Description:
English silver shilling, 1723
Diameter 24mm
The obverse features the draped and laureate bust of George I facing right. The inscription reads 'GEORGIUS.D.G.M.BR.FR.ET.HIB.REX.FD', Latin abbreviated for 'George I By the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland, Defender of the Faith'. The reverse features four shields with the symbols of Great Britain (the three lions of England and the single lion rampant of Scotland), the three fleur-de-lys (France), and the harp (Ireland). The fourth shield to the left, depicts the arms of the Royal House of Hanover. These are the personal arms of George I who was the first Hanoverian Monarch in England. Each shield has a crown above and they surround the Garter Star. Between the shields are the letters 'SS' and 'C' consecutively, representing the South Sea Company which supplied the bullion to the mint in 1723. The inscription reads 'BRUN.ET.L.DUX.S.R.I.A.TH.ET.EL.1723', Latin abbreviated meaning 'Duke of Brunswick and Luneberg, High-treasurer and Elector of the Holy Roman Empire'.