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18th Century Trade Tokens and Coinage Crisis
18th Century trade tokens, privately minted coinage struck and used during this period, were the result of societal changes distinct to this period. The shortage of small denomination coinage, required by the general public for everyday transactions, was exacerbated by growing demand driven by population growth and the Industrial Revolution.
The rapidly increasing payrolls of urban factories were proving impossible for employers with no coins, to supply. Meanwhile, by 1786, two-thirds of the coins in circulation within Britain were counterfeits. Frustration grew at the government’s lack of efforts to resolve the shortage or effectively combat counterfeiting.
Disenfranchised, business owners and merchants looked to independently fashion an alternative coinage, that would serve their own and their buyers’ needs.
Thomas Williams, ‘Copper King’
Thomas Williams was one of three managing partners of the Parys Mine Company. It presided over one of the largest veins of copper in the world, Parys Mountain. He was titled ‘the copper king…the sovereign of the copper trade’ by Matthew Boulton. Boulton also privately described him as a ‘perfect tyrant’.
In 1785, Williams met with the master of the British mint, to strike a deal. In exchange for the Royal Mint’s use of Williams’ newly developed counterfeit-deterrent edge lettering technology, the supply of copper for these new coins would be provided by the Parys Mine Company. The British mint master declined the offer.
Taking matters into his own hands, Williams managed the minting of the first privately issued, copper tokens. Some were even used to pay Parys Mine Company workers. These first tokens bore the image of a hooded Druid. This design would become notorious as the very first of this form of coinage. Industrialists in London hailed these tokens as an innovative and resourceful response to the needs of a rapidly changing Britain.
18th Century Trade Tokens: The Creation, Circulation and Collection
The demand for trade token coinage grew throughout the mid to late 18th Century and created new business opportunities. Birmingham’s Matthew Boulton was one of the most prolific producers of merchant tokens. In 1788, he established the Soho Mint, which was driven by eight patented pressing machines of his own design. Powered by steam, these were able to strike between 70-84 coins per minute.
Unregulated by government control, creators had full artistic and political license over token designs. As a result, tokens regularly celebrated figures, such as Isaac Newton. They also advocated for causes, such as Abolition, and were often intricate and eye-catching in form.
Most trade tokens were only officially payable in certain areas. However, many vendors’ undiscerning acceptance of any copper coinage means that tokens were widely circulated. Indeed, Boulton’s Soho Mint struck tokens for release in the US.
Boulton’s business empire survived the decreased demand for tokens by the end of the 18th century. In 1797, after the financial crisis point, the government finally announced plans to issue large quantities of copper coinage that might be, according to a proclamation by King George III, ‘best adapted to the payment of the laborious poor’. Boulton’s industrious production of copper trade tokens and blank coins over the past decade, earned his award of a governmental contract to strike official coinage, as Williams had sought previously.
By 1793, the practice of collecting and trading tokens had achieved popularity. Manufacturers discovered that collectors would pay handsomely, and directly, for limited mintage token designs. As a result, three extensive reference works on the indexing and collecting of tokens were published between 1795 and 1798. The popularity of James Conder’s version led to the nicknaming of 18th century provincial tokens, as ‘Conder tokens’.
18th Century Trade Tokens at Auction
Lot 166
Great Britain, Birmingham Brass Charles Aston Token.
Price Realised: £299.00
Lot 168
United Kingdom, Birmingham Brass John Hinde’s Token.
Estimate: £50 – £80
Lot 173
United Kingdom, Dudley & Birmingham CU R. Wallis & T & I Badger One Penny Token.
Estimate: £40 – £60
Monies, Medals & Militaria | Thursday 25th April
Viewing times (ID required):
London
Thursday 18th April 11:00-17:00
Birmingham
Wednesday 24th April 10:00-16:00
Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available.
Find what you’re looking for
Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more.
Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
Orla Taylor-Davies | BA (Hons)
Sally Oliver | MA (Hons), RNS
Posted in Monies, Medals & Militaria
Tagged auction, auctioneers, Birmingham, coins, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, monies, trade tokens
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A Pontefract siege coin was a bit of a mystery to all at Fellows apart from our numismatics specialist Sally Oliver. She immediately identified that this strangely shaped coin was a shilling from 1648. This silver coin, minted during the English Civil War, gives us a glimpse into a turbulent time in British history.
This coin isn’t just a piece of currency. It’s a tangible link to a crucial moment in history when England was torn apart by civil war.
A Seventeenth-Century Civil War
The English Civil War lasted from 1642 to 1651. This conflict resulted in the execution of King Charles I in 1649. Following this regicide, Oliver Cromwell established the Commonwealth which ended with the restoration of the monarchy (Charles II) in 1660. In the space of 25 years, the conflict that took place across the country shaped British political and constitutional history. The battles which were waged between Parliamentarians (also known as”Roundheads”) and Royalists (also known as”Cavaliers”) ultimately led to the development of parliamentary democracy as we know it today.
Pontefract Castle
In November 1648, Pontefract Castle became a pivotal site during the English Civil War. Undeniably its location in the north of England was the main reason for this. The town was in between Royalist strongholds in the north and Parliamentarian territories in the south. Therefore, controlling Pontefract meant controlling crucial communication and supply routes. The castle’s structure was undoubtedly a benefit for those who controlled it. Its sturdy fortifications made it a formidable stronghold, allowing whoever held it to exert influence over the surrounding region.
