Victoria "Godless" Florin 1848

1848 Godless Florin Obverse

1848 Godless Florin Reverse

Many pattern coins were produced in the early years of Queen Victoria's reign. Most were decimal patterns, trial sample pieces to show off a design, or perhaps an idea for a new decimal denomination. Most of these patterns have no counterpart in definitive coinage struck for circulation.

This coin is somewhat different in that it did become the definitive circulation coin the next year 1849, although the design was immediately unpopular, and was discontinued immediately. No further florins were issued during 1850 or 1851. When a new "gothic" design was introduced in 1851, it was only in a proof version, produced in an extremely limited quantity. Not until 1852 was a regular definitive circulation issue restarted.

In theory, patterns such as our coin were produced to test general opinion. The would be shown to the Queen for her approval of the portrait, the Chancellor, and other important officials. Also, as it was intended to be produced for circulation the next year, samples will have been provided to banks, newspapers, museums, with perhaps a few available to wealthy collectors.

It is surprising then that the unpopularity of this design was so badly misjudged at the time.

The main problem was that the words "Dei Gratia" (By the Grace of God), had been omitted from the lettering. Part of the "decimalisation movement" must have included a "new age" element. Although the portrait on the godless florin is a very rich and beautiful design, as is the reverse design, the wording was kept simple, almost minimalist. The only word in Latin is "REGINA" (Queen). Human nature seems to dictate that some of us will always resist any change, no matter how obviously beneficial, so most innovations need to be beyond criticism in order to be accepted readily.

In keeping with this "clean" style was the omission of the full Royal titles in Latin, apart as noted, from the word Regina. Along with the rest of the titles went "Dei Gratia". If this had been the only omission, then the criticism becomes more understandable. I can only assume that the opponents of decimalisation and a religious lobby must have conspired with the lower elements of the popular press to rouse up sufficient antipathy and outcry that the issue was killed dead in its tracks. The fact that it took three years to resume the issue of florins raises interesting questions about the commitment to the decimal programme, and over the planning of its implementation. It may even have been a major reason why the complete switch to decimalisation eventually took 122 years!

Obverse:
Bust of Queen Victoria, crowned, and with a long hair braid, wearing a dress richly embroidered with roses, shamrocks and thistles. The engraver's initials W.W. for William Wyon, appear raised to the right of the bust.
The controversial obverse inscription reads:
VICTORIA REGINA 1848

Reverse:
Crowned cruciform shields bearing three lions passant for England, lion rampant for Scotland, and harp for Ireland. In the angles are roses, a shamrock and a thistle. In the centre there is a double rose. All contained within a deeply tressured circular panel.
The reverse design was also by William Wyon.
The reverse legend reads:
ONE FLORIN
ONE TENTH OF A POUND

Edge
The edge is plain

Price & Availability

Date	Grade	Available	Price £	Price $	Price €
1848	almost FDC	Sold	£600	$900	€995

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