Silver Content of British Coins

Sterling
Since 1582, British silver coins have been composed of .925 fine silver, i.e. 925 parts silver per 1000, the balance being copper. this is known as sterling silver. This standard was maintained until 1919. Issues earlier than 1582 varied, and will be the subject of an expanded version of this page at a later date.

1920
In 1920, most British silver coins, the halfcrown, florin, and shilling, were debased to .500 fine, that is 50% silver, and 50% copper. Two denominations, the sixpence and threepence were struck in both alloys for 1920. All four maundy coins were still produced in sterling silver during 1920.

.500 Fine
From 1920 onwards, all British "silver" coins, with the exceptions noted above, were produced in .500 fine silver, that is 50% silver, alloyed with 50% copper, so that from 1921 to 1946 inclusive, they were all .500 fine.

1947 Onwards
From 1947 onwards, all the "silver" coins were reduced to being made in cupro-nickel, an alloy of copper and nickel. Interestingly, the maundy coins, which had been debased to .500 fine from 1921, were increased to sterling silver, and are still struck in this metal even today.

Proof Issues
Since 1972, certain proof issues have been produced in silver for sale at premium prices to collectors.

.999 Fine
The silver proof versions of the 1999 and 2000 millennium crowns were struck in "fine" silver of .999 fineness.

You may wish to visit some of our other pages:
Value of my Coin. What's it Worth?
Inscriptions on British Coins
Common Names of British Coins. What's a Tanner?

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If you want to find the value of a coin you own, please take a look at our page I've Found An Old Coin, What's It Worth?