Two shilling coin
The Florin was a British coin worth two shillings, he was popularly referred to as "two- bob - piece ". He is not to be confused with the eponymous medieval coin, which in England had the value of six shillings. From this, originally from Florence originating coin, but the name derives itself. It corresponds to the German currency name guilders.
The first silver florins were marked in 1849 with a diameter of 28 mm and a weight of 11.3 g. In its transcription both the usual on British coins DG for dei gratia ( grace of God ) and the FD were missing defensatrix for fidei defensor fidei or (defender or defender of the faith ). Therefore, this coin is also known as Godless Florin ( godless Florin ) known less often, she was also known as " Graceless florin " means. She was unpopular due to the unusual design and therefore was replaced in 1851 by the Gothic Florin, was repeatedly pointed out to the divine. Unusually, a grating writing was in this for the romanization used and the year in Roman numerals displayed, also the diameter was increased to 30 mm. In 1887 Latin and Arab -year figures have been re-used.
The obverse of the coin showed the reigning sovereign, the back of the crowned arms of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, which were separated by the cross-shaped scepter, later only one flanked by a thistle and a shamrock crowned rose.
The weight of the silver coin was 11.3104 grams rough or 10.462 grams grams finely with a fineness of originally 925/1000, the only 500/1000 was from 1920. 1947 silver coin was replaced by a copper-nickel coin of the same size. While the word " florin " no longer appeared on the coin, it has been preserved in the vernacular. Specifically Florin has struck among the former British colonies such as Malawi in 1964.
The purpose of this Münznominals, which corresponded to a tenth of a pound, was the " gentle " introduction of the decimal system. However, it took over 100 years, until 1971, until it was actually realized. After the conversion of Florin corresponded to 10 new pence. The new 10- pence pieces kept it until 1991, the size of the Florin coin. Only in 1993 the Florin coins were officially withdrawn from circulation.
The Double Florin was a silver coin weighing 20.92 grams, which was first issued in 1887. This should support the " gentle " introduction of the decimal system, but found no response. The lack imprint of the coin value, coupled with the great similarity with the long-established Crown coin, however, represented a shilling more in value, wore the double florin nicknamed " Barmaid 's grief " (English, German as: waitresses -Kummer ) because, on the distinction between the two coins in low light conditions, such as guest houses, was difficult. Therefore, the double florin coins were confiscated in 1890 again; there are only a few specimens in collector circles.