Description
Australia, King George V (1910-1936 AD), Silver Florin (11.30g, 28mm), 1934-35, 100th Anniversary of Victora and Melbourne commemorative issue, Royal mint Melbourne branch. Obverse: Crowned bust of King George V facing to the left, wearing coronation robes, legend surrounds, “GEORGE V KING EMPEROR”. Reverse: Naked rider advancing to the left on horse back, holding torch aloft in right hand, engraver’s initials “KG” (George Kruger Gray) to the left above exergual-ground line, denomination in exergue, legend surrounds, “CENTENARY· VICTORIA· MELBOURNE· 1934-35·”. KM-33. Mintage 54,000. Struck from bold, proof-like dies, this piece is all the more attractive in hand despite the minor hairlines which only appear apparent through macro photography, virtually Mint State.
Issued to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the State of Victoria (1834) and her capital city Melbourne (1835), the ‘Melbourne-Centenary’ Florin was struck to a mintage of 75,000 and sold at a premium of 1 shilling over face, 3 shillings total, during the celebrations. At the close of the event, 54,000 florins had been sold and the 21,000 remaining were sent back to the Royal mint Melbourne branch to be melted down.