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A.H. Baldwin’s Inaugural E-Sale Achieves Impressive Sales Rate 

London, UK – A.H.Baldwin’s conducted their inaugural E-Sale on March 21st, 2023, showcasing a collection of Chinese cash coins that spans over 2,000 years of history.  

This particular assortment was sourced from the eminent British diplomat, Sir William Ehrman. The auction boasted an impressive 96% sales rate, exceeding the low estimate with robust prices throughout. Bidding wars persisted until the last moment, demonstrating significant collector interest in these rare items. 

This is one of the most comprehensive collections of Chinese cash coins to hit the market, encompassing the Warring States period to the Republic of China. 

 A standout from the Warring States period, the Zhou Dynasty’s Lin cash coin (lot 5), fetched £2,600. Lot 21 featured a captivating key segment inlaid with gold from the era of Wang Mang, which sold for £850. Lot 35 presented an exceedingly rare item, the Former Liang, Liang Zao Xin Quan cash coin, which sold for £2,500.  

The most exceptional lot of the sale was lot 40, which contained a selection of small Song Dynasty coins (namely Jing He, Yong Guang, and Liang Zhu) that were issued by Emperor Fei and seldom seen in markets across the world. This lot achieved an impressive £4,500.  

Tang Dynasty Rebels, Yuan Rebels, and Taiping Rebellion cash coins also fetched strong prices. Lastly, lot 113, a rare Qing coin of Abahai, sold for £3,000. 

A.H. Baldwin has a long history of offering exceptional coins and other collectibles to its clients, and this auction was no exception. The company’s team of experts worked tirelessly to curate a collection of coins that were not only rare and valuable but also historically significant. 

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the auction, and we look forward to bringing you more rare and valuable coins in our future auctions. 

For more information about the auction, including a full list of the lots offered and their prices, please visit A.H. Baldwin’s website at www.baldwin.co.uk. 

About A.H. Baldwin  

Founded in 1872, A.H. Baldwin is one of the oldest and most respected numismatic firms in the world. The company offers a wide range of rare coins, medals, and other collectibles, as well as expert appraisal and auction services. With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to customer satisfaction, A.H. Baldwin has become a trusted partner for collectors and enthusiasts around the world.  

Based at 399 Strand in London, A.H. Baldwin continues to be a leader in the world of numismatics, offering a wide range of rare coins, medals, and other collectibles. The company’s team of experts include some well know TV personalities, like Mark Smith a regular Medal Specialist on BBC Antiques Roadshow and Dominic Chorney who collaborates frequently with the BBC, including other of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the field. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is a hallmark of the A.H. Baldwin brand. 

Throughout its long and storied history, A.H. Baldwin has remained true to its founding principles, providing collectors and enthusiasts with exceptional coins and collectibles. The company’s commitment to quality and service has earned it a reputation as one of the most respected and trusted names in the world of numismatics, and it continues to be a leading force in the industry today. 

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Contact details:  

Tel: +44 (0)20 7930 6879 

coins@baldwin.co.uk 

A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd, 399 Strand, London, WC2R 0LX 

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Being Bullish on coins: The Strength and Symbolism of Bulls in Ancient Coinage

This particular silver denarius was minted in Rome in 105 BC during the Republican era of Ancient Rome. The obverse of the coin features the head of Juno Sospita facing to the right, with a goatskin headdress. Juno was considered the queen of the gods, the protector of Rome and the patron goddess of women.

L. Thorius Balbus, Silver Denarius | Baldwin’s

On the reverse side of the coin, there is an image of a bull leaping to the right, with the inscription “L. THORIVS / BALBVS” written above it. This refers to the moneyer responsible for producing the coin, L. Thorius Balbus.

The image of the bull leaping to the right is a depiction of the ancient Roman sport of bull leaping, which was a popular spectacle at the time. The I above the bull’s back is believed to represent the Roman numeral for one, which indicates the denomination of the coin.

It is important to note that during this period in Roman history, coins were not only used as a means of exchange but also served as a form of propaganda. The imagery and inscriptions on the coin were used to convey important messages and ideals to the people of Rome.

This coin provides a glimpse into the culture and values of Ancient Rome during the Republican era, highlighting the importance of religion and sport to the Roman people.

There are also many ancient coins that feature bulls on them. In fact, the bull was a common motif in ancient coinage from various civilizations and time periods.

