Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee style commemorative star medal

This item appears to be a commemorative medal or pin in the form of an eight-pointed star, stylistically consistent with late 19th-century British memorabilia. The central circular medallion features a profile portrait of a woman, which bears likeness to the 'Veiled Head' or 'Widow' portrait of Queen Victoria. Surrounding the portrait is a raised border with text that appears to read: 'IN CELEBRATION OF LONGEST REIGN 1837 VICTORIA 1897'. The user identifies this as an 'Old medal', which is consistent with the visible text and design. The metal displays a dark, uneven brown patina and significant surface oxidation, suggesting a base metal composition such as bronze, brass, or copper. The construction features a textured, multi-rayed star pattern and a rudimentary pin attachment through a small loop at the top. The pin itself is elongated and shows signs of wear and slight bending. The overall craftsmanship suggests a mass-produced commemorative piece from the Victorian era. Due to the lack of official hallmarks and the potential for later reproductions, this identification remains a hypothesis pending in-person evaluation.

Based on the provided image, I have examined this commemorative star-shaped item, which the owner identifies as an 'Old medal.' The design features a portrait consistent with Queen Victoria’s 'Widow Head' and text suggesting a connection to the 1897 Diamond Jubilee. Based on what I can see, the piece appears to be a mass-produced souvenir of the era, likely made from a base metal like jeweler’s bronze or brass, given the significant surface oxidation and dark patina. I cannot verify the exact metal composition or the age of the piece from a photo alone; however, the rudimentary pin attachment and textured rays are typical of Victorian-era street memorabilia. The estimate of $40–$80 assumes the item is a period-original commemorative piece from the late 19th century. Market demand for Victorian royal memorabilia remains steady among historical collectors, though the significant wear and loss of original finish noted here may limit its appeal to higher-end buyers. This valuation reflects a hypothesis based on typical market behavior for items of this type; I cannot provide a definitive identification without an in-person examination to check for makers' marks, weight, and strike quality. To verify this item, a physical inspection by a specialist in numismatics or militaria would be necessary to rule out later 20th-century reproductions. If this item is found to be a modern cast replica or a common 'in the style of' imitation, the value would likely fall below $10. Conversely, if it bears rare, unverified maker marks such as a recognized London firm, the value could see a modest increase.