1878 Queen Victoria Farthing – Lustrous Bronze

1878 Queen Victoria Farthing – Lustrous Bronze – Early Bun Head Issue – Choice Example

This listing is for a genuine 1878 Bronze Farthing of Queen Victoria, struck at the Royal Mint, London. An early “Bun Head” type, this coin represents the classic late 19th-century design of Britain’s smallest circulating denomination — produced during a period of industrial strength and imperial expansion.

This example exhibits original mint lustre with soft golden and violet cabinet tones, highlighting Britannia’s figure and the crisp portrait of the young Queen. The surfaces show even colour with light iridescence under rotation — a characteristic feature of coins carefully stored since striking.

Historical Context

The 1878 farthing belongs to the mature phase of the Bun Head series (1860–1895), when the Royal Mint’s improved bronze planchets resulted in deeper strikes and longer-lasting detail. This issue followed the Great Recoinage of 1860, which replaced copper with bronze for greater durability. Surviving lustrous examples are particularly scarce due to the farthing’s small size and heavy circulation.

Farthing coinage of this period was widely used throughout the empire, representing the enduring image of Britannia — a symbol of maritime strength, trade, and unity.

Coin Details

Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Queen Victoria (1837–1901)
Denomination: Farthing (¼d)
Date: 1878
Metal: Bronze
Weight: 2.83 g
Diameter: 20 mm
Edge: Plain
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Mintage: Approx. 2,359,000

Design

Obverse: Young “Bun Head” portrait of Queen Victoria facing left, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon. Legend: VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D:

Reverse: Britannia seated facing right, holding trident and shield, with lighthouse and ship motifs symbolising naval power. Legend FARTHING above, date below.

Condition

A choice example with strong original mint lustre across both sides, touched with subtle violet and blue toning. Detail remains sharp in Britannia’s drapery and the Queen’s hair, showing only the lightest friction on the highest points. Excellent eye appeal and colour depth for the type.

Collectors’ Notes

The 1878 farthing is a sought-after early Victorian bronze, particularly when found with this level of preserved lustre. Its combination of strong strike, natural tone, and originality makes it an ideal representative piece for both date and type collectors.