Victoria Gothic Model Crown 1848 Extremely Rare* (See Comments)

The model crown was a proposed coinage reform.  The intent was to make commerce easier by producing a smaller, lighter crown with equivalent value.  The gold an silver that was used to plate the core and annulus, respectively, was sufficient to make the value of the metal equal to a circulating silver crown.  Initially, this proposed coinage was welcomed by the public, and the model crown circulated alongside official coinage.  However, Parliament never adopted this coinage reform especially since the value of the model crown becomes roughly equal to a half penny when the precious metal plating wears off.  Thus, the model crown transitioned from being pattern coinage to being used as play money.

Model crowns that lack the plating are relatively common, but plated specimens are much rarer such as the specimen shown here.  A model crown with full plating is extremely rare and is assigned as Rogers #209a to differentiate it from the more common versions lacking full plating.