The 1787 British Shilling of George III, featuring the striking semée of hearts design, is a fascinating and unusual coin in British numismatics. Issued for circulation and colonial trade, it displays crowned shields in a cruciform arrangement on the reverse—each shield surrounded by a scattering (or semée) of tiny hearts, a nod to Hanoverian heraldry. This artistic detail sets it apart from typical shillings of the era and adds to its appeal among collectors.

Struck in sterling silver, the coin was also one of the 11 officially sanctioned in Governor Philip Gidley King’s 1800 proclamation for use in New South Wales. With few official coins available in the fledgling colony, this British shilling helped underpin daily trade and economic activity. Its presence in early Australia, combined with its distinct design, makes it a tangible and charming link between Britain’s monetary tradition and the colony’s early struggle for financial structure.

Grade: Extremely Fine