Part I: The Hidden Jewel of the Victorian Era

For collectors of rare historical medals and investors seeking culturally rich assets, few items command as much reverence—and potential—as the official coronation medal of Queen Victoria. Struck in 1838 and cataloged as Eimer-1315 / BHM-1801, this bronze medal is not just a piece of metal; it’s a visual and historical testament to the dawn of the most powerful era in British history.

Issued during the coronation of an 18-year-old Victoria, this particular medal in Bronzed AE (Special Strike) and graded SP64 offers a remarkable blend of artistic brilliance and numismatic rarity. Only about 260 bronzed medals were ever minted in this finish, and those that survived in top condition are incredibly scarce today.

Whether you are a seasoned numismatist or a high-net-worth investor with a taste for cultural assets, this medal embodies everything a legacy collection deserves: beauty, symbolism, rarity, and market resilience.

Part II: Artistry, Symbolism, and Royal Power

A Design That Captures a Nation's Hope

The obverse features a finely sculpted left-facing bust of Queen Victoria, styled with a classical banded hair design that emphasizes her youth and elegance. Around the rim reads the Latin inscription:

“VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIARUM REGINA F:D:”
(“Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith”)

The reverse, however, is where the medal truly comes alive. It depicts a seated Victoria being presented with a crown by three female figures—personifications of England, Scotland, and Ireland. To her right, a lion stands beside her throne, grasping a thunderbolt, symbolizing British imperial strength and divine authority.

Above the scene, in Latin, the powerful phrase:

“ERIMUS TIBI NOBILE REGNUM”
(“We shall be a noble kingdom unto thee”)

Below, the date of the coronation:
“INAUGURATA DIE JUNII XXVIII MDCCCXXXVIII”
(June 28, 1838)

The medal was designed by Benedetto Pistrucci, the legendary engraver behind the iconic Saint George and the Dragon sovereign reverse. His craftsmanship here is no less extraordinary.

Part III: History Meets Rarity—And Market Value

A Moment Frozen in Metal

The 1838 coronation wasn’t just a pageant—it marked the beginning of a 63-year reign that would come to define the British Empire’s golden age. These medals were thrown into crowds during the coronation celebrations in London—some were lost, others damaged, few survived unscathed.

Today, a bronzed specimen graded SP64 is a unicorn: a nearly pristine survivor of a day when Britannia’s hopes were literally cast into the streets.

Why This Medal is a Smart Acquisition

• Ultra-Limited Production: ~260 known examples in bronzed AE, with very few graded this high.

• Proven Market Demand: In recent years, SP64 and higher examples have sold in the range of $800–$1,450.

• Historical Gravitas: The beginning of Victoria’s reign represents a seismic moment in Western history, and artifacts from this event are deeply coveted.

• Investment Edge: Medals from the early Victorian period have shown steady appreciation, particularly high-grade, certified specimens with iconic designs.

Part IV: For the Collector Who Has Everything

The 1838 Victoria Coronation Medal isn’t just a collector’s item—it’s an heirloom. It’s a museum-grade artifact with cross-generational appeal, historic value, and financial upside. For collectors of royal memorabilia, British historical medals, or 19th-century art, this medal is a crown jewel waiting to be claimed.

And let’s be clear—this isn’t the type of piece you stumble upon at your local coin show. This is the kind of medal that disappears into private collections for decades, if not generations.

Final Thoughts

In the world of rare medals, few pieces offer the artistic pedigree, historical importance, and scarcity of the 1838 Queen Victoria Coronation Bronze Medal (SP64). If you are seeking to elevate your collection—or invest in cultural history with tangible, appreciating value—this may be your moment.

Don't wait until 2038, when the 200th anniversary of Victoria’s coronation sends demand through the roof. Opportunities like this are, quite literally, once in a century.