Articles: 1893 Victoria Crown Variety Guide
1893 Crown Varieties
Old Head / Veiled Head Crown Die Pairings • Edge classifications • Davies references • Identifying diagnostics
Introduction
The 1893 Crown is best known as the first year of Queen Victoria’s Old Head, or Veiled Head, crown series. Beyond its general type significance, however, the issue also presents an interesting field of study through edge classifications, die pairings and specialist variety references.
The examples below are based on attributed circulation strikes recorded with ESC, Bull and Davies references, together with recognised obverse and reverse die pairings.
While some varieties are relatively subtle, others display meaningful differences in flan width, border beads, streamer form, date spacing and edge type.
This page is intended as a developing working reference for collectors studying 1893 Crown circulation varieties.
Quick Navigation
Summary of Recorded Varieties
| Reference | Edge | Die Pairing | Main Identifying Factor | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davies 501C | LVI | 1+A | Wider flan; oversized collar; distorted T.B. initials | ESC 303 / Bull 2593 |
| Davies 502A | LVII | 1+A | Longer obverse beads resembling denticles | ESC 305 / Bull 2595 |
| Davies 503A | LVI | 1+C | Reverse C die pairing | ESC 303 / Bull 2593 |
| Davies 503E | LVI | 1+H | Reverse H die pairing | ESC 303 / Bull 2593 |
| Davies 503F | LVI | 1+I | Elongated broad streamer with two bulges | ESC 303 / Bull 2593 |
| Unlisted Wide 3 | LVI | 2+A | Wide-spaced 3 in the date | ESC 303 / Bull 2593 |
Edge Types
The 1893 Crown varieties recorded on this page are associated with different edge inscriptions and edge classifications.
DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI LVI
DECUS ET TUTAMEN ANNO REGNI LVII
In translation, the inscription means: “An ornament and a safeguard, in the year of the reign.” The final Roman numeral identifies Queen Victoria’s regnal year.
- LVI — Regnal Year 56
- LVII — Regnal Year 57
The standard circulation and proof issues are normally associated with the LVI edge inscription.
The scarcer LVII edge forms a separate recognised variety group, catalogued as ESC 305 / Bull 2595, and is associated with certain proof-die characteristics.
On this date, the edge is not simply a decorative feature. It forms part of the attribution evidence, alongside the obverse die, reverse die, date spacing, border treatment and other diagnostics.
The LVI edge is associated with the standard circulation grouping, while the scarcer LVII edge is particularly important where proof-die characteristics are also present.
Davies 501C — Wider Flan Variety
Recorded as ESC 303 / Bull 2593, this variety combines Obverse 1 with Reverse A and is associated with the LVI edge.
Key Identifying Factors
- Wider than normal flan
- Collar appears too large
- T.B. initials appear distorted and resemble “I.LL”
Collector Notes
The distorted initials and wider flan provide the easiest attribution points for this variety.
Davies 502A — Proof Die Variety
This variety is recorded as ESC 305 / Bull 2595 with dies 1+A and the scarcer LVII edge.
Key Identifying Factors
- Longer obverse beads resembling denticles
- Associated with proof dies
- Sharper overall appearance
Collector Notes
The LVII edge and proof-die characteristics make this one of the more desirable specialist 1893 Crown varieties.
Davies 503A — Dies 1+C
Recorded as ESC 303 / Bull 2593, this variety combines Obverse 1 with Reverse C.
Key Identifying Factors
- Reverse C die pairing
- Associated with LVI edge
- Subtle reverse distinctions from Reverse A
Collector Notes
This variety requires closer die study and comparison against other recorded reverse pairings.
Davies 503E — Dies 1+H
This variety combines Obverse 1 with Reverse H and is recorded with the LVI edge.
Key Identifying Factors
- Distinct Reverse H pairing
- Subtle reverse diagnostics
- Recorded in relatively limited population numbers
Collector Notes
Advanced collectors typically study this variety through reverse die comparison and border relationships.
Davies 503F — Broad Streamer Variety
Recorded as ESC 303 / Bull 2593, this variety combines Obverse 1 with Reverse I.
Key Identifying Factors
- Elongated broad streamer
- Two visible bulges within streamer
- Front bulge smaller than rear bulge
Collector Notes
The modified streamer form makes this one of the easier specialist circulation varieties to identify visually.
Wide 3 Date Variety — Dies 2+A
This variety combines Obverse 2 with Reverse A and is associated with the LVI edge.
Key Identifying Factors
- Wide-spaced numeral 3 in the date 1893
- Distinct date spacing compared with normal examples
Collector Notes
Date spacing varieties often become easier to identify once directly compared against standard circulation strikes.