The value of a 1840 Queen Victoria four penny coin, featuring Britannia on the reverse, can vary significantly based on its condition, rarity, and demand among collectors. Generally, coins in good condition can range from $15 to $100 or more. However, coins graded as uncirculated or with unique features may fetch higher prices. It's advisable to consult a numismatic expert or check recent auction results for a more accurate valuation.
The British "NEW PENNY" was first issued in 1971 and featured Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse with a crowned portcullis on the reverse and was 20.32 mm in diameter. The 1871 Penny featured Queen Victoria on the obverse with Britannia on the reverse and was 30.81 mm in diameter.
The 1875 British Penny has the Laurel bust of Queen Victoria on the obverse with a seated Britannia holding a trident and shield on the reverse. There are three variants of this coin with very minor differences. See the link below.
Your coin is an 1896 British Queen Victoria bronze One Penny coin. The reverse of the coin shows the iconic helmeted figure of the goddess Britannia seated and holding a trident and shield. Britannia personifies Great Britain and has been used on British coins for hundreds of years.
The 1897 British Penny has high and low tide variants. The "Low tide" reverse shows the water level at Britannia's ankle. The "High tide" reverse shows the water level significantly above Britannia's ankle. If you had an example of all Queen Victoria Pennies and put them side by side, you would notice little, almost imperceptible variations in the water levels, but the 1897 coin is most noticeable. 1902 Edward VII Penny has a similar but different "High" and "Low" tide variation.
Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Mary, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II have been on the obverse of all British coins during their respective reigns. Britannia has been on the reverse of many different British coins for hundreds of years. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Diana have been on the reverse of several British coins, and Queen Victoria appeared on the reverse of the 2001 Five Pound coin.
Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Mary, Queen Anne, Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II have been on the obverse of all British coins during their respective reigns. Britannia has been on the reverse of many different British coins for hundreds of years. Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother and Princess Diana have been on the reverse of several British coins, and Queen Victoria appeared on the reverse of the 2001 Five Pound coin.
The only 1857 coin with Queen Victoria and Britannia on opposite sides and roughly the size of a Penny, is a Penny.
Have another look. Queen Victoria died in 1901 and there was no 1956 British penny minted.
Such a coin does not exist. The Roman Empire fell into decline and ceased to exist in 476 AD. You possibly refer to an 1879 British Penny, a coin made from bronze and 30.81mm in diameter. It has a Latin legend, features Queen Victoria on the obverse and the seated figure of Britannia with a shield and trident on the reverse.
I suspect that the "shepherd" you refer to is the seated figure of the female warrior Britannia holding a trident and shield. During the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901, Britannia appeared on the reverse of the Penny, the Halfpenny and the Farthing. These three coins were very similar except for size. From 1841 to 1860, the copper Penny was 34 mm in diameter. From 1860 to 1901, the bronze Penny was 30.81 mm in diameter. From 1838 to 1860, the copper Halfpenny was 28 mm in diameter. From 1860 to 1901, the bronze Halfpenny was 26 mm in diameter. From 1838 to 1860, the copper Farthing was 22 mm in diameter. From 1860 to 1901, the bronze Farthing was 20 mm in diameter.
Queen Victoria appears on the obverse of all British Pennies from 1839 to 1901 inclusive. The reverse features a seated figure of Britannia with trident and shield. Varied representations of Britannia have appeared on British coins for hundreds of years.
Your coin is made from bronze. If you turn it over to the Britannia (reverse) side, it will have one of the following inscribed on it - ONE PENNY HALFPENNY FARTHING Please provide this vital piece of information for a valuation.