1889 Great Britain Victoria Double Florin (4 Shillings) - Jubilee Head (London Mint)

1889 Victoria Silver Double Florin (4 Shillings) – Jubilee Head (London Mint)

This is a large silver piece from Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee coinage, often called the “Double Florin.” It was a short-lived denomination (1887–1890) and frequently confused with the crown due to similar size and appearance. Struck in London with no mint mark.

Key Details:

•  Issuer: United Kingdom (under Queen Victoria)

•  Ruler: Victoria

•  Date: 1889

•  Catalog References: KM#764, Spink 3923, ESC 398 

•  Composition: .925 silver (sterling)

•  Weight: 28.28 grams

•  Diameter: 36 mm

•  Obverse: Crowned and veiled “Jubilee Head” bust of Queen Victoria left, wearing pearl necklace, earrings, and Order of the Garter insignia. Legend: VICTORIA DEI GRATIA (“Victoria by the Grace of God”).

•  Reverse: Four crowned shields arranged cruciform (cross) around a central Garter Star: England (top/bottom), Scotland (right), Ireland (left), with sceptres in the angles. Legend split: BRITT: REG: 1889 FID: DEF: (“Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith”).

The Jubilee Head portrait (by Joseph Edgar Boehm) was used 1887–1892 and marked a stylistic update for Victoria’s 50th anniversary on the throne. These coins circulated but were not as popular as the standard crown.

Edge: Reeded (milled).

This raw example displays solid circulated details with a clear portrait, strong legends, and well-defined heraldic shields on the reverse. Some typical wear, hairlines, and attractive old toning consistent with its age and history. A solid representative of this popular Jubilee type for collectors of British Victorian silver.