Error Bank Notes
Specialists Pick
Our Coins & Banknotes specialist Stephen Sparrow shares his top tips and favourite lots from the 4th June Coins & Banknotes auction.
Error banknotes
Error banknotes are always of huge interest to collectors and in our coins and banknotes auctions, there are several great examples. These were all saved from circulation by the eagle-eyed collector who spotted these (whilst working as a bank cashier) and was allowed to keep them - required to replace each one with a note of equivalent value. Error banknotes are most sought after in uncirculated condition and the more blatant the error the higher the price achievable – lot 37 is a great example with whole areas of the design on both front and back missing.
Condition is king
Condition is all-important with coins and in this sale there is a stunning single-owner collection, put together over many years by a gentleman who sought out only the very best examples. His collecting extended across all denominations and periods - from a quarter-noble of Edward III to farthings from the reign of Queen Victoria - always bought in the highest grades available. Examples from this collection include lots 66 and 67 which are two very high-grade gold coins from the reigns of George II and George III respectively. The fabulous selection of shillings in this sale are again from the same collection and include the stunning Queen Anne Shilling of 1708 in extra fine grade.
One of Stephen's favourite lots is lot 200 – the beautiful King Edward III Quarter-noble which at 650 years old and having been graded and slabbed by PCGS as MS64 - the highest graded example at PCGS is just incredible value at only £600-800.
Ancient Coins
Ancient coins are strongly represented and there is a great selection of Roman and Greek coins in the sale - with the star lot undoubtedly being Lot 194 - a beautiful gold aureus dating back to the reign of Gordian III (AD 238-244) has a seemingly unlisted reverse legend variation and is sure to create a stir for collectors.
The coins auction will be held at 2pm on 4th June 2020 as a 'live-online' auction. Free live bidding is available through our website
