Britain began 1936 with one king and ended it with a third: George V died in January and Edward VIII abdicated in December. No coins of Edward VIII were ever issued in the United Kingdom, so the 1936 sixpences carry George V’s portrait, making this the last date of his silver acorn type.

The final year brought a substantial mintage of about 24.4 million, the second largest of the whole 1928–1936 run after 1929. The reverse keeps George Kruger Gray’s oak sprigs with six acorns and his initials KG, and the obverse shows the uncrowned king with the title Emperor of India in the legend.

Edward VIII’s coinage portrait was ready, created by Humphrey Paget, but it never reached production; the pattern pieces are kept in the Royal Mint Museum. The same artist went on to model the portrait of George VI.

For a George V collection this coin is the closing date, and for a set on 1936, the year three kings reigned, it is the key silver witness. In F-VF grade the wear is even and pronounced with the main details and legend legible; towards VF the high points of the relief are clearly worn while the lettering stays sharp.

A coin from the VPcoins range makes a good starting point for a themed selection or a date run.