Pre-1947 Silver Coins

Why they’re different and why they matter

One of the most important distinctions in British coin collecting — and one that many people are unaware of — is the significance of pre-1947 silver coins.

All UK circulating silver coins minted before 1947 contain a high silver content (50% silver), unlike later issues which were reduced to cupro-nickel with no intrinsic silver value. This means that even well-worn coins from this period can be worth more than many people expect.

At the Antique Buying Collective, we regularly assess pre-1947 silver coins found loose in drawers, jars, and inherited collections — often overlooked because they appear ordinary at first glance.

Which coins are we talking about?

Pre-1947 silver coinage includes familiar denominations such as shillings, florins, half-crowns, sixpences, and threepences issued during the reigns of George V, Edward VII, and earlier monarchs. These coins were everyday currency at the time, which is why so many survived — yet their silver content alone makes them significant today.

While condition and rarity can increase collector value, even heavily circulated examples still carry worth due to their silver content.

British Coins – From copper pennies to gold sovereigns

British coinage is one of the most widely collected areas, and we frequently assess coins spanning centuries. Victorian, Edwardian, and earlier coins are particularly common in inherited collections, including silver shillings, crowns, florins, and pre-decimal copper coinage.

Gold coins such as sovereigns and half-sovereigns are also regularly encountered, sometimes saved as investments, sometimes mounted into jewellery and later removed. Condition, date, and rarity all play a role in value, and even worn examples can be of interest.

Coin collections – complete or mixed

Many people inherit albums or boxes of coins assembled over years rather than carefully curated collections. These mixed holdings can include commemorative issues, world coins, circulation finds, and older pieces grouped together with little documentation.

We buy both structured collections and informal accumulations, taking the time to identify which items carry numismatic value and which are better assessed for metal content. This balanced approach ensures nothing important is overlooked.

Banknotes – old, withdrawn & collectable

Old banknotes are often kept as souvenirs or forgotten entirely, yet many are highly collectable. We regularly buy British banknotes from withdrawn series, including older Bank of England issues, regional banknotes, and wartime or emergency notes.

Condition is important with paper currency, but rarity, design, and historical significance can still make circulated notes desirable. Even notes that are no longer legal tender may hold strong collector interest.