This coin is a 2nd year US produced WWII-era Fijian Shilling (George VI), dated 1943. The Fijian Florin represented the 2nd largest denomination coin, of the Fijian Pound. The Fijian pound was a non-decimal currency, which included coins in ½ Pence, 1 Pence, 3 Pence, 6 Pence, 1 Shilling, and 1 Florin denominations. One Shilling was equal to 1/20th Fijian Pound or 12 Pence.
Wartime Fijian coins dating 1942-1943 are of particular interest. As the US Mint (San Francisco) produced coins on the behalf of Great Britain. Due to the British Royal Mint's inability to supply coinage to Britain's distant colonies. All US produced coins also feature a letter "S" mint mark, representing the US Mint (San Francisco).
Overall, the coin is a reeded-edged design made of 0.900 grade silver and weighs 5.66 g. Its dimensions are 23.5 mm (0.925 in) wide and 2.15 mm (0.063 in) thick. Making it roughly similar to a US Quarter (24.26 mm/0.955 in), in size.
Observe
The observe features a portrait of King George VI (1895-1952), designed by Percy Metcalfe. This portrait depicts King George VI in left-side profile, complete with the state crown. The portrait is wreathed by split text, it reads “George VI King Emperor”. With the word "King" and "Emperor" separated in the left-side text. This is done intentionally due to separate royal titles. As King George V was also Emperor of British India.
The initials "P.M." can be seen along the portrait's neckline. Representing English artist Percy Metcalfe.
Reverse
The reverse prominently features a waqa drua (sacred canoe), a double hull boat associated with Fijian aristocrats. They were amongst the largest and finest sea-going boats built by the native Fijians. The main role of the sacred canoes was as a warship used to transport warriors to raids. Some were up 30 meters (98 ft) long and carry 200 warriors.
The coin's issue date is divided along the left (“19”) and right (“43”). The coin's issuing nation (“Fiji”/top) and coin type (“Shilling”) is listed along the top-bottom axis. Both sides of the coin utilize a 2-layer rim. It includes a textured inner rim and a reeded outer rim. Unlike the beaded observe, the reverse inner rim features squared ridges.
Additionally it should be noted, the reverse features an "S" mint mark. This small mint mark located directly below the sacred canoe. Since British produced Fijian coins lack mint marks. This "S" can be used as a quick identification aid. Particular amongst beginner collector's, learning the difference between the 2 types.
Pre-Decimal Fijian Pound Guide
10 Florin = 1 Fijian Pound
20 Shilling = 1 Fijian Pound
240 Pence = 1 Fijian Pound
1 Fijian Florin = 24 Pence
1 Fijian Shilling = 12 Pence
1 Fijian Florin = 2 Shilling
Additional Notes
English artist Percy Metcalfe (1895-1970) was best known for designing the "Barnyard Collection" coin series, for the Irish Free State.
Percy Metcalfe designed the infamous 1936 Fijian Penny (King Edward VIII). This is the only brief exception of the George Kruger Gray designed Fijian Penny run (1934-1936/1936-1945).
English artist George Kruger Gray (1880-1943) engraved the reverse of the Australian (Kangaroo) Penny.
George Kruger Gray's work primarily focused on designing the reverse of Commonwealth coins.
George Kruger Gray designed the majority of the Australian 2nd Series, up till the decimalization of 1966.
Five versions of the Fijian Shilling were produced and circulated from 1934-1965.
The Fijian Pound became obsolete with the adoption of decimalization, in 1969.
Fijian Shilling versions: George V (1934-1936), George VI (1937), George VI (1938-1941), George VI (1942-1943), and Elizabeth II (1957-1965).
Fijian Shilling range from composition, which include Copper-Nickel alloy, .500 Grade and .900 Grade Sliver.
The Elizabeth II (1957-1965) is the only Fijian Shilling minted from a Copper-Nickel alloy.
The standard Sliver Shilling were minted from .500 Grade Sliver, the exception being the George VI (1942-1943).
The George VI (1942-1943) Shilling was minted from .900 Grade Sliver, by the US Mint, San Francisco.
Due to disrupted supply lines during WWII (1939-1945), the US Mint (San Francisco) was contracted to supply coinage to distant British colonies.
In 1970, Fiji transitioned a British colony to a self-governing commonwealth lead by a Governor-General.
In 1987, Fiji transitioned to a republic after establishing the Office of the Fijian Presidency.
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