For example, in ancient Greek coinage, the bull was often depicted as a symbol of power and virility, and was associated with gods such as Zeus and Apollo. One well-known example is the silver stater of the city of Aegina, which featured a turtle on the obverse and a bull on the reverse.

The bull was also a symbol of the city of Athens and was depicted on many Athenian coins as a symbol of the city’s strength and power.

In Roman coinage, the bull was often used to symbolize strength and fertility, and was associated with the god Mars. In addition to the coin we discussed earlier, there are many other Roman coins that feature bulls, including denarii, sestertii, and aurei.

In ancient Rome, the bull was often associated with the god Mars, who was the god of war and agriculture. As such, the bull was a symbol of both strength and fertility. Bulls were also used in sacrifices to the gods, and were sometimes depicted on coins in the context of religious rituals.

Generally, the bull was a popular symbol in ancient coinage, and was used to convey a variety of meanings and ideas depending on the civilization and time period.

In other cultures, the bull had different meanings. For example, in ancient Mesopotamia, the bull was associated with the god Marduk, who was the patron god of the city of Babylon. The bull was seen as a symbol of power and authority, and was often used in religious ceremonies and art.

Overall, the meaning of the bull as a symbol varied depending on the culture and time period. However, it was generally associated with ideas of strength, virility, and fertility, and was often used as a symbol of power and authority.

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The Emperor and the Circus: The Reign of Lucius Septimius Severus and the Spectacle of Roman Entertainment

Lucius Septimius Severus shown on the obverse, was a Roman emperor from 193 to 211. He was born in Leptis Magna (present-day Al-Khums, Libya) in the Roman province of Africa. As a young man he advanced through the customary succession of offices under the reigns of Marcus Aurelius and Commodus. Severus seized power after the death of the emperor Pertinax in 193 during the Year of the Five Emperors.

The Circus Maximus seen on the reverse decorated as a ship (Latin for “largest circus”) is an ancient Roman chariot-racing stadium and mass entertainment venue in Rome, Italy. The Circus was Rome’s largest venue for ludi, public games connected to Roman religious festivals.

Ludi ranged in duration and scope from one-day or even half-day events to spectacular multi-venue celebrations held over several days, with religious ceremonies and public feasts, horse and chariot racing, athletics, plays and recitals, beast-hunts and gladiator fights. Some included public executions.

Over the several centuries of its development, the Circus Maximus, depicted in this coin, became Rome’s paramount specialist venue for chariot races.

By the late 1st century AD, the Colosseum had been built to host most of the city’s gladiator shows and smaller beast-hunts. Eventually, 135 days of the year were devoted to ludi.

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When a coin depicts our fight for freedom

In the late 4th and early 3rd centuries BC, the city of Entella in western Sicily was a hotbed of political and military activity. The city was a frequent battleground in the ongoing wars between the Greek colonies of Sicily and the Carthaginian Empire, which had established a foothold on the island.

During this time, the people of Entella issued their own coins, including the famous Siculo-Punic Tetradrachm. This silver coin features the head of the goddess Tanit, a prominent figure in the Carthaginian pantheon, on the obverse, and a prancing horse on the reverse.

The story behind this coin is one of resistance and defiance. Entella was a Greek city, but it had been conquered by the Carthaginians and was now under their control. The people of Entella, however, refused to submit to Carthaginian rule and fought back against their oppressors.

In issuing their own coinage, the people of Entella were making a bold statement of independence and defiance. By including the image of Tanit, they were acknowledging the power and influence of the Carthaginians, but they were also asserting their own identity and culture.

The Siculo-Punic Tetradrachm is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Entella in the face of adversity. Today, it is a highly sought-after coin by collectors and historians alike, not just for its artistic and historical value, but for the story it tells of a people fighting for their freedom and their way of life.

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A.H. Baldwin’s Coin Auction 109 Achieves Record Prices

London, March 9, 2023 – A.H. Baldwin is proud to announce that its recent coin auction  held on the 9th March 2023 achieved record prices for several of the lots offered. An expansive selection of coins were on offer across all provinces, many rare types, others in exceptional condition attracting all levels of collectors.

The highlight of the auction was Lot 185 – a Charles II Hammered Unite encapsulated by NGC as Mint State 61 (MS61), hammered for an impressive £26,000. This coin was a high grade example with much eye appeal contributing to the gargantuan result.

A rare silver stater from Olympia, with an excellent pedigree, realised £3,200 and gold aureus of the Roman Emperor Nero, featuring the enormous Colossus of Nero, sold for £5,000.

