How Much Is a Crown Worth Today?
A crown was worth five shillings — 25p in today's decimal money.
It's also one of the old coins most likely to be worth more than its face value, because many were struck in silver or issued to mark special occasions.
At a glance
- Old value
- Five shillings (5s)
- Today's face value
- 25p
- Made of
- Silver (pre-1947), then cupronickel
- Collector value
- Often worth more
How much is a crown worth today?
A crown converts to 25p in today's money — it was worth five shillings, a quarter of a pound. But a crown is one of the old coins most likely to beat its face value, because so many were large silver coins or commemorative issues that collectors still want.
Its purchasing power was far greater than that figure buys now, because prices have risen enormously through inflation since it was in circulation. You can see how much any old amount is worth in today's money with our inflation calculator.
What was a crown?
The crown was a large coin worth five shillings (a quarter of a pound). For most of its life it was struck in silver — sterling until 1919, then a lower-silver alloy until 1946, and cupronickel from 1947. By the 20th century it was rarely spent day to day and was mostly issued for special occasions, such as the 1935 Silver Jubilee, the 1953 Coronation and the 1965 Churchill crown.
A crown in today's money
Five shillings converts to 25p. There was no everyday 25p coin at decimalisation, and the modern commemorative 'crown' was later revalued to £5 — but a genuine pre-1971 crown has a face value of 25p, with its real worth usually coming from its silver or its appeal to collectors.
For context, the old system ran on pounds, shillings and pence (£sd): £1 was 20 shillings, and each shilling was 12 pence. See how much a shilling is worth today for the coin at the heart of it.
Are old crowns worth anything to collectors?
Pre-1947 crowns contain silver, so they're worth at least their bullion value — often several pounds. Scarce dates and high grades (early milled crowns, the 1847 Gothic crown, rare Victorian issues) can be worth hundreds or thousands. The common 1951, 1953 and 1965 Churchill crowns are cupronickel and usually worth only a pound or two.
If old coins interest you, our guide to what makes coins valuable is a good next read.
Frequently asked questions
Is a 1965 Churchill crown worth anything?
It was made in huge numbers from cupronickel (no silver), so despite its fame it's usually worth only a pound or two — though pristine or specially-cased examples can fetch a little more.
How many shillings were in a crown?
Five. A crown was five shillings (a quarter of a pound), and a half crown was two shillings and sixpence.
Other old coins: Shilling · Half crown · Florin · Guinea · Sixpence · Threepence · Farthing
Coin values are a general guide only. Collector values vary widely by date, condition and metal — for a valuable coin, get it assessed by a reputable dealer or auction house.
