Information about effigy: Queen Victoria - Portrait by Sir Thomas Brock (Veiled Head)

This portrait of Queen Victoria created by Sir Thomas Brock was introduced on the gold and silver coinage of the United Kingdom to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1893, and on the bronze denominations in 1895.

It features a crowned bust of Queen Victoria facing left, wearing a widow's veil (in mourning for her husband Prince Albert) over the back of the crown, pearl necklace and a pendant; on the left lapel of the mantle, exhibited full-face, is the ribbon and Star of the Garter, part of the outer edge of which is covered by the veil; around, the monarch's legend.

The artist's initials T.B. are in relief in the field below the shoulder truncation.

The effigy is variously known as the "Old Head" or the "Veiled Head" portrait; in earlier literature, it was also called the "Widow's Head".

Queen Victoria - Veiled Head, on silver

United Kingdom / Halfcrown 1900

The Veiled Head effigy is shown here on a high-grade silver coin.

Queen Victoria - Veiled Head, on bronze

United Kingdom / Penny 1895

The Veiled Head effigy is shown here on a proof bronze coin. Most coins that can be found now though are very worn, due to the fact that they circulated for more than 70 years.