Collectors Guide
Edward VII Crown
The Edward VII crown (five shillings) was issued primarily for the 1902 Coronation and stands as one of the most recognisable large silver coins of the reign. Featuring Benedetto Pistrucci’s classic St George and the Dragon design, the coin continues the long tradition of British crown coinage. This page provides a complete reference to Edward VII crowns, including design details, specifications and collector insights.
Introduction
The Edward VII Crown was struck in 1902 only, making it one of the rarest issues by date in the entire Edwardian series. Produced to mark the Coronation of King Edward VII, it is a large and elegant coin struck in sterling silver (.925) with a lettered edge reading DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI II. This page provides an overview of the Edward VII Crown, including design details, specifications, and reference images.
The reverse of the 1902 Crown carries the celebrated St George and the Dragon composition by Benedetto Pistrucci, the same design that had appeared on British crowns since the early nineteenth century. The obverse features the portrait of Edward VII by George William de Saulles, depicting the King bare-headed and facing right. The coin was issued in both currency and matt proof versions; the matt proof, produced for presentation and collector sets, is particularly desirable in high grade.
Coinage Details
1902 — The sole currency date of the series. The crown is notable for its impressive size — 38.61 mm in diameter and 28.28 g in weight — and for the quality of the Pistrucci reverse, which shows St George mounted and slaying the dragon in low relief. The currency strike is not uncommon in lower grades but becomes genuinely scarce in fully mint-state condition. The matt proof version, with its distinctive flat, granular surface, is a striking contrast to the brilliant currency issue and is one of the most sought-after pieces of the Edwardian proof set.
Specifications
| Years Issued | 1902 only |
| Diameter | 38.61 mm |
| Weight | 28.28 g |
| Edge | Lettered: DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI II |
| Alloy | Silver (.925) |
| Obverse Designer | George William de Saulles |
| Reverse Designer | Benedetto Pistrucci |
Edward VII Crown
Year-by-Year Reference
1902
| 1902 Edward VII Crown |
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| Obverse | Reverse |
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References
Attributions and variety identifications for the George V Halfcrown series are based principally on the standard published references listed below. These works form the core framework for catalogue numbering, die classification, and comparative study.
- Coins of England and the United Kingdom
- ESC – English Silver Coinage
- Bull – English Silver Coinage since 1649
- Davies – British Silver Coins since 1816