Watch List notes:

GREAT BRITAIN. Victoria Golden Jubilee Gold Medal, 1887. London Mint. NGC MS-61.
BHM-3219; Eimer-1733A. By L. C. Wyon. Mintage: 944. Diameter: 57mm. Obverse: VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX, crowned, veiled, and draped bust left; Reverse: IN COMMEMORATION, Victoria seated facing on throne, holding orb and reversed sword; two overhanging cherubs above; below and around, seven allegories representing arts, industry, and commerce; in exergue, the 'five' continents of the civilized world: Asia, America, Europe, Australasia, and Africa. Extremely brilliant and mirrored in the fields, this dazzling and popular issue offers some subtle frosting to the devices, making for a delightful light cameo nature. A tinge of burnished cobalt is noted above the temple of the queen, while some scattered friction and marks around the base of her bust must be noted for completeness.

Considering the advancements in health and wellness achieved in the 20th century, it might be easy to overlook the significance of a 50 year reign when using modern eyes, but this couldn't be farther from the case in the 19th century and earlier eras. This sort of longevity, given its rarity, was broadly celebrated and, in Victoria's case, it was no different. As noted in British Historical Medals, "the jubilee was celebrated throughout the country by many thousands of people. The festivities took many forms including local fêtes, a yacht race round the island from Southend to Dover, bonfires, illuminations and a service of thanksgiving attended by the Queen at Westminster Abbey." The occasion also inspired "a very large number of unofficial pieces (medals), many of poor style and execution." As the official medal, the specimen offered here received all the attention and grandeur that the event called for. By the end of her reign, Victoria would eclipse even more milestones, including the Diamond Jubilee for her 60th year, ultimately setting the record for longest-reigning British monarch at 67 years, 282 days at the time of her passing. Next to her Coronation however, which marked the formal beginning of her time as monarch, the event for which this medal was produced was unquestionably her most celebrated.

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From the Augustana Collection.

Estimate: $10000 - $15000