1901 Queen Victoria Old Head Silver Threepence

This attractive silver Threepence was struck in 1901 during the final year of Queen Victoria’s reign. Featuring the distinguished Old Head portrait by Sir Thomas Brock, this issue represents the last circulating silver Threepence produced under Britain’s longest-reigning nineteenth-century monarch.

The Old Head coinage, introduced in 1893, portrayed Victoria in a dignified widow’s veil and small crown, reflecting the maturity and stature of an empress who had ruled Britain for more than six decades. The portrait remains one of the most recognisable and historically significant designs in British numismatics.

The reverse displays the denomination within a decorative wreath beneath the royal crown, a design that had become synonymous with Victorian Threepences. Struck in sterling silver, these coins circulated extensively throughout Britain and the Empire and remain highly collectable today.

As a final-year issue of Queen Victoria’s coinage, the 1901 Threepence offers collectors an important link to the closing chapter of the Victorian era.

Historical Background

The year 1901 marked the end of Queen Victoria’s remarkable reign, which had begun in 1837 and transformed Britain into the world’s leading industrial and imperial power. Upon her death on 22 January 1901, the Victorian age came to a close and was succeeded by the Edwardian period.

The Threepence played an important role in everyday commerce throughout the nineteenth century, serving as a convenient small silver denomination within Britain’s pre-decimal currency system. Coins dated 1901 are especially sought after as they represent the final issues struck during Victoria’s reign and remain popular with collectors assembling complete Victorian silver series.

Specifications

• Country: United Kingdom
• Issuer: Queen Victoria (1837-1901)
• Denomination: Threepence
• Year: 1901
• Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)
• Weight: 1.41 g
• Diameter: 16 mm
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Plain
• Alignment: Medal Alignment
• Obverse Designer: Sir Thomas Brock
• Reverse Designer: Leonard Charles Wyon
• Obverse: Old Head portrait of Queen Victoria facing left wearing veil and small crown
• Obverse Legend: VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP
• Reverse: Crown above denomination within wreath
• Reverse Legend: THREE PENCE / 1901
• Mintage: 8,022,000
• Catalogue References:
  • Spink: S.3982
  • KM: KM#778
  • Bull: 3552

Condition

Please carefully examine the photographs provided as these form an important part of the description. The coin shown is the exact item that you will receive.

Shipping

• Securely packaged for safe transit.
• Combined shipping available on multiple purchases.
• Dispatched promptly following receipt of cleared payment.

Categories

• British Coins
• Victoria
• Silver Coins
• Threepence
• Milled Coins

Tags

1901 Threepence, 1901 Silver Threepence, Queen Victoria, Victoria Old Head, Old Head Threepence, Victorian Silver Coin, Sterling Silver Threepence, British Silver Coin, Final Year Victoria Coin, Veiled Head Victoria, British Coinage, Three Pence, Pre Decimal Currency, Milled Coinage, British Numismatics, Spink 3982, KM 778, Numicraft