© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
4 Pence - Victoria 1st portrait
| Silver (.925) | 1.89 g | 16 mm |
| Issuer | United Kingdom (United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) |
|---|---|
| Queen | Victoria (1837-1901) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1837-1862 |
| Value | 4 Pence (1⁄60) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1158-1970) |
| Composition | Silver (.925) |
| Weight | 1.89 g |
| Diameter | 16 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-08 |
| Numista | N#13209 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 11% |
Reverse
Seated figure of Britannia right, trident in left hand, shield with Union flag in right, denomination around, date in exergue.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
FOUR PENCE
1848
Edge
Reeded (plain edge varieties exist)
Comment
The standard weight of this coin was 2/33 troy ounce or 29.1 grains. This piece was produced for circulation in both Great Britain and British Guiana, where it was equivalent to 1/4 guilder.The first modern fourpenny piece was struck in 1836 on the suggestion of Joseph Hume MP, saying that the piece would be useful for paying taxi drivers as the standard charge for a taxi at the the time was four pence, but riders often paid with a sixpence and let the driver keep two pence as a tip. Due to taxi drivers missing out on their tips, the coin immediately became unpopular and was seldom used. By 1862, the piece had become completely redundant and production was stopped (though more were issued in the colonies as late as 1888).
KM#731.1 (1838-62) Milled edge, circulation and proof;
KM#731.2 (1838-53) Plain edge, proof only.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 4 Pence - Victoria (1st portrait) 1837-1862 coin from the United Kingdom is that it was the first coin to feature the young Queen Victoria, who was only 18 years old when she ascended to the throne. This coin was minted during the early years of her reign, and it features a youthful and elegant portrait of the Queen, which was designed by William Wyon. The coin's design was meant to symbolize the new era of prosperity and progress that was expected to occur under Victoria's rule.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1838 | 2150200 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1839 | 1461200 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1840 | 1496800 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1841 | 344500 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1842 | 724600 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1843 | 1817600 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1844 | 855300 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1845 | 914700 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1846 | 1366200 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1847 | 226000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1848 | 712800 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1849 | 380100 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1851 | 594000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1852 | 31300 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1853 | 11800 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1854 | 1096600 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1855 | 646000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 4 Pence - Victoria (1st portrait) 1837-1862 coin.