As always the Gothic Crowns proved very popular and is still very much in demand. Lot 282, a plain edge example encapsulated by NGC as Pure Silver PR62 Cameo, hammered for a staggering £33,000.

Another standout lot was Lot 176 – a Charles I Worcester Halfcrown in good extremely fine condition, which sold for £11,000. The coin is a testament to the craftsmanship of the era and its historical significance contributed to its value. It can be added that these types tend to come weakly struck without much overall clarity, our example in this sense was rare in its preservation and overall grade, as well as being rare in its denomination.

The auction also saw a World record being broken for a Chinese, Fukien, 10 Cents, with the finest of its type graded MS 66 selling for an impressive £4,800 in Lot 382.

In the rest of the world section, Lot 386 – the China, Sun Yat-Sen, Junk Dollar 1933 sold for £4,500, while Lot 395 – the German East Africa, Wilhelm II, gold 15 Rupien sold for £2,800. Lot 401, which featured an India, EIC, Victoria, gold 10 Rupee graded MS 61 sold for an impressive £8,500.

“We are thrilled with the results of our recent coin auction, which achieved staggering results for several of the lots offered,” said Neil Paisley, Managing Director of A.H. Baldwin. “These prices reflect not only the exceptional quality of the coins but also the strong demand for rare and valuable collectibles in today’s market.”

The auction attracted bidders from around the world, with many participating online and over the phone. The strong results demonstrate the continued importance of physical collectibles, such as rare coins, in a world increasingly dominated by digital assets.

A.H. Baldwin has a long history of offering exceptional coins and other collectibles to its clients, and this auction was no exception. The company’s team of experts worked tirelessly to curate a collection of coins that were not only rare and valuable but also historically significant.

We would like to thank everyone who participated in the auction, and we look forward to bringing you more rare and valuable coins in our future auctions.

For more information about the auction, including a full list of the lots offered and their prices, please visit A.H. Baldwin’s website at auctions.baldwin.co.uk

About A.H. Baldwin

Founded in 1872, A.H. Baldwin is one of the oldest and most respected numismatic firms in the world. The company offers a wide range of rare coins, medals, and other collectibles, as well as expert appraisal and auction services. With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to customer satisfaction, A.H. Baldwin has become a trusted partner for collectors and enthusiasts around the world.

Based at 399 Strand in London, A.H. Baldwin continues to be a leader in the world of numismatics, offering a wide range of rare coins, medals, and other collectibles. The company’s team of experts include some well know TV personalities, like Mark Smith a regular Medal Specialist on BBC Antiques Roadshow and Dominic Chorney who collaborates frequently with the BBC, including other of the most knowledgeable and experienced professionals in the field. Their commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is a hallmark of the A.H. Baldwin brand.

Throughout its long and storied history, A.H. Baldwin has remained true to its founding principles, providing collectors and enthusiasts with exceptional coins and collectibles. The company’s commitment to quality and service has earned it a reputation as one of the most respected and trusted names in the world of numismatics, and it continues to be a leading force in the industry today.

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Contact details:

Tel: +44 (0)20 7930 6879

coins@baldwin.co.uk

A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd, 399 Strand, London, WC2R 0LX

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Baldwin’s Christmas Gift Guide

Winter holidays are coming and the gifting season is upon us! We have some numismatic gift ideas for important people in your life. Coins are fabulous gifts: they are shiny, rare and they fit into any Christmas stocking! Coins are perfect gifts for history lovers and they have a lasting value. They can also be a fantastic investment for the future. For this Christmas, why not choose a lovely coin? Find some inspiration below, our dedicated team of hard-working coin elves will be happy to help with any queries you might have.

For Him

Coins of Roman Emperors

Augustus (27 BC – AD 14). Silver Denarius

Coins of the Roman Emperors convey power and have a fantastic historical significance. If you are looking for a true classic gift for the men in your life – look no further. Coins of Roman Emperors, in particular the famous and influential ones are gifts with a true wow factor. Choose from our selection of silver denarii of Emperors Augustus, Trajan or Hadrian and you will have a cherished gift.

Modern gold coins

Greece, Constantine II, gold 100 Drachmai

This is a gift that evokes eternity and is a wise investment as well – you can’t go wrong with modern gold coins. A simple, yet elegant gifting solution, proven successful by many centuries in which precious gold coins were given as presents, from ancient royal courts to modernity. We offer a fine selection of modern gold coins from the UK and the rest of the World, including Sovereigns, Francs, Dollars, to name a few.

