Proof Australia 1938 Crown

The crown was minted for just the second year in 1938 and due to the un-popularity of the coin just 101,600 of the coins were released into circulation. It is typified by a weak strike compared with the 1937 issue. This weak strike is obvious in the lack of definition in the hair above the King’s ear and the cross at the top of the crown on the reverse.

The 1938 crown is one of the key pre-decimal coins and difficult to find in uncirculated condition and very scarce in choice grades. At the time of writing (November 2013) just 4 1938 crowns have been graded by PCGS as MS64 with none higher. Budget conscious collectors may find themselves having to settle for a problem-free circulated 1938 crown for their collections.

Coin Information

Obverse: George VI facing left
Obverse Legend: GEORGIVS VI D:G:BR:OMN:REX F:D:IND:IMP.
Reverse: St Edwards Crown above date
Reverse Legend: COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA ONE CROWN
Obverse Designer: Thomas Humphrey Paget
Reverse Designer: George Kruger Gray
Mint: Melbourne
Edge: Reeded
Composition: Sterling Silver (92.5% Silver, 7.5% Copper)
Diameter: 38.5 millimetre
Mass: 28.27 grams
Mintage: 101,600