Historical Insight:
1947 was a landmark year for British coinage — it marked the end of silver in circulation coins, as all denominations switched to cupro-nickel alloy. This change reflected postwar austerity and the depletion of silver reserves after WWII. The Scottish version honored the heritage of the northern kingdom within the United Kingdom’s identity.

Collecting Note:
The 1947 Scottish shilling is prized for being the first of the modern “base metal” series, combining regal design with the economic realities of postwar Britain. Its detailed lion and crown remain among the finest heraldic designs in British numismatics.