1849 Queen Victoria scarce silver 'Godless' Florin or Two Sh...

Hammer

£550

1849 Queen Victoria scarce silver 'Godless' Florin or Two Shillings graded MS 61 by NGC (S 3890). Obverse: left-facing crowned bust of Victoria by William Wyon with richly detailed robes, 'VICTORIA REGINA 1849' around. Reverse: crowned cruciform shields of royal arms with national flower emblems in the angles by William Wyon with '+ + ONE FLORIN' above and 'ONE TENTH OF A POUND' below. Edge: milled. Diameter: 30mm. Mintage: 413,800. Grade: MS 61. Offered sealed in an NGC holder (#2912515-005).These coins are known as 'Godless' Florins as the letters 'D. G.', standing for 'Dei Gratia' or 'by the Grace of God' were not included in the obverse legend. This was controversial in the Victorian period and the design was quickly modified for issues dated 1851 onwards.