Australia. 1913. 1 Shilling – George V. 5.65g. Silver (.925). VF. C618. RI.9

Australia. 1913. 1 Shilling – George V. 5.65g. Silver (.925). VF. C618. RI.9

• One of the first “true” Australian shillings.
  Until 1910, British coins circulated in Australia. The series with George V, launched in 1911, became the country’s first major independent issue — and 1913 was one of the earliest years of this new coinage.

• A rare version of the coat of arms.
  The coin shows the so-called “Commonwealth Coat of Arms” of the old type — with the letter “W” in the center of the shield and without the individual symbols of the states. This design was used only until 1938.

• The kangaroo and emu are no random animals.
  They symbolize forward motion: both animals physically cannot move backward, which metaphorically represents progress and the development of the new nation.

• Pre-war silver.
  The coin was struck in sterling silver (0.925), but after 1946 the silver content dropped to 0.500 — that’s why issues from 1910–1936 are considered “high-silver” coins.

• The first George V series.
  The portrait by Bertram Mackennal was the official image of British Empire monarchs on coins until the late 1930s.

• Low-mintage variations.
  Some 1913 pieces show a slight die shift — such coins are valued higher by collectors because of their rarity and the manual press adjustments used at the time.

• A one-mint year.
  All 1913 shillings were struck at the Sydney Mint, which makes this year particularly “pure” for collectors in terms of origin.

• A historical forerunner.
  This coin appeared just a year before the outbreak of World War I — the final decade when Australia lived in relative peace.