Summary

Silver coin; Denomination: Sixpence
Royal Mint, London
Queen Victoria (1837-1901)

Struck as part of a new coinage in gold and silver to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria, 1837-1887. The coins all shared a new 'Jubilee' obverse of the Queen by Boehm, adapted from his own Jubillee medal. The new obverse proved unpopular but was used until 1893. The reverse is adapted from the shilling of George IV used from 1823 to 1825 but on this denomination the coin was so close to the gold half-sovereign in size and design that it led to wide spread frauds by gilding this coin type and passing it as a half-sovereign. Production of the shield reverse sixpence was quickly stopped and was replace in the same year by a new coin with the words SIX PENCE within a wreath on the reverse with the new Jubilee obverse.

Obverse Description

Bust of the Queen facing left the small wearing imperial crown, long veil falling behind her head, pearl necklace and earring, Ribbon and Star of the Garter and the badge of the Imperial Order of India; in small raised letters on the bust truncation, the artist's initials J.E.B. (Joseph Edgar Boehm); around, VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITT: REGINA F: D:

Reverse Description

Within the Garter, crowned square shield quartered with the arms of England (1 & 4), Scotland (2) and Ireland (3); motto on Garter, HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE; below, divided by the base of the Garter, 1887

Edge Description

milled

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