Collectors Guide

Edward VII Shilling

The Edward VII shilling (one shilling) was struck from 1902 to 1910 and features the traditional English and Scottish reverse designs used throughout the reign. Issued in sterling silver, the series includes multiple dates and is particularly sought after in higher grades. This guide provides a detailed reference to Edward VII shillings, including specifications and collecting considerations.

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Introduction

The Edward VII Shilling was struck from 1902 to 1910 in sterling silver (.925) and is one of the most variety-rich denominations of the reign. Valued at one twentieth of a pound, it was a key coin in daily Edwardian commerce. This page provides an overview of the Edward VII Shilling series, including the three obverse types, die pairings by year, and year-by-year reference images.

Three distinct obverses are recorded across the series — Obverse 1, Obverse 2, and Obverse 2a — distinguished by subtle differences in letterforms throughout the legend, particularly in the treatment of the letter R and the upper arms of the letter E. These differences are not obvious at first glance and require careful comparison with reference material, ideally in high grade where die detail is preserved. The single reverse, Reverse A, was used throughout the series. Both obverse and reverse were designed by George William de Saulles.

Coinage Details

Obverse 1 — The first obverse, used from 1902 and present in several later dates. Characterised by aligned top bars on the Ts of BRITT, a curved tail to the R throughout the legend, and longer upper arms on the E. Present in 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, and 1906, always paired with Reverse A.

Obverse 2 — A revised obverse with misaligned T bars in BRITT, a shorter curved R leg, and shorter upper arms on the E. Found in 1904, 1905, and 1906, always paired with Reverse A. Obverse 2 is generally the commoner obverse where it occurs alongside 2a.

Obverse 2a — A further modification sharing the short E arms of Obverse 2 but with a distinctly straight R leg and wider spacing between R and adjacent letters throughout the legend. This becomes the sole obverse from 1907 onward. Where it appears alongside Obverse 2 in earlier dates — particularly 1903, 1904, and 1906 — it is the scarcer variety.

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Edward VII Shilling

1902

1903 1+A

1903 2a+A

1904 1+A

1904 2+A

1905

1906 1+A

1906 2+A

1906 2a+A

1907

1908

1909

1910

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Specifications

Years Issued	1902–1910
Diameter	23.5 mm
Weight	5.65 g
Edge	Reeded
Alloy	Silver (.925)
Obverse Designer	George William de Saulles
Reverse Designer	George William de Saulles

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Obverse Distinguishing Features

The three obverses that are found on Edward VII shillings are not easy to distinguish. There are slight redesigns in some individual letters in the legend, and the consequent spacing between them. The effect of wear on these letters can be very misleading. It is ideal to compare the highest grade specimens to identify them.

Obverse 1	Obverse 2	Obverse 2a
Top bars of Ts of BRITT aligned Curved tip of R in BRITT R close to I	Top bars of Ts of BRITT misaligned Curved short leg of R in BRITT R small gap to I	Top bars of Ts of BRITT misaligned Straight leg of R in BRITT R bigger gap to I
Long upper arm of E in DEI	Short upper arm of E in DEI	Short upper arm of E in DEI
Long upper arm of E in EDW Tail of R in ARDVS long & curved R close to D	Short upper arm of E in EDW Curved short leg of R in ARDVS R small gap to D	Short upper arm of E in EDW Straight leg of R in ARDVS R bigger gap to D
Curved leg to R of GRA	Straight leg to R of GRA	Straight leg to R of GRA
Long upper arm of E in REX Tail of R in REX long & curved R close to E	Short upper arm of E in REX Tail of R in REX short R gap to E	Short upper arm of E in REX Tail of R in REX short R gap to E

Groom does a brilliant job, of course, and so does Michael Gouby.

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Year-by-Year Reference

1902

1902 Shilling

Obverse 1	Reverse A

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1903

• Following varieties can be found:
  • Obverse 1 + Reverse A
  • Obverse 2a + Reverse A
• Obverse 2a is much scarcer

1903 Shilling

Obverse 1	Reverse A
Obverse 2a	Reverse A

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1904

• Following varieties can be found:
  • Obverse 1 + Reverse A
  • Obverse 2 + Reverse A
  • Obverse 2a + Reverse A (Not illustrated here)
• Obverse 2a is the scarcest
• Obverse 2 is the commonest

1904 Shilling

Obverse 1	Reverse A
Obverse 2	Reverse A

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1905

Davies reports both Obverse 1 & Obverse 2.

• Following varieties can be found:
  • Obverse 1 + Reverse A
  • Obverse 2 + Reverse A

1905 Shilling

Obverse 2	Reverse A

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1906

Obverses 1, 2, and 2a, and Reverse A. 2a is the scarcest, and Obverse 2 is the commonest.

• Following varieties can be found:
  • Obverse 1 + Reverse A
  • Obverse 2 + Reverse A
  • Obverse 2a + Reverse A
• Obverse 2a is the scarcest
• Obverse 2 is the commonest

1906 Shilling

Obverse 1	Reverse A
Obverse 2	Reverse A
Obverse 2a	Reverse A

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1907

1907 Shilling

Obverse 2a	Reverse A

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1908

1908 Shilling

Obverse 2a	Reverse A

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1909

1909 Shilling

Obverse 2a	Reverse A

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1910

1910 Shilling

Obverse 2a	Reverse A

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References

Attributions and variety identifications for the Edward VII Shilling 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

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