Five Guineas 1693 S.3422 Obverse conjoined busts of joint monarchs right. GVLIELMVS ET MARIA DEI GRATIA. Reverse, crowned garnished square topped arms, lion of Nassau in centre. Edge year QVINTO in raised letters on edge, in a PCGS holder and graded MS62, with Prooflike and brilliant fields, a piece with remarkable eye appeal, the bust and reverse design lightly frosted, retaining much mint lustre, must surely be one of the finest known examples of this short series. At the time of writing, the PCGS Population report shows one example graded MS62+ and another at MS63 being the only finer examples. Across the entire William and Mary series combining all Five Guinea dates and varieties, only 4 examples have been graded higher by PCGS. and in August 2020 an example dated 1692 and graded MS63 by PCGS realised $384,000 in Heritage, and is now being offered for private treaty sale at $499,000, and we can tell you that that the difference in grade between MS62 and 63 is negligible. William and Mary were spouses who reigned over the kingdoms of England, Scotland and Ireland. They began their joint reign in February 1689 after they were offered the throne by the Convention Parliament. James II (Mary’s father) had fled the country and William and Mary occupied what was in effect a vacant throne. They were the first joint rulers in England for over 800 years, although Philip II and Mary I had appeared on English coinage together. Mary was to reign until her death from smallpox in December 1694 and William continued his rule alone, until his death in March 1702. The reign of William and Mary was brief and their coins are relatively scarce.
Halfcrown 1925 ESC 772, Bull 3727 in a PCGS holder and graded MS64, the joint highest grade for this rare date recorded by the PCGS Population Report, always a very rare coin in high grades, in our opinion the 1925 scarcer in high grade than the 1930 coin
Sovereign 1887M Jubilee Head, Small Spread J.E.B on truncation, S.3867, DISH M2, with the E and the stop after the E of J.E.B double struck, First legend with G: of D:G: further from the crown, NEF and rare. Cataloguer's Note: 'The Jubilee Head Gold Sovereign' the excellent work by David Iverson, details six potential types of the 'Small Spread J.E.B' type for the Melbourne Mint, and has estimated an approximate mintage figure of 42,727 pieces for this rare type
Florin 1887 Gothic M in date broken on second arch as ESC 866, Bull 2913 A/UNC, the reverse retaining some lustre, with a very small minting flaw in the form of light flattening to the top crown band, Very scarce in high grades
Shilling 1894 Small Obverse Letters, Bull 3157, Davies 1013, dies 1B, Obverse: I of DEI point to a space, Reverse Left hand Crown's cross points to a bead, NEF with some minor contact marks on the obverse, Very Rare, and much sought by Shilling variety collectors. We note the Ex-Peter Davies Collection piece graded as EF sold in London Coins Auction A124 Lot 1229, realised £500 hammer price as far back as 28/2/2009
Sovereign 1887 Jubilee Head, First Head with G: of D:G: further from the crown, S.3866, Marsh 125, DISH L7, UNC or very near so, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 78
Halfcrown 1703 First Bust, VIGO ESC 569, Bull 1358 VF, the reverse with a small scratch in the field, an attractive example of the First Bust type, with a good portrait
Crown 1935 Raised Edge ProofESC 378, Bull 3655 nFDC with minor toning and very light hairlines only, in the original red box of issue retaining virtually full mint brilliance, and a scratch or fault easily overlooked in the King's ear
Halfcrown 1690 GRETIA error legend, with V over S in GVLIELMVS, SECVNDO edge, ESC 514, Bull 848, Fine with touches of golden tone in the legend, rated R3 by ESC and Bull
Sovereign 1891M Second legend with G: of D:G: closer to the crown, Horse with long tail, S.3867C, DISH M16, A/UNC and lustrous with some minor contact marks
Crown 1893 LVI ESC 303, Bull 2593, Davies 501 dies 1A, UNC or near so with original lustre, with hints of golden toning in the legends a most attractive example with considerable eye appeal
Halfcrown 1953 Proof, Obverse 1 Reverse A. The Very Rare Obverse 1 Proof with the weakly struck first portrait, I of DEI points to a space. The Proof version of the early portrait, as used in the 1953 currency plastic set. Davies 2310, S.4137 UNC with minor nicks and hairlines, retaining much original mint lustre and brilliance
Crown 1707E 13 Harp Strings, Stop rather than colon after ET, ESC 103, Bull 1351 Fine/Good Fine with an old scratch on the obverse, the reverse once lightly cleaned
Halfcrown 1686 SECVNDO edge with V over S in IACOBVS, overdate variety as ESC 496A, Bull 752 with ESC 494, Bull 749 edge, NVG/VG with all major details clear. Our archive database shows 18 previous example of this date with the SECVNDO edge and none have the V over S in the obverse legend. All the previous V over S coins have had the TERTIO edge, online research of available coins has also not found the overstrike and SECVNDO edge on the same coin. We note the V over S for the correct TERTIO edge coin is rated at R3 by ESC and Bull. From this research and archival data presumably an extremely rare type, possibly R5 or rarer, and unrecorded as such by ESC or Bull.
