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Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s is thrilled to present the Ancient, British and World Coin Auction at 399 Strand on Wednesday 9 July. An important highlight of the sale will be 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.
“What seemingly started out as a diverse but modest collection soon took a turn, revealing an unexpected and highly sought-after item! We recently sold a similar Charles II five guinea, struck in 1681 for £11,400 including fees and expect similarly spirited bidding once again” - Dominic Chorney, Ancient Coin Specialist at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s
Charles II was a significant monarch in the history of Britain, crowned following the beheading of Charles I, the English Civil War and the restoration of the monarchy. He became the first monarch to appear on the British Gold Guinea – so called after the initial source of their gold, which was extracted from Guinea in West Africa – the first being struck in February 1663. Charles II featured on the Gold Guinea for 21 years, which saw 4 different busts during his reign. Dated 1684, this particular gold guinea is therefore one of the last minted to have featured Charles II. It is believed that fewer than 40 examples are known to have survived.
This coin shows on its obverse the king bearing a laureate on his head, facing right, elephant below (denoting the West African gold), with Latin legend and toothed border surrounding: CAROLVS. II. DEI. GRATIA. On reverse is the crowned cruciform shields, sceptres in angles, four interlinked C’s at centre, date (1684) either side of top crown, with Latin legend and toothed border surrounding: MAG. BR. FRA. ET. HIB REX.
On the discovery of the coin, the consignor commented: “WHAT A FIND. I am so very pleased that Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s, showed extreme attention to detail and found the Charles II five guinea piece. I have seen this coin and remember it as being a strikingly grand item, the jewel in a collection inherited by my late father. I was also aware that he had lost it. Hidden it would be more accurate and luckily for me, and unluckily for the future owner of the cabinet, it has now been found. It needs to go to a new owner who will appreciate what a magnificent coin it is; when minted it would have bought you a very good horse, almost a Rolls Royce of horses!”
Dominic Chorney, Ancient Coin Specialist at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin’s, added: “It’s an incredible find that shows how important it is to sell through a thorough and reputable auction house or dealer. We’re thrilled to ensure that the consignor of the coin collection will reap the full rewards of their father’s inherited collection.”
Collectors can register to bid in the auction here or visit www.sgbaldwins.com to find out more.
