Portrait 1 or Portrait 2? Queen Victoria on the 50 Cents

The identification of the two Victoria portraits on the Newfoundland Fifty Cent coins has always been very difficult for most collectors. The problem is that the differences between these two effigies are very subtle at best and the recognition is further complicated by the degree of wear on the more heavily circulated coins! However, in spite of this, there are still some excellent sign posts which will make the recognition of these two types a little easier.

The best way to make this identification, is to check the structure of the lips and the area around the eye. The Portrait 1 variety has well defined, separated lips which form a very visible "Curl" (or a reverse letter C) between the upper lip and the nose. Also, both lips protrude quite noticeably away from the lower jaw, whereas, with the Portrait 2 variety, the lips are closer together and held tighter to the face.

In addition to this characteristic, the area around the eye is equally as important with the identification of these two Obverse varieties. The Portrait 1 has a more gentle and softer appearance with the eyebrow arching gracefully up and across the Queen's forehead. In direct contrast, the Portrait 2 demonstrates a very heavily re-engraved area around the eye, which appears to be more deeply set, with the eyelid strongly defined! Also, the eyebrow crosses the forehead at nearly a right-angle, from the front of Victoria's face! In addition to these characteristics, the separation of the upper eyelid and the eyebrow on the Portrait 1 coins is noticeably wider than that of the Portrait 2 examples.

In comparing these two Portraits, it might be concluded that the general expression on the Queen's face, is significantly different. The Portrait 1 would seem to suggest a more casual, easy-going character, whereas, the Portrait 2 likeness hints at a sterner and more serious Victoria!

Text and photographs by Barry M. Borsellino