🔎 About the 1897 British 1 Penny Coin

This coin was struck in the twilight years of Queen Victoria’s reign, during the height of the British Empire. The obverse features the "Veiled Head" portrait of the Queen, introduced in her final decade, symbolizing dignity, age, and imperial legacy. The reverse bears the image of Britannia, seated with trident and shield — a classic representation of Britain’s maritime power.

Specifications:

• Material: Bronze

• Weight: 9.45 grams

• Diameter: 30.8 mm

• Edge: Plain

• Obverse: Veiled bust of Queen Victoria

• Reverse: Britannia seated, facing right

• Mint: Royal Mint, London

This design was used across the empire, and millions were struck, but each surviving coin carries its own journey — and this one, clearly, has had a unique one.

🕰 Historical Context

The year 1897 marked Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee — 60 years on the throne — a time of national celebration and imperial pride. The British Empire was the largest in history, and its coinage reflected the values of strength, order, and unity.

Coins like this penny circulated widely, not just in Britain, but also in many colonies and dominions.

💡 Collecting Insights

• Unique Provenance: Unlike most coins, this one comes with a personal backstory — recovered from a locked suitcase in a forgotten storage unit.

• Iconic Portrait: The “Veiled Head” design is especially valued among collectors of Victorian coins.

• Tangible History: Holding this coin is like holding a piece of the 19th century — worn by time, but still dignified.

This 1897 penny isn’t just a collectible — it’s a conversation piece, a time capsule, and a symbol of history lost and found.