In 1887, to mark the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign, Great Britain staged a monumental celebration to pay tribute not just to the longevity of the beloved Queen, but to Britain’s status as a global power. As part of 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 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!

The 1887 Jubilee Crown as pictured here features the Jubilee Portrait of Queen Victoria as designed by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm and engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon, with Benedetto Pistrucci's St George and the Dragon on the reverse.

The Crown was very much a circulating coin, and most examples occur in heavily worn condition. However, it was quite heavy and over the years this made it more and more unpopular as currency. After 1902, the crown was no longer struck for everyday use. but continued to be struck for commemorative purposes marking special occasions.

Coin dimensions: Diameter 38 mm, thickness: 3 mm, weight approx: 28.33 gm, alloy: 925 Sterling Silver. Total weight of item 45.9g. Chain drop 9 ins.