The British half crown was issued from 1626, in the reign of Henry VIII, until decimalisation in 1971 -- including during the Protectorate of Oliver Cromwell. It was worth 30p, or two shillings and sixpence ('two and six'), or one-eighth of a pound. The half crown appeared in several metals and many designs during its history. In 1947, the metal was switched from half silver to cupronickel. This is the reverse of the coin; the monarch's head is on the obverse. PERMISSIONS: The British Crown holds and administers the copyright for decimal coins (Royal Mint Policy Statement). UK currency was decimalised in 1971. This coin is pre-decimal currency and is no longer legal tender.