United Kingdom 1 Penny 1900

United Kingdom · 1900 · 1 penny

Circulating coinCommonVF · Very fine

€5.00estimate in VF

31,778,100coins minted

N670 KM790 Sp3961

Circulating coin

Circulating coin of Queen Victoria, of the “Veiled Head” (Old Head) type, marking the end of her long reign. It is the last series of Victorian pennies.

The coin's story

The 1900 penny belongs to the “Old Head” series (1895-1901), introduced following the extension of Victoria's title to “Empress of India”, hence the words IND IMP in the titles. Part of the last series of coins struck under Victoria before her death in January 1901. The bronze composition (95% Cu) had been standard since 1860, replacing the old pure copper.

ObverseThe Queen's Portrait

VICTORIA · DEI · GRA · BRITT · REGINA · FID · DEF · IND · IMP ·

Design: The veiled and crowned bust of Queen Victoria facing left (Old Head), after a model by Thomas Brock.
Legend: VICTORIA · DEI · GRA · BRITT · REGINA · FID · DEF · IND · IMP · (Victoria, by the grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India).
Signature: T.B., initials of Thomas Brock, sometimes visible.

GSDesigned by Thomas Brock · engraved by George William de Saulles

ReverseBritannia

ONE PENNY / 1900

Design: Britannia seated right, holding a trident and a shield, in a version of Leonard Charles Wyon's design in which the rock and lighthouse are simplified or removed.
Denomination: ONE PENNY, at the top.
Date: 1900, in the exergue.

GSDesigned by Leonard Charles Wyon · engraved by George William de Saulles