Queen Victoria Jubilee Head Sovereign Coins -A Golden Legacy
The Queen Victoria Jubilee Head Sovereign stands as one of the most distinctive and historically significant gold coins in British and Commonwealth numismatic history. Created specifically to commemorate Victoria’s Golden Jubilee celebrating 50 years on the throne, these remarkable coins combine royal pageantry, artistic innovation, and solid gold investment potential.
Introduced in 1887, the Jubilee Head design marked a dramatic departure from the “Young Head” portrait that had appeared on sovereigns for nearly five decades. Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm, a renowned Austrian-born British sculptor, created this new effigy showing the 68-year-old monarch wearing a small crown with a veil flowing behind. The portrait also features the Star of the Garter across her shoulder and the Victoria and Albert Order prominently displayed, creating an instantly recognizable design.
Global Production
What makes the Jubilee Head Sovereign particularly fascinating is its production across the expanding British Empire. These coins were struck at multiple mints:
- London (no mint mark): The primary production facility
- Sydney (S mint mark): Australia’s first mint
- Melbourne (M mint mark): Established due to the gold rush
- Perth (P mint mark): The newest Australian mint when the design debuted
This global production reflected the height of the British Empire, with approximately one-quarter of the Earth’s land surface under British control. The Jubilee design proudly displayed Victoria’s imperial title, “BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID DEF IND IMP” (Queen of Britain, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India).
Interestingly, the Jubilee portrait met with mixed reception. Many contemporaries deemed the crown undersized and disproportionate to Victoria’s head. This criticism was widespread enough that the design lasted only six years before being replaced by the “Old Head” or “Veiled Head” design in 1893.
FAQs
What is a Jubilee Head Sovereign? 
A Jubilee Head Sovereign is a gold coin that was minted to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887. It features a unique design and is a significant piece of numismatic history.
Are Jubilee Head Sovereigns considered rare or valuable for collectors?
While Jubilee Head Sovereigns are not rare in terms of mintage, finding high-grade examples can be extremely challenging. These coins are valued by collectors for their historical significance and beauty.
What are the key design elements of the Jubilee Head Sovereign?
The Jubilee Head Sovereign features:
- Obverse: Queen Victoria wearing the small Diamond Crown with a veil, along with royal regalia
- Obverse Legend: “VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID DEF IND IMP” (Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India)
- Reverse: Benedetto Pistrucci’s classic St. George slaying the dragon design
- Edge: Milled (reeded)
Which Jubilee Head Sovereigns are considered the rarest?
Several dates stand out as particularly rare:
- 1893 London: The final year of the Jubilee design, with a lower mintage
- 1887 Melbourne (M mint mark): The first year of the Jubilee design at this mint, rare in high grades
- 1888 Sydney (S mint mark): Lower mintage year
- 1889 Sydney (S mint mark): Particularly scarce in uncirculated condition
- 1891 Sydney (S mint mark): Another key date for the Sydney mint
