1952 South Africa 1 Shilling Silver Coin – George VI

Historic South African Silver Coinage

The 1952 South Africa 1 Shilling Silver Coin is a circulating silver issue from the reign of King George VI and represents one of the final years of his coinage before the accession of Queen Elizabeth II. Struck in 50% silver, this coin forms part of South Africa’s pre-decimal currency system and remains a popular collectible among Commonwealth and world coin collectors.

The obverse features a left-facing portrait of King George VI together with the Latin inscription “GEORGIVS SEXTVS REX”. The reverse depicts a standing female figure leaning on an anchor, with the bilingual inscriptions “SOUTH AFRICA” and “SUID-AFRIKA”, reflecting the country’s English and Afrikaans heritage. The denomination 1s appears below the design.

Containing 2.83 grams of pure silver, the 1952 Shilling combines historical significance with silver content. Collectors of British Commonwealth coinage, South African issues, and pre-decimal silver coins continue to seek examples from the George VI era. Pre-owned examples are generally selected for resale where they are in suitable condition and may display signs of circulation consistent with age and use.