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1 Shilling - Elizabeth II 1st portrait, Silver Proof
| Issuer | Rhodesia and Nyasaland |
|---|---|
| Year | 1955 |
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| Engraver(s) | Obverse: Mary Gillick Reverse: Paul Vincze |
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|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Central design features a sable antelope standing in full profile to the left, positioned atop a raised rectangular ground element bearing the date '1955'. The antelope, a celebrated emblem of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, is rendered in high sculptural relief with finely detailed horns and musculature, the work of engraver Paul Vincze whose initials 'P.V.' appear in small characters below the ground line. The circular legend 'RHODESIA AND NYASALAND' arcs across the upper field, while 'ONE SHILLING' is inscribed along the lower arc. The entire design is enclosed within a continuous beaded border, and the proof surface imparts exceptional sharpness and reflectivity to all design elements. |
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| Additional information |
The Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland was a short-lived political experiment — formed in 1953 over the vociferous objections of Black African leaders who correctly predicted it would entrench white minority political dominance. This proof issue appeared just two years into the federation's existence, at a moment when British officials still believed the arrangement viable. The federation collapsed in 1963, leaving behind a remarkably brief coinage series.
The .500 silver proof strikes of 1955 were produced in small numbers for collectors, as circulation pieces of this denomination used the same alloy — a reduced silver standard already in effect across much of British colonial coinage by that point.