Queen Victoria 1887 Double Florin.

The Queen Victoria Double Florin was one of the shortest-lived British coin denominations

Introduced as part of a coinage redesign in 1887, The Double Florin had a striking resemblance to the Crown. Both featured an identical portrait of Queen Victoria, and neither had a denomination. Yet the Double Florin was worth a shilling less.

Often mistaken for a Crown, anecdotal evidence suggests more than a few barmaids lost their livelihood as a result, earning the nickname: The Barmaid’s Ruin. 

Because of this, the Queen Victoria Double Florin was one of the shortest-lived British coin denominations in history, only in production for 4 years between 1887 and 1890. Due to the short production time and the stories behind this controversial coin, the Double Florin is always in high demand, and they are already a challenge to source on the secondary market.

Obverse

Engraved by Joseph Edgar Boehm, the coin features a crowned and veiled bust of Queen Victoria, known as the 'Jubilee Head'. Circling the portrait is the legend 'VICTORIA DEI GRATIA', which translates as 'Victoria by the Grace of God'.

Reverse

Engraved by Leonard Charles Wyon, brother of William Wyon who was the official chief engraver at The Royal Mint from 1828 to 1851. The design features four cruciform shields – including a harp to represent Ireland; a lion rampant to represent Scotland and three lions passant for England – surrounding a central Garter star. Around the edge of the coin are the words

'BRITT: REG: 18 87 FID: DEF:' which is translated as 'Queen of the Britains Defender of the Faith'.

SPECIFICATION

SpecificationValues

Alloy.925 Sterling Silver

Weight: 22.62 g

Diameter: 36.00mm

Reverse Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon Obverse Designer: Joseph Edgar Boehm

Circulating years: 1887 - 1890