Victoria, unofficial ''Pattern Crown'' dated 1879, struck in .916 (22ct) gold, to a brilliant proof finish, coronetted young head left, by Donald R Golder after Wyon, DRG below, date below, VICTORIA DEI GRATIA, rev. inverted, the ''Three Graces'' standing, ship in background, rose and thistle motif in exergue, FACIAM EOS IN GENTEM UNAM, toothed border both sides, edge plain, weight 40.6g., diameter 38.6 mm., brilliant, as struck, unique in gold

Last year Golder produced two modern portraits of Queen Victoria - this, a coronetted young head version which clearly followed William Wyon's original portrait first used on the 'Penny Black' postage stamp, and a matronly 'old head' portrait adapted from the Thomas Brock design. The second portrait was eventually used on the Zambia 1901-2001 legal tender coin series (see this sale, lots 1074-1077) which commemorated the death of Victoria and the accession of Edward VII. The earlier portrait, with the addition of the date 1879, was used to create a series of three different crowns size modern issues, all of which are featured here.

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