In 1887, for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, the Royal Mint issued new coins with the
Jubilee Head of Victoria, but they also issued a new denomination, the Double Florin. The
only problem is that the Double Florin (4 Shillings) looked very similar to the Crown (5
Shillings). It got the nickname of the Bar Maids Ruin, as later at night after a few complimentary
drinks, the bar maid would often give change for a Crown when in fact she was given
a Double Florin.
This denomination proved unpopular and it was discontinued in 1890. The coins on offer
are struck in Sterling Silver and in Very Fine condition. This is a high grade for the issue and
much more difficult to get than many people realise. Get them while you can, it has taken us
a year to accumulate this small quantity.
