John H. writes: I am looking for the history and value of an old silver coin. It is entitled VICTORIA D:G: BRITT:REG:F:D:, with a picture of the young queen on the front. On the other side there is a picture of a man on a horse who is killing a dragon beneath him with a dagger. It’s dated 1889. Thank you.
You have an 1889 Great Britain crown. The coin is slightly larger than a United States silver dollar. The obverse shows the Jubilee head of Queen Victoria (1837-1901) and the abbreviated Latin legend VICTORIA D.G. BRITT. REG. F.D. (Victoria by the Grace of G-d, Queen of Britain, Defender of the Faith). The reverse shows St. George slaying a dragon, and in exergue , the date. This portrait of Queen Victoria was used on the crown from 1887-1892.
Stats for this coin and date:
Mintage in 1889: 1,807,000
Weight: 28.2759 grams of .925 silver (sterling).
Actual silver content is .8409 troy ounce pure).
Value depends on condition (grade). Value Range: US$20 – $200.
For more information about coins from Great Britain and its interesting pre-decimal monetary system, see: The British monetary system
