Queen Victoria 1837-1901

Queen Victoria's reign, which spanned from 1837 to 1901, witnessed significant developments in coinage for the British Empire. During the early years of her reign, the currency system was in disarray, with a wide variety of coins from different regions in circulation. In 1848, the Coinage Act was passed, leading to a comprehensive reform of British coinage. New coin denominations were introduced, such as the florin, half-crown, and threepence, standardizing the system. In 1860, the iconic "Bun Head" portrait of Queen Victoria, designed by William Wyon, was introduced on copper coins. In 1887, to commemorate her Golden Jubilee, a new Jubilee Head portrait of the Queen was featured on the coinage. The latter part of Victoria's reign saw advancements in minting technology, with the introduction of the minting press and the adoption of bronze as a coinage metal. These developments not only modernized the coinage but also reflected the changing economic landscape of the British Empire during Queen Victoria's illustrious reign.