Australian Pre-Decimal Silver Shillings 1946–1963 Collection – 1000g

Own a genuine slice of Australian monetary history with this 1000-gram bulk collection of pre-decimal silver shillings, spanning the years 1946 to 1963. This was a pivotal era for Australian coinage: rising global silver prices after WWII forced the Commonwealth to reduce the shilling's silver content from 92.5% (sterling) to 50%, while keeping the coin in everyday circulation right up until decimalisation in 1966.

Each shilling in this collection carries the iconic Merino ram's head reverse by George Kruger Gray, paired with obverse portraits spanning two reigns King George VI (until 1952) and the young Queen Elizabeth II (from 1953). With a standard mint weight of 5.65g per coin, this 1kg lot works out to approximately 175–180 individual shillings, though exact counts vary by mixed circulated wear.

This is a hand-selected, mixed-date circulated lot ideal for collectors building a date run, bullion buyers seeking 50% silver content at weight, or anyone wanting a tactile piece of mid-century Australian history. Coins ship worldwide from our Melbourne warehouse with tracked delivery.

Australian pre-decimal silver shillings 1946-1963 Specifications:

• Country: Australia
• Denomination: Shilling (pre-decimal)
• Date Range: 1946–1963
• Composition: 50% silver, 40% copper, 5% zinc, 5% nickel
• Total Weight: 1000g (1kg)
• Approx. Coin Count: ~175–180 coins (based on 5.65g standard weight; varies by wear)
• Monarchs Depicted: King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II
• Reverse Design: Merino Ram's Head (George Kruger Gray)
• Condition: Circulated, mixed dates
• Mint: Melbourne / Perth / Sydney (mixed)

FAQ:

What is the silver content of these shillings?

All coins in this lot were minted between 1946 and 1963, when Australia struck shillings in 50% silver (40% copper, 5% zinc, 5% nickel) a reduction from the earlier 92.5% sterling standard.

How many coins are in this 1000g collection?

Based on the standard 5.65g mint weight per shilling, a 1kg lot typically contains approximately 175–180 coins. Exact quantity can vary slightly due to circulated wear and mixed dates.

Are the dates and mints selectable, or is this a random mix?

This is a mixed-date, mixed-mint circulated lot spanning the full 1946–1963 range dates are not user-selectable.

Do these coins have collectible value beyond their silver content?

Yes. While the base value tracks the spot price of silver, certain dates and mintmarks within this range carry additional numismatic premiums for collectors key dates are worth checking against a reference guide.

Browse more historic pre-decimal and world coinage in our World & Vintage Coins, Gold Proof Sets & Commemorative Medals collection.