Information about effigy: King George V - Crowned Bust, by Bertram Mackennal

Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal, KCVO (12 June 1863 - 10 October 1931), usually known as Bertram Mackennal, was an Australian sculptor, most famous for designing the coinage and stamps bearing the likeness of King George V.

This effigy depicts a crowned and draped bust of the King facing left. The King is wearing the Imperial Crown and the ermine Robe of State, the Collar of the Most Noble Order of the Garter, and the Badge of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath; around, the legend (in Latin); the artist's initials BM are in small letters on the bust truncation.

The effigy was only used on colonial coinage. Imperial coinage (in the United Kingdom itself) had the uncrowned ("Bare Head") portrait, also by Bertram Mackennal.

Crowned effigy on Australian silver coinage

Australia / Shilling 1911

The crowned effigy was used, among others, on Australian coinage during the reign of King George V. It was accompanied by a legend in Latin, although one that differs from the legend on Imperial coinage.

Crowned effigy on tin brass

British West Africa / Two Shillings 1925

The African colonies debased their coinage from silver to brass much earlier than the rest of the world, as seen on this two-shilling coin. The obverse design or legend did not change.

Crowned effigy on bronze coinage with English legend

British Honduras / One Cent 1911

On the coinage of some colonies, the effigy was accompanied by a legend in English; note also that the legend does not go all the way around the rim.

Short version of the Crowned Bust

Australia / Florin 1927 Parliament House

On the Australian circulating commemorative florin featuring Parliament House in Canberra (known as the Canberra Florin), the bust was shortened and truncated to a portrait; the artist's initials are not displayed.