FOR HER

Coins of Roman Empresses

Lucilla (wife of Lucius Verus). Silver Denarius

In the ancient Roman Empire, the Empresses a lot of political power and had coins minted with their likeness, showcasing their virtues and hairstyles. Those coins served as trend-setting influence, as women throughout the Empire imitated the styles. A stylish and thoughtful choice for ladies in your life.

Coins of Elizabeth I

Elizabeth I (1558-1603), Seventh Issue, Halfcrown

For the history lovers in your life, especially ones that love the Tudor period, the ultimate gift are coins of Elizabeth I. There are a few other coins out there that convey such power and craftsmanship in numismatics, such as the ones of this distinguished monarch. A gift that is a powerful statement and a special piece.

KID’S CORNER

Roman bronze coins and Celtic coins

Galerius as Caesar. Bi Follis, mint of Ticinum
Iceni. Silver Unit, c. AD 25 – 38

We are always delighted to see our youngest collectors that are starting their numismatic journey. They often ask us for Roman Emperors or fearsome Celts! Roman bronze coins are the most popular choice for our young clients, because they are sturdy to handle, affordable in price and infinitely interesting for enticing further research of history! Coins of Celtic Britain are fantastic as well, with interesting abstract depictions and sometimes naming famous Celtic rulers of different British territories. A perfect choice for our most curious young collectors.

GRANDPARENTS

Military Medals

A Great War Pair awarded to Private (Lance Corporal) Betram Balk

It is often difficult to find something meaningful to gift to our grandparents that will truly be a surprise. A sincere gift that they will deeply appreciate might be a military medal. Each medal is not simply a collectable object, it contains a life story of bravery and sacrifice. We provide all the accompanying paperwork and information with our military medals to help you gift that special story.

FRIENDS

Tokens

Ludlow, Skidmore’s ‘Globe Series’ Penny
London, Kempson’s ‘London Gates’ penny token 1797

You can gift your friends a literal token of appreciation this Christmas. We stock tokens from all parts of UK, Ireland and some international tokens too. Tokens are fine and affordable little gifts and they can be specific to the area one comes from. You can find a token from almost any city or county in UK and many feature different types of businesses or architectural landmarks. As the unofficial currency from 17th, 18th and 19th century they boast a wide variety of designs, so there is something for everyone.

For gift advice write to us on coins@baldwin.co.uk

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Two record breaking lots from the Baldwin’s Auction House

On the 8th of November Baldwin’s Auction house hosted Auction 108 and set not one, but two world records. The first for a Chinese Hupeh silver 10 Cents of Ben Shen type which was soon followed by a Kuwait gold Pattern 3 Dinars of Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah. 

First of the two record breakers was lot 363 China, Hupeh, silver 10 Cents, 1895, Ben Shen type. Amazingly, it exceeded its estimate of £4,000-£5,000 and hit a new high at £65,000.  

China, Hupeh, silver 10 Cents, 1895, Ben Shen variety – ‘This Province’ on obverse, 2.65g (Kann 37; LM 179). In NGC holder graded MS 65 – top of the population in NGC, only one finer in PCGS. Extremely rare. An MS 62 example sold by Baldwin’s in 2008 achieved in excess of £17,000. Only eight other known in NGC and PCGS populations combined. 

A series of coins with the Chinese characters ‘Ben Shen’ meaning ‘This Province’ to the left and right of the dragon, indicated that these coins are redeemable only in Hupeh. A study published in 2005 discovered the purpose of this, an official proclamation printed on reverse of a Hupeh Government Cash Bank note. It indicated that due to the lack of cash coins, the newly minted silver coins with ‘This Province’ were equivalent to 1,000 cash for paying taxes. The high price of copper caused a fluctuation in the exchange rate from silver to copper. This series was short lived, as authorities realized the public would not accept them at face value. The majority of this issue was recalled from circulation and melted. It is extremely rare to find these coins, especially in mint condition. 

The second victory of the day was lot 405 – Kuwait, gold Pattern 3 Dinars of Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah. This coin, otherwise known as a Sovereign, fetched a whopping £23,000, which is over 4 times its estimate of £4,000-£5,000. Only a handful of these patterns are known to exist. Only one other is known to have come to the market in the last 10 years, making them an extremely rare find. 

