United Kingdom – 1890 1 Florin – Victoria (2nd Portrait) (KM#762)

The 1890 United Kingdom 1 Florin was issued during the long and influential reign of Queen Victoria (1837–1901). The florin, also known as the two-shilling coin, was first introduced in 1849 as part of an early attempt to decimalise the British currency system. Valued at one-tenth of a pound, the florin represented an important step toward modern coinage reform in Britain.

This example features the second portrait of Queen Victoria, often referred to as the “Jubilee Head”, which was introduced in 1887 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of her reign. The obverse shows a left-facing crowned portrait of the Queen wearing a small crown and veil. The surrounding Latin legend reads “VICTORIA D G BRITT REG F D”, translating to Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of Britain, Defender of the Faith.

The reverse displays a cruciform arrangement of crowned shields representing the nations of the United Kingdom—England, Scotland, and Ireland—with sceptres placed between them. At the centre is the Star of the Order of the Garter, Britain’s highest order of chivalry. The denomination “ONE FLORIN” and the date 1890 appear around the design, completing a distinctive and elegant Victorian coin type.

Struck in sterling silver, florins circulated widely throughout Britain and the wider British Empire during the late 19th century. Today they are popular with collectors of British and world silver coinage for their historical significance and attractive heraldic design.

Coin Specifications

• Country: United Kingdom

• Ruler: Queen Victoria

• Year: 1890

• Denomination: 1 Florin (Two Shillings)

• Catalogue: KM#762

• Composition: Silver (.925 sterling)

• Weight: approx. 11.31 g

• Diameter: approx. 28 mm

Condition – VF

(MB 15)