Obverse © Heritage Auctions – Reverse © Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K.
Obverse © Heritage Auctions – Reverse © Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K.
½ Crown - Victoria 2nd portrait; Pattern
1884 year| Silver (.925) | 14.14 g | 32 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Victoria (1837-1901) |
| Type | Pattern |
| Year | 1884 |
| Value | ½ Crown (⅛) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 14.14 g |
| Diameter | 32 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-10-09 |
| Numista | N#316640 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 95% |
Reverse
Crowned quartered shield of arms within garter and collar, legend around, divided date below.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID DEF
1884 3
HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE
Translation:
Queen of the Britains Defender of the Faith
Shame on he who thinks evil of it
Engraver: Leonard Charles Wyon
Edge
Plain
Comment
Hand numbered 3. An extremely rare Pattern from a series that is universally classified by Bull as R7--indicating a mere 1-2 pieces known per ESC number--with this being the sole example of which we are aware. Part of a design program between 1880 and 1885 to redesign Victoria's effigy spearheaded by Joseph Edgar Boehm, coins such as these paved the way for her 'official' Jubilee Head coinage introduced in 1887, though the project itself was beset by difficulties owing both to the intervention of Queen Victoria herself and Boehm's heavy workload.Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the Pattern ½ Crown - Victoria (2nd portrait; Pattern) 1884 from United Kingdom is that it was designed by Sir Edgar Boehm, a renowned Austrian-born British sculptor and medallist. Boehm's design features a youthful portrait of Queen Victoria, surrounded by a wreath of oak leaves and acorns, symbolizing strength and longevity. The coin's obverse side bears the inscription "VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D:", which stands for "Victoria, by the grace of God, Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith." This coin is a rare and valuable collector's item, with only 300 pieces minted in 1884, making it a sought-after addition to any numismatic collection.
