-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 41019
Checkout
The Great Britain 1 Penny 1897 KM#790 AU coin is a significant piece of British numismatic history, reflecting the economic, political, and social dynamics of the late Victorian era. Minted in 1897, this denomination played a crucial role in daily transactions and provides a snapshot of Britain's evolving monetary system during the height of its imperial power.
On the obverse of the coin, the Jubilee bust of Queen Victoria facing left is depicted. This portrait commemorates Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, marking her 60th year on the throne. Designed by Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm, the bust shows Queen Victoria wearing a small crown and a draped gown adorned with the Star of the Garter. The inscription "VICTORIA D:G: - BRITT:REG:F:D:" encircles the portrait, translating to "Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith."
The reverse side of the coin features a seated Britannia figure, facing right, holding a trident in her right hand and a shield with the Union Jack flag in her left hand. The word "PENNY" appears at the top, and the date "1897" is visible at the bottom. This design is typical of British Penny coins of the late 19th century, with Britannia symbolizing Britain's maritime strength and imperial prowess.
The Great Britain 1 Penny 1897 KM#790 AU coin was minted at the Royal Mint, an institution with centuries of history located in London. The Royal Mint played a crucial role in minting coins for the British Empire and maintaining the stability of Britain's monetary system, ensuring a consistent supply of coins for domestic and colonial use.
In 1897, the mintage of the 1 Penny coin reflected the economic demands of an expanding British Empire and a rapidly industrializing society. The Royal Mint's production capabilities enabled the minting of large quantities of coins necessary for everyday transactions within Britain and its extensive global trade networks.
The condition of the Great Britain 1 Penny 1897 KM#790 AU is described as AU, which stands for "About Uncirculated." AU coins typically exhibit minimal wear on the highest points of the design and retain much of their original mint luster. This indicates that the coin has seen limited circulation since its minting, preserving its sharp details and appeal to collectors.
A notable fact about Great Britain during the late Victorian era, exemplified by the 1897 Penny coin, is its position as the preeminent global power. The Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria celebrated not only her long reign but also Britain's vast empire, stretching across continents and oceans. This period marked Britain's zenith as a global superpower, influencing economies, cultures, and politics worldwide.