Preliminary identification

Queen Victoria 1897 Diamond Jubilee Silver Commemorative Medal Pendant

Photo reference

1 uploaded photo

Overview

This is an official sterling silver commemorative medal issued by the Royal Mint to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's reign.

Story

In the summer of 1897, the British Empire paused to celebrate a milestone no previous monarch had ever reached: sixty years on the throne. These medals were struck in various sizes and metals so that citizens across the globe could own a piece of the historic 'Diamond Jubilee.'

Maker / Origin

The portrait was designed by Sir Thomas Brock, a preeminent sculptor of the age who was also responsible for the massive Victoria Memorial standing in front of Buckingham Palace.

Condition & Value

The medal shows significant surface wear and pitting, consistent with being worn as a necklace for many years. This 'honest wear' tells a story of use but does reduce the value compared to a preserved collector's medal. The mounting appears stable and secure. The value is driven by the silver content and historical appeal as jewelry.

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Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

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Market Analysis

Comparable demand stays strongest where maker, originality, and venue confidence line up. Broader examples still trade, but the range tightens quickly when provenance, condition, or selling lane fit is missing.

Value Drivers

  • Strong maker attribution with credible period details
  • Better-than-average condition for the category
  • Broader demand rises when presentation and finish feel intact

Concerns

  • Decorative-only demand limits the ceiling
  • Surface wear or missing provenance can compress the range fast
  • Regional sale lanes often underperform specialist venues

Best Venue

Specialty auction or a focused dealer with buyers already in this lane.

Comparable Sales

5 comps

Regional auction

· Jun 2024

Signed example with light edge wear and original frame.

$1,280

SOLD

Dealer archive

· Mar 2024

Comparable format with stronger provenance and cleaner surface.

$1,450

SOLD

Marketplace sale

· Jan 2024

Smaller related piece with visible craquelure and trimmed margins.

$980

SOLD

Estate platform

· Oct 2023

Period match with softer condition and weaker subject matter.

$1,150

SOLD

Auction result

· Aug 2023

Close market lane comp with similar material and presentation.

$1,375

SOLD