Imperial Glory and Royal Majesty Captured in Gold
A supreme piece blending history and artistry, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Queen Victoria’s reign.

From the world-renowned Victoria coin series, this highly marketable commemorative medal is a standout.

Design

• Obverse: Left-facing portrait of Queen Victoria wearing a small crown and veil
  Inscription: VICTORIA DEI GRATIA
  (“Victoria, by the Grace of God”)

• Reverse: Coat of arms of the British royal family
  Inscription: BRITANNIARUM REGINA FID: DEF
  (“Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith”)

About the “Normal JEB” Inscription

Engraved at the truncation of the bust is the designer’s signature: J.E.B. (Joseph Edgar Boehm).
This version features the "Normal JEB" style—a balanced and upright engraving.
Other varieties exist, including the “Angled J” and “No JEB” types, making this a well-known and desirable variant among collectors.

Condition

Graded MS63 (Mint State) by PCGS

• Certification Link (PCGS)

Coin Details

• Year of Issue: 1887

• Country: United Kingdom

• Denomination: 1/2 Pound = 1/2 Sovereign

• Mintage: 872,000

• Material: Gold

• Weight: 7.99g

• Diameter: Approx. 22mm

• Obverse Designer: Joseph Edgar Boehm

• Reverse Designer: Benedetto Pistrucci

• Grade: MS63

• PCGS Certified Population: 463 coins

Highlights

★ Rarity
Although 872,000 coins were issued, over half were melted due to quality issues during minting.
In the end, only about 870,000 were released into circulation, and Mint State examples with crisp detail are rare.
Coins with sharp facial features, hairlines, and shield detail—free of wear—are highly sought after.

★ Condition

• MS63 – Mint State (Uncirculated)
  This coin retains its original brilliance, with remarkable luster and sharp definition.
  Graded MS63 by PCGS, it offers exceptional value for collectors—blending aesthetic quality with affordability.
  The grade reflects how well it has been preserved over more than 130 years.

★ Market Appeal
British coins, especially from the Victorian era, enjoy strong and growing popularity worldwide.
Queen Victoria’s legacy of “stability and prosperity” and her representation of the British Empire’s golden age make her coinage universally appealing.

This 1887 half sovereign was minted to commemorate the Golden Jubilee (50th Anniversary of her reign)—a historic national celebration.
The Jubilee Head portrait, introduced in that year, shows the queen in her mature years, crowned and adorned with honors—projecting authority, elegance, and imperial pride.

Although the Jubilee design was used for only six years, it remains highly regarded for its uniqueness and regal presence.

Investment & Legacy

This coin holds a central position in Victorian numismatics, symbolizing one of the most important royal milestones.
Its combination of:

• Artistic design

• Gold content

• Commemorative significance

makes it a collectible and investment-grade coin.
It continues to enjoy strong auction performance globally, including in Japan.

Conclusion

A coin of historical weight and refined beauty, the 1887 Victoria Half Sovereign (Jubilee Head) is more than just gold—it is a piece of living history.
Graded MS63, it’s an affordable entry into high-end Victorian numismatics.

For anyone collecting British royal coinage, this is an essential piece.
With rising prices and enduring popularity, now is the time to secure this elegant reminder of imperial heritage.