The 1951 Festival of Britain Crown is a George VI five shillings coin issued for the Festival of Britain, held to mark the centenary of the 1851 Great Exhibition. It is a historic crown, not a modern £5 coin.
1951 Festival of Britain Crown specifications
The issue is notable as the first British crown-sized coin struck in cupro-nickel. The standard type weighs 28.28 grams and measures 38.61 millimetres in diameter. The obverse shows George VI. The reverse uses Pistrucci’s St George and the Dragon design, with an edge inscription and the dates 1851 and 1951.
Catalogue totals differ depending on whether standard, prooflike and proof-related pieces are counted together. Published figures include totals around two million, so cite the catalogue used rather than presenting one exact number without context.
Is it silver?
The standard 1951 crown is cupro-nickel, not silver. Finish matters. Standard, prooflike, matte and other specialist proof descriptions should be kept separate when identifying a coin.
How much is it worth?
There is no single value for every 1951 Festival of Britain Crown. Finish, condition, surface quality, edge lettering, original case and authenticity affect collector demand.
Do not use old online listings, dealer prices or indicative catalogue values as current market value. Compare recent completed sales of the same finish and condition, and record the sale date, grade, lot contents and buyer’s premium.
How to identify one
Check the date, George VI portrait, reverse design, edge inscription, weight, diameter and finish. A prooflike appearance alone does not prove that a coin is a Proof. If the edge or surfaces look unusual, ask a specialist numismatist to examine it.