Halfcrown 1949, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The halfcrown (or half crown) was a denomination of the pre-decimal Pound Sterling coinage worth one-eighth of a pound, or two and a half shillings (a full crown being defined as five shillings), or 30 pence. In sums, it was abbreviated "2/6" (pronounced "two and six" - two shillings and six pence, a full shilling being twelve pence). The half crown was first issued in 1549 in the reign of King Edward VI.

This type of halfcrown coins was introduced in 1927 and was struck until 1952, during the reigns of King George V and King George VI. The reverse was designed by George Kruger Gray.

Initially, the composition was 0.500 silver, debased from earlier (pre-1920) silver coinage which was "sterling" (92.5%) silver. Starting in 1947, the denomination was entirely debased, together with the rest of the previously silver British coinage, to copper-nickel. The half crown was demonetised - ahead of other pre-decimal coins - on 1 January 1970, the year before the United Kingdom adopted decimal currency. In other words, half crowns issued in 1949 were legal tender for 21 years.

Due to the Independence of India, 1949 was the first year when the monarch was not styled "IND IMP" (Emperor of India) as part of his legend.