At Potteries Auctions, we’re always on the lookout for large specialist single-owner collections that we can give the respect and attention they deserve with their own exclusive timed auction. This bespoke service enables us to showcase the collection to its fullest potential, with a targeted marketing approach that ensures reaches the right demographic and increases the chances of successful sales.
A great example of this is the rare coin collection we have coming up for auction this week. This single-owner coin collection features 82 lots of rare and valuable coins – both old and new – and includes everything from rare gold proofs and scarce gold 19th & 20th-century coins to modern gold investment coins. It also features commemorative and historical sovereigns dated through from the 15th-century all the way to the 21st-century, from Elizabeth I, George V, Henry VIII, James I and Victoria. The commemorative coins include an Elizabeth II 95th birthday £1,000 coin, a Diana’s 60th birthday coin and much more. The original collector spent approximately £1.2million on this collection – so if you’re a coin enthusiast or budding numismatist then this auction isn’t to be missed!
You might expect the older coins to be objectively more valuable compared to newer coins in the collection due to their age and history, but interestingly that isn’t always necessarily the case. In fact, many of the new coins in this collection are far more valuable than their older counterparts due to their higher gold content.
The sale is made up of a few different kinds of coins, all from a single-owner collection, so let’s explore some of the different types below, and be sure to check out the full auction catalogue here!
Historical/Monarch coins
A historical coin is a currency that was minted in the past and is no longer in active circulation. These coins are often valued for their historical significance, rarity, age and sometimes for the materials used to make them if they contain a high gold or silver content. From ancient civilisations to modern events, historical coins can provide insights into the economic, political and cultural aspects of the era in which they were produced.
A Monarch coin refers to a coin that features the likeness or symbols of a reigning monarch, such as a king, queen, emperor or other royal figure. As we still have a monarchy in the UK, naturally our coins often feature the reigning monarch’s portrait and are used in our day-to-day lives as legal tender, but there’s still plenty of rarer historical and modern commemorative monarch coins that are of interest to collectors.
Lot 34 is a King Charles I (1625 – 1649) gold unite hammered coin with harp mintmark that comes with an estimated price of £800-£1,600 in our rare single-owner coin collection auction.
Commemorative coins
A commemorative coin is a special type of coin that is issued to honour or celebrate a significant event, person, place or anniversary. These coins are often produced in limited quantities and are sometimes not intended for general circulation, although some may still have legal tender status. Commemorative coins are popular among collectors due to their unique designs, historical value and often their use of gold or silver.
This 2021 fine gold .999 1 kilo coin to celebrate the Queen’s 95th birthday is a 1/5 limited edition commemorative coin, in its original capsule with box and certificate. It comes with a staggering estimate of £46,000-£66,000! This modern coin proves that just because a coin is older, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be more valuable.
Sovereign sets
A sovereign set of coins typically refers to a collection of Sovereign coins, which are historically British gold coins. The Sovereign coin, particularly well-known for its quality and historical value, has been minted since 1489, under the reign of King Henry VII, and continues to be produced today. A Sovereign set usually consists of multiple coins from this series, often in various denominations, featuring consistent designs and high-quality gold content.
The British Gold Sovereign was originally used as circulating currency but is now considered primarily a bullion coin and a collectible. In addition to the UK, Sovereign coins have been minted in various parts of the British Empire, including Australia, South Africa and Canada.
Lot 54 is a complete set of 11 modern full sovereign designs, along with its box and certificate, is set to sell for £3,500-£7,000.
Looking to sell a large single-owner collection at auction?
If you’re looking to sell a collection that reflects a lifetime of passion, then a single-owner timed auction offers a compelling opportunity to engage with the market and shine a spotlight on yours or a loved one’s dedication to a certain area of interest or collectible.
We pride ourselves on providing a smooth and simple selling experience for our customers, especially when it comes to large volumes of wares. To enquire about selling a single-owner collection or our timed auction services, please call us on 01782 638100 or email enquiries@potteriesauctions.com, where one of our friendly members of staff will be able to assist you.