| Coin | Shilling 1965 Scottish |
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The pre-decimal shilling (1s), also abbreviated in sums as e.g. 1/- for one shilling, was a unit of currency equalling one twentieth of a pound sterling, or twelve pence sterling; the "s" in the abbreviation is not from "shilling" but from "sestertius" - the Roman coin which was the ancestor of the denomination. It was used in the United Kingdom, and earlier in Great Britain and England.
The denomination had undergone many earlier changes in design, and was in silver until 1946. Starting in 1937, the Royal Mint issued two versions of the shilling every year: an English design and a Scottish design.
At the beginning of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, the denomination was re-designed by William Gardner, with the "English" version of the shilling featuring the crowned Royal Arms of England, and the "Scottish" shilling featuring the Royal Arms of Scotland.
When the currency became decimal in 1971, shillings were re-denominated as five new pence; they remained legal tender until 1990, when a smaller type of five pence replaced them. Thus, a shilling coin issued in 1965 was legal tender for 25 years.
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| Obverse | |
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The obverse of the coin shows the laureate young laureate bust of Queen Elizabeth II facing right - her effigy known as the "First Portrait". The laurel wreath in the Queen's hair is tied with a ribbon with two ends flowing behind.
The designer's initials, M.G. (for Mary Gillick) appear incuse on the base of the shoulder truncation, and can be seen when the coin is viewed at an angle.
The monarch's legend runs continuously all around the bust: + ELIZABETH · II · DEI · GRATIA · REGINA. Translated from Latin: Elizabeth the Second, by the grace of God, Queen.
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| Reverse | |
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At the centre of the reverse, a flat-topped shield bearing the arms of Scotland: a rampant lion within a double border decorated with fleurs-de-lis (known as the royal tressure). The shield is crowned with the Crown of Scotland.
Divided by the shield, the date of issue: 1965. In small letters at the lower edges of the shield are the artist's initials, WG (for William Gardner).
Around above, interrupted by the cross on top of the crown, the continuation of the monarch's legend: + FID DEF + (abbreviated from FIDEI DEFENSOR - Defender of the Faith). Around below, the value and denomination: ONE SHILLING.
The border is beaded. |
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| Reverse Inscription |
+ FID DEF + 1965 ONE SHILLING |
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| Edge | Milled | Edge Inscription | None |
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