I was at a second-hand sale recently and I was lucky enough to find a stall where a young man was selling a large amount of Victorian Pennies. He is a coin collector and these were surplus to his requirements. I bought a few of the pennies because I love collecting Victorian items. Having coins like this are great inspiration as a writer and being able to hold in my hand something so old in my hand.
Below are some photo’s of two of the coins:
The first you can see Queen Victoria’s head. The first one has a younger portrait of the Queen (minted in 1885) and the second showing a much older Queen, minted just a few year later in 1901.
It’s not altogether surprising that the younger queen is shown so late in her reign. Queen Elizabeth II’s head on stamps and coins now often show her much younger than she is.
Here is the reverse of the coins: interesting to note that the picture of Brittannia is different too.
The newer coin has worn better, but is more dirty. I hope you enjoyed this little introduction to Victorian coinage. I’m going to try and get hold of some other Victorian Coins.