Catalog
| Issuer | Guernsey |
|---|---|
| Year | 1864-1911 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 8 Doubles (1⁄240) |
| Currency | Pound (1808-1971) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 9.6 g |
| Diameter | 31.6 mm |
| Thickness | 2 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Variable alignment ↺ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#7, Schön#8 |
| Obverse description | National arms within 3/4 wreath, name of country above. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | GUERNESEY |
| Reverse description | Value, date within wreath in beaded circle. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | 8 DOUBLES 1885 H |
| Edge | Smooth |
| Mint |
H Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham (Heaton and Sons / The Mint Birmingham Limited),United Kingdom (1850-2003) |
| Mintage |
1864 - - 280 000 1864 - Proof - 1868 - - 60 000 1874 - - 70 000 1885 H - - 70 000 1885 H - Proof - 1889 H - - 222 000 1889 H - Proof - 1893 H - - 118 000 1902 H - - 235 000 1902 H - Proof - 1903 H - - 118 000 1910 H - - 91 000 1910 H - Proof - 1911 H - - 78 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 6379361910 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The Guernsey 8 Doubles, issued from 1864 to 1911, represents Guernsey's unique monetary autonomy as a Crown Dependency. Spanning the reigns of Queen Victoria and King Edward VII, this bronze coin was central to daily commerce in the Bailiwick. Guernsey, with its ancient Norman heritage, maintained a distinct 'doubles' currency system, separate from British sterling for local transactions. This coinage highlights the island's constitutional individuality and economic self-governance, providing essential local currency.
Artistry: Cataloged as KM#7 and Schön#8, the 8 Doubles reflects the prevailing numismatic artistry of the Royal Mint, London. The obverse features a dignified, crowned effigy of the reigning monarch—initially Queen Victoria, later King Edward VII—rendered in the neo-classical style common to British imperial coinage. The reverse prominently displays the denomination "8 DOUBLES" within a laurel wreath, surmounted by the traditional Guernsey shield bearing three lions passant guardant. This heraldic motif emphasizes the island's unique identity.
Technical/Grading: Struck in bronze, weighing 9.6 grams and measuring 31.6 millimeters, the 8 Doubles generally exhibits a robust strike. Key high-points for wear and grade include the