Victoria 3rd portrait; 'Old Head'

Description

This is the 1897 Circulation issue with a mintage of 6,270,300. The Victoria 3rd portrait, commonly referred to as the 'Old Head,' is a notable coin from the United Kingdom, minted in 1893 with a denomination of £0.05. Struck at the Royal Mint located at Tower Hill, this silver coin is composed of .925 silver and boasts a mintage of 72,506,500 pieces, which contributes to its relatively low rarity score of 2 out of 10. The design features a mature portrait of Queen Victoria, which was a departure from the earlier, more youthful representations, symbolizing her long reign and the stability of the British Empire during a time of significant social and economic change. For numismatists, this coin not only serves as a representation of Victorian era coinage but also highlights the evolution of royal portraiture on currency. Its widespread circulation means it is accessible to collectors, making it a staple for those interested in British numismatic history.