Ancient, Celtic, British and World Coins, Tokens, Coin Weights and Historical Medals

Victoria (1837-1901), Crown, 1893 LVII, old head (ESC 305). An exceptional example, practically as struck, surfaces excellent, with only a few minor contact marks; has been lightly cleaned, very rare in this state (£200-220)

The 1893 Crown with the regnal year reading LVII is a somewhat underrated rarity. Even in grades of fair and fine it is infrequently met with and coins in a high grade are decidedly rare. The new old head crown was struck in quite large numbers in the first six moths of 1893 (Victoria became queen on June 20) but subsequent demand from the Bank of England and elsewhere must have petered out.