I wonder if someone can help me attribute this Florin. I see in my research that they're assigned Spinks or KM numbers, which I assume are reference books that deal with this issue and others(?) The legend "Brit" without die numbers indicates that it was minted between 1851 and 1863. The gothic style Roman numerals appear to read MDCCCLII that would make this an 1852. I've enlarged the area where the date is and where the die number would appear (below the bust). I don't see one, but the coin is pretty worn so maybe I'm missing it. If anyone could look this up in their references I'd appreciate it. Also, is this coin common and what would you grade it as. I'm thinking AG/G. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks Bruce
you are correct, this is an 1852 florin, (s.3891) which is the spink reference number, and it is common. die numbers were not used on florins until 1864, so there isn't one on this coin. i would also agree with you that it is g.
Thanks for the info swish. I saw some really high grade ones on the internet when I was doing my research. It's really a beautiful coin. Texas John / If you mean the pattern at the bottom of the bust near the rim, that's part of the Queen's dress (shoulder strap I think). My coin, being so worn, only shows that little piece of it. It does look like some kind of a counterstamp though, unless you've seen a higher grade example. Bruce
the marking on the queens neck is part of the original portrait, it is a diademed necklie to the dress the queen is wearing.
Thanks for the clarification moneyer12. Like I said I really do like this coin and am seriously thinking about buying a high grade example. Bruce
I found this 1873 florin in a California coin dealer's "junk box" in the mid 1960's. It was pretty dirty at the time, and I probably paid 50¢ for it. I found it again and decided to clean it off with baking soda, which revealed that someone had scratched letters or initials into the coin. Obverse The letters look like "LL" and "DH Reverse The letters look like "LL" and "CH" on the cross. But why?
It used to be a common practice up until the First World War to create love tokens by etching the initials of the couple onto a coin...
if you can get hold of one the "godless florin" like the one in the photo i posted is the most valuable, it is called godless because the legend dei gratia or dg was omitted from the obverse desigh. they were issued between 1849 and 1851
For me Victoria's Gothic crown and florin are the best modern coins ever minted. Alas the crown being soooo expensive, I have to feel happy enough with a florin. Q
