Defacing coins was a criminal act that could lead to a prison sentence. Using small change meant that the coin was more likely to remain in circulation for years. A few coins with ‘VOTES FOR WOMEN’ hand stamped over the king’s head have been attributed to the suffragette movement but many fakes are in circulation. Of these three coins, only the 1906 issue (GWL-2018-56) is believed to be a genuine ‘suffragette penny’, stamped around 1913.
The authenticity of this coin as a "suffragette penny" is uncertain but it is thought likely to be one of a small number of pennies defaced around 1913.This coin is believed to be a modern replica rather than an authentically defaced "suffragette penny".This coin is believed to be a modern replica rather than an authentically defaced "suffragette penny".
Connections and References
References
Posts and pages from around the website which refer to this Collection Item
The fight for women's suffrage in the UK grew and gained momentum throughout the Victorian era. WSPU activists, known as suffragettes, engaged in all sorts of law-breaking activities to raise the profile of the movement. At the time, these actions were considered shocking and divided public opinion, but suffragettes remained resolute. Thousands were arrested, imprisoned and force-fed.
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