-
Inventory:
1 In Stock
- Product ID: 53270
Checkout
The Great Britain 1841 Penny, classified as KM#739, is a notable and historically significant coin from the reign of Queen Victoria, one of Britain’s longest-serving monarchs. This particular penny is known for its "No Colon" variety, a distinguishing feature in which there is no colon following the word "REG" in the inscription. This error adds an element of rarity and intrigue to the coin, making it a desirable collectible for numismatists who specialize in British coinage. Issued in 1841, just a few years after Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837, this penny represents a time of great change and growth in the British Empire. In Almost Uncirculated (AU) condition, this coin remains in impressive preservation, with much of its original detail intact, offering both historical and numismatic value.
The obverse of the 1841 Penny features a youthful portrait of Queen Victoria, engraved by William Wyon, the Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint. Queen Victoria is depicted facing left, with her hair tied in a bun at the back of her head and secured by a ribbon. This portrait, known as the "Young Head," became a defining image of her early reign and was used on many of Britain’s coin denominations throughout the mid-19th century. The inscription around her portrait reads "VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIAR: REG: F:D," which translates to "Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith." The "No Colon" variety refers to the absence of the colon after "REG," which was a minting error that occurred during production. In AU condition, the fine details of Queen Victoria’s hair, facial features, and ribbon remain sharp, with only minimal wear on the highest points of the design. The fields surrounding the portrait maintain their original luster, contributing to the overall beauty and quality of the coin.
The reverse of the 1841 Penny showcases a seated figure of Britannia, the personification of Britain, holding a trident in her left hand and a shield in her right. The design is framed by the inscription "ONE PENNY" above and the date "1841" below. Britannia is depicted wearing a helmet, with a flowing gown that is intricately detailed in higher-grade examples like this AU coin. To her left is a depiction of the sea, with a small sailing ship in the background, symbolizing Britain’s naval power and dominance over the seas during the height of the British Empire. The intricate details of Britannia’s gown, trident, and shield are well-preserved in AU condition, with only slight smoothing on the highest points of the design. The coin’s reverse still retains much of its original sharpness and appeal, particularly in the finer details of Britannia’s figure and the surrounding elements.
The 1841 Penny was struck at the Royal Mint in London, the principal mint for Britain’s coinage for centuries. During this time, the Royal Mint was responsible for producing coins that were circulated throughout the expanding British Empire, making British coinage highly influential and widely used across the globe. The quality of the coins produced at the Royal Mint was renowned, and the 1841 Penny is a testament to the craftsmanship and precision of the mint’s engravers and workers. While the "No Colon" variety was a result of a minor error in the die, it adds to the uniqueness of the coin and makes it particularly desirable among collectors who seek out minting variations and rarities.
The mintage of the 1841 Great Britain Penny is not precisely documented, but it is known that pennies from this era were struck in large quantities to meet the demands of Britain’s growing population and economy. However, the "No Colon" variety is much scarcer than the standard issue, as it was likely the result of a small number of dies used in production. This relative scarcity makes the 1841 No Colon Penny a valuable and sought-after coin in the numismatic community. In higher grades like AU, where much of the original detail is still present, the coin’s value is further enhanced, appealing to collectors who appreciate both historical significance and condition.
In AU condition, the 1841 No Colon Penny exhibits only minor signs of wear, with the majority of the coin’s original design and detail remaining well-preserved. The obverse, featuring Queen Victoria’s portrait, retains its sharpness, with clear details in her hair and facial features. The reverse, with its depiction of Britannia, is equally well-maintained, with the intricate elements of her gown, trident, and shield still easily discernible. The coin’s luster and overall eye appeal are excellent for a piece of its age, making it a standout example of early Victorian-era coinage.
The Great Britain 1841 No Colon Penny is a fascinating and valuable coin, offering both historical context and numismatic intrigue. As a piece from the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign, it represents a time of rapid expansion and change for Britain, as the empire reached new heights of power and influence. The "No Colon" variety adds an element of rarity that appeals to collectors who seek out unique minting errors, while the coin’s high grade of preservation in AU condition makes it a desirable addition to any collection of British or Victorian-era coinage. Its combination of beauty, history, and rarity ensures that the 1841 No Colon Penny will remain a cherished piece for numismatists for generations to come.