A remarkable collection of British hammered gold coins, showcasing some of the rarest and most historically significant pieces, recently achieved a staggering £1.1 million at auction. The collection, comprising 220 coins, spanned centuries of British numismatic history, from the hammered coinage of earlier eras to the more modern gold coinage of Queen Elizabeth II. The auction, held in Marylebone, central London, attracted competitive bidding from collectors worldwide, eager to acquire these exceptional pieces of numismatic artistry and historical importance.
The highlight of the auction was an exceedingly rare Charles I Triple Unite, dating back to 1643, which fetched an impressive £222,000. Struck at the Oxford mint during the height of the English Civil War, this 60-shilling coin, the highest denomination ever struck in hammered gold, represents a pivotal moment in British history. Its design portrays Charles I as a peacemaker, a stark contrast to the turbulent times and his eventual execution. The rarity of the Triple Unite stems from the fact that most were melted down following the conflict, making surviving examples exceptionally desirable for collectors. Its combination of scarcity, artistic merit, and historical significance cemented its status as the auction’s star piece.
Another significant coin in the collection was an 1839 “Una and the Lion” gold £5 piece, depicting Queen Victoria as the allegorical figure of Una from Edmund Spenser’s epic poem “The Faerie Queen.” This stunning coin, one of only 400 minted, achieved a remarkable £204,000. Its unique design, coupled with its limited mintage, contributed to its high value and desirability among collectors. The depiction of Queen Victoria as Una, a symbol of virtue and purity, resonated with the Victorian era’s ideals and further adds to the coin’s historical and artistic significance.
While the hammered gold coins and the Victorian “Una and the Lion” commanded the highest prices, more modern pieces also attracted significant interest. A 1991 gold £5 coin featuring the head of Queen Elizabeth II sold for £7,800, demonstrating the enduring appeal of British gold coinage across different eras. This further underscores the diverse nature of the collection, which catered to a wide range of numismatic interests, from historical hammered coins to more contemporary pieces.
The auction’s success highlights the enduring fascination with rare and historically important coins. The competitive bidding and high prices achieved reflect not only the intrinsic value of the precious metals but also the historical and artistic significance embedded within these small, tangible pieces of history. The collection offered a unique opportunity to acquire pieces that encapsulate key moments in British history, from the tumultuous era of the English Civil War to the reign of Queen Victoria and beyond.
The sale of this prized collection represents a significant event in the world of numismatics. It underscores the continuing appeal of rare coins as both tangible investments and historical artifacts. The auction’s success demonstrates the passion and dedication of collectors who seek to preserve and appreciate these miniature masterpieces of artistry and historical significance. The individual stories behind each coin, combined with their rarity and exquisite craftsmanship, create a compelling narrative that transcends their monetary value.
