A Coin with Lasting Appeal
The UK one shilling coin, once a cornerstone of British currency, remains a collector’s favorite in 2025, with some rare variants fetching thousands of pounds. First minted around 1503 as the testoon under Henry VII and known as the shilling by the mid-16th century, it was worth 1/20 of a pound or 12 pence until decimalisation in 1971, when it equated to 5 new pence. While common shillings have modest value, rare errors, low mintages, and historical significance can make specific coins highly valuable. With collectors scouring attics and change jars, the hunt for these treasures is heating up, as noted in recent posts on X.
Base Value and Bullion Worth
Most circulated one shilling coins, especially post-1946 cupronickel issues, are worth their face value of 5p (about £0.05 or $0.06 USD). Pre-1947 silver shillings have intrinsic value tied to their metal content:
- Pre-1920 shillings (92.5% sterling silver, 0.1682 oz): ~£5.50–£6.00, based on silver at £30/oz in May 2025.
- 1920–1946 shillings (50% silver, 0.0909 oz): ~£2.50–£3.00.
These bullion values fluctuate with silver prices and exchange rates, per coins-of-the-uk.co.uk. However, collector value often exceeds melt value for coins in fine (F), very fine (VF), or extremely fine (EF) condition, especially from earlier reigns.
Rare Shillings to Hunt For
Certain shillings command premium prices due to rarity, errors, or historical context. Key coins to look for include:
- 1851 Shilling: Extremely low mintage (possibly under 500,000); £100–£2,000 in EF condition due to scarcity.
- 1824 George IV Shilling (Reverse Error): Features a misaligned reverse die; £200–£1,500 in VF.
- 1696 William III Shilling (First Bust, Plumes): Rare with plumes on reverse; £500–£2,200 in EF.
- 1700 William III Shilling (Plumes Below Bust): Exceptionally rare; £2,750–£10,000 in F to VF.
- 1950 George VI Shilling (Proof): Low proof mintage; £50–£500 in near-mint condition.
Check for mint marks (e.g., “B” for Bristol, “C” for Chester), error varieties, or high-grade coins (MS-65+ by PCGS/NGC). Use a magnifying glass to inspect bust details, reverse inscriptions, or anomalies like missing stops.
Key Valuable Shillings
| Key Shillings | Estimated Value | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| 1851 Shilling | £100–£2,000 | Very Rare |
| 1824 George IV (Reverse Error) | £200–£1,500 | Rare |
| 1696 William III (Plumes) | £500–£2,200 | Rare |
| 1700 William III (Plumes Below) | £2,750–£10,000 | Extremely Rare |
| 1950 Proof Shilling | £50–£500 | Moderately Rare |
Market Trends and Authentication
The shilling’s collector market is vibrant, with eBay listings for rare coins like the 1698 Plumes at £2,200 and 1851 shillings at £1,000+. Recent articles from LancsLive highlight low-mintage coins as hot commodities, with dealers like Baldwin’s reporting strong demand for pre-1900 issues. However, counterfeits are a risk—verify coins through PCGS or NGC grading services. Condition is critical: an 1851 shilling in poor condition may fetch £20, while an EF example could hit £2,000. Avoid cleaning coins, as it reduces value, and consult resources like allcoinvalues.com for pricing trends.
Start Your Coin Hunt
Shillings could still lurk in old piggy banks, inherited collections, or even loose change from pre-1990 circulation, when they were legal tender as 5p. Focus on pre-1920 silver coins, error varieties, or those from reigns like William III or Victoria. Visit coin fairs, check dealers like Chards.co.uk, or use apps like PCGS CoinFacts to identify rarities. Online communities on Reddit’s r/coins offer tips, and the Royal Mint Museum provides historical context. With 2025’s growing numismatic interest, as noted on X, your next shilling could be a small fortune start hunting today!