This Antique Victorian silver and enamel brooch/pendant has been fashioned from an antique British Florin coin that dates to 1849. The coin has been beautifully decorated with enamel to the front, highlighting a young Queen Victoria and the back has been left with the original coin design, as well as adding a brooch fastening and a jump ring so it doubles up as both a pendant and brooch, such a versatile piece!
The brooch is made from an antique Victorian Silver British coin called a florin. They were made from 1849-1967. This coin is dated 1849 and is one of the first versions made. This particular florin is known as the Godless florin. It was quite a shocking coin design at the time as it was the first British coin in nearly 200 years that featured a portrait of the monarch wearing a crown. It‘s called the Godless florin as it is missing the usual abbreviation D G for Dei Gratia (By the Grace of God). Apparently this wasn’t something that had been known to the Queen and the florin was redesigned in 1851 to include this and another abbreviation that was missed - making this quite a rare coin and a wonderful wearable piece of history too. The coin measures approx 28mm in diameter and the front of the coin has been beautifully enamelled to highlight Queen Victoria.
The reverse of the coin has been left as is and a brooch fastening has been added (this is base metal, not silver) and a silver jump ring has also been added so it can also be worn as a pendant too. It weighs approx 10.5g in total.
Condition - The brooch/pendant is in good antique condition but does show signs of age and wear. The front has some surface scratches to it and the back of the coin shows some signs of age and wear, especially where the brooch fastening and jump ring have been attached. The brooch fastening still works well and is a simple c clasp. Please see photos.
*Please note the antique box and the chain pictured are not included in the sale but the brooch will be shipped in a new presentation box and pouch*
Antique Victorian silver and enamel florin coin brooch/pendant
All items are carefully wrapped and packaged in a gift pouch. In the UK, we always post items via Royal Mail's Special Delivery service which is fully tracked and insured. Items sent outside of the UK are sent via Royal Mail's International signed for service, which offers insurance for up to £250 and tracking.