1897 VICTORIA MAUNDY SET

1897 Queen Victoria Old Head Proof Maundy Set

Complete 4-Coin Set Silver In Original Case
Eimer 1817 ESC 2561 Prooflike UNC Condition

This highly collectable Maundy set was struck in 1897, during the reign of Queen Victoria, featuring her “Old Head” portrait (also known as the “Veiled Head” design). Maundy coins were traditionally distributed by the monarch at the annual Royal Maundy ceremony, symbolising humility and service.

Obverse

All four coins feature the veiled bust of Queen Victoria, facing left, wearing a small crown and veil, with the legend:

• “VICTORIA DEI GRA BRITT REGINA FID DEF IND IMP”
• Translation: “Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of Britain, Defender of the Faith, Empress of India”

Reverse

Each coin displays the denomination within a wreath, surmounted by a crown:

• Fourpence (4d)
• Threepence (3d)
• Twopence (2d)
• Onepence (1d)

Details

• Metal: Sterling Silver
• Denominations: 4d, 3d, 2d, 1d
• Diameter: 18 mm (4d), 16 mm (3d), 13 mm (2d), 11 mm (1d)
• Condition: Prooflike Uncirculated (UNC), sharp strikes with mirrored fields
• Presentation: Contained in original fitted case
• Price: £250

This set is particularly desirable as it represents the final Maundy issue of Queen Victoria’s reign, struck in her Diamond Jubilee year. Prooflike examples in their original case are scarce and highly sought after by collectors of Maundy coinage, Victorian proofs, and royal ceremonial issues.

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Historical Note – The Maundy Tradition

The Royal Maundy ceremony is one of the oldest continuous traditions in the British monarchy, dating back to the 13th century. Rooted in Christian observance of Maundy Thursday, the day before Good Friday, it commemorates Christ’s commandment to love one another and his act of humility in washing the feet of his disciples.

Originally, English monarchs would wash the feet of the poor and distribute food, clothing, or money. Over time, this evolved into the presentation of specially struck Maundy coins, symbolising alms given to the needy. Each recipient traditionally received coins equal in number to the monarch’s age.

By the reign of Queen Victoria, the ceremony had become a formalised royal event, with coins struck in sterling silver and bearing distinctive designs. The 1897 Maundy issue is particularly significant as it was struck during Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee year, marking 60 years on the throne. The coins feature her “Old Head” portrait, introduced in 1893, showing the Queen veiled and crowned — a dignified image reflecting her long reign and imperial status as Empress of India.

Sets like this one, especially in prooflike condition and housed in their original case, are highly prized by collectors as tangible links to both royal ceremony and Victorian numismatic history.