These "modern five pound coins" are a continuation of the crown which was issued from 1544 as a five shilling coin.

The statue's image was also used on the ten shilling coin produced for 1966.

After decimalisation the old shilling coin continued in circulation, with a value of 5p, until finally withdrawn in 1990.

All the older 5p and shilling coins were withdrawn from circulation and demonetised from 1 January 1991.

The 8 shilling coin of Gambia is the only example of this denomination ever minted.

The last piastre and shilling coins were issued in 1949.

In 1947, 5 shilling coins were introduced, with occasional commemorative variants.

A shilling coin was called a bob .

In 1972, cupro-nickel 5 shilling coins were issued but were withdrawn from circulation are now very rare.

Due to its shape, the 5 shilling coin was known as a holey dollar.