Florin (Australian coin)

Infobox Coin
Country = Australia
Denomination = Florin
Value = Two Shillings
Unit = Australian pound
Mass = 11.31
Diameter = 28.5
Thickness = 2.50
Edge = Milled
Composition = 1910-1945 nbsp|292.5% Ag nbsp|27.5% Cu 1946-1963 nbsp|250% Ag nbsp|240% Cu nbsp|25% Zn
nbsp|25%Ni
Years of Minting = 1910 - 1963
Catalog Number = -
Obverse = 1951-Australian-florin-obverse.jpg
Obverse Design = George VI, Australia's King
Obverse Designer = Sir Edgar B. Mackennal.
Obverse Design Date = 1936
Reverse =
Reverse Design = -
Reverse Designer = -
Reverse Design Date = 1931
The Australian florin was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia prior to decimalization. The denomination was first minted in 1910, to the same size and weight as the United Kingdom florin. The florin was worth 24 pence or two shillings or a tenth of a pound. The coin continued being minted, with some years of omission, and retained at least 50% silver until decimalisation in 1966. When decimalization happened on the 14 February 1966 the florin was equal to 20¢.

The image contained on the reverse of the coin was the Coat of Arms of Australia. This comes in two forms, all with the kangaroo, emu and the shield containing the coat of arms. Those issued between 1910 and 1936 have a star above the Coat of Arms, and the Southern Cross within the shield. Those issued between 1938 and 1963 have the royal crown above, the 6 states represented in the shield and wattle plant as a background.

George W. de Saules designed the 1910 obverse of Edward VII.

Commemorative florins

Obverse varieties

Also minted

*An obverse depicting Edward VII. Designed by George W. De Saules and used for coins minted in 1910.
*An obverse depicting George VI. Designed by Thomas Hugh Paget and used for coins minted from 1951-1952.
*An obverse depicting Elizabeth II. Designed by Mary Gillick and used for coins minted from 1953-1955.

References

*