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Country: Great Britain
Ruler: Queen Victoria (1837-1901)
Type: Standard circulation coin
Years: 1881 (1837-1887)
Value: 3 Pence = 1/4 shilling (1/80 LSD)
Mintage: 4,365,900
Composition: Silver (.925)
Weight: 1.4 g
Diameter: 16 mm
Grade: XF40+
Shape: Round
Orientation: Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized: Yes
References: KM# 730, Sp# 3914, Sp# 3918
Obverse:
Young uncrowned portrait ('Young Head') of Queen Victoria left, legend around.
Lettering: VICTORIA D:G:BRITANNIAR:REGINA F:D:
Translation: Victoria by the Grace of God Queen of the Britains Defender of the Faith
Engraver: William Wyon.
Reverse:
Crowned denomination divides date within oak wreath.
Lettering: 18 3 81
Engraver: Jean Baptiste Merlen.
Edge:
Plain.
Comments:
Struck with prooflike finish for use in the Maundy ceremony and with a dull surface for circulation initially in the West Indies, where it was equivalent to ½ real. The standard weight of this coin was 1/22 troy ounce or 21.8 grains.
Demonetization note: Whilst the circulation strikes have been demonetized, the Maundy issues carry legal tender status and are still being struck to this day with the value updated to decimal pence.
Sp#3914 (1838-87) Coinage initially struck for circulation in the West Indies, domestic issues began in 1845:
3914 Type A1 (1838-61) First bust, young head, high relief, ear fully visible;
3914A Type A2 (1859-68) First bust variety, slightly older portrait with aquiline nose;
3914B Type A3 (1867 only) Second bust, slightly larger, lower relief, mouth fuller;
3914C Type A4 (1866-84) Tie ribbon further from tooth border, cross on crown nearer tooth border;
3914D Type A5 (1880-87) Third bust, older features, mouth closed, hair strands leading from 'bun' vary;
Reference : KM# 730, Sp# 3914, Sp# 3918
Source : https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces4...
Collection : Victoria - Queen Empress (1837-1901) of Great Britain & British India