For collectors and investors with a passion for royal heritage, timeless design, and tangible wealth, few numismatic treasures rival the majesty of the 1887 Great Britain £5 Victoria Jubilee gold coin. Struck during the height of the British Empire and graded MS63 Prooflike (PL) by NGC, this rare coin blends history, artistry, and enduring value in a single, gleaming piece of gold.

1. A Monument to a Golden Age: Historical Context

The year 1887 marked the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria—50 years on the throne of the world's most powerful empire. London was at the center of a global celebration, with heads of state, royal families, and dignitaries from around the world descending upon the British capital. Amid this imperial fanfare, the Royal Mint unveiled a series of commemorative coins featuring a brand-new portrait of the aging Queen.

The £5 gold coin was the centerpiece of this release. Unlike previous commemorative issues, it was not only minted in proof sets but also struck for general circulation—though in limited numbers. With a face value of five pounds and a gold content of nearly 1.18 troy ounces, it was never meant for daily commerce. Rather, it was created as a grand symbol of British might and Victorian legacy.

2. The Design: Majesty in Metal

The obverse (front) of the coin features the now-famous 'Jubilee Head' portrait of Queen Victoria, designed by sculptor Joseph Edgar Boehm. The Queen is depicted wearing a tiny imperial crown atop a widow’s veil—a nod to her mourning attire after the death of Prince Albert. The Latin inscription surrounding her image reads:
'VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D:'
—short for Victoria Dei Gratia Britanniarum Regina Fidei Defensor, or 'Victoria, by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith.'

On the reverse, the coin features the timeless image of Saint George slaying the dragon, designed by Benedetto Pistrucci. This classic motif had become synonymous with British gold sovereigns since 1817 and symbolizes divine triumph over evil. The year 1887 appears below the image, with Pistrucci’s initials subtly engraved.

Measuring 36 mm in diameter and weighing 39.94 grams, this large-format coin commands attention with its sheer presence. The MS63 PL grade means the surfaces are not only well-preserved but also exhibit mirror-like qualities typically seen in proof coins—an extraordinary bonus for collectors.

3. Market Rarity and Investment Potential

Only 54,000 coins were struck for circulation in 1887, and of those, a fraction survive in high-grade, prooflike condition. The example recently sold at auction for ¥3,661,897 (approximately $24,000 USD), underscoring the premium that exceptional condition and rarity can command.

What makes this coin especially appealing to investors?

• Limited mintage and high-grade rarity

• Strong collector demand globally, particularly in the U.S., U.K., and Asia

• Gold-backed intrinsic value (over 1 oz of gold)

• Historical importance as a one-year type

• Iconic design and royal connection

With gold prices rising and tangible assets gaining favor among wealthy investors, coins like this one are increasingly seen as stable, appreciating stores of value. The 1887 £5 Jubilee coin, in particular, offers both portfolio diversification and cultural prestige.

4. Why It Belongs in Your Collection

If you're a collector of British coins, a connoisseur of imperial history, or simply an investor seeking hard assets with a story, this coin ticks all the boxes:

• A pivotal moment in British history: Victoria’s 50th anniversary

• A powerful design reflecting both vulnerability and sovereignty

• A limited run with increasing demand

• An excellent condition, with MS63 Prooflike eye appeal

In today’s world of digital assets and fleeting trends, a coin like this is a legacy investment—a piece of history you can hold, admire, and eventually pass on.

Interested in acquiring an elite-level historical coin like this?
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Let history shine in your hands.