Queen Victoria Jubilee Head Half Crown
Country of Origin: United Kingdom / Great Britain
Year of Issue: 1887
Denomination: Half Crown (2 Shillings 6 Pence)
Composition: 92.5% Silver (Sterling Silver)
Brief Description
A large British silver coin featuring the 'Jubilee Head' portrait of Queen Victoria and a crowned cruciform shield of arms on the reverse.
Historical Significance
Issued to commemorate the Golden Jubilee (50 years) of Queen Victoria's reign. The 'Jubilee Head' design by Joseph Edgar Boehm replaced the 'Young Head' which had been used for 50 years, though it was later criticized for the small size of the crown.
Estimated Value
$25-$50 in circulated Very Fine condition, $100-$300 in Mint State (MS-63+)
Care Instructions
Store in a non-PVC flip or archival holder. Avoid cleaning or polishing as it destroys the numismatic value. Handle only by the edges while wearing cotton or nitrile gloves.
Mint Mark
None (Royal Mint, London)
Mintage & Rarity
1,972,000; common date but highly sought after by type collectors.
Weight & Diameter
14.14 grams, 32.3 mm
Edge
Reeded (milled)
Apparent Grade
Extremely Fine (EF), showing minor high-point wear on the veil and shield but retaining significant detail and some original luster.
Obverse (Front)
Jubilee bust of Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a small crown and veil; legend: VICTORIA DEI GRATIA. Designer: Joseph Edgar Boehm.
Reverse (Back)
Crowned quartered shield of arms within a Garter; legend: BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF: with the date 1887 below. Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon.
What Drives This Coin's Value
Value is primarily driven by preservation of original luster and lack of surface marks. Toning (natural oxidation) can increase appeal and value.
Similar Coins
Often confused with the Florin (2 Shillings) of the same year, which is smaller (28mm) and lacks the 'BRITANNIARUM' legend on the reverse.
Authenticity & Counterfeit Red Flags
Weight should be exactly ~14.1g. Check for sharp details on the Garter motto and the fine lines on the heraldic shield. Watch for cast bubbly surfaces or seamless edges.
Notable Varieties & Errors
The 1887 Half Crown has no major widely recognized die varieties, though proof-like strikes exist from the Specimen Sets.
Created At: 2026-05-05T18:44:37.850811