British Queen Victoria 'Jubilee Head' Sterling Silver Crown
Coin/Bullion · The Royal Mint (London, United Kingdom), historically responsible for minting the coinage of the United Kingdom under royal authority.
Pattern: Queen Victoria Jubilee Head Coinage, introduced in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
The Royal Mint (London, United Kingdom), historically responsible for minting the coinage of the United Kingdom under royal authority.
Material
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness, consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, adhering to the traditional British silver standard established centuries prior).
Dimensions
Standard British Crown diameter of approximately 38.6 mm and a weight of 28.28 grams containing approximately 0.8409 troy ounces of pure silver.
Description
A magnificent and heavy British silver crown featuring the iconic Jubilee Head portrait of Queen Victoria. The obverse displays the crowned bust of the aging monarch facing left with detailed lace veil and ermine robes, encircled by Latin legend. The reverse typically houses the St. George and the dragon design or the crowned shield within the Garter. This piece exemplifies late 19th-century British numismatic artistry and metallurgical excellence.
Key Features
Jubilee portrait of Queen Victoria with small crown, high silver purity standard (.925), large commanding size, and reeded edge security markings.
Material & Composition
Sterling Silver (.925 fineness, consisting of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper, adhering to the traditional British silver standard established centuries prior).
Finish & Decoration
Business strike finish with reeded edge, featuring the veiled or Jubilee bust of Queen Victoria designed by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm on the obverse, with intricate royal crown and shield motifs on the reverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
Not hallmarked in the traditional silversmithing manner, but carries official monarchical coin inscriptions including 'VICTORIA D:G: BRITT:REG: F:D:' (Victoria, by the grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith).
Construction Details
Machine-struck using high-pressure coining presses developed during the industrial era at the Royal Mint, ensuring precise uniformity and sharp relief details.
Functional Features
Designed as legal tender large-denomination circulating currency, also widely used as a prestigious presentation piece and historical store of wealth.
Handle & Grip Details
Features a reeded (milled) edge designed historically to prevent the illicit practice of clipping precious metal from the coin's perimeter.
Craftsmanship Details
Exemplifies superior Victorian die-sinking and engraving artistry by Joseph Edgar Boehm and Benedetto Pistrucci, executed with striking sharpness and mechanical precision.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter, weight, edge reeding, and matching relief depth consistent with authentic Royal Mint production of the late 19th century. Counterfeits of this era are rare due to the high cost of silver at the time.
Origin & Manufacturing
Minted at the Royal Mint in London, England, utilizing advanced industrial minting machinery and high-purity metallurgical standards.
Era & Period
Victorian Era (1837-1901), specifically the late Victorian period marked by imperial expansion and the celebration of the Queen's Jubilee.
Age Estimate
Circa 1887 to 1892, corresponding to the specific years of production for the Jubilee Head silver crown design.
Cultural Significance
Represents the height of the British Empire's global economic dominance during the Victorian era, serving as standard large-denomination currency used across global trade networks.
Condition Notes
Very Good to Fine condition. Shows expected moderate surface wear on high points from historical circulation, minor contact marks, and attractive natural dark toning in the recessed areas, preserving good overall detail.
Value Estimate
Estimated market value ranges from $60 to $200 USD depending strictly on the precise numerical grade, wear profile, and collector demand.
Care & Maintenance
Never clean, polish, or wash numismatic silver coins, as cleaning destroys the original mint luster and natural toning, drastically reducing collector value. Store in a inert PVC-free coin flip, capsule, or capital holder in a climate-controlled environment.
Similar Pieces
British Victoria 'Old Head' (Veiled Head) Crown (1893-1901), Gothic Crown of Queen Victoria, or earlier George III and George IV silver crowns.
Interesting Facts
The Jubilee portrait was widely criticized by the public and press when introduced in 1887 because the small crown perched awkwardly on top of the Queen's head made her look like she was wearing a toy crown.