The sterling silver 1934-35 Centenary Florin was struck to celebrate the centenaries of Melbourne and Victoria. Issued during the throes of the Great Depression, this coin paired an eye-catching reverse design with an obverse portrait never again seen on Australian coinage. An intriguing piece of Australia's numismatic puzzle, this coin divided opinion upon release - but is highly prized by collectors today.
A man on a prancing horse, naked but for a wreath in his hair, and holding a torch… the reverse motif of the 1934-35 Centenary Florin certainly commanded attention. Designed by George Kruger Gray, this unapologetically symbolic design spoke volumes of pride, optimism and progress. However, it was not to the taste of everyone.
The obverse bore a portrait of King George V, but not the one typically seen on Australian coinage. Percy Metcalfe's 'dressed-up' adaptation of the familiar Bertram Mackennal effigy had been seen on coinage across the Commonwealth. It hadn't been seen on Australian soil before - and it never would be again.
The coins were sold to the general public for three shillings each, but the Depression put a dampener on sales. For many, spending three shillings on a commemorative coin was either an unnecessary extravagance, or flat-out impossible. As a result, 21,000 coins from the original mintage of 75,000 were sent to be melted down, leaving just 54,000. The coin is very scarce today, regardless of the grade.
Within your grasp in Very Fine, don't miss this intriguing Australian predecimal release! Click 'add to cart' now!
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https://www.downies.com/1934-35-melbourne-centenary-florin-very-fine223201934-35 Melbourne Centenary Florin Very Finehttps://www.downies.com/media/catalog/product/1/9/19382rev-18.jpg745745AUDInStock/Coins/Origins/Australian Coins/Predecimal Coins/Coins/Florins/Emails/Pre Decimal Complete collection downies/Emails/Assorted Florin Cards/Emails/All commemorative florins/Monthly Catalogues/Archive/November Money<ul>
<li>Struck to commemorate 100 years of Melbourne and Victoria</li>
<li>Features a unique reverse design by acclaimed artisan George Kruger Gray</li>
<li>Also bears an obverse portrait never seen again in Australian coinage!</li>
<li>Scarce, with many of the small mintage melted down</li>
<li>Surprisingly affordable in Very Fine!</li>
</ul> <p>The sterling silver 1934-35 Centenary Florin was struck to celebrate the centenaries of Melbourne and Victoria. Issued during the throes of the Great Depression, this coin paired an eye-catching reverse design with an obverse portrait never again seen on Australian coinage. An intriguing piece of Australia's numismatic puzzle, this coin divided opinion upon release - but is highly prized by collectors today.</p>
<p>A man on a prancing horse, naked but for a wreath in his hair, and holding a torch… the reverse motif of the 1934-35 Centenary Florin certainly commanded attention. Designed by George Kruger Gray, this unapologetically symbolic design spoke volumes of pride, optimism and progress. However, it was not to the taste of everyone.</p>
<p>The obverse bore a portrait of King George V, but not the one typically seen on Australian coinage. Percy Metcalfe's 'dressed-up' adaptation of the familiar Bertram Mackennal effigy had been seen on coinage across the Commonwealth. It hadn't been seen on Australian soil before - and it never would be again. </p>
<p>The coins were sold to the general public for three shillings each, but the Depression put a dampener on sales. For many, spending three shillings on a commemorative coin was either an unnecessary extravagance, or flat-out impossible. As a result, 21,000 coins from the original mintage of 75,000 were sent to be melted down, leaving just 54,000. The coin is very scarce today, regardless of the grade. </p>
<p>Within your grasp in Very Fine, don't miss this intriguing Australian predecimal release! Click 'add to cart' now!</p>1934/3500https://www.downies.com/media/catalog/product/1/9/19382obv-18.jpgadd-to-cartmetal:Silvercountryofissue:AustraliaAustraliaSilver1934/35Florin11.310092.50Very Fine28.50Melbourne Mint
