Sell Pre-1947 Silver Coins With M J Hughes Coins
If you've ever sorted through an old money box, you have probably come across British coins dated 1946 or earlier. Although these pre-decimal coins are no longer legal tender, they can be worth far more than their face value, because coins minted before 1947 contained real silver. Even when they're badly worn or too common to interest collectors, these coins retain an intrinsic precious metal value.
Many people kept their older silver coins and, as a result, they still turn up frequently in inherited collections, coin jars, and house clearances.
At MJ Hughes Coins, we have long experience buying pre-1947 silver coins. Our customers trust us to accurately value old silver coins and offer them fair prices, based on live precious metal prices.
Old British silver coins, made before 1947, contain a percentage of real silver, making them more valuable than you might think.
Why Are Pre-1947 Coins Still Valuable?
For centuries, British coins were struck from precious metals. Gold was used for higher-value pieces such as Guineas and Sovereigns, while everyday change, from Halfcrowns to Sixpences, was traditionally made of silver.
This began to change in the 20th century as the rising price of metal made silver too expensive for ordinary currency. Gold largely disappeared from circulation after the First World War, and the silver content of circulating coins was gradually reduced, then removed altogether after the Second World War.
Key changes in silver content:
- Pre-1920: coins were struck in sterling silver (.925 fine) - these are the most valuable by weight
- Pre-1947 (1920-1946): silver content reduced to .500 fine (50% silver)
- From 1947: circulating coins were made of cupro-nickel and other base-metal alloys, with no silver content
Because silver has risen in price over time, even common pre-1947 coins can have significant bullion value, especially in large quantities.
Types Of Pre-1947 Silver Coins
At MJ Hughes Coins, we buy all British silver coins struck before 1947, including Crowns, Double Florins, Halfcrowns, Florins, Shillings, Sixpences and Threepences. Most of the coins we see date from the late Victorian period through to the reigns of King Edward VII, George V, and George VI.
Common British silver coins, left to right: Halfcrown, Florin, Shilling, Sixpence and Threepence. Designs will vary.
Bronze coins, such as Pennies, Halfpennies, and Farthings from the same period, do not contain silver and are generally less valuable, although we do buy them.
It's worth remembering that not all pre-decimal coins are silver. Coins dated 1947 onwards, even those referred to as 'Old Money', are made from base metals and have only minimal metal value. The same applies to many foreign coins, although older world coinage can also contain silver and be worth more than you expect.
How To Value Old Silver Coins At Home
Here's the most accurate way to calculate the value of your pre-1947 coins at home:
- Separate the coins into two groups: those dated 1919 and earlier (.925 silver) and those dated 1920–1946 (.500 silver)
- Weigh each group - ordinary kitchen scales are usually accurate enough for the task
- Multiply the weight by the current price for the relevant silver fineness using our scrap silver calculator
This method helps you understand the true value of your coins and the price we would pay if you sold to us today.
It's also a good way to avoid low-ball offers. For example, some dealers or travelling buyers still quote 'multiples of face value'. A pre-1920 Crown, with a decimal face value of 25p, offered at 20 times face value would fetch just £5, yet at today's silver price its value by weight could exceed £20.
Where To Sell Pre-1947 Silver Coins
At MJ Hughes Coins, we buy all British silver coins struck before 1947, from worn Victorian Crowns to George V Sixpences, as well as foreign silver coins and bullion. Even if the coins are heavily worn, they are often worth significantly more than their face value due to their silver content.
Where a historic coin has collector interest - for example, a rare date or exceptional condition - we pay above the metal value.
We also offer favourable rates for very large quantities of pre-47 silver coins: we will buy however many you wish to sell.
Sell Pre-1947 Coins With MJ Hughes Coins
We make selling old silver coins easy, transparent and secure:
- Visit Our Shop: bring your coins to our High Street shop in Alton, Hampshire, for a weighed valuation and same-day payment
- Post Your Coins: send them securely by Royal Mail Special Delivery; we'll weigh and value them on arrival and contact you with an offer
- Book A Home Visit: for large or heavy collections, we can arrange a convenient home visit and provide secure payment by bank transfer on the spot
