1886 Queen Victoria Farthing – Lustrous Bronze – Choice Cabinet Example

1886 Queen Victoria Farthing – Lustrous Bronze – Young Head Type – Choice Cabinet Example

This listing is for a genuine 1886 Bronze Farthing of Queen Victoria, struck at the Royal Mint, London. This coin features the elegant “Young Head” portrait designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, paired with the classic Britannia reverse that defined late 19th-century bronze coinage.

This particular example displays excellent remaining mint lustre with golden-brown and olive tones, complemented by soft violet accents under angled light. Detail across both portrait and reverse remains sharp — particularly to Britannia’s trident, shield, and helmet — with minimal high-point wear and an attractive, original surface sheen.

Historical Context

The 1886 farthing comes from the final decades of Queen Victoria’s reign, during which bronze coinage saw mass production for everyday commerce. Despite large mintages, few pieces survive today with genuine mint lustre, as farthings typically circulated heavily and toned unevenly.

This issue is from the later Young Head period (1860–1894), preceding the Jubilee Head design of 1887. The combination of crisp detail and natural lustre makes this coin an excellent representative of late Victorian bronze craftsmanship.

Coin Details

Country: United Kingdom
Monarch: Queen Victoria (1837–1901)
Denomination: Farthing (¼d)
Date: 1886
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:, by Leonard Charles Wyon.

Reverse: Britannia seated facing right, holding trident and shield with Union Jack; lighthouse to left, ship to right, date in exergue.

Condition

A bright and lustrous example with strong eye appeal. Rich cabinet toning blends honey-bronze and golden-violet hues, retaining significant mint bloom around the legends. The surfaces are smooth and original, with full design sharpness and only the lightest friction visible on high points.

Collectors’ Notes

High-grade farthings from the 1880s are increasingly scarce, particularly those with natural mint lustre and pleasing tone. This example offers an ideal balance of originality, colour, and preservation, making it perfect for both type and date collections of Victorian bronze coinage.

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.