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Australia George V

1916-M One Shilling

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The 1916 Shilling was the first of its series to be produced at the Melbourne Mint in Australia. The total mintage for the year was 5,141,000 - the largest mintage of the series so far. As a result of this large mintage the piece is quite easy and affordable to obtain in most grades. Population reports by PCGS show that they have graded more examples of the 1916-M Shilling than any other year in the George V series with quite good numbers of pieces ranging up into MS63, MS64, and MS65. Collectors seeking a high mint-state example from this era would do well to choose the 1916-M.

Melbourne 'M' mint-mark on a 1916-M Shilling.

In late 1915 it was decided that the production of Australia's coinage would be shifted from Britain to Australia. New dies from the Australian Shilling, Florin, Sixpence, and Threepence were produced in London for use at Melbourne Mint with a small 'M' mint-mark. Arrangements were also made for Australia's bronze coinage to be struck at the Royal Mint in Calcutta. The first Australian Shilling was struck at the Melbourne Mint on the 11th of January 1916 by the State Governor Sir Arthur Stanley. This marked a major turning point with most years following featuring large mintage 's and reduced overall scarcity.