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George Francis Hill

1867 – 1948

British numismatist

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About George Francis Hill

Lived 1867 – 1948 (aged 80). George Francis Hill was a British librarian, numismatist, university teacher, archaeologist and art historian.

Sir George Francis Hill, KCB, FBA (22 December 1867 – 18 October 1948) was the director and principal librarian of the British Museum (1931–1936). He was a specialist in Renaissance medals.

Early years George Hill was born in Berhampur, India. His grandfather, Micaiah Hill, founded the London Missionary Society's outpost there and his father, Samuel John Hill, was stationed where George was born. He attended Blackheath College (later known as Eltham College) followed by University College, London, and finally Merton College, Oxford. He studied under Percy Gardner at Merton, taking a first class degree in classics.

Career In 1893, Hill joined the British Museum in the Coins and Medals Department. At that time, the department was the centre of study of Greek coins. Hill continued the work of Barclay Head and Reginald Poole; in 1897 was published the first volume of a catalogue of Greek coins. Hill subsequently produced catalogues of many of the British Museum's collections in his area. In 1912, he became keeper of the department.

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Important facts

Birth century
Nationality
Education
University College London, Merton College, Eltham College
Employers
British Museum
Awards
Knight Commander of the Order of the Bath; Serena Medal
Also known as
Sir George Francis Hill

People in George Francis Hill's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped George Francis Hill's

Frequently asked questions

Who was George Francis Hill?

British numismatist (1867-1948)

When was George Francis Hill born?

George Francis Hill was born on 22 December 1867 in Brahmapur.

When did George Francis Hill die?

George Francis Hill died on 18 October 1948 in London.

What was George Francis Hill's occupation?

George Francis Hill was a librarian, numismatist, university teacher, archaeologist and art historian.

What nationality was George Francis Hill?

George Francis Hill was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: George Francis Hill

· Wikidata: Q1223752

· DBpedia: George Francis Hill

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). George Francis Hill. https://biography.guide/george-francis-hill/

MLA: "George Francis Hill." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/george-francis-hill/.

Chicago: "George Francis Hill." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/george-francis-hill/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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