The Jubilee Head Half Sovereign - Queen Victoria's Golden Anniversary Coinage
The Jubilee Head Half Sovereign represents one of the most iconic and distinctive periods in British and Australian numismatic history. Created specifically to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, celebrating 50 years on the throne, these coins feature a unique portrait that became a subject of both admiration and controversy.
The Jubilee Portrait: Design and Symbolism
The Jubilee Head portrait of Queen Victoria was designed by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm (1834-1890), a renowned Austrian-born British sculptor who was appointed Sculptor in Ordinary to Queen Victoria in 1881. This design represented a significant departure from the “Young Head” portrait that had been used for decades.
The obverse features:
- Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a small crown
A veil flowing from the crown - Ribbon of the Star of the Garter across her shoulder
- The Victoria and Albert Order is prominently displayed
- The designer’s initials “J.E.B.” appear in relief at the bottom rear of the bust on most issues of coins.
Most notably, the design included the actual “Queen Victoria Diamond Crown” which was specially commissioned for the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. This crown contained an impressive 1,187 diamonds, giving it both its name and its exquisite appearance.
FAQs
What is a Jubilee Head Half Sovereign Coin? 
A Jubilee Head Half Sovereign Coin is a British gold coin that was minted to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1887. It features a distinct design created by Joseph Edgar Boehm, known for its intricate detailing and historical significance.
What is the weight and composition of a Jubilee Head Half Sovereign Coin?
A Jubilee Head Half Sovereign Coin typically has a weight of 3.99 grams and is composed of 22-carat gold, which is 91.67% pure gold.
Which mints produced Jubilee Head Half Sovereigns?
These coins were primarily produced at the Royal Mint in London, but also at the Sydney and Melbourne mints in Australia. Australian-minted coins can be identified by the “S” (Sydney) or “M” (Melbourne) mint mark below the shield on the reverse.
What replaced the Jubilee Head design?
In 1893, the Jubilee Head design was replaced by the “Old Head” or “Veiled Head” design, which continued until the end of Queen Victoria’s reign in 1901. This final portrait of Victoria, designed by Thomas Brock, showed her as an elderly monarch with a widow’s veil, crown, and diadem.
