Effigy Of Victoria

[Andriulis]

Hello, can someone help me - I would like to understand the model how the Queen is shown on coins. Share ypur knowledge - what awards Victoria is wearing? Thanks

[Peckris]

The crown (image 3) is Queen Victoria's "Small Diamond Crown", as used on the Jubilee Head coinage. This was allegedly chosen by her for the portrait done by Joseph Boehm, as it was light to wear for a long sitting, unlike the "Queen Victoria Crown" (aka King Edward's Crown). However, most people have thought that the chosen crown gives the portrait an unbalanced and ungainly look, and is the main reason why that effigy became unpopular and was phased out after only 6 years' use.

The Star (image 2) belongs to the "Ribbon and Star of the Garter" which was the worn form of the "Order of the Garter" - this, from Wikipedia : "The Most Noble Order of the Garter, founded in 1348, is the highest order of chivalry and the most prestigious honour (after the Victoria Cross and George Cross) in England and of the United Kingdom, and is dedicated to the image and arms of St. George as England's patron saint. It is awarded at the Sovereign's pleasure as her personal gift, on recipients from the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms. Membership of the order is limited to the Sovereign, the Prince of Wales, and no more than twenty-four members, or Companions. The order also includes supernumerary knights and ladies (e.g., members of the British Royal Family and foreign monarchs).

The order's emblem, depicted on insignia, is a garter with the motto Honi soit qui mal y pense (Middle French: "shame upon him who thinks evil upon it") in gold lettering. Members of the order wear such a garter on ceremonial occasions."

The shield bearing the motto is that tiny central portion of the Star, but of course it looks much larger in life and can be easily seen and read.

I'm afraid I know nothing about the significance of the brooch (image 1), but it may have been a personal piece of Victoria's jewellery, perhaps given her by Prince Albert? I'm sure someone here knows more about it.

Edited February 19, 2014 by Peckris

[Sword]

Had a quick look on the web. The medal on the silk bow is the badge of the Royal Family Order and is only worn by female members of the royal family. She is wearing the sovereign badge of the order.

[Andriulis]

Thanks, that was very interesting and helpfull

[shagreen]

I had a look in the book by Gerald Hoberman p297 " The art of coins and their photography" Spink 1981 where he has the badge described as the Badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India and he knows his stuff - look it up on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Crown_of_India . By the way I would recommend that book to anyone

[Sword]

I had a look in the book by Gerald Hoberman p297 " The art of coins and their photography" Spink 1981 where he has the badge described as the Badge of the Imperial Order of the Crown of India and he knows his stuff - look it up on Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Order_of_the_Crown_of_India . By the way I would recommend that book to anyone

Thanks for pointing that out Shagreen. My mistake. I now remember the golden jubliee medals of the queen shows her wearing two such badges on ribbons. One must be the order of the Crown of India and the other is the Royal Family Order. The single badge she is wearing on the jubliee coin shows the letters VRI and is therefore the India Order.