1900-1999 A Century of British Coinage

British Monarchs of the 20th Century

The British Monarchy of the 20th century has lived through unprecedented social and economic change.  The death of Queen Victoria in 1901 brought her eldest son to the throne.  Edward VII improved the image of the monarchy and his state visit to Paris in 1903 promoted the "Entente Cordiale".  He was succeeded in 1910 by his second son, George V, who brought together party leaders to discuss Irish Home Rule.  He also accepted Ramsay MacDonald as Prime Minister of the first Labour government in 1924. 

Edward VIII came to the throne in 1936 but his wish to marry Wallis Simpson, a divorcee, led to his abandoning the crown in the same year.  Royal approval for coins of his reign had therefore not been given by the time of his abdication.  George VI succeeded his brother and reigned during World War II.  The King and Queen are remembered for staying in London during the Blitz.  They sustained public morale by visiting many bombed areas.  Their eldest daughter became Queen Elizabeth II in 1952 and her coronation was the first major royal television event.

The ten-coin collection includes:

The 1900's Half Penny; The 1910's Penny; The 1920's Threepence; the 1930's Sixpence; The 1940's Shilling; The 1950's Florin; The 1960's Halfcrown; The 1970's Fifty Pence; The 1980's One Pound and the The 1990's Two Pounds.

The coins are sealed in a colourful and information presentation pack, with outer sleeve.