Queen Victoria celebrated her Golden Jubilee in 1887. To mark the event, the Royal Mint depicted a new portrait of Victoria on British coinage. The portrait was known as the ‘Jubilee bust’.
Obverse Designs
A gold five pounds and two pounds was released into circulation in 1887, the first circulating £5 piece, and only the second two pounds piece (The first being issued in 1823). Other gold coins issued that year included the sovereign and half sovereign.
The 1887 five pounds is made of 22 carat gold, with a weight of 39.94 grams and a diameter of 36.02mm.
Other coins forming the set include the silver crown, double florin, half crown, florin, shilling, sixpence and threepence.
The 1887 Specimen gold and silver coin sets were not only put together by collectors at the time (Usually people who wanted to mark the Golden Jubilee), but also through the early 20th century. Jeweller’s would often ‘make up’ sets for customers, with fitted coin boxes. In some circumstances, jeweller’s would produce a ‘replica’ 1887 £5 and £2 for the set, as these were less easy to come by, such coins are known as ‘jeweller’s copies’.
We see a large number of counterfeit 1887 five pounds and 1887 two pounds pieces. In some cases, these are still made of 22 carat gold, to the correct weight of 40 grams. We also see a large number of 14-18 carat gold copies, although the weights are still accurate. Through the 1950’s and 1960’s, a number of larger gold coin types were heavily counterfeited in the Middle East (Mainly gold £5/£2 and US $20/$10). These were often produced to the correct carat and weight, and minted to make the raw gold more saleable.
1887 Specimen Set Case
The market value of a 1887 Specimen Gold and Silver Coin Set is highly dependent on the quality and authenticity of the coins. Many sets sell for around the £2,500 to £3,000 mark, although exceptional examples can make up to £4,000.
If you are looking to sell any 1887 gold and silver coin sets, we are always interested in making a no obligation offer. Please feel free to call us on 01420 768 161 or e-mail us at info@mjhughescoins.com.
Please click here to read more about the 1887 Golden Jubilee