Coin News

Features include: numismatic news; a what's on section that lets collectors know about fairs, societies, auctions etc.; an ancients section; Auction Highlights - where you can find out what has been happening in the sale rooms; information on tokens; numismatic book reviews; a banknote section and a directory that allows readers to see what lists the main dealers are offering that month - as well as a host of other features of interest to both the serious and not-so-serious collector.

Subject matter

Coin News

GETTING TOGETHER SOCIETY & FAIR NEWS • Society secretaries and fair organisers—if you have an interesting talk or event to report, then we would be more than happy to feature it in our dedicated Getting Together feature. Simply email: jayne@tokenpublishing.com with your information.

A VIEW OF THE BAY • Here we take a look at some of the numerous numismatic items offered over the auction website eBay. This is just a small selection which have caught our eye. Read on and see if you agree with our reviewer (comments in italics). Unless stated otherwise the descriptions are as the eBay listing written by the seller (including weak spelling and poor grammar). Prices do not include any VAT or other charges which may have been added.

NumisMarket • Continuing with his special monthly reports, looks at what's shaping today's numismatic market...

THE ROYAL MINT MUSEUM BEHIND THE SCENES • As well as the Royal Mint’s world-class production facilities, the Llantrisant plant in South Wales also houses the Royal Mint Museum. It represents one of the most impressive numismatic collections in the world, featuring outstanding rarities alongside the currency we use everyday—serving as a true reflection of the history of the coinage in the United Kingdom and of many other countries.

BULLETIN

No sign of cooling off mid-season • (Please note, bold text indicates illustrated lots.)

THE WORLD'S OLDEST COINS • WITH different shapes—and using the most dissimilar materials—coins have been used by man for at least the last 26 centuries as a means of exchange (money), either for their intrinsic value or a fiduciary one set by an issuing authority.

The coinage of 1066 • Part 2

The Minters of the Mid-19th Century Copper Coinage of GUERNSEY • THE 19th and 20th century pre-decimal base metal coinage of the States of Guernsey is certainly distinctive. Unique amongst British Isles coinage of this era, there is no reference to—or bust of—the ruling monarch, no Latin legends, and a notable French influence; both words on each coin until 1956 were in French, viz “GUERNESEY” with an extra E, and “DOUBLE,” derived from an old French coin, the double-tournais.

Silver Round Halfpennies and Farthings—Part 2 • ENGLISH small-denomination silver coins (halfpennies and farthings) underwent significant stylistic and compositional changes across successive medieval reigns. During the reigns of Edward I-III, Bullion shortages caused temporary weight and fineness reductions. Key identifiers included star-marked inscriptions, bifoliate crowns (Edward II) and “EDWARDUS” legends. Through the reigns of Richard II to Henry VI, changes were characterised by supply shortages, limited London minting, and distinct markers such as Gothic lettering, frowning portraits (Henry V), or annulet reverse crosses (Henry VI). The reigns of Edward IV to Henry VIII saw expanded mint locations, debasement under Henry VIII, Tudor imagery such as the portcullis, and “ROSA SINE SPINA” legends. Edward VI oversaw severe debasement which led to silver farthing production effectively ending by 1553.

The birth of the modern Sovereign The London Old Head Sovereigns of Queen Victoria, 1893–1901 • THE process that led to the replacement of the much-criticised Jubilee Head...