A Gold Proof Set issued in 1937 to mark the Coronation of George VI lead Tennants Auctioneers’ Coins, Tokens & Banknotes Sale on 15th February, when it sold for £12,000 (all figures plus buyer’s premium). The four-coin set, comprising a £5, double sovereign, sovereign and half sovereign, was housed in its original Royal Mint red leather case and was near ‘fleur de coin’. A further proof set in the form of a good fleur de coin Edward VII ‘Short’ Matte Proof Set from 1902 sold above estimate at £1,900 and a Victoria ‘Golden Jubilee Specimen Set from 1887 sold for £3,000.
Strong international interest helped a scarce USA ‘Draped Bust’ Half Dime from 1797 beat the £500-800 estimate to sell for £1,200. Also exceeding presale expectations were a William III Halfcrown 1696 Octavo (sold for £850), a James II Halfcrown 1686 Secundo (sold for £1,200), and a Victoria Proof Copper Quarter Farthing from 1868 (sold for £650). Amongst a selection of early hammered coins in the auction, an AE Drachm produced in Alexandria mint in the reign of the Ptolemy III Euergetes (246-221 BC) sold well at £320.
The sale achieved a total hammer price of £207,445 for 589 lots, and a 95% sold rate.
Tennants Auctioneers are now consigning for the next Coins & Banknotes sale to be held on the 3rd May.
