World War I Original Coins

Product Description: This World War I Coin Set of 3 Coins has original coins of George V attached to the front of a card. The coins are a George V Farthing, Half Penny and Penny and are stuck onto an information card. The information card has an image of the WWI Briton Wants You Poster on the front and information about rationing and pay during World War I on the reverse.

Information: George V’s coinage reflected Britain’s imperial strength, but during World War I, precious metals were withdrawn, leading to increased use of base-metal coins.

During World War I, rationing became essential as food shortages grew due to disrupted trade and the need to supply the front. Wartime rationing amounts varied, starting with voluntary measures for bread, meat, and sugar, but compulsory rationing was introduced in 1917-1918, including weekly limits like 5 oz butter, 8 oz bacon, 4 oz jam, 2 oz tea, and the equivalent of a shilling’s (12 pence) worth of fresh meat, all managed through ration books. Civilians were encouraged to “do their bit” by reducing waste and growing food at home.

• Bread: A loaf cost around 3½ pence (3½d) in August 1914, increasing to 4 pence (4d) by January 1915.

• Milk: A pint cost 1 penny (1d) in the early 1900s, rising to 6 pence (6d) a pint shortly after the war, and further to 10 shillings a quart by 1918.

• Sugar: Initially 4.5 pence (4½d) per pound in September 1914, prices rose due to panic buying.

• Butter: Set at a maximum of 18 pence (1s. 6d) per pound in September 1914.

During this time British soldiers were typically paid a basic rate of one shilling (12 pence) per day. This amount was often referred to as “pocket money” as the British Army provided soldiers with food, accommodation, clothing, and transportation. Married men were also entitled to a “separation allowance” paid to their families, which could be supplemented by deductions from the soldier’s pay.