Florin (Australian coin)

The Australian florin was a coin used in the Commonwealth of Australia before decimalisation in 1966. The denomination was first minted in 1910, to the same size and weight as the United Kingdom florin. Florins minted from 1910 through 1945 were produced with a .925 sterling silver content, weighing 11.31 grams (0.3636 troy ounces) with an actual silver weight (ASW) of 10.46 grams (0.3363 ozt). Florins minted from 1946 through 1963 were produced with a .500 silver content (50% silver), weighing 11.31 grams with an ASW of 5.65 g (0.1818 ozt).

The florin was worth 24 pence, or two shillings, or one-tenth of a pound. The coin was minted through 1963, with some years omitted as follows: no florins were minted for the following years: 1920, 1929–30, 1937, 1948–50, 1955, and none after 1963. Also, commemorative florins were issued for the following year dates: 1927, 1934–35, 1951, and 1954. Two different designs were issued in each of the commemorative years (the "regular" approved issue plus the specially approved memorial designs). Also, no coins of any denomination were minted for the year 1965, in preparation for decimalisation. When Australia decimalised officially, on 14 February 1966, the florin was equal to 20 cents.

During World War II, between 1942–1944, florin production was supplemented by coinage produced at the San Francisco branch of the United States Mint. These coins bear a small "S" mint mark below the Australian coat of arms.

The image on the reverse of the coin was the coat of arms of Australia (except for commemorative coins). This comes in two forms, all with the kangaroo, emu and the shield containing the coat of arms. Those issued between 1910 and 1936 have a 7-point star above the coat of arms, and the Southern Cross constellation within the shield. Those issued between 1938 and 1963, inclusive, have the royal crown above, the six states represented in the shield and a golden wattle plant as a background.

Circulation types

Commemorative florins

• 

  Reverse of the 1927 Australian florin commemorating the opening of the original Parliament House. Designed by George Kruger Gray.

• 

  Obverse of the commemorative 1927 Australian florin, with
  King George V. Designed by George Kruger Gray.

• 

  Reverse of the 1934–35 Australian florin commemorating the centenary of Victoria and the establishment of Melbourne. Designed by George Kruger Gray.

• 

  Obverse of the commemorative 1934–35 Australian florin, with King George V, designed by Percy Metcalfe.

• 

  Reverse of the 1954 Australian florin commemorating the first visit of a reigning monarch to Australia, designed by Leslie Bowles.

• 

  Obverse of the commemorative 1954 Australian florin, with Queen Elizabeth II, designed by Mary Gillick.

Mintmarks

• H : Birmingham
• M : Melbourne
• S : San Francisco

References

• Ian W. Pitt, ed. (2000). Renniks Australian Coin and Banknote Values (19th ed.). Chippendale, N.S.W.: Renniks Publications. ISBN 978-0-9585574-4-3. 
• Bruce, Colin R.; Thomas Michael (2005). 2006 Standard Catalog of World Coins (1901–present). KP Books. p. 69. ISBN 0-87349-987-5. 
• Florins article on Cruzis Coins

External links

• Online Coin Club / Coins from Australia / Coin Type: Florin
• Australian Florin Values
• Australian Florins
• The Australian Florin