Southern Rhodesia Half Crown
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
1932-1954
Issuing entity
Southern RhodesiaThe Southern Rhodesia half crown is a sterling-system coin denominated at two shillings and sixpence (2/6), issued between 1932 and 1954 for Southern Rhodesia. It featured an obverse depicting the reigning British monarch and a reverse displaying colonial arms or a local motif alongside the colony's name.
Throughout its production run, the metallic composition of the half crown changed twice. Initially introduced in.925 fine silver in 1932, the denomination was debased to.500 fine silver in 1944. Beginning in 1947, silver was abandoned in favor of cupro-nickel, which remained in use until coin production for the colony ended in 1954.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 2
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
Southern Rhodesia issued its own sterling-denominated coinage as a self-governing colony starting in 1932. The Southern Rhodesian pound, divided into 20 shillings of 12 pence, also circulated in Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland. Currency administration expanded with the formation of the Southern Rhodesia Currency Board in 1938. Following the 1953 merger of Southern Rhodesia, Northern Rhodesia, and Nyasaland into the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the Southern Rhodesian pound remained in circulation until the Federation introduced its own coinage in 1955.
Design
- Obverse
- Reigning British monarch
- Reverse
- Colonial arms or local motif
Identification
- Attribution
- Reverse legend names Southern Rhodesia
- Recognition pointers (from background sources)
- Look for the denomination of 2/6 (two shillings and sixpence) alongside the 'Southern Rhodesia' reverse legend. Identify the obverse portrait of the reigning British monarch and the reverse design showing colonial arms or a local motif. Distinguish the issue's metal composition by date: .925 silver from 1932, debased .500 silver from 1944, or cupro-nickel from 1947 to 1954.
Documentation checklist
- Denomination
- Research required
- Issue or mint date
- Recorded
- Material
- Research required
- Weight
- Research required
- Mint or printer
- Research required
- Mint or printer mark
- Research required
- Catalogue reference
- Research required
- Attached photograph (check rights)
- Recorded
Recorded means a field is present, not independently verified. Read its wording, supporting source and the entry’s confidence level.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Fineness change during the series to be confirmed from a verified catalogue
- Year and mintage list to be transcribed
- Catalogue numbers require transcription