1 Shilling - George V

The 1911 Australian shilling was part of the first series of Commonwealth coinage issued following the passage of the Coinage Act of 1909. Prior to this, Australia relied primarily on British currency, but the newly federated nation sought to establish its own monetary identity. The decision to strike these coins in London for initial distribution reflected the close imperial ties of the era, while the design process was overseen by the Royal Mint to ensure aesthetic uniformity across the British Empire.

The obverse of the coin features the effigy of King George V, designed by Sir Edgar Bertram Mackennal, whose work was highly regarded for its crisp, dignified portrayal of the monarch. The reverse showcases the Australian Coat of Arms, depicting a kangaroo and an emu flanking a central shield, an iconography chosen to signify a burgeoning national pride and the unique natural heritage of the continent. Upon release, the coin was well received by the Australian public, serving as a tangible symbol of the nation's administrative independence.