The reference numbers are made up of the following:
1895-VA-1a/Aa
1895 = Year of Coin
VA = Monarch and Coin Type (See Below)
1 = Obverse Design Type
a = Obverse Variety
A = Reverse Design Type
a = Reverse Variety
Different Monarchs and Types:
E2 = Elizabeth II
G6 = George VI
G5 = George V
E7 = Edward VII
VC = Victoria – (Veiled Head)
VB = Victoria – (Bun Head)
VA = Victoria – (Copper Issue)
W4 = William IV
G4B = George IV – Second Issue (Date on Obverse)
G4A = George IV – First Issue (Draped Bust)
G3 = George III
G2 = George II
G1 = George I
A1 = Anne
W3B = William III (Date in Legend)
W3A = William III (Date Below Britannia)
WM = William & Mary
J2 = James II
C2 = Charles II