United Kingdom 1 Penny 1844

United Kingdom · 1844 · 1 penny

Circulating coinUncommonVF · Very fine

€21.00estimate in VF

215,000coins minted

N4721 KM739

Circulating coin

Large circulating Copper Penny, used under the reign of Queen Victoria until its replacement by smaller bronze coins in 1860.

The coin's story

This date belongs to the heavy copper series. The mintage is relatively low for a circulating coin, which gives it an above-average numismatic value for this period. Beware of the 1844 One Penny Model tokens, which are unofficial patterns with an even more limited mintage.

ObverseThe Queen's Portrait

VICTORIA DEI GRATIA 1844

Design: The first portrait of Queen Victoria, the “Young Head”, facing left, her hair drawn back into a bun.
Legend: VICTORIA DEI GRATIA (Victoria, by the grace of God).
Date: 1844.
Signature: W.W., initials of William Wyon, often visible on the neck.

WWEngraved by William Wyon

ReverseBritannia

BRITANNIAR: REG: FID: DEF:

Design: Helmeted Britannia in draped robes, seated right, holding a trident and a shield bearing the Union Jack.
Legend: BRITANNIAR: REG: FID: DEF: (Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith).
Denomination: ONE PENNY.

WWEngraved by William Wyon