Expert: Dmitry Livshits - 12/29/2009

Question
Hello, my name is Andrew and I was given a old medal from my great grandmother. On one side it has a picture of who I expect to be queen Victoria with Victoria D:G: Brianniar: Regina F:D:  , on the other side it has a picture of the queen getting crowned at her throne, with angels above and three women infront of her. It says along the side:  Born May 24, 1819 ascended (section unreadable) ends with the date June 20, 1837. At the bottom of the coin it says  Crowned June 28 1859 (could be 38). The coin is about 2 inch. In diameter and is a dark grey color. Any information about value, background info etc. Thankyou very
uch for your time

Answer
Hi Andrew,
This sounds to me like one of a series of medals done by a well known English engraver, J. Davis.
He did several such medals for the 1838 coronation of Queen Victoria, all of which are quite rare.
The gray color is normal since these were made of white metal, an alloy which starts out in a light silvery color but darkens significantly over time.
These medals also come with and without a hole at the top (for a loop). The ones without a hole are harder to find and also more desirable.
A good auction estimate for a darkened medal which is in otherwise excellent condition is between $100 and $200.
Thanks for the question! =)