florin was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia before decimalisation in 1966. Florins minted from 1910 to 1945 were produced with a .925 sterling silver content, weighing 11.31 grams (0.3636 troy ounces) with an actual silver weight (ASW) of 10.46 grams (0.3363 ozt). Florins minted from 1946 to 1963 were produced with a .500 silver content (50% silver), weighing 11.31 grams with an ASW of 5.65 g (0.1818 ozt).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Denomination | Florin (Two Shillings) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Weight | 11.31 grams |
| Actual Silver Weight (ASW) | 1910-1945: 10.46 grams, 1946-1963: 5.65 grams |
| Silver Content | 1910-1945: 92.5% silver, 1946-1963: 50% silver |
| Obverse | King George V, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II |
| Reverse | Coat of Arms of Australia, Kangaroo and Emu pattern |
| Mint Locations | London, Melbourne, Sydney, San Francisco |
| Years Minted | 1910-1963 (with some years omitted) |
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What You'll Learn
Australian florin composition before 1946
The Australian florin was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia before decimalisation in 1966. It was worth two shillings (24 pence, or one-tenth of a pound). The denomination was first minted in 1910 and florins minted from 1910 to 1945 were produced with a 92.5% sterling silver content, weighing 11.31 grams (not accounting for wear and tear) with an actual silver weight (ASW) of 10.46 grams. These coins are also known as "pre" florins.
The composition of the Australian florin changed in 1946 due to escalating silver prices, which created a financial crisis for the Australian government. The silver content of the florin was reduced to 50%, with the remaining 50% consisting of 40% copper, 5% nickel, and 5% zinc. This change in composition resulted in the coins being referred to as "post" florins.
The Melbourne Mint experimented with alternative alloys for the nation's silver coinage and produced four florins using cupro nickel as a test alloy. These coins, known as the 1946 Pattern Florin, were minted without adjusting the presses and are therefore weakly struck. They are considered extremely rare and are highly sought after by collectors.
The debasement of the Australian florin in 1946 was also influenced by the country's need to pay off its significant debts incurred during World War II. This change in composition affected the value of the florin, and it continued to be minted until 1963, with some years omitted.
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Australian florin composition after 1945
The Australian florin was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia before decimalisation in 1966. The florin was minted until 1963, with some years omitted. No florins were minted in 1920, 1929–30, 1937, 1948–50, and 1955.
Florins minted from 1910 to 1945 were produced with a 92.5% sterling silver content, weighing 11.31 grams (0.3636 troy ounces) with an actual silver weight (ASW) of 10.46 grams (0.3363 ozt). The composition of the Australian florin changed after 1945. From 1946 to 1963, the florin was minted with a reduced silver content of 50%, weighing the same at 11.31 grams, but with an ASW of 5.65 grams (0.1818 ozt). This change in composition was due to Australia needing to pay off its substantial debts incurred during World War II.
During World War II, between 1942 and 1944, florin production was supplemented by coinage produced at the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint. These coins can be identified by a small "S" mint mark below the Australian coat of arms. The Australian florin was based on the British florin in terms of size and weight, and its value was two shillings (24 pence or one-tenth of a pound).
The design of the florin's reverse side featured the coat of arms of Australia, which evolved over time. From 1910 to 1936, the design included a seven-pointed star above the coat of arms and the Southern Cross constellation within the shield. From 1938 to 1963, the design was updated to include the royal crown above, the six states represented in the shield, and a golden wattle plant as a background.
In conclusion, the Australian florin's composition after 1945 consisted of 50% silver, a significant reduction from the pre-1946 version, which had a silver content of 92.5%. This change reflected Australia's economic situation following World War II.
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The design of Australian florins
The Australian florin was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia before decimalisation in 1966. The florin was worth two shillings (24 pence, or one-tenth of a pound). The denomination was first minted in 1910 to the same size and weight as the British florin. The Australian Florin was minted with seven obverses and six reverse designs.
The Edward VII Florin was the first of the seven obverses. It was designed by Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal and featured the likeness of King George V. The second was the 1927 Parliament Florin, designed by George Kruger Gray. The third was the 1934-35 Centenary Florin, with two designs: one by Percy Metcalfe featuring King George V, and the other by George Kruger Gray. The fourth was the George V Florin, also designed by Bertram Mackennal. The fifth was the George VI Florin, featuring King George VI, designed by Thomas Humphrey Paget. The sixth was the Elizabeth II Florin, featuring Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Mary Gillick. The seventh and final obverse design was the 1954 Royal Visit Florin, designed by Leslie Bowles.
