The Short-Lived Silver Coins of Queen Victoria
In 1887, to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign, Great Britain staged a monumental celebration attended by hundreds of foreign dignitaries and most of the heads of Europe’s royal families. Banquets, carriage processions, religious services, fireworks and a “Children’s Jubilee” in London’s Hyde Park that hosted more than 25,000 children all paid tribute not just to the longevity of the beloved Queen, but to Britain’s status as a global power whose territory was so vast during the Victorian Era that it was an “empire on which the sun never set.”
Among the Shortest-Lived British Denominations In History
In conjunction with the celebrations, Great Britain’s Royal Mint introduced a pair of new silver coins in 1887; a Double Florin and a Crown both struck in gleaming 92.5% British Sterling silver. The larger Silver Crown was struck for just six years from 1887-1892 while the smaller Silver Double Florin was struck for just three years from 1887-1890 making them among the shortest-lived British denominations in history!
An early attempt at decimalization, the coins were doomed to failure because they featured the same design, were nearly the same size and were not inscribed with a denomination. In fact, this oddly similar design led to the less-than glowing nickname of the “Barmaid’s Grief” since many of the smaller Double Florins worth 20 Pence were passed off in pubs all across England as the higher-value Crown coins that were worth 5 Shillings.
Victoria By the Grace of God
In this offer you can get one of the Silver Crown coins in nice collector grade Very Fine (VF) condition. Each features an obverse design that shows Queen Victoria facing left beneath the inscription VICTORIA DEI GRATIA (Victoria By the grace of God). The coin’s reverse shows four crowned shields bearing the emblems of England, Scotland, and Ireland.
With the popularity of the British television series Victoria starring Jenna Coleman capturing fans both in the United Kingdom and across the pond here in America, these authentic pieces of Victorian Era history are sure to be coveted by viewers, coin collectors and historians alike. Own your own piece of the Victorian Era was this fabulous short-lived Silver Crown. Click it to your cart today!
COIN HIGHLIGHTS:
- A CELEBRATION OF QUEEN VICTORIA’S GOLDEN JUBILEE – These coins were struck 1887-1892 to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign, Great Britain. They feature Queen Victoria on the obverse and four crowned shields bearing the emblems of England, Scotland, and Ireland on the reverse. Dates vary.
- STRUCK IN BRITISH STERLING SILVER – Each coin is struck in 28.28 grams of highly pure 92.5% British Sterling silver and measures 38.61 mm in diameter.
- LEGAL TENDER COINS – Though they are not marked with a denomination, these Silver Crown coins were legal tender in Great Britain with a value of 5 Shillings.
- NICE COLLECTOR GRADE CONDITION – Your 1887–1892 Great Britain Silver Crown Queen Victoria Jubilee will come in nice collector grade Very Fine (VF) condition, featuring full inscriptions with only moderate wear.
The Golden Age of the Victoria Era comes to live in gleaming silver thanks to these Queen Victoria Jubilee Crown coins. Add one to your collection where you and your family can treasure it for years to come!
