How to Identify the Godless Florin
Confirm an 1849 Godless Florin by its missing "Dei Gratia" legend, cruciform shields and sterling-silver specs — and tell it from the later Gothic Florin.
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Start with the obverse legend, which is the fastest and most reliable test. A Godless Florin reads "VICTORIA REGINA 1849" in plain Roman capitals and deliberately omits the abbreviations "D G" (Dei Gratia) and "F D" (Fid. Def.). If you can see "BRITT REG F D" or a "DEI GRATIA" in the legend, you are not holding the Godless type. The portrait should be a left-facing crowned young Victoria with her hair gathered under a coronet.
Turn to the reverse and confirm the layout: four crowned shields set as a cross, with a rose, thistle and shamrock in the angles between them, encircled by "ONE FLORIN ONE TENTH OF A POUND." The date 1849 appears on the obverse in ordinary Arabic numerals. This is a key separator from the Gothic Florin of 1851 onward, which uses ornate Gothic lettering and a Roman-numeral date (for example "mdccclij").
Check the physical specifications. A genuine coin is sterling silver (.925), about 28 mm across and roughly 11.3 grams, with a reeded (grooved) edge. A coin that is markedly lighter, non-magnetic-testing base metal, or has a plain edge should be treated with suspicion. Silver of this era usually shows a soft grey tone rather than bright white.
Watch the common look-alikes and pitfalls. The main confusion is with the later Gothic Florins, distinguished immediately by their Gothic script and restored titles. Also be alert to specialist die varieties on the Godless type, chiefly the position and presence of the "WW" engraver's initials on the bust truncation — useful to advanced collectors but not needed to identify the type. Finally, avoid cleaned, tooled or holed pieces; because of the coin's fame, high-grade examples are worth authenticating through a reputable third-party grading service before paying a strong premium.
Frequently asked questions
What is the single quickest way to spot a Godless Florin?
Read the obverse legend. If it says only "VICTORIA REGINA" with the date 1849 and no "Dei Gratia" or "F D," it is the Godless type. The missing "by the Grace of God" wording is the defining feature.
How do I tell a Godless Florin from a Gothic Florin?
The Godless Florin uses plain Roman lettering, an Arabic 1849 date and no "Dei Gratia." The Gothic Florins (1851 onward) use ornate Gothic script, Roman-numeral dates and the restored royal titles.
What size and weight should a genuine coin be?
About 28 mm in diameter and roughly 11.3 grams in .925 sterling silver, with a reeded edge. Significant deviations in weight, diameter or edge are warning signs of a fake or an altered piece.
Do I need to identify the die varieties to know it's a Godless Florin?
No. Variety differences such as the placement of the "WW" initials matter to specialists and pricing, but any 1849 florin with the shortened "VICTORIA REGINA" legend is the Godless type.