The Coat of Arms reverse by W.H.J. Blakemore was the first of the six standard reverse designs. It was used until 1938 when it was updated by George Kruger Gray and used until 1963. The third design was the Federation Florin, which featured a commemorative reverse. The fourth was the 1954 Royal Visit Florin, which also featured a commemorative reverse. The fifth design was the standard kangaroo and emu pattern on the back of all coins minted between 1938 and 1954. The sixth and final design was the 1942-1944 World War II design, which featured a small "S" mint mark below the Australian coat of arms.
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The value of Australian florins
The Australian florin was a significant coin in daily transactions before the country transitioned to the decimal system in 1966. Its value and widespread use made it a staple in the pockets of many Australians. The florin was worth two shillings, or 24 pence, which was equivalent to one-tenth of a pound. When Australia decimalised its currency in 1966, the florin was replaced by a 20-cent coin, and the florin was then valued at 20 cents.
The florin coin is no longer in circulation, but it remains a cherished artefact for collectors. Its blend of artistry and history has made the coin a sought-after piece for those passionate about Australia's past. To modern collectors, the value of the florin coin has grown considerably, reflecting its rarity and historical significance. The value of a florin coin depends on its condition, rarity, and historical importance.
The term "florin" originated from Florence, Italy, and was first introduced in 1252 as the "fiorino d'oro," or "golden florin." The original coin was a gold piece minted by the Republic of Florence, and it bore the design of a lily on one side. Due to its consistent quality and wide acceptance, it became a standard coinage throughout Europe, and many countries adopted the term "florin" for their own coins, each with its own specific value.
In Australia, florin coins were minted from at least 1913 to 1964. The design of the Australian florin featured a profile of King George V, designed by Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal.
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Australian florins during World War II
The Australian florin was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia before decimalisation in 1966. Florins minted from 1910 to 1945 were produced with a .925 sterling silver content, weighing 11.31 grams (0.3636 troy ounces) with an actual silver weight (ASW) of 10.46 grams (0.3363 ozt). During World War II, between 1942 and 1944, florin production was supplemented by coinage produced at the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint. These coins bear a small "S" mint mark below the Australian coat of arms. The image on the reverse of the coin was the coat of arms of Australia.
The Australian Army was the largest service in the Australian military during World War II. Prior to the outbreak of war, the Australian Army was split into the small full-time Permanent Military Forces (PMF) and the larger part-time Militia. In September 1939, the government authorised the establishment of the Second Australian Imperial Force for overseas service. This force eventually reached a strength of four infantry divisions, an armoured division, and various headquarters and support units. The militia force, which remained in Australia, was neglected until the outbreak of the Pacific War. The militia units were fully activated in late 1941, and additional formations were established in 1942. The Army reached its peak strength of eleven infantry divisions and three armoured divisions in 1942. However, this force was larger than what the Australian economy could support, and it was gradually reduced in size.
The demands of combat during World War II led to changes in the composition of Army units. The success of German mechanised units during the invasions of Poland and France convinced Australian defence planners that the Army required armoured units, and these began to be raised in 1941. The two Militia cavalry divisions were first motorised and then converted into armoured divisions in 1942. The Army was further reduced by 100,000 members from October 1943 to free up manpower for industry. At the end of 1943, the Army's strength was set at six infantry divisions and two armoured brigades, with further reductions ordered in August 1944 and June 1945.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian Florins were minted from 1910 to 1963 and were made of silver. Florins minted from 1910 to 1945 were produced with a 92.5% sterling silver content, while those minted from 1946 to 1963 were produced with a .500 silver content (50% silver).
The value of an Australian Florin depends on its condition and the amount of silver it contains. For worn and circulated coins, the value is primarily based on the silver content.
Australian Florins minted from 1910 to 1945 weighed 11.31 grams, with an actual silver weight (ASW) of 10.46 grams. Florins minted from 1946 to 1963 had the same total weight but a lower ASW of 5.65 grams.
The Australian Florin was worth two shillings, or 24 pence, which was one-tenth of a pound.
Australian Florins were minted from 1910 until 1963, with some years omitted: no florins were minted in 1920, 1929-1930, 1937, 1948-1950, and 1955.
