Sell 1887 Victoria Jubilee Head Quintuple Sovereign (£5 Gold)
1887 Victoria Jubilee Head quintuple sovereign: mintage 53,844, 39.94g 22ct gold. Circulated £2,800–£5,500; UNC £5,000–£15,000+. Authentication guide.
Typical UK collector & dealer range for circulated examples
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Zero seller fees. Insured UK courier or private London & Manchester appointment.
Market Valuation & Pricing Notes
One of only three Victorian £5 dates struck for general circulation (1887, 1893, 1902). Realised auction prices (Noonans, Spink, Baldwin's, eBay UK sold) show circulated examples typically £2,800–£5,500; mint-state pieces command substantial numismatic premium over the ~£2,050 gold melt value (1.177 oz AGW). Proof mintage of 797 trades £8,000–£20,000+. Sydney Mint 'S' variety is a major rarity with separate valuation.
Physical Authentication Checkpoints
Our specialists verify these exact specifications when appraising your 1887 Victoria Jubilee Head Quintuple Sovereign (£5 Gold):
- Weight: 39.94 g ± 0.05 g
- Diameter: 36.02 mm ± 0.05 mm
- Thickness: 2.30 mm
- Edge: Fully milled (reeded), no seam
- Specific gravity: ~17.7 g/cm³ via water displacement
- Magnetic test: Non-magnetic (22-carat gold)
- Obverse: Jubilee Head by J.E. Boehm, legend VICTORIA D:G: BRITT: REG: F:D:, initials J.E.B. on truncation
- Reverse: Pistrucci St George & dragon, date 1887 in exergue, B.P. initials at lower left
- Die alignment: Medal alignment (↑↑)
- Surface relief: Sharp dragon scales, clear sword/horse definition, no pitting or tool marks
Coin Specifications
- Catalogue ID
- GB-1887-5LB-JUBILEE-QUINT
- Denomination
- £5 (Quintuple Sovereign)
- Issue Year
- 1887
- Rarity Tier
- Key Date Gold
- Mintage
- 53,844 (circulation) + 797 (proof)
- Weight
- 39.94 grams
- Metal Composition
- 22-carat gold (91.67% Au, 8.33% Cu)
Common Fakes & Variant Confusion
Tungsten-core fakes exist for high-value Victorian quintuple sovereigns; Chards and other dealers warn 1887 is frequently counterfeited. Verify weight, specific gravity, and edge milling. Do not confuse with the 28.28 g £5 commemorative crown (cupronickel/silver/gold proof). Sydney Mint 'S' on ground is a distinct extreme rarity; any example requires expert authentication.
Best Ways to Sell Your 1887 Victoria Jubilee Head Quintuple Sovereign (£5 Gold)
Compare liquidation routes in the UK, or sell directly to Finacforce with zero auction commission.
UK numismatic auction houses (Noonans, Spink, Baldwin's, Sovereign Rarities)
Highest realised prices for graded/rarity pieces; 15–20% seller's commission + VAT on fees; 4–8 week settlement
Specialist bullion/numismatic dealers (Chards, Britannia Coin Company, Atkinsons)
Immediate liquidity, professional authentication; typically 90–95% of retail for problem-free coins
eBay UK (sold/completed listings filter)
Access to retail buyers; 12.8% final value fee + PayPal fees; high counterfeit risk for buyers; requires NGC/PCGS slab for >£3k
Private treaty via BNTA/PNG dealers
Discreet, negotiated terms; limited buyer pool; best for proof or high-grade rarities
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