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George VI 1951 Festival of Britain Commemorative Crown Coin. Reference: Spink 4111, English Silver Coinage 393C.
The second commemorative crown coin minted in the reign of King George VI was in 1951 to mark the occasion of the Festival of Britain. The festival was a government organised national event which took place in the summer of 1951. The aim of the festival was to promote a feeling of confidence whilst the country recovered from the Second World War. Different areas of the country promoted different disciplines including industry, art, science and technology. The George and Dragon reverse was once more adopted, designed by Benedetto Pistrucci. 2,003,540 examples were struck with a proof-like finish, which includes 20,000 in the proof sets. This was the first crown coin to be minted in cupro-nickel.
The obverse design of the George VI 1951 Festival of Britain crown coin shows the left facing bare head portrait of King George VI surrounded by the inscription: GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OHM:REX F:D: FIVE SHILLINGS.
The reverse deisgn of the George VI 1951 Festival of Britain crown coin incorporates Benedetto Pistrucci's George and Dragon with the date in exergue.
The edge of the 1951 crown coin reads: MDCCCLI CIVIUM INDUSTRIA FLORET CIVITAS MCMLI This is Latin for '1851 By the industry of its people the state flourishes 1951. Note: A small number were struck unintentionally with a plain edge.
A proof version of the George VI 1951 crown was struck to be presented to VIPs. This version of the coin has a frosted design with highly polished fields. Reference: Spink (as standard coin), English Silver Coinage 393D.
A pattern or proof 1951 Festival of Britain crown coin was produced using sandblasted dies. This coin has an overall matt finish.
