1918-M One Shilling

The 1918 Shilling was the third of its series to be produced at the Melbourne Mint in Australia. The total mintage for the year was 3,761,000 - one of the largest mintage 's of the series. This large mintage resulted in relatively affordable and accessible pieces although in mint-state the piece is still quite difficult and expensive to obtain. Collectors seeking an affordable high mint-state example from this era may do better looking at the 1916-M or 1917-M.

Melbourne 'M' mint-mark on the 1918-M Shilling.

In late 1915 it was decided that the production of Australia's coinage would be shifted from Britain to Australia. New dies from the Australian Shilling, Florin, Sixpence, and Threepence were produced in London for use at Melbourne Mint with a small 'M' mint-mark. Arrangements were also made for Australia's bronze coinage to be struck at the Royal Mint in Calcutta. The first Australian Shilling was struck at the Melbourne Mint on the 11th of January 1916 by the State Governor Sir Arthur Stanley. This marked a major turning point with most years following, including the 1918, featuring large mintage's and reduced overall scarcity.