Shilling 1949 Scottish, Coin from United Kingdom - detailed information

The obverse of the coin shows the bare (uncrowned) head of King George VI facing left.

Below the neck truncation in small letters, the artist's initials HP (for [Thomas] Humphrey Paget).

Around, the monarch's legend: GEORGIVS VI D : G : BR : OMN : REX. Translated from Latin: George the Sixth, by the Grace of God, King of all the Britains.

The centre of the reverse shows the Crown of Scotland surmounted by a crowned Scottish Lion facing the viewer, holding both the Sceptre and the Sword of State. The depiction is from the crest of the Royal Arms used in Scotland, which by long-standing tradition differ from those used elsewhere. To the left and right of the crown, the artist's initials KG (for [George] Kruger Gray).

On the left, the Shield of Scotland bearing the cross of St. Andrew; on the right, a thistle, the floral emblem of Scotland, its leaves raised to form the outline of a shield. Above these, divided by the lion, the date of issue: 1949.

Within a beaded border, around above is the continuation of the monarch's legend: · FID · · DEF · (abbreviated from FIDEI DEFENSOR - Defender of the Faith).

Around below, the denomination · ONE SHILLING ·.

British coins (and those of the Empire and Commonwealth dominions) included within the royal title "IND: IMP:" - Emperor (or Empress) of India - from the reign of Queen Victoria until late in the reign of King George VI. In 1947 India became independent and all coining dies had to be changed. It was 1949 before the title was removed from the UK coinage. This is the first issue without the title IND: IMP:.

Between 1937 and 1970, British shilling coins were issued with English and Scottish design each year. This is the Scottish design.