The British 1945 Shilling, designed by George Kruger Gray, features a crowned lion atop a royal crown, symbolizing wartime resilience. Issued in the final year of World War II, the British 1945 Shilling reflected national unity and strength as victory neared. Made of 50% silver, it marked one of the last years before silver was removed from circulating coinage.
Politically, 1945 saw the end of Winston Churchill’s wartime government and the election of Labour under Clement Attlee. The British 1945 Shilling, with Kruger Gray’s bold design, captured a nation in transition, balancing wartime sacrifice with hopes of postwar recovery.