Halfcrown 1686 TERTIO edge with V over S in IACOBVS ESC 496A, Bull 752 About Fine, toned with an edge bruise at 3 o'clock. Very Rare and rated R3 by ESC and Bull, also see the SECVNDO edge coin with this overstrike error listed in this sale
Sixpences (2) 1697C First Bust, Later Harp, Small Crowns, ESC 1557, Bull 1271 NEF/EF attractively toned with some light adjustment lines, an attractive piece with much eye appeal, 1696 First Bust, Early Harp. Large Crowns ESC 1533, Bull 1202 EF and attractively toned, the obverse shows signs of die clashing
Halfcrowns (2) 1676 ESC 478, Bull 471 VG/Fine with a little uneven tone and traces of a little old gilding on the obverse, 1689 First Shield, No frosting, with pearls, ESC 507, Bull 835 Fine
Halfcrown 1707 Roses and Plumes, SEXTO edge ESC 573, Bull 1362 About Fine/Fine with some light scattered haymarking and a light adjustment mark on the Rose below the date
Sixpence 1696y First Bust, Early Harp, Large Crowns, both B's in the reverse legend struck from a broken punch, and seem to be made from a combination of R and E punches GVF and unusual
Sixpence 1697E First Bust, Later Harp, Small Crowns, with Small 7 in date, Bull 1283, type as ESC 1560, Good Fine with grey tone and an old scratch on the reverse. A very unusual type. The Small 7 in the date is stated by Bull to be 'possibly from Maundy'. We note the only Maundy coin minted in 1697 was the Fourpence, believed to be unique. We note also the Small 7 type on the Large Crowns type listed in London Coins Auction A155 Lot 1368 described as About VF/VF toned realised £170 hammer price
Halfcrowns (2) 1715 and 1745 LIMA both ex-mount and both with traces of brown/gold residue in the fields the 1715 VG the 1746 bright VF with some heavy hairline scratches reverse
Halfcrowns (2) 1689 First Shield, Caul only frosted, with pearls ESC 505, Bull 831 VG or better, 1746 LIMA ESC 606, Bull 1688 VG with graffiti and scratches in the obverse field
Crown 1696 Third Bust, ESC 94, Bull 1004, the edge with the legend largely obliterated by what appears to be a crude attempt at milling, 29.95 grammes, Near Fine
Sixpence 1697 Second Bust, Later Harp, Small Crowns, ESC 1564, Bull 1224, VG/approaching Fine the obverse with some old scratches, the reverse with some adjustment lines, Rated R2 by Bull.
Sixpences (3) 1696 First Bust, Early Harp, Large Crowns, Good Fine/Fine on a porous flam, 1697B First Bust, Later Harp, Small Crowns, Fine with some surface marks, 1697E First Bust, Later Harp, Small Crowns, ESC 1560, Bull 1281 Poor
Half Sovereign 1817 Milled Edge ProofS.3786, Wilson & Rasmussen 204. Reverse with crowned angular shield, with dot below. Frosted Bust and Reverse design on brilliant fields, in a PCGS holder and graded PR64DCAM. Of 7 examples on the PCGS Population Report, only this coin and one other have achieved the Deep Cameo designation. Only one is graded higher
Halfcrown 1831 Plain Edge Proof, WW in block, ESC 657, Bull 2473, Davies 320, dies 1A, obverse with small edge beads, retaining much original lustre and frosting, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 85, the joint finest known of 5 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report
Crown 1746 LIMA ESC 125 UNC or very near so and deeply tone, the edge with a small impression between REGNI and DECIMO, a tiny spot below DEI and below the D of L.D. otherwise with excellent quality fields and very minor cabinet friction, a most attractive example with a lot of eye appeal, Ex-London Coins Auction A159 Lot 687 realised £3800 hammer price
Halfcrown 1841 ESC 674, Bull 2716 EF and nicely toned, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 65. An extremely rare date with a mintage figure of approximately a quarter of that of the 1905 Halfcrown, and seldom offered in high grades
Crown 1703 VIGO ESC 99, Bull 1340 GVF with some haymarking, overall a nicely struck example with an excellent portrait of the Queen, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 55
Five Pound Crown 2018 Prince George 5th Birthday, Reverse: A modern depiction of St. George slaying the Dragon S.L63, FDC uncased in capsule, with no certificate, only 175 pieces issued and with these forming part of the original Gold Proof Set, this represents an opportunity for Crown collectors to purchase this as a single piece
Crown 1687 TERTIO ESC 78, Bull 743, UNC and retaining much original mint lustre, the reverse enhanced by blue/green and cinnamon tone, the obverse showing some weakness to the top of the wreath, as often encountered on this series, however a choice piece exhibiting superb eye appeal and worthy of a place in the finest Crown collection
Halfcrown 1750 ESC 609, Bull 1692 UNC and choice with even gold toning, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 80, Ex-Terner Collection and formerly in a PCGS holder graded MS64, the PCGS ticket removed at the time of LCGS slabbing and no longer available
