Victoria "Gothic" crown by William Wyon

Victoria "Gothic" crown

William Wyon · 1847

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“Stop to admire this "Gothic" crown, a beautiful silver coin from 1847 featuring a youthful Queen Victoria. Its intricate details and medieval-inspired design make it a fascinating blend of art and history.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This silver crown, minted in 1847, presents a youthful Queen Victoria in profile, her hair intricately braided and adorned with a wreath. The design, known as the "Gothic" crown, is a testament to the mid-19th century's fascination with medieval aesthetics, a style that permeated architecture, fashion, and even coinage. The elaborate details of Victoria's portrait and the surrounding inscription reflect the era's sophisticated engraving techniques, showcasing a blend of classical portraiture with a distinctly romantic, historical sensibility. It is a remarkable example of how a functional object like currency can also be a miniature work of art, conveying both national identity and artistic trends.

DETAILS
Artist
William Wyon
Date
1847
Medium
Silver
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Diameter: 155 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
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Four details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Victoria "Gothic" crown
01

The intricate Gothic lettering around the queen's portrait.

02

Victoria's elaborate braided hairstyle and floral wreath.

03

The delicate details of the crown she wears on the reverse.

04

The heraldic shields on the reverse, representing England, Scotland, and Ireland.

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THE ARTIST

William Wyon

1795–1851 · British Empire

William 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.

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