Coins minted in the Year 1859

Monarch is Queen Victoria. Prime Minister is Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (Conservative) then on 12 June it was Henry Temple, 3rd Viscount Palmerston (Liberal). US President is James Buchanan. Charles Darwin publishes The Origin of Species. Charles Dickens publishes A Tale of Two Cities. The National Portrait Gallery opens in London. In America, Indian Head cent is minted for the first time. General Post Office builds the first National Standard pillar box. The clock and chimes of the Clock Tower, Palace of Westminster become operational; the great bell is nicknamed "Big Ben" by association with Benjamin Hall, 1st Baron Llanover.