UK 6 pence of George VI, 1949 to 1952

[<k>]

UK 6 pence reverse designs, 1947 and 1952.

King George VI of the UK was the final emperor of India.

India became independent from the United Kingdom on 15 August 1947.


Until then, the legend "IND:IMP" had appeared on UK coins.

It stood for the Latin phrase for 'Emperor of India'.


"IND:IMP" was not removed from the UK coins until 1949.

After its removal, the legends were rearranged.

However, the coin designs were otherwise left unchanged.


There was one single exception to this, however.

The 6 pence was given a new reverse design.

It is shown at top, next to the earlier design.


Does anybody know the reasons behind this?

Why did the 6 pence alone receive a new reverse design?

[FosseWay]

The monogram had to change. The 1947 issue has GRI (Georgius Rex Imperator, George King Emperor), which no longer applied after Indian independence. As far as I remember, the other coins didn't include anything in the design (rather than the legends) that was specific to the Indian title, so could be continued.

[<k>]

I see. That "I" on the monogram always looked like a "J" to me.

There was no "J" in Latin spelling, of course.

[chrisild]

When I was younger, I thought (for an almost embarrassingly long time) that the three characters on the older type were "SRJ". What the heck ... 

What is also interesting is something that I noticed when I was a few minutes younger than I am now. For some reason the newer coin has no designer's or engravers monogram.

[<k>]

For some reason the newer coin has no designer's or engravers monogram.

That's true. I do not know the name of the designer and / or engraver who produced this design.

[africancoins]

The design on those later pieces seems to use just a close copy of the royal cypher in the form as was used on many but not all of the post boxes from during the reign of King George VI.

Thanks Mr Paul Baker

[<k>]

Don't tell me that that is another one of your hobbies?

[africancoins]

It is not !

Anyway - if you look at bit more you should find an image with the cypher a lot closer to how it is on the coin.

Thanks Mr Paul Baker