Queen Victoria Memorabilia

Queen Victoria was the ruling monarch of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland from 1837 to 1901. She was born Alexandrina Victoria on May 24, 1819, the only child of Edward, fourth son of King George III. Her father died when she was just eight months old and her three uncles had no heirs who survived childhood, so she became queen after the death of her uncle King William IV in June, 1837. She was 18 years old.

Queen Victoria married her cousin, Prince Albert, in 1840. They had nine children. Prince Albert died of typhoid fever in 1861, causing Queen Victoria to go into a 25-year period of mourning and seclusion. After the death of her husband, Queen Victoria always appeared wearing black. Queen Victoria was known for her role in working with Britain's various prime ministers and keeping the peace with other European countries through the marriages of her children. She died on January 22, 1901.

Commemorative collectibles documenting Queen Victoria's Golden and Diamond Jubilees and her death are fairly easy for collectors to find. Porcelain, pottery, medallions, coins, and other items were produced for these events. Items that commemorate her coronation in 1837 are more difficult to acquire, but do exist.

Quick Facts

• The Victorian Era was named after Queen Victoria and includes the years of her reign. Antiques referred to as Victorian were produced during this time period
• Souvenirs from Queen Victoria's jubilees are not very valuable, as many of them were produced. A mug from her coronation, however, is worth £400 to £600
• Due to her long reign, Queen Victoria's signature is among the most easy to obtain and therefore, is worth less than other monarchs