Half crown (British coin)

The half crown was a British coin, equivalent to two shillings and sixpence, or one-eighth of a pound. It was in circulation for over three centuries, from its introduction in 1549 during the reign of Edward VI until its demonetisation in 1970.

The coin's value of 2/6 (two shillings and sixpence) placed it between the florin (two shillings) and the crown (five shillings). Throughout its history, the half crown was issued in various metals, including silver and cupro-nickel. Its design evolved significantly over time, featuring different monarchs and heraldic symbols on the obverse and reverse.

The half crown was a commonly used coin in everyday transactions. Its disappearance from circulation coincided with decimalisation in 1971, when the decimal equivalent, 12.5 new pence, was not retained as a distinct coin. Though no longer legal tender, half crowns are still collected by numismatists and can hold considerable value depending on their age, rarity, and condition.