The British 1960 Florin, a two-shilling coin, was struck in cupronickel following the 1947 removal of silver from British coinage. This economic shift reflected post-war austerity, as Britain struggled with debt and devaluation. The coin’s design featured Queen Elizabeth II’s first portrait by Mary Gillick, symbolizing a youthful and stable monarchy during a period of economic recovery. The florin, once introduced to aid decimalization discussions, remained a key coin in circulation.
Politically, the British 1960 Florin circulated during Harold Macmillan’s government, marked by economic growth and the “Wind of Change” speech, signaling decolonization. Its non-silver composition mirrored economic pragmatism amid rising global metal costs. The florin’s design, including the Tudor rose, thistle, shamrock, and leek, reinforced unity as Britain navigated shifting imperial ties.