Queen Victoria Old Head Penny on Card

Victorian Penny

An affordable Victorian coin which makes an ideal gift for any coin enthusiast.

Of all the coins in the old pounds, shillings and pence system, the penny had the longest continuous history tracing its origins to the Anglo-Saxon kings. The Royal Mint is pleased to have obtained a limited number of Victorian Pennies, struck at the Royal Mint, then at Tower Hill, between 1895 and 1901.

Queen Victoria Old Head

The Queen Victoria obverse design affectionately known as the Old Head or Veiled Head, was introduced in 1893. The design by Thomas Brock was chosen by the Queen after the recommendation from a committee formed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1891 to consider submissions from contemporary sculptors and artists. The effigy portrayed Victoria crowned, veiled and draped, wearing ribbon and star of the Garter. The obverse legend included for the first time the (abbreviated) words 'IND.IMP.' - Empress of India. Although introduced in 1893 the Veiled Head did not appear on the bronze coinage of Victoria until 1895.

The Beautiful and instantly recognisable bronze penny is housed in a protective blister, allowing customers the opportunity to study and appreciate the fine design and craftsmanship of both the obverse and reverse of the coin. The blister is housed within a classically designed information card which presents information on this classic coin.