Halfcrown 1823 First Reverse ESC 633 VF even grey tone with some faint old scratches obverse field decent eye appeal Extremely Rare especially in this collectable grade (Ex LCA 155 Dec 2016 realised £2,800)
Crown 1821 SECUNDO ESC 246, Bull 2310, UNC with even grey toning, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 80, the second finest known of 36 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report, Ex-Andrew Wayne Collection London Coins Auction A113 June 2006 Lot 689
Halfcrown 1707 SEPTIMO edge, Plain in angles and below bust ESC 574, Bull 1366 UNC with old grey toning, the reverse with residual gold, a highly desirable superb and original piece, the portrait showing excellent detail, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 78. The finest known of 4 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report
Crown 1746 LIMA ESC 125, Bull 1668 EF with grey tone and some light haymarking, all George II Crowns desirable in high grades, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 60
Halfcrown 1831 Plain Edge Proof, WW in block, ESC 657, Bull 2473, Davies 320, dies 1A, obverse with small edge beads, 13.49 grammes, EF the obverse with some hairlines in the fields, possibly lightly cleaned in the past
Maundy Presentation Set 2006 8 sets FDC sealed in the plastic envelopes along with the £5.50 payment, a Five Pound Crown 2006 UNC and Fifty Pence 2006 Victoria Cross - The Award both UNC, includes the Red and White Maundy purses, the ticket to the Maundy Ceremony at Guildford Cathedral, Letter of Acceptance from the Royal Almonry Office, and instructions of procedures on Maundy Thursday. A fascinating insight into this historic presentation Ceremony
Halfcrown 1820 George IVESC 628, Bull 2357 UNC and choice, a most attractive example with hints of golden toning in the legend further enhancing the eye appeal of this elegant design, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 85, the joint finest known of 31 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report
Halfcrown 1709 OCTAVO ESC 579, Bull 1371 UNC or near so and lustrous, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 75, the finest of 3 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report
Halfcrown 1696 First Bust, Small Shields ESC 534, Bull 1014, UNC or near so in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 75. While many of the Shillings and Sixpences of the Great Recoinage have survived in high grades, the same cannot be said for the Halfcrowns, which are a good deal scarcer in high grade and seldom offered. This lustrous and pleasing example is the finest of only 2 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report
Halfcrown 1835 ESC 665, Bull 2481 UNC and lustrous, a very pleasing example of this scarce date, always a popular coin and seldom seen in the highest grades
Halfcrown 1840 ESC 673, Bull 2715 UNC with a full sharp strike and choice with original colour and underlying lustre, the obverse complimented by touches of golden tone in the legend, the reverse with a superb blue/green tone. A truly outstanding piece and must surely be one of the finest remaining examples. Halfcrowns of 1839 and 1840 are the only dates with W.W on the truncation, and given the rarity of the 1839 coin, the 1840 coin is always sought after, and is almost never seen in choice grade
Halfcrown 1886 ESC 715, Bull 2767 Lustrous UNC the obverse with some light toning, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 85, the finest known of 16 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report, at the time of writing, 360 Currency Young Head Halfcrowns had been graded with only 5 attaining the 85 grade
Halfcrown 1689 Second Shield, Caul only frosted, with pearls ESC 510, Bull 839 GEF/AU with golden tone, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 70, the finest known of 12 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report
Halfcrown 1731 Roses and Plumes, QVINTO edge, the Q of QVINTO rotated 90 degrees clockwise, unlisted by ESC, Bull or Spink type as ESC 595, Bull 1674 VF and attractively toned. We note one example of this type has been recorded by the LCGS Population Report
Halfcrown 1846 ESC 680, Bull 2724 UNC or very near so and with mint lustre, a most attractive and original example with much eye appeal, comes with old collector's ticket from 1975
Sovereign 1887M Jubilee Head, First Head, G: of D:G: further from the crown, with small spread J.E.B on truncation, hooked J in J.E.B, the J.E.B lower on the truncation S.3867, DISH M3 EF and lustrous with some contact marks, a rare type - it is estimated only 4.5% of the total Melbourne Jubilee Head type are this variety (Source: 'The Jubilee Head Gold Sovereign 1887-1893' with extensive research by David Iverson)
Halfcrown 1697 First Bust, Large Shields, Later Harp ESC 541, Bull 1021, GEF in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 65, the finest known of 5 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report, high grade William III Halfcrowns are much harder to locate than the Shillings and Sixpences of the same period, and to date this LCGS graded 65 example is the finest recorded by them
