“This isn't just a coin; it's a miniature portrait of Queen Victoria, designed by William Wyon, that captures the romanticized "Gothic" style popular in 19th-century Britain. Look closely at the intricate details of her hair and the unique lettering.”
Gaze upon the profile of a young Queen Victoria, her features rendered with remarkable clarity on this large silver coin. This 1847 "Gothic" crown, one of William Wyon's most celebrated designs, captures the monarch in a style that evokes medieval aesthetics, a popular trend in mid-19th century Britain. Her hair is intricately braided and adorned with a wreath, while a delicate veil drapes behind her head. The detailed inscription, often referred to as 'Gothic lettering,' encircles her portrait, adding to the coin's distinctive character. Unlike the more common "Young Head" portrait Wyon designed for her everyday coinage, this special issue showcases a more romanticized and elaborate vision of the Queen, intended for collectors and ceremonial use rather than circulation.
- Artist
- William Wyon
- Date
- 1847
- Medium
- Silver
- Location
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Dimensions
- Diameter: 150 mm.
- Collection
- European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
- Culture
- British
- Credit line
- Gift of Assunta Sommella Peluso, Ada Peluso, and Romano I. Peluso, in memory of Ignazio Peluso, 2000
What to Notice
Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.
The intricate braiding of Queen Victoria's hair and the delicate wreath adorning it.
The "Gothic" style lettering of the inscription around the queen's portrait.
The small, almost imperceptible veil draped behind Victoria's head.
The sharp, raised relief of the queen's profile against the smooth silver background.
1 more detail is waiting.
See all 5 in Art Whisper →Stand in front of it and listen
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William Wyon
1795–1851 · British EmpireWilliam Wyon, Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint, left an indelible mark on British coinage and even the world's first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black.
Further Works by Wyon
George III "Incorrupta" crown
1817 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
"Three Graces" crown
1817 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Study for "Flying Victory"
1825 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
George IV crown
1826 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Coronation of William IV
1831 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
William IV proof crown
1831 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Queen Victoria's Visit to the Corporation of London
1837 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Victoria proof sovereign
1837 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
More works to explore
Beyond Wyon: works from the same years.
Same era · 1830s–1860s
The Cottage by the Roadside, Stormy Sky
Léon-Victor Dupré · 1855 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
The Backgammon Players
Philip Webb · 1861 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Wooded Landscape
Gustave Courbet · 1848 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Arab Horseman Attacked by a Lion
Eugène Delacroix · 1849 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Mount Chocorua and Moat Mountain from North Conway
William Hart · 1850
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Woman Feeding Chickens
Jean-François Millet · 1850 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Snow Storm: Steam-Boat off a Harbour's Mouth
J. M. W. Turner · 1842 · National Gallery
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Olive Trees
Vincent van Gogh · 1853 · The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Same era · 1830s–1860s
The Virgin Adoring the Host
Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres · 1841 · Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Young Spartan Girls Challenging Boys
Edgar Degas · 1860 · Art Institute of Chicago
Same era · 1830s–1860s
An Arab Warrior
Mariano Fortuny Marsal · 1862 · Hispanic Society of America
Same era · 1830s–1860s
Portrait of Fred Adelbert Haywood
School of William Matthew Prior · 1848 · Art Institute of Chicago