The British half crown was a denomination of sterling coinage, first issued in 1549, in the reign of Edward VI. No half crowns were issued in the reign of Mary, but from the reign of Elizabeth I half crowns were issued in every reign except that of Edward VIII.

Demonetized (ahead of other pre-decimal coins) on 1 January 1970, the year before the United Kingdom adopted decimal currency on Decimal Day. During the English Interregnum of 1649–1660, a republican half crown was issued, bearing the arms of the Commonwealth of England, despite monarchist associations of the coin's name. When Oliver Cromwell was made Lord Protector of England, half crowns were issued bearing his portrait depicting him wearing a laurel wreath in the manner of a Roman Emperor. The half crown did not display its value on the reverse until 1893. 

Victoria married Albert in 1840. The pair had 9 children, who went on to marry in to royalty across Europe. The Victorian era was one of dramatic change and development in industry, science, culture, and politics. Victoria entered a protracted period of mourning following Albert's death in 1861, lasting many years.

Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria 1819 – 1901) was Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 20 June 1837 until her death in 1901. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days was longer than that of any previous British monarch and is known as the Victorian era. 

OBVERSE: Crowned and veiled bust ('Jubilee Head') of Queen Victoria left, legend around.

Lettering: VICTORIA DEI GRATIA

Translation: Victoria by the Grace of God

Engraver: Joseph Edgar Boehm

REVERSE: Crowned quartered shield of arms within garter and collar, legend around, divided date below.

Lettering: BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID DEF 1889 HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE

Translation: Queen of the Britains Defender of the Faith Shame on he who thinks evil of it

Engraver: Leonard Charles Wyon

EDGE: Reeded 

Designer : "J.E.B." - Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm, 1st Baronet 1834–1890 (was Hungarian-Austrian medalist, sculptor)

Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon 1826-1891 (wasBritish engraver)

Mint: Royal Mint, Llantrisant, United Kingdom

Mintage in 1889 4 811 900

Country                         United Kingdom of Great Britain

Queen                    Victoria (1837-1901)

Type                        Standard circulation coin

Years                        1887-1892

Value                       ½ Crown 

Currency                    Pound sterling (1158-1970)

Composition            Silver (.925)

Weight                    14.10 g

Diameter                       32 mm

Shape                          Round

Orientation              Medal alignment ↑↑

Demonetized                31 December 1969

References              KM# 764, Sp# 3924

Half crown by reign

• King Henry VIII 1526: the first English half crown was struck in gold.
• King Edward VI 1551: issued the first half crown in silver. The coin was dated and showed the king riding a horse.
• Queen Mary I: the half crown was struck on Mary's marriage to Philip II of Spain in 1554 but was never issued for circulation. Three specimens exist.
• Queen Elizabeth I: gold half crowns were issued again. At the end of the reign silver half crowns were issued.
• King James I: gold half crowns were issued again. During the reign silver half crowns were issued.
• King Charles I: silver half crowns were issued, including those struck as obsidional money, money of necessity during the Civil War period.
• Commonwealth of England: Oliver Cromwell silver half crowns were issued. During the years 1656 and 1658 milled half crowns were issued of Oliver Cromwell.
• King Charles II 1663–1685: silver half crowns were issued, and this period saw the end of the hammered issue of half crowns.
• King James II 1685–1688: silver half crown.
• King William III & Queen Mary II 1689–1694: silver half crown.
• William III of England 1694–1702: silver half crown.
• Queen Anne 1702–1714: silver half crown.
• King George I 1714–1727: silver half crown.
• King George II 1727–1760: silver half crown.
• King George III 1760–1820: silver half crown.
• King George IV 1820–1830: silver half crown.
• King William IV 1830–1837: silver half crown.
• Queen Victoria 1837–1901: silver half crown.
• King Edward VII 1902–1910: silver half crown.
• King George V 1910–1936: silver half crown, sterling silver (92½% silver) until 1919, then 50% silver.
• King Edward VIII 1936: 50% silver half crown. Not issued for circulation.
• King George VI 1937–1952: 50% silver half crowns were issued until 1946 when the metal was changed to cupro-nickel.
• Queen Elizabeth II 1953–1967: the last half crown for general circulation was issued in 1967, and the coin was withdrawn in 1970, before decimalization.