NEW SILVER COINS REACH AUCKLAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 377, 11 June 1928, Page 12

NEW SILVER COINS REACH AUCKLAND

IMPROVEMENT IN DESIGN The new silver coinage, which was issued in England for the first time on March 12 last, has reached New Zealand, and stray pieces are in circulation in Auckland to-day. One of the chief features of the new issue is the striking of the crown piece, which probably will be used for the collector’s cabinet rather than for the spender’s pocket. The new designs for the reverse side of our silver coins entailed a great deal of thought and investigation by some of the most highly-skilled experts, and ever since 1922 a special committee has been considering ideas from artists in different categories. The reissue of the crown piece, the majestic and historic coin which carries with it a multitude of British traditions, has aroused a. great deal of interest, and although there will be little demand for it as circulating currency, collectors welcome its reappearance. This is the first striking of the crown since 1902, the coronation year of King Edward VII., and as none was struck in 1911, the coronation year of King George V., it was assumed that this piece had been withdrawn definitely from circulation. Up to the year 1902, however, the continuity of the crown issue had been maintained, though in some reigns only a few were struck and not issued for general circulation.

The new crown is different from its predecessors, and embraces the Imperial crown within a wreath of the three national emblems —the rose, the thistle and the shamrock. The design is simple and dignified, and, it is considered, is a worthy successor to those of the earlier periods. The new half-crown is striking. The whole reverse side, or “tail,” is occupied by a shield on which are quartered the Royal Arms of England, Scot-

land xind Ireland, and advantage is taken to display the new and vigorous treatment of the heraldry. The new florin, which is a modification of the present design, consists of four shields in the form of a cross, bearing the Royal Arms of England. Scotland and Ireland, and between each is a sceptre. This coin resembles the half-crowns of Charles 11. The new shilling closely rdsvnbles its immediate predecessor, but the design is stronger and the effect much more pleasing. The sixpence and threepence, however, are of entirely original design and utterly different from any previous British coin. The reverse sides consist of six and three acorns respectively’ growing from interlaced oak branches. The effect, though unusual, is decidedly attractive, and approved by connoisseurs. The coins, in fact, are declared to excel the old issue in artistic merit, as well as possess certain technical advantages.