Victoria proof sovereign by William Wyon

Victoria proof sovereign

William Wyon · 1837

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“Stop to admire this exquisite gold proof sovereign, featuring the youthful Queen Victoria in 1837, the year she ascended to the British throne. It's a miniature portrait of a pivotal historical moment, showcasing exceptional engraving skill.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This gold proof sovereign, dated 1837, offers a striking profile of the young Queen Victoria, then just 18 years old and newly ascended to the throne. Her likeness, often referred to as "The Young Head," captures a sense of youthful dignity, a departure from the more classical, idealized representations common on coinage of earlier reigns. The meticulous engraving on such a small, circular canvas speaks to the precision required for numismatic art, where every detail must be crisp and legible even at miniature scale. This particular coin, a proof striking, would have been produced with extra care to showcase the engraver's skill and the mint's quality, likely intended for official presentation or collectors rather than general circulation. It marks a pivotal moment in British history, immortalizing the beginning of a reign that would redefine an era.

DETAILS
Artist
William Wyon
Date
1837
Medium
Gold
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Diameter: 22 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, 2003
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What to Notice

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

Victoria proof sovereign
01

The intricate braided hairstyle and delicate floral wreath adorning Victoria's head.

02

The finely rendered drapery of the queen's gown, visible at her shoulder.

03

The sharp, raised lettering of "VICTORIA DEI GRATIA" around the portrait's edge.

04

The subtle texture of the gold surface, characteristic of a proof coin.

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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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