By the time Queen Victoria’s sovereignty ended, after a then record 63 years on the throne, not only did Victoria reign over the largest empire the world had ever known, which included a quarter of the world’s population, but her coinage had also become one of the most unique in British history. Queen Victoria was the first to issue £5 gold coins for general circulation, first to issue a gold Sovereign to feature both George and the Dragon and Shield reverses, and she issued new coins such as the famous ‘Godless’ Silver Florins and the ‘Barmaids Grief’, the Double Florin.

The standout moment, however, occurred in 1887 when to celebrate her Golden Jubilee, a new portrait was designed to grace Victoria’s coinage. The new effigy of the Queen, the Jubilee head portrait, was produced by the skilled engraver Joseph Edgar Boehm. At the forefront of this portrait change was the trusted Sovereign, the coin that built the Empire.

Victoria gold Sovereign 1887

Obverse - Jubilee type crowned bust left, small and spread J.E.B. initials in straight line on truncation for engraver Joseph Edgar Boehm, hooked J, Latin legend and toothed border surrounding, VICTORIA D: G: BRITT: REG: F: D:

Reverse - St. George and dragon right, date in exergue, B.P. to upper right of exergue

Weight 7.99g