Spink, British and World coins – Spring Auction
Spink, British and World coins – Spring Auction
Spink are held an auction on 4 may 2022 of British and World coins. The star lot is a George IV proof set. The auction contains several recent detecting finds, including two rare pennies from the reign of Stephen.
To see my selected lots in the auction catalogue, click on the lot number. The full catalogue can be found here.
There is a buyer’s premium of 20% (plus VAT) on the hammer price.
Featured Lots
George IV specimen proof set
The auctioneer states that the first British “proof set” is a matter of debate with issues in 1746, under George II, and 1820 being possible contenders. However, the first official set advertised by the Royal Mint came in October 1826. Initially only four or five sets were produced but, after adverse comments in The Globe, this was increased to 150 sets.
The set comprises 11 coins: Five Pounds, Two Pounds, Sovereign, Half-Sovereign, Crown, Half Crown, Shilling, Sixpence, Penny, Halfpenny and Sixpence
Baronial magnate issue of Stephen
A penny issued by Henry Murdac, archbishop of York, in the name of Stephen. It was found in Lincolnshire in 2016.
The local coinage of York during the reign of Stephen is divided into seven phases. In this Phase 4 coin, the reverse design changes from the cross moline of Stephen’s type 1 and Phase 2 and 3 to a cross pattee on a saltire fleury. The reverse legend reads STEP(h)ANUS REX.
On the obverse of “Bishop Henry” pennies is a crozier instead of a sceptre. The obverse legend reads DENRIC[V]S EPC, instead of the expected HENRICUS. It is suggested that the use of EPC (for bishop) is a style choice to balance the REX on the other side.
