1860 Queen Victoria One Penny – Lustrous Bronze – Sharp Detail

1860 Queen Victoria One Penny – Early Bun Head Issue – Lustrous Bronze – Sharp Detail

This listing is for a genuine 1860 Bronze One Penny of Queen Victoria, struck at the Royal Mint, London. This issue represents the first year of the new bronze coinage, replacing the older copper issues, and introducing the “Bun Head” portrait — a design that would define Victorian coinage for over three decades.

This particular example displays impressive original lustre with light silver-gold tones and strong definition across Britannia and Victoria’s portrait. The coin retains its early striking sharpness, with crisp beading and clean fields, showing minimal wear for its age — a choice example of this important transitional penny.

Historical Context

The year 1860 marked a revolution in British coinage. After over two centuries of copper issues, the Royal Mint adopted bronze for its smaller denominations, producing lighter, harder-wearing coins. The 1860 penny is therefore a landmark issue — the first of its kind and the beginning of modern bronze circulation coinage in Britain.

Designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, the “Bun Head” portrait of Victoria became one of the most recognisable in numismatic history, combining neoclassical elegance with industrial precision.

Coin Details

Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Queen Victoria (1837–1901)
Denomination: One Penny (1d)
Date: 1860
Metal: Bronze
Weight: 9.45 g
Diameter: 30.8 mm
Edge: Plain
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Variety: Bun Head, First Bronze Issue

Design

Obverse: Young “Bun Head” portrait of Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a laurel wreath and ribbon. Legend: VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D: — designed by Leonard Charles Wyon.

Reverse: Britannia seated right with trident and shield, lighthouse to left, ship to right, and ONE PENNY above, date below.

Condition

An attractive, lustrous example showing bright golden and subtle violet cabinet tones with crisp detail to both obverse and reverse. The surfaces are smooth with minimal abrasions and no significant marks, making this an excellent collector-grade Victorian penny.

Collectors’ Notes

The 1860 One Penny is a key type coin — the first of the modern bronze series. Well-preserved examples with original lustre are increasingly hard to find, as most entered circulation heavily. This coin’s combination of historical importance, eye appeal, and condition make it a desirable addition to any advanced Victorian collection.

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.