Posted by Clinker 4 years ago. Can anyone chime in on this (You out there Clinker)? Not sure why the ASE cannot be considered a crown as it meets the definition given above (ASE is 40.6mm) too large? Some of the Libertads are right on 40mm and both are .999 AG as are some of the Onza coins.
My understanding of "Crown" was that it was originally a silver coin that was actually meant to be used in daily commerce and was roughly the size of the British coin of the same name, and roughly equal to $1.20 in value when it circulated (although US silver dollars are sometimes called "crowns" here in Japan).
Like Collector1966, my impression was that a crown was the largest circulating silver coin of a country, with weights usually between one half and one ounce. Of course with the advent of non-PM coinage the name still stuck. For US coins, I definitely would consider a Morgan or Peace dollar a crown, as well as an Ike. The Ike would simply be a base metal crown. With the advent of new smaller one dollar, one pound, one Euro, etc coins I think the term crown is not really use anymore for current coins. Maybe there is a more precise definition out there, but that is what I have used generally. I have bought "world silver crown" lots, and they basically fit the description of what I posted. Maybe my definition is a little loose, but it is what many dealers use. Chris
Thanks for that info.....appears as if there might not be a strict definition then. Let me post the entire quote from Clinker. The reason I'm asking is I've just recently started a world silver crown collection (actually it's a world 1oz proof silver collection-not necessarily a crown) but in looking at all the different coins, I'm trying to figure out which are to be called a crown and which are simply the 1oz. proofs. When you see a classified ad section headed "WORLD CROWNS" or a listing on a coin dealer's price list, display ad or website saying "CROWNS" or "CROWNS AND MINORS" just what does that word, "CROWN," mean? Well. I can tell you that crown-like, crown-size and non-silver crowns don't make it. The word "Crown" was devised for a new British or English gold coin during the reign of King Henry VIII which debuted in 1526 as the first step of King Henry's monetary reform. The actual name of the coin was "crown of the double rose,." but, as you know, Britains don't like long monikers, so, by usage, it became "Crown." During the reign of Edward I crowns were struck in silver along with the gold ones. The face or denominational value of the silver crown remained as five shillings from 1544 to 1965. For most of this period there was no designated denomination on the coin. From 1927 to 1937 the word "CROWN" appears, and from 1951 to 1960 this was changed to "FIVE SHILLINGS". As things go, in the world of money, the German Silver Thalers (and other nation's thalers) were equated with the crown. Soon followed the Spanish Pillar Dollars, the Mexican Pesos, and just about every silver business-struck coin minted measuring about 39mm, including the U.S. dollar, India Rupee and Panama Balboa. Since 1951 all regular issues of Great Britain/England crowns have been composed of cupro-nickel. Although countries who mint crown-like circulation coins in metals other than silver call them crowns, the numismatic community does not recognize them as such. To capture the numismatic community's interest, these countries produce special proof-like and/or proof non-circulating legal tender versions of the coins in silver, gold and occasionally platinum. The definition of Crown means a business-strike, proof-like or proof silver coin that measures from 39mm to 40mm. Do not confuse Onzas, Libertads, American Eagles, Chinese Pandas, Australian bullion coins and other countries' bullion coins as Crowns. If you wish to collect non-silver coins denominated as Crowns by-all-means do so. If you wish to collect silver bullion coins in place of crowns that's okay too Clinker Read more: http://www.cointalk.com/t25393/#ixzz1YbJ5yy3F
Very interesting, thank you. I would say no one would kick you in the shins if you considered modern 1 ounce bullion coins as modern "crowns". Also, while clinker is probably correct about his strict definition, I will tell you on dealer tables and many collectors minds, the largest silver coins of a country that may be 37 mm, or even 34 would still usually be considered a "crown". While its great to know what others consider the definition, the great thing about a hobby is that you can make up for yourself what you believe would constitute a "collection". Chris
Originally called the Crown of the Double Rose to distinguish them from the lower valued Crown of the Rose issued shortly before, these five shilling pieces were first minted late in 1526 (or early 1527), and were the first English gold coins to have a fineness less than 23.5 carat. In 1551 the first silver crown was produced. A magnificent coin showing Edward VI on horseback and a coat of arms on the reverse; it was the first English coin to bear the date in Arabic numerals. The 1552 issue is scarcer than the 1551 or 1553 dates. Gold crowns were once again issued by Elizabeth I, with silver crowns being issued only in the last two years of her reign. It is interesting that there were thus three different coins in circulation worth five shillings: the gold crown; the silver crown; and the gold half-angel.
That makes me feel better and probably the best definition:yes:But thanks for to all for feedback. Some interesting opinions AND info.
In simple terms a crown is a silver coin of a size and weight similar to weight and the size of a silver dollar. Some are a bit larger and heavier, but I've never heard of one smaller. And coins like the double thaler/taler (or larger) are not crowns. Basically what Clinker says is true.
