1881 Queen Victoria Sixpence

1881 Queen Victoria Sixpence – Sterling Silver – Young Head – Attractive Original Example

This listing is for a genuine 1881 Silver Sixpence of Queen Victoria, struck at the Royal Mint, London. Featuring the classic Young Head portrait by William Wyon, this piece captures the enduring beauty of early milled Victorian silver coinage.

This example displays pleasing even wear with clear central detail and honest silver-grey toning throughout. The fields retain smooth surfaces and good eye appeal for the grade — a well-preserved and authentic example of a circulation issue over 140 years old.

Historical Context

The 1881 Sixpence belongs to the “Young Head” series, first introduced in 1838 and struck until 1887. These coins circulated widely during Britain’s industrial expansion and the height of the Empire. Silver sixpences were a popular denomination, often carried as “lucky charms” and used in wedding customs — contributing to their relative scarcity in higher grades today.

The 1881 issue falls into the later years of this enduring design, produced in sterling silver (.925 fine) shortly before the introduction of the Jubilee portrait in 1887.

Coin Details

Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Queen Victoria (1837–1901)
Denomination: Sixpence (6d)
Date: 1881
Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)
Weight: 2.83 g
Diameter: 19.3 mm
Edge: Milled
Mint: Royal Mint, London
Obverse Designer: William Wyon RA
Reverse Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon

Design

Obverse: Portrait of Queen Victoria facing left with a wreath of laurel in her hair. Legend: VICTORIA DEI GRATIA BRITANNIAR: REG: F:D:
Reverse: Crowned denomination within a wreath of oak and laurel, date 1881 below.

Condition

A well-detailed, evenly toned coin with smooth surfaces and appealing natural patina. The legends and wreath detail remain clear, and the portrait shows good definition for a circulated silver issue. Free from major blemishes or cleaning, this coin offers solid collector quality and historical charm.

Collectors’ Notes

The 1881 Sixpence is a popular late-Victorian date, representing one of the last years before the Jubilee Head redesign. Collectors value examples like this for their originality and honest wear, a reminder of daily life during the height of the British Empire.

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 condition. 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.