An interesting and eclectic mix of coins spanning over 1000 years of history will go under the hammer in Tennants Auctioneers’ Coins & Banknotes Sale on 15th February. Amongst the nearly 600 lots are rare and fine examples such as a Gold Proof Set issued in 1937 to mark the Coronation of George VI (estimate: £9,000-11,000 plus buyer’s premium). The four-coin set, comprising a £5, double sovereign, sovereign and half sovereign, is housed in its original Royal Mint red leather case and is near ‘fleur de coin’.
One of the earliest coins in the sale is an AE Drachm produced in Alexandria mint in the reign of the Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-221 BC), offered for sale with an estimate of £100-150. Amongst the rarest coins is a Portuguese Joao V (1720-56) 4 Escudos (Peca) minted in Lisbon in 1727 and found by a metal detectorist (estimate: £3,000-4,000). A London Elephant Token struck circa 1694 recognisable by to its thick planchet and iconic design is also offered for sale with an estimate of £80-120.
Of particular note is the scarcer ‘small stars’ variety of the ever-popular early American ‘Capped Bust’ Half Dollar 1807, very fine (estimate: £1,500-2,500), a James II Maundy Set from 1686 in a very fine+ condition (estimate: £200-300), and a lovely Edward VII ‘Short’ Matte Proof Set from 1902, fleur de coin (estimate: £1,500-1,800).
The sale will also offer collectors of banknotes the rare opportunity to own two consecutively numbered Bank of England white five pounds. Both are signed Peppiatt and dated 29th November 1944 with sequential numbers E76 050550 and E76 050551. With only minor discolouration to the left field the notes are truly about uncirculated. They are to be sold together with a third note numbered E76 050553 in a good very fine condition. The three-note lot will be offered with an estimate of £300-500.
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