Kuwait, Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah (1959-1965), gold Pattern 3 Dinars (also called a Sovereign), London mint, AH 1379 / 1960 AD, legend translation: ‘His highness, the exalted Sheikh ‘Abdallah al-Salim al-Sabah, ruler of the State of Kuwait’, bust of Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah, wearing bisht and gotra, with agal facing slightly left. Rev. Dhow under sail right; below: 1960 – 1379 in Eastern Arabic numerals, 8.01g (KM unlisted; Fr. unlisted). About Uncirculated, with slight marks, fantastic condition.

After the sale, our World Coin Expert Ema Sikic, described the monumental event: “For our Auction 108, we were very pleased to present some exceptional rarities, especially these two extremely rare coins of China and Kuwait that achieved record-breaking prices. The Hupeh 10 Cents of Ben Shen type is the finest we have ever handled and one of the finest in the world at the moment. From this Hupeh type we have only seen a few ever come to the market in Baldwin’s 150 year-long history. The Kuwait 3 Dinar Pattern is indeed the finest one we have ever handled and a very interesting coin, we are pleased it got the result befitting its rarity.” 

The complete auction sold at 85.8% and had a total value of £465,715, which is an incredible response for our 5th auction of the year. 

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Superstitions and Coins 

Source: Image by Yuri from Pixabay

As Halloween approaches, spooky and seasonal decorations are overtaking shops, restaurants and homes. Whether you are a fan of pumpkins, bonfires or haunted houses, it is a season where superstitions are high and pumpkin spice aroma is in the air. In numismatics, we encounter a lot of superstitious behaviours, so we will take you on a quick trip around the world about the most common superstitions and beliefs about coins. Some of the most famous superstitions have money at the heart of them! 

ANCIENT GREECE AND ROME – CHARON’S OBOL 

Probably one of the most famous coin-related beliefs is the one about Charon’s obol originating in ancient Greece and adopted by Romans as well. The coin was placed under the tongue of the deceased to pay Charon. He was the ferryman who transported the souls of the deceased from the world of the living into the world of the dead across the mythical river Styx. Greek and Latin literary sources mention that the coin used was an obol, a silver denomination from ancient Greece. Obols were issued by various city-states, throughout many centuries. However, obols that are found as grave goods with the buried remains are extremely popular archaeological finds. Although originating in ancient Greece, the evidence of this burial custom is present in different cultures with some examples dating even from the early 20th century.  

“Obols that are found as grave goods with the buried remains are extremely popular archaeological finds”

An example of an ancient Greek silver obol from 4th century BC.

ANCIENT CHINA – NUMISMATOMANCY  

Coins had a great significance in the divination practices of ancient China. The word numismatomancy has its origins in Greek: nomisma and manteia (coin and prophecy), however some of the most detailed accounts of how to use coins in divination come from the ancient text of I Ching (Book of Changes) that is one of the Chinese classics. Originally a divination manual from the Western Zhou period (1000–750 BC), it was transformed in the later centuries and the early Imperial period. Predominantly yarrow stalks were used for divination, however, using coins became widely spread during the Tang Dynasty. The inquirer was to toss three identical coins in the air and depending on where they fall draw a hexagram which was interpreted through the instructions in the book. Coins have a great apotropaic function throughout Chinese history, as outlined in our next paragraph.  

A cash coin of the Tang Dynasty. 

CHINA and EVERYWHERE – LUCKY COINS 

Beliefs in lucky coins are found all over the world. Lucky coins can be of different metals, bent, damaged, holed, found on the floor, carried in pockets, on pendants close to skin or on strings… Who hasn’t looked on the floor to spot a lucky penny? There are numerous variations of how people around the world interpret, use and wear lucky coins. Some of the most famous lucky coins are Chinese cash coins: they have a round shape with square holes and they were the main currency of China from antiquity to the end of the 19th century. These coins feature four characters on obverse and were produced in astonishing quantities especially during Northern Song and Qing periods. They still continue to be produced, mostly as good luck charms. The charms are shaped the same, with various depictions of animals usually added. The coins had a square hole so they could be strung into higher denominations – sometimes even tens of thousands. It is believed that tying a red ribbon around them would make them more auspicious, especially if the ribbon was tied in the Endless Knot – one of the Eight Buddhist Symbols.  

“Some of the most famous lucky coins are Chinese cash coins”

Cash coins of the Qing Dynasty.

GREAT BRITAIN – SIXPENCES 

Perhaps due to their small and convenient size, as well as high silver content, sixpences are coins that prompted more superstitions than many other British coins. During Christmas and New Year’s festivities, silver Sixpences were traditionally mixed into Christmas puddings. The coin would be placed in the mixture which was stirred by every member of the family. Once the pudding was ready, whoever found the coin in their slice was believed to receive good luck in the year to come.  

