Coronation of Queen Victoria (1819–1901)
Medium
Gold
Dimensions
Diameter: 48 mm
Classification
Medals and Plaquettes
Culture
British
Department
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Assunta Sommella Peluso, Ada Peluso, and Romano I. Peluso, in memory of Ignazio Peluso, 2000
Accession Number
2000.601.1
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite gold medal, titled *Coronation of Queen Victoria (181–1901)*,ates the crowning of Britain's longest-reigning monarch in Westminster Abbey on June 28, 1838. Crafted just months after the event, it captures the young queen at age 19, ascending to the throne following the death of her uncle, William IV. Such medals were popular in 19th-century Europe as portable celebrations of royal milestones, blending numismatic art with historical record-keeping. Designed by Italian-born engraver Benedetto Pistrucci, chief engraver at The Royal Mint, the 48 mm diameter piece exemplifies neoclassical precision in medal-making. Pistrucci's profile portrait of Victoria—likely laureled and regal, per the tags—showcases his mastery of fine engraving techniques, where intricate details emerge from hammered or struck gold. Gold's enduring luster symbolized imperial prestige, making this a coveted collector's item. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's European Sculpture and Decorative Arts department, this British cultural treasure highlights Victoria's era of empire and innovation. Donated in 2000, it invites us to ponder how tiny artworks like this preserved the pomp of monarchy for everyday admirers.
About the Artist
Benedetto Pistrucci|The Royal Mint · 1783–1855
Italian, 1783–1855, active England