By
Ancient, British & World Coins – Auction 120, taking place on 12 March 2025 at 10:00 GMT, offers an exceptional selection of historically significant and well-preserved coins, providing collectors with the rare opportunity to acquire some of the finest pieces in numismatics.
The sale begins with an outstanding array of Ancient Greek and Roman coinage, including a rare gold stater of Caratacus—the only known example of its kind and a remarkable testament to Britain’s resistance against Rome. British numismatics are well represented, from important hammered pennies and an impressive Edward III noble to the finest-known 1681 Charles II two guineas, graded MS63. The World Coins section is equally distinguished, featuring exceptional Indian mohurs, rare European silver testons, and the sought-after Birds Over Junk dollar of Sun Yat-sen.
With a carefully curated selection spanning centuries of history and craftsmanship, this auction presents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire truly exceptional pieces, with so much on offer, we have compiled a list of highlights:
Lot 98 - Caratacus AV Stater
Over 2,000 years ago, as Rome invaded Britain, the rebel warlord Caratacus struck this unique gold stater—a bold declaration of defiance. On one side, an ear of grain alongside CV-NO honors his father, Cunobelinus. On the reverse, CAR-A-T appears beside a warrior on horseback, spear and shield in hand, a striking image of resistance.
Lost for centuries, this one-of-a-kind coin was unearthed by a metal detectorist in 2019, sparking excitement among numismatists. Experts hailed it as the first and only gold coin of Caratacus ever discovered. When auctioned in 2020, it shattered records, becoming the most valuable Iron Age British coin ever sold. Read more.
194 - Charles II Two Guineas 1681
Struck in 1681, this Charles II Two Guinea coin is a masterpiece of early British gold coinage. Featuring the king’s second laureate head on the obverse and the iconic crowned cruciform shields with interlinked "Cs" on the reverse, it is a stunning example of 17th-century minting.
Graded MS63 by NGC, it holds the title of the finest known example of all Charles II second head two guineas—a distinction unmatched by any third-party grading service. With its sharp detail and rich golden lustre, this coin stands as a rare gem in numismatic history. Given that two guineas remain significantly undervalued compared to their five guinea counterparts, this piece presents an intriguing opportunity in the market.
569 - Jahangir gold Zodiac Mohur
A gold Mohur from the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, part of his famous Zodiac series, known for its artistic excellence. The obverse features the constellation of Taurus, with a zebu standing right and a radiate sun behind, marking the month of Ardibihisht. The reverse shows Jahangir's name, along with the mint and AH date, commemorating it as a gift from Jahangir Shah at Agra.
Belonging to Class A of the Zodiac series, this coin is an outstanding example, with high-quality calligraphy and fine relief. Only two examples are recorded in the NGC census, making it a rare and highly collectible piece. Graded as VF Details – Edge Damage, this coin boasts a lovely red tone and is a remarkable addition to any collection.
177 - James I Rose Ryal
A stunning Rose Ryal from the reign of King James I featuring a crowned, enthroned figure of the king on the obverse, flanked by two pillars, holding a sceptre and orb, with a portcullis at his feet. The reverse depicts the royal arms at the center of a full-blown rose, surrounded by the inscription A. DNO FACTUM EST ISTUD ET EST MIRAB IN OCULIS NRIS, meaning "This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes," from Psalm 118.
The Rose Ryal was a significant coin introduced during James I’s second coinage (1604-1619), representing a value of thirty shillings, or 1½ pounds. This coin is a direct development of the earlier fine sovereign from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. With a weight of 13.71g, this particular example is graded Good Very Fine, with a particularly pleasing portrait. It is slightly creased but remains fully round, with some lustre still present on its surfaces. An excellent piece, showcasing both historical importance and intricate design.
202 - James II Two Guineas, 1687
This Two Guineas of James II features a laureate head of the king on the obverse, surrounded by the Latin legend IACOBVS II DEI GRATIA and a toothed border. The reverse displays crowned cruciform shields with emblematic sceptres in the angles and eight harp strings, accompanied by the legend MAG BR FRA ET HIB REX. Weighing 16.60g, it is graded Choice Extremely Fine and stands out for its strong strike, as most coins from this issue are notoriously weakly struck.
570 - Shah Alam II gold Nazarana Mohur
A gold Nazarana Mohur of Shah Alam II, likely a unique piece, unrecorded in literature, and bears fascinating parallels to earlier silver coins. Struck in AH 1221 (1806 AD) during the 49th regnal year of Shah Alam II, this coin features the royal umbrella and cinquefoil symbol on the obverse. It is lustrous and retains its original beauty, despite a very slight waviness in the flan, which is virtually unnoticeable in hand.
Weighing 10.54g, this coin is considered of the highest rarity, with only one recorded in the NGC census. The design is closely related to earlier Nazarana Mohurs, particularly those with floral borders, but this example lacks them, making it an even rarer find.
328 - Victoria Gothic Proof Crown 1847
An exceptional Proof Gothic Crown, designed by William Wyon, featuring a crowned bust of Queen Victoria on the obverse, with the Latin inscription: “Victoria dei gratia britanniar. Reg: f: d.” ("Victoria by the Grace of God, Queen of the Britons, Defender of the Faith").
The reverse displays crowned cruciform shields with a garter star at the center, surrounded by the Latin legend: “tueatur unita deus anno dom mdcccxlvii” ("May God guard these united, in the year of our Lord 1847").
Graded PR 63+ by PCGS, this coin, struck in 1847 with a limited mintage of only 8,000, is known for its brilliant fields and subtle iridescent toning, making it one of the most beautiful coins in the British Milled series.
Notable Mentions
-
King Harold and William the Conqueror Face off once more. Coins depicting the most lifelike contemporary portraits of the warring pair head to auction
-
Hidden treasure of the Civil War found in rafters of Crediton Parish Church: Part of immense hoard heads to auction
With such a fine selection of items, Auction 120 promises to offer something for every numismatist. For more information, to view the catalogue or register to bid, go to sgbaldwins.com .
