Florin 1937 (pattern), Coin from Australia - detailed information

The Australian Florin is a silver coin which was used in the Commonwealth of Australia prior to decimalisation. It has the same dimensions and composition as the British pre-decimal florin, from which it is derived (for a time, the coins circulated in parallel and were interchangeable in Australia - but not in the United Kingdom). A Florin is equal to two shillings, or 24 pence, or one tenth of a pound.

The reverse of the first type of Australian florin coins featured the 1908 Coat of Arms; it became obsolete almost immediately, since Australia received a new Coat of Arms in 1912. In 1938, this new design superseded it - featuring the new Coat of Arms; the old type of coins remained in circulation.

Coins issued in 1937 were withdrawn at decimalisation in 1966 after 29 years in circulation, but have never been formally demonetised and are still legal tender.

The 1937 Florin coin was a pattern which was never released. The existing coins are all uniface. It is thought that had the effigy and legend of Edward VIII which were then machined off to leave the obverse blank.

According to Remick's Catalogue of British Commonwealth Coins 1649 - 1971, "10 to 15 are known".