Issued during the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign, this attractive sterling silver Fourpence, commonly known as a Groat, features the celebrated Young Head portrait by William Wyon. Considered one of the finest portraits ever used on British coinage, the design remains highly sought after amongst collectors of Victorian and milled silver coins.

The Fourpence had been reintroduced in 1836 and quickly established itself as a useful circulating denomination. Worth one-third of a shilling, it became a familiar feature of everyday commerce throughout the Victorian era.

The reverse portrays Britannia seated with trident and shield, a classic representation of Britain’s maritime power and growing imperial influence during the nineteenth century. Struck in sterling silver, these coins remain popular with collectors seeking affordable examples of early Victorian silver coinage.

This 1843 issue represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a genuine piece of Victorian history from one of the most influential periods in British numismatic history.

Historical Background

The Victorian Fourpence occupied an important place within Britain’s pre-decimal monetary system. Although originally intended for colonial circulation, demand within Britain ensured its continued production throughout much of the nineteenth century. The denomination became especially popular because it provided a convenient silver coin between the threepence and sixpence.

The 1843 issue was struck during a period of rapid industrial development and expansion throughout the British Empire. Today, these attractive sterling silver coins remain an affordable and historically significant representation of early Victorian Britain.

Specifications

• Country: United Kingdom
• Issuer: Queen Victoria (1837-1901)
• Denomination: Fourpence (Groat)
• Year: 1843
• Metal: Sterling Silver (.925)
• Weight: 1.89 g
• Diameter: 16 mm
• Shape: Round
• Edge: Milled
• Alignment: Medal Alignment
• Obverse Designer: William Wyon RA
• Reverse Designer: William Wyon RA
• Obverse: Young Head portrait of Queen Victoria facing left
• Obverse Legend: VICTORIA DEI GRATIA
• Reverse: Britannia seated facing right holding trident and shield
• Reverse Legend: BRITANNIAR REG FID DEF
• Mintage: 3,456,000
• Catalogue References:
  • Spink: S.3913
  • KM: KM#738
  • Bull: 3338

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
• Fourpence & Groats
• Milled Coins

Tags

1843 Fourpence, 1843 Groat, Queen Victoria, Victoria Young Head, Young Head Fourpence, Victorian Silver Coin, Silver Groat, British Silver Coin, Sterling Silver Coin, Four Pence, Groat, William Wyon, Britannia, Victorian Currency, Milled Coinage, British Numismatics, Spink 3913, KM 738, Numicraft