Denomination: Medallion

Period: Victorian

Date: 1897

Origin: Tower Mint, London, engraved by George William Saulles

Condition: EF toned

Obverse: Mature head of Victoria wearing draped crown, left, legend around

Reverse: Young portrait of Victoria facing left, legend either side

Size and Weight: 25.5mm, 9.65g

References: British Historical Medals #3506

Features and Provenance: Victoria was born in 1819 and enjoyed the longest reign of any British monarch until, that is, Elizabeth II. This long reign resulted in an extensive coinage in gold, silver and copper; additional mints were opened too, in Australia, to produce gold sovereigns. The coinage can be split into three distinct head types: the young head (of which our medal has an example), the Jubilee head and the 'old' head. The young head, showing the Queen with her hair in a bun was used until she was 68! For her 50th year on the throne in 1887, the head was updated showing her wearing her smaller imperial crown which she had made in 1870 so she could wear it on state occasions over her widow's cap (Albert, her beloved husband, had died in 1861). The final bust, issued in 1893, shows a mature Victoria, veiled and this is seen on our medal too.

 

 

Condition Summary. This varies with the age of coin and there are grades between

Uncirculated (U). As struck with no traces of wear

Extremely Fine (EF). Very slight traces of wear, all parts of legend etc present, visible and clear

Very Fine (VF). Some signs of wear on the higher parts of the relief, all parts of legend etc present, but maybe worn

Fine (F). Wear on the coin and parts of legend etc may be missing or not visible

 

 

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Code    23020643