Halfcrown 1836 WW in script ESC 666, Bull 2482 UNC attractively toned over underlying mint lustre, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 80, the third finest of 20 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report
Crown 1822 TERTIO ESC 252, Bull 2320 GEF with some hairlines, an even gold tone over original mint lustre contributes to the excellent eye appeal of the coin
Halfcrown 1689 Second Shield, Caul only frosted, with Pearls, Inverted N in REGINA ESC 510 variation, Bull 840 NEF/EF a crisply struck example with attractive grey tone, minor haymarking barely detracts, a most attractive example of this popular type with considerable eye appeal
Halfcrown 1883 ESC 711, Bull 2762 UNC with cartwheel lustre, and a beautiful light 'satiny' tone, a most attractive piece with original surfaces, light carbon marks on the obverse barely detract, the coin retaining choice eye appeal, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 82, the finest known of 25 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report
Crown 1935 Raised Edge ProofESC 378, Bull 3655 UNC to FDC the obverse toned in the legends, the reverse retaining much brilliance, with a subtle blue/green and gold tone, in the red Royal Mint box of issue
Crown 1935 Raised edge ProofESC 378, Bull 3655, Lustrous UNC with some toning, the obverse with two small tone spots, in the red box of issue with Royal Mint type written note
Halfcrown 1717 Roses and Plumes, TIRTIO edge, ESC 589, Bull 1554 NVF with some adjustment lines, once lightly cleaned in the past now with a pleasing tone in the fields. All George I Halfcrowns hard to find in all grades above Fine
Halfcrown 1840 ESC 673, Bull 2715 NEF/GEF the obverse lightly toned with some contact marks, the reverse with much original mint lustre, Halfcrowns of 1839 and 1840 are the only dates with W.W on the truncation, and given the rarity of the 1839 coin, the 1840 is often collected as a popular type coin
Halfcrown 1708 Plumes, SEPTIMO edge ESC 578, Bull 1369 GVF/NEF evenly toned with minor haymarks, gold and grey toning over mint lustre further enhance the eye appeal of this original and attractive piece, very scarce in higher grades, one of the finest we have offered of this type
Halfcrown 1741 Roses, unaltered date, Small Lettering ESC 601, Bull 1681 in a PCGS holder and graded AU50, somewhat scarcer than the overdate coin of the same year
Halfcrown 1741 Roses, unaltered date, DECIMO QVARTO edge, ESC 601, Bull 1681 GVF with some lustre and golden tone in places, light haymarking barely detracts
Halfcrown 1746 LIMA DECIMO NONO edge, ESC 606, Bull 1688 EF the reverse slightly better with old grey toning and hints of gold in the legend, a most attractive piece
Halfcrown 1885 ESC 713, Bull 2765 UNC and lustrous with a pleasing and subtle golden tone, an eye-catching example of the later Young Head type, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 80, the joint finest known of 17 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report, very few Young Head Halfcrowns of any date attain grades 80 or above making all dates rare in this grade
Halfcrown 1826 ESC 646, Bull 2375 AU/UNC with a choice old and colourful tone, the reverse particularly attractive. Minor cabinet friction to the high points only. Most attractive with outstanding eye appeal.
Halfcrown 1840 ESC 673, Bull 2715 GVF/NEF, Halfcrowns of 1839 and 1840 are the only dates with W.W on the truncation, and given the rarity of the 1839 coin, the 1840 is always a popular type coin
Halfcrown 1881 ESC 707, Bull 2758, Davies 591 dies 5D Obv: I of DEI points to a bead, I or RIA points to a bead, Lustrous UNC, in an LCGS holder and graded LCGS 80, the second finest known of 14 examples thus far recorded by the LCGS Population Report, Young Head Halfcrowns notoriously hard to find in grades 80 and above
Please browse the results of our past auctions using the navigation tools above.
Or browse our previous auctions using our text-based directory
Sell or auction your old coins
With London Coins selling your material could not be easier. We offer free appraisals, house visits, free collection of bulky material from your home, immediate cash offers and an auctioneering service.
If you have material to sell we offer a straightforward and easy to follow service which gives you the option of consigning your material to auction, or selling it to us direct for cash.
For further details please see our How To Sell Your Coins page and request our information pack.
Buy English Coins Single Coins and Small Lots
London Coins holds auctions every three months in Bracknell, Berkshire with a dedicated section for English Coins. This section covers all English milled issues offered as individual items or small groups, and in their raw state i.e. not graded and encapsulated by a third party graded company.
To receive the next London Coins auction catalogue join our mailing list.
RSS