Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s is thrilled to present the Ancient, British and World Coin Auction at 399 Strand on Wednesday 9 July. This will feature a range of rare and historic pieces from across the globe, from Britain and the US to Australia, Asia and the Islamic world.
Among several highlights of the sale is the spectacular Sydney 1855 Half Sovereign – one of the rarest coins of Queen Victoria to exist and arguably Australia’s rarest circulating coin. The reported mintage of these pieces is 21,000, however it is estimated that only 50 – 60 pieces survive today, with many being preserved in very low grades. A great rarity of Australian and overall Victorian numismatic series, the 1855 Sydney Half Sovereign is one of the most challenging dates in the Australian series and one of the rarest Victorian Half Sovereigns to be acquired overall. It is considered an essential piece in any Australian sovereign collection, and yet even so, it is missing from many advanced collections. Many adept collectors will wait for years for the opportunity to acquire this piece. This is only the third example of this rare coin that Baldwin’s has handled in its history. With its clear detailing visible on the portrait and minimal surface damage, this example is extremely fine – quite simply, exquisite. This coin is estimated to sell at auction for £10,000 – 12,000.
The auction will also feature the exquisite 1860 American gold 2 ½ Dollar from the Charlotte Mint, the first United States branch mint. The importance of its establishment in history is well documented and was a significant development of the United States coinage system. Charlotte Mint gold coins are some of the most desired items in numismatics today, ranging from scarce to extremely rare. Of the Charlotte Liberty Head quarter eagles such as this, it is a scarcer date type coin. Featuring the Liberty Head and in PCGS holder graded AU 58 (54863463), the coin shows beautiful red toning and lustre across surfaces. One of only 7,469 pieces struck, this is an extremely uncommon item, with just four recorded finer in PCGS census. The item is estimated at £5,000 – 7,000.
Further highlights of the sale include a selection of East India Company gold graded coins, including the 1835 William IV gold Mohur, the 1841 Victoria gold Mohur and the 1870 Victoria gold proof restrike 5 Rupee coin. Gold Mohurs were first introduced in the mid-1500s by Sher Shah Suri as a way of uniting the different tribes in India under a single form of currency, in order to encourage trade and peace. Later adopted by the British East India Company, it was minted with its stunning and instantly recognisable design of the lion striding left, palm tree in background. Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s is thrilled to bring to auction several East India Company gold graded coins, all in superb condition, representing a significant chapter in the history of the British Empire.
And finally, a superb and rare Charles II five guinea piece – whose discovery is almost as extraordinary as the wonderful piece itself. Believed lost decades and generations ago, it was an expert at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s who recently unearthed the coin during a valuation of several others brought along to the London auction house, kept inside a small and unassuming coin cabinet. Upon removing every drawer from their holding, the stunning gold Charles II five guinea was revealed, hidden in the base of the cabinet, no doubt for an additional layer of security! It is expected to garner significant interest when it heads to auction on 9 July and is estimated at £5,000 – 6,000.
To find out more and register to bid, visit www.sgbaldwins.com