Celebrating: Coins & Numismatics

Exploring the Value and Allure of Coin Collecting

As the days grow brighter and Spring takes hold, this April we’ll be turning our attention to the fascinating world of coins. Throughout the month, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the rich history, intricate design, and enduring collectability of numismatics — from ancient currency and historic British silver to modern minting rarities.

Coin collecting, also known as numismatics, is a passion that blends history, artistry, and investment potential. From ancient civilisations to modern minting marvels, coins serve as tangible links to the past, carrying stories of empires, economies, and evolving craftsmanship. Whether you are a seasoned collector or have inherited a coin collection you’re considering selling, understanding the nuances of the market can make all the difference. At David Duggleby Auctioneers, we specialise in bringing remarkable numismatic pieces to auction, connecting them with collectors who truly appreciate their significance.

From ancient treasures to modern minting marvels, coin collecting is a world where history, artistry, and investment potential converge. In this blog, we take a closer look at what makes certain coins so desirable  -  from gold sovereigns and pre-1947 silver, to error coins and rare ancient currency. We'll delve into why these categories remain strong in the current market and what collectors and investors alike are searching for today.

Whether you're holding onto a family collection or considering selling individual pieces, understanding the appeal and value of these coins can help you make informed decisions. We'll also showcase a selection of remarkable lots which featured in April Coins & Banknotes auction - offering insight into the types of coins that continue to spark fierce interest and competitive bidding.

Ready to find out if you might be sitting on numismatic gold? Let’s explore.

Gold Sovereigns & Bullion Coins: Timeless Assets in Uncertain Times

Gold sovereigns and bullion coins have always been a cornerstone of coin collecting, prized not just for their historical significance but also as reliable investment assets. In times of economic uncertainty, gold often acts as a safe haven, with sovereigns holding particular appeal due to their legal tender status and gold content.

The British Gold Sovereign, first introduced in 1817, remains one of the most recognised gold coins worldwide. Featuring designs such as the iconic St. George and the Dragon by Benedetto Pistrucci, these coins are not only sought after for their gold value but also for their numismatic interest. Similarly, international bullion coins such as the South African Krugerrand, Canadian Maple Leaf, and American Eagle hold their own allure for investors looking for diversification in tangible assets.    

For vendors, the strong demand for gold sovereigns means this is an excellent time to consign, especially as collectors continue to seek rare mint marks, proofs, and coins in high-grade condition.

_{Above, Left to Right: Lot 2513, Lot 2519 and Lot 2515.}

Lot 2513
Queen Elizabeth II 1989 '500th Anniversary of the First Gold Sovereign' gold proof sovereign collection, comprising five pound coin, double sovereign, full sovereign, and half sovereign, cased with certificate, sealed in original Royal Mint plastic. Sold £6,000

Lot 2519
The Royal Mint United Kingdom gold proof one pound four coin set, comprising 2004 'Forth Rail Bridge', 2005 'Menai Straits Suspension Bridge', 2006 'Egyptian Arch Railway Bridge' and 2007 'Gateshead Millennium Bridge', housed in a display case with certificates. Sold £4,200

Lot 2515
Queen Elizabeth II 1989 '500th Anniversary of the First Gold Sovereign ' gold brilliant uncirculated five pound coin, cased with certificate. Sold £2,500

Pre-1947 British Silver Coins, Error Coins & Limited Editions

British silver coins minted before 1947 contain a high percentage of silver (50% or more), making them valuable not only as collectables but also for their bullion content. Coins such as the half-crown, florin, shilling, and sixpence from this era are widely collected and traded, especially those in good condition or with key dates.

Collectors are particularly interested in scarce variations, such as low-mintage years, coins with unique design features, or those struck in exceptionally high quality. The appeal of pre-1947 silver coins is twofold: they offer both an affordable entry point into numismatics for new collectors and an investment opportunity for those looking to capitalise on rising silver prices.

Coins with minting errors have long been a favourite among collectors. These anomalies - such as misstrikes, double strikes, off-center prints, or missing details - occur due to faults in the minting process, making each error coin unique. Some of the most famous error coins have fetched extraordinary sums at auction due to their rarity and the intrigue surrounding their production.

Similarly, limited-edition releases from the Royal Mint and other institutions attract strong interest. Proof sets, commemorative coins, and coins with special privy marks often command high premiums, particularly those with low mintage numbers. Examples include anniversary sovereigns, Olympic-themed coins, and special editions celebrating British history and monarchy.

_{Above, Left to Right: Lot 2588, Lot 2500 and Lot 2587.}

Lot 2588
Queen Elizabeth II Australia 2002 'Golden Jubilee of Accession 1952-2002' bi-metal gold and silver twenty dollars coin, cased with certificate. Sold £750

Lot 2500
Queen Anne 1714 gold full guinea coin. Sold £750

Lot 2587
The Royal Canadian Mint Queen Elizabeth II 2017 'A Royal Wedding Anniversary' platinum coin set, comprising three-hundred, one-hundred and fifty, seventy-five and thirty dollars coins, cased with certificate. Sold £1,200

Historic & Ancient Coins

There is perhaps no category of coin more evocative than historic and ancient currency. These remarkable artefacts serve not only as financial instruments of their time but also as tangible links to the people, politics, and beliefs of long-lost civilisations. For collectors, the appeal is as much about the story as it is the rarity - and it’s this rich intersection of history and collectability that keeps the market for ancient coins alive and well.

Roman, Greek, and Byzantine coins are perennially popular, prized for their craftsmanship and cultural significance. A well-preserved Roman denarius, for example, might feature the profile of an emperor whose decisions shaped the fate of an empire - or a depiction of a deity that reveals how ancient societies viewed the divine. These coins were often minted in large numbers, but surviving examples in fine condition remain scarce and highly sought after.

Medieval coinage - particularly from the Anglo-Saxon, Norman and Plantagenet periods - holds strong interest in the UK. Coins minted under the reigns of monarchs such as Alfred the Great or Edward III can command significant prices at auction, especially when accompanied by a clear provenance or if struck at lesser-known regional mints. The regional differences in design and silver content often provide fascinating insights into local economies and shifting political power across the British Isles.

Upcoming Coins, Banknotes & Stamps Sale

Following a successful April auction with strong results across the board, we are now inviting entries for our next Coins, Banknotes & Stamps Sale taking place at Duggleby Stephenson of York. This is an exciting opportunity for collectors and vendors alike to participate in one of our most engaging specialist events.

This forthcoming sale will feature a broad spectrum of material, from full and half sovereigns, gold and silver proof sets, and rare historic coins, to commemorative issues, international currency, notable banknotes, and collectable stamps - including both rarities and useable postage.

Whether you have a few standout pieces, an inherited collection, or specialist material from a specific region or era, our experienced team is on hand to provide free valuations and tailored consignment advice. With our strong track record and dedicated following of national and international buyers, now is the ideal time to bring your items to auction.

If you're considering selling, get in touch today - and let us help you connect your collection with those who value it most.

Last date for entries is Wednesday 30 April and sale ends Wednesday 22nd May.