Pre-1947 Silver Coin Value Calculator
Pre-1947 Silver Coin Details
Before 1947, British silver coins (such as shillings, florins, half crowns, and crowns) were minted with 50% silver content. After 1947, silver was replaced by cupronickel. The following table provides details about the coins that were commonly in circulation before 1947.
Table: Pre-1947 Silver Coin Data
| Coin Type | Face Value | Weight (grams) | Silver Content (grams) | Silver Purity (%) | Silver Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Threepence | £0.01 | 1.41 | 0.705 | 50 | 0.705 |
| Sixpence | £0.025 | 2.83 | 1.415 | 50 | 1.415 |
| Shilling | £0.05 | 5.66 | 2.83 | 50 | 2.83 |
| Florin | £0.10 | 11.31 | 5.655 | 50 | 5.655 |
| Half Crown | £0.125 | 14.14 | 7.07 | 50 | 7.07 |
| Crown | £0.25 | 28.28 | 14.14 | 50 | 14.14 |
How to Estimate Value
You can calculate the value of pre-1947 coins based on their silver content. Since these coins are 50% silver, the value is dependent on the current price of silver per gram. Here’s how you estimate:
- Silver Weight: Multiply the coin’s weight by its silver content percentage (50%).
- Coin Value: Multiply the silver weight by the current price of silver.
Steps to Calculate Coin Value
- Check Silver Price: Find the current price of silver per gram (e.g., £0.50/g).
- Calculate the Coin’s Silver Weight: Use the table to find the coin’s silver weight in grams.
- Multiply the Silver Weight by the Current Silver Price: This gives you the estimated value of the coin in terms of silver content.
Example Calculation: Half Crown Value
- Half Crown weight: 14.14g
- Silver content: 50%, so silver weight = 14.14g * 50% = 7.07g
- Current silver price: Assume £0.50 per gram
- Value: 7.07g * £0.50 = £3.54
Thus, the estimated value of a pre-1947 half crown, based on current silver prices, is £3.54.
Key Factors Affecting Value:
- Silver Price Fluctuations: The value of these coins can vary based on the silver market price.
- Condition of the Coin: Coins in better condition may hold numismatic (collector’s) value, often exceeding their silver content value.
- Rarity: Some coins may be worth more due to rarity or historical significance.
Table: Quick Value Estimations Based on Silver Price
| Silver Price (per gram) | Threepence Value (£) | Sixpence Value (£) | Shilling Value (£) | Florin Value (£) | Half Crown Value (£) | Crown Value (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £0.50 | £0.35 | £0.71 | £1.42 | £2.83 | £3.54 | £7.07 |
| £0.75 | £0.53 | £1.06 | £2.12 | £4.24 | £5.31 | £10.61 |
| £1.00 | £0.71 | £1.42 | £2.83 | £5.66 | £7.07 | £14.14 |
| £1.50 | £1.06 | £2.12 | £4.24 | £8.48 | £10.61 | £21.21 |
You can adjust this table based on the current silver price to quickly estimate the value of each coin.
Summary
Pre-1947 British silver coins contain 50% silver, and their value depends on the silver market price and the weight of the coin. The more silver in the coin, the higher its intrinsic value. Collectors may also pay more than the silver value for coins in better condition or with historical significance.