Coin

½ Crown - Elizabeth II 1st portrait; without 'BRITT:OMN' (1970) — United Kingdom

United Kingdom • 1970 • KM# 907, Sp# 4145

½ Crown - Elizabeth II 1st portrait; without 'BRITT:OMN' (1970) — United Kingdom

Overview

Proof version of the ½ Crown from 1970.

Specifications

Country
United Kingdom
Year
1970
Composition
Copper-nickel (75% Cu, 25% Ni)
Weight
14.14 g
Diameter
32.3 mm
Thickness
2.2 mm
Mint
Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom (1810-1975)
Shape
Round
Technique
Proof
References
KM# 907, Sp# 4145
Issuer
United Kingdom

Design details

Obverse

Young laureate bust of Queen Elizabeth II right, legend around. Note: no 'BRITT:OMN'. Script: Latin. Lettering: + ELIZABETH·II·DEI·GRATIA·REGINA. Translation: Elizabeth II by the Grace of God Queen.

Reverse

Crowned quartered shield of arms flanked by E and R, legend above, denomination and date below. Script: Latin. Lettering: + FID· DEF +, E R, HALF CROWN. Unabridged legend: Fidei Defensatrix Elizabeth Regina. Translation: Defender of the Faith Queen Elizabeth.

Collector insights

  • Decimal transition: Struck around the UK's 15 February 1971 Decimal Day, when the pound was subdivided into 100 new pence and pre-decimal denominations were phased out.
  • Design heritage: Mary Gillick (obverse), Cecil Thomas (reverse) is credited as the designer for the Standard circulation coins series. Designer attribution helps distinguish this issue from later restrikes or unofficial copies that reuse only the motif.
  • Struck at: Royal Mint (Tower Hill), London, United Kingdom (1810-1975). Confirm the mintmark on your example before comparing prices — same-year issues from different mints often trade at very different levels.
  • Mintage vs. survival: A moderate mintage of 750,400. Grade rarity is usually the driver of value here — mid-grade circulated pieces are common, but original-surface uncirculated coins can command a strong premium.
  • Catalogue reference: Listed as KM# 907, Sp# 4145. Use this reference code when cross-checking auction archives, dealer inventories, and standard printed catalogues.

More from United Kingdom

Other ½ Crown - Elizabeth II 1st portrait; without 'BRITT:OMN' issues

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