1860 Queen Victoria Bronze Farthing – Premium Lustrous Example

1860 Queen Victoria Bronze Farthing – First Year of Issue – Premium Lustrous Example

This listing is for a genuine 1860 Bronze Farthing of Queen Victoria, struck at the Royal Mint, London. The 1860 issue is highly desirable as the first bronze farthing following Britain’s transition from copper to bronze coinage — a landmark change in the Victorian monetary system.

This particular coin is an exceptional premium example, exhibiting superb original mint lustre with warm gold and chocolate-brown overtones and delicate pastel highlights. The surfaces are remarkably clean for the type, showing minimal handling and strong definition to all features, including Victoria’s hair and Britannia’s trident and shield.

Historical Context

The introduction of bronze coinage in 1860 represented a major advance in Britain’s minting technology, reducing metal costs and improving durability. The farthing, at one-quarter of a penny, was an everyday denomination — yet premium early strikes are exceedingly scarce due to the high attrition rate of coins in daily circulation.

As the first bronze issue of the reign, the 1860 farthing occupies a special place in numismatic history. Early bronze pieces were struck with sharp detail and a rich, metallic brilliance when preserved as finely as this example.

Coin Details

Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Queen Victoria (1837–1901)
Denomination: Farthing (¼ Penny)
Date: 1860
Metal: Bronze
Weight: 2.83 g
Diameter: 20 mm
Edge: Plain
Mint: Royal Mint, London

Design

Obverse: Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria facing left, legend VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D:, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon.
Reverse: Britannia seated facing right, holding trident and shield, with lighthouse and ship in the background. FARTHING above and date 1860 below.

Condition

A superb near-UNC specimen with glowing lustre over lightly toned bronze surfaces. Sharp, high-relief strike with excellent hair and drapery detail. Original mint sheen remains vibrant under light — a highly original, cabinet-quality coin seldom encountered at this level.

Collectors’ Notes

First-year bronze farthings are coveted by advanced Victorian collectors, particularly in lustrous condition. This piece offers outstanding eye appeal, rarity of preservation, and historical importance. Premium-grade examples like this are increasingly hard to source, especially with full mint brilliance and attractive tone.

Our Guarantee & Terms

We accept returns provided they are sent back tracked within 14 days of receipt. All photographs are of the actual coin for sale and accurately represent its tone and lustre. Grading is subjective — please refer to the images to form your own assessment. Any questions, please feel free to contact us directly; we are always happy to help.