Victorian Silver Crown, British Emblems, 1889

The front of the coin is decoratively enamelled with blue, green, red, white and yellow enamel. Four crowned shields arranged to form a cross about the Star of the Garter, top and bottom bear the arms of England, right Scotland, left, Ireland; between the shields are four sceptres, two surmounted with an orb, one with a thistle and one with a harp. There is a royal blue enamel border with the lettering: REG 1889 FID DEF BRITT abbreviated Latin for Queen of Britain, defender of the faith.

Coin is fitted into an elaborate framed pin so there is no soldering of the coin itself and it could presumably be taken out of the frame if desired. It measures 4 cm (1.5 inches) in diameter and weighs 25.5 grams. Across the rear bar of the frame is stamped 'patent'. There are hallmarks on the rim of the frame for Silver, Birmingham, 1889-May 1890. There are maker's marks which are hard to define but begin with R.

Item ID: PT00217