1844 British Queen Victoria 4 Pence Maundy Coin NGC AU58 Highlights: 1. This auxiliary coin, approaching two centuries old, retains its surface lustre and boasts a rich, deep golden patina, making it a truly exceptional rarity. 2. Directly tied to the centuries-old Maundy Thursday tradition, representing Queen Victoria's personal involvement in charitable ceremonies, making it a tangible piece of British monarchical history. 3. With a medium rarity index and limited mintage of just 4,158, the AU58 grade offers collectors a desirable balance of scarcity and affordability compared to pristine MS examples, appealing to both beginners and experts. Coin Story: The 1844 British Queen Victoria 4 Pence Maundy Coin (Maundy Fourpence) belongs to the British Royal Maundy Money series. This tradition originated in the Middle Ages, symbolizing the monarch washing the feet of the poor and distributing coins on Maundy Thursday (the day before Easter) to demonstrate charity and humility. During Queen Victoria's reign (1837-1901), this ceremony was handled by the Royal Mint, producing special silver coins typically distributed in sets of four denominations (1 pence, 2 pence, 3 pence, 4 pence) to selected recipients, with the number of sets equal to the monarch's age. The 1844 4 pence coin features the Young Head portrait of Victoria on the obverse (designed by William Wyon), surrounded by the Latin inscription "VICTORIA D:G: BRITANNIAR: REGINA F:D:" (Victoria by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britains, Defender of the Faith); the reverse shows a crowned "4" numeral, separating the "1844" date, enclosed by an oak wreath. This coin is not just currency but a symbol of royal ceremony, embodying the religious and charitable traditions of Victorian-era British monarchy. It remains part of British cultural heritage today, though modern Maundy coins are purely ceremonial but still legal tender. Mintage of 4,158 pieces (this is the total production for the 1844 Maundy set, with each set including one 4 pence, so the mintage for the individual 4 pence matches this, produced by the Royal Mint in London). The collectible value of this coin stems from its historical significance, Victorian-era craftsmanship, and its role as part of a Maundy set, often collected alongside other denominations. AU58 grade represents minor usage traces but good overall luster, suitable for mid-level collectors; higher grades (like MS65) can reach hundreds of dollars. As a scarcer date (1844 is considered less common), it holds appeal in British coin collecting, especially for those specializing in Victoria or Maundy series.