There is also a famous tradition relating to weddings for a bride to wear ‘Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue, and a silver sixpence in her shoe.’ The custom says that it is the bride’s father who places the sixpence in her shoe, as a gesture for good luck in the forthcoming marriage.  

If you have ever ‘gone on a bender’ you should know that the slang for going on a prolonged alcohol-related adventure comes from times gone by where one could drink all day in taverns for a sixpence. Since the coins were of high silver content and soft, they often got bent in pockets, thus, a bender.  

A sixpence of William III, from 1689. The small coins are difficult to find in such lovely condition.
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Exceptional Results From Baldwin’s October Auction

99.8% sold by value across all categories, totaling £214,595

London – The Patrick Deane collection of 18th. c. tradesmen’s tokens is the largest collection of these coins to be sold in many years. This auction, the first of three, included the English penny tokens and all the tokens of Wales, Scotland and Ireland with many rarities achieving three or even four times their estimate.

Tokens in the British Isles were issued at a time when there was little official copper small change. This caused much distress amongst the local people where all small transactions (food, beer and household articles) were conducted in pence. A Welsh mining company hit on the idea of paying its workers with the copper it mined, however it wasn’t as easy as copying the regal issue; this would be ‘counterfeiting’, a practice which carried the death penalty. They settled on making similar weight coins but calling them ‘tokens’ which would be redeemable in the official coin. This caught on – and soon enough, merchants throughout the whole kingdom were making tokens with their own designs and messages.

The first Anglesey tokens were made in 1788 and this collection possessed some of the first uniface die trials for the coin – that would have been made for the Parys Mines Co. (the owners of the copper mine) to look at and approve. Lot 306, a PMC approved uniface trial of the die, showing the cowled head of a druid, sold for £2,728 against an estimate of £800-1,200. The Welsh star of the auction was an Anglesey halfpenny (lot 320) – this double headed halfpenny token sold for £5,000 against an estimate of £1,500-2,000.

Lot 320: Amlwch, Parys Mines Co. mule Halfpenny 1791

The Irish section, out of all the ‘four nations’, soared. There was great interest from America who, with their strong dollar, did have an advantage, however – although we cannot tell you who bought the tokens – we can say that the majority went back to Ireland. Again, some of the early die trials for tokens hammered for two and three times estimate, highlighted by lot 521, a 1789 uniface die trial showing the unfinished obverse featuring the head of St. Patrick, which hammered for £4,800 (£5,952) against an estimate of £1,250-1,750.

Lot 521: Cronebane, Associated Irish Mine Co. uniface artist’s trial Halfpenny (1789)

The star of the sale was an English penny struck by a Soho grocer who lived in Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire. He had an enormously deeply engraved die made to strike a coin for himself at Sawbridgeworth. Unfortunately, the fact that the dies were so deeply engraved meant that to make this large token, a great deal of pressure was needed in the strike. Unsurprisingly, the die broke after the fifth or possibly sixth strike – and only five examples are now known. This coin (lot 74) was estimated at £5,000-7,000 but hammered at £12,000.

Lot 74: Sawbridgeworth, Robert Orchard (grocer & tea-dealer), Penny, 1801.

One of the attractions of the tokens featured in this sale is that they were from the collection of Francis Cokayne. Cokayne was probably the most important collectors of 18th c tokens, Baldwins bought his collection in 1946 but unfortunately a number of the cabinets went missing. Although we do not have a record of what went missing it looks as though a lot of the tokens in this sale, especially the Welsh and Irish, are from these missing tokens – and so it has come full circle that we are selling tokens that have been unaccounted for in over 75 years.

“This week’s fantastic results prove that the token market is still as buoyant as ever and continues to be a very popular and widely collected field. We look forward to hosting part 2 of this great collection next summer” said Neil Paisley, Baldwin’s M.D and British coin specialist.

Baldwin’s, founded in 1872, is one of the world’s largest and most renowned numismatic dealers and auctioneers, offering ancient, British and world coins alongside military medals, tokens and medallions. The main saleroom is in London, for a full list of forthcoming auctions, plus further information on Baldwin’s team of specialists, please visit baldwin.co.uk

Watch numismatist and auctioneer, Richard Gladdle, talk in depth about the collection.

View prices realised

Further media coverage of this auction…