Queen Victoria became monarch at the age of 18 and went on to reign for an impressive 63 years. Upon her death, she became the longest-reigning monarch in British history. The Victorian era was a period of significant change for the United Kingdom that featured several economic and social reforms. 

During Queen Victoria’s reign, the existence of the half-crown was threatened by the introduction of a new coin called the florin, which had a value of 1/10 of a pound compared to the half-crown’s value of two shillings and sixpence, with 20 shillings in a pound. However, the half-crown was not demonetised until January 1970. 

This coin is also available as part of The Making of Modern Britain Queen Victoria Bundle, which offers collectors the opportunity to own an example of each of the circulating coins of Queen Victoria’s reign.