The British 1891 Florin, designed by Leonard Charles Wyon, was part of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee coinage, reflecting Britain’s imperial power. The florin, made of 92.5% silver, symbolized stability during the Bimetallism Debate, where silver’s declining value challenged gold-backed currency. Wyon’s design featured a crowned Queen Victoria, representing Britain’s dominance, but the short-lived Jubilee portrait faced criticism for its small, unflattering crown.
The 1890 British Silver Purchase Act in the U.S. increased silver demand, impacting global markets, including the British 1891 Florin. While Britain remained on the gold standard, silver coinage like the florin persisted for trade. Wyon’s design, though unpopular, marked an era of economic transformation, influencing later Victorian coinage.