What we have here is a 1889 Great Britain Half Crown Coin featuring Queen Victoria. On the Obverse is Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. She also held the title of Empress of India. The design of the obverse of this coin is commonly known as "Jubilee Head." This 1889 Half Crown is sterling silver. The legend on the front reads "Victoria Dei Gratia" which is Latin for Victoria by the grace of God. On the reverse side of this coin is crowned arms within a chain with the date at the bottom. The reverse legend reads "Britanniarum Regina FID DEF"which is stating that she is the Queen of British Territories and Defender of the Faith. There were 4.812 million of these struck in 1889.
This post will take a look at an1837 Liberty Head Hard Times Token. On the front is Lady Liberty flanked by stars on each side with American motto in latin words E Pluribus Unum. The bottom of the obverse displays the year 1837. During this period in US history a depression was going on and tokens like this were used as money (hence why it is called a Hard Times token). On the reverse is the phrase "MILLIONS FOR DEFENSE NOT ONE CENT FOR TRIBUTE." This was coined by Robert Goodloe Harper in the late 1700s in defiance of a request of bribes by Talleyrand (French Foreign Minister) in order to negotiate. Apparently this wasn't something out of the ordinary for Talleyrand to request, American diplomats were offended. The Quasi War occurred shortly afterwards and lasted for a couple of years.
Comments
Post a Comment