Royalist forces, loyal to King Charles I, held the castle against Parliamentarian troops. The Parliamentarians, determined to end Royalist resistance, besieged the castle for over a month. Despite fierce resistance, hunger, and disease within the castle walls, the Royalists ultimately surrendered, marking a significant victory for the Parliamentarians in the final stages of the Civil War. As one of the last Royalist bastions in the north, its capture by Parliamentarian forces in 1648 helped secure their dominance in the final stages of the conflict.
Without a doubt, Pontefract Castle has had a gret impact on British history aside from the events of The Civil War. From the murder of Richard II to Katherine Howard’s alleged indiscretions during her marriage to Henry VIII, you can learn more about it in the video below.
Examined: the Pontefract Siege Coin
Sally Oliver our Coins & Medals Specialist spoke to historian Julian Humphrys about the shilling. As well as the coin itself, they also explore the historical context in which it was made. Watch the video on our YouTube channel to discover the little-known story behind the Pontefract siege coin from the English Civil War.
You will find out more about Pontefract’s significance to the Parliamentarian and Royalist fourses, as well as learn about the key figures of the siege.
Understanding the Pontefract Siege Coin
In the video, Sally and Julian explained the markings on the coin. We have recapped some of the key inscriptions here.
On one side, you’ll see the letters “DVM: SPIRO: SPERO,” Latin for “While I breathe, I hope.” It’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of the people living through those troubled times. It was a motto for the Royalists, denoting their undying support of their king. Surrounded by these words, you’ll find the monogram “CR” topped with a crown. These letters represent King Charles I and his authority.
The other side tells the story of where this coin was struck and used. There, you’ll see Pontefract Castle, standing strong amidst a siege. The letters “OBS” underneath signify the siege. OBS” stands for the Latin word “obsidium” meaning “siege”.
Make sure to watch the video to find out how these coins were made and where the Royalists found the silver to make them. You’ll also learn why the coins are such an unusual lozenge shape.
The coin featured as Lot 14 in the Monies, Medals & Militaria auction on Thursday 25th April 2024.
It achieved a realised price of Price Realised: £1,858 including fees.
Want to learn more about the English Civil War with Fellows?
We have some great resources:
Killing a king: the regicide of Charles I
At 2pm, on Tuesday 30 January 1649, King Charles I stepped onto a wooden scaffold outside Whitehall’s Banqueting House, knelt down in front of an audience of thousands and was publicly beheaded as a traitor. From imprisonment and trial to execution and legacy, historian Rebecca Rideal unravels one of the most important events in British history – the regicide of Charles I. Access the recording here.
Stuart Crystal Jewellery
In December 2018, Fellows sold a 17th century Stuart crystal memorial portrait ring, depicting Charles I for £4,083.20 (including fees).
The execution of Charles I prompted the emergence of memorial jewellery in Puritan England, with loyal Royalist supporters wearing jewellery set with a secret inscription or image to mourn their deceased king. Find out more on our blog.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available.
Find what you’re looking for
Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more.
Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
Alexandra Whittaker BA (Hons) | Head of Partnerships and Events
Posted in Monies, Medals & Militaria
Tagged charles i, civil war, coin, coin auction, coin collecting, coins
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Who Was Daniel Issac Eaton?
Who was Daniel Issac Eaton? Good question. Until lot 209 was consigned to us, I would’ve asked the same question. Little known to history, Eaton was a writer and publisher, infamous during his time for his involvement with radical thought and doctrine. The late 18th century saw an international explosion of radical thinkers: the Age of Enlightenment was in full swing and Daniel Issac Eaton was an enlightened man.
Daniel Issac Eaton’s Involvement in Radical Literature
Radicalism was taking Great Britain by storm in the 1790s. Partly inspired by the philosophies of the Age of Enlightenment, Radicalism was not welcomed by many members of the establishment as its core principles aligned with anti-monarchist sentiments, with many ‘radicals’ campaigning for electoral reforms.
Eaton often worked alongside these radical thinkers, publishing their works in his periodical Politics for the People. One such example was the publication of a speech that John Thelwall gave in 1793. In his statement, Thelwall joked about a tyrannical king whom he called ‘King Chanticleer’ who was beheaded by his subjects. After reprinting this speech, Eaton was arrested. This was one arrest out of many that took place between 1793 and 94 which later became known as the 1794 Treason Trials. Orchestrated by William Pitt, these trials were an attempt to quell the radical movement.
The indictment against Eaton referred to him as ‘malicious, seditious, and evil-disposed‘. A man who attempted ‘unlawfully, maliciously, and sediously contriving, devising, and intending to scandalize, traduce, and vilify our said Lord King‘. The prosecutor claimed that King Chanticleer was a mockery of King George III, and to discuss beheading him would be treasonous. In an attempt to bankrupt him, Eaton was imprisoned for three months during the course of the trial.
He was, however, acquitted, thanks to his defence – John Gurney. Gurney argued that rather than being an indictment of monarchy, the statement was in fact an indictment of tyranny. He continued that if the King Chanticleer was meant as a representation of any king it would be King Louis XVI, and if anyone was guilty of portraying George III in such a manner – it was the prosecution.
Thomas Paine’s The Age of Reason
You would think that Eaton’s involvement with John Thelwall and the Treason Trials of 1794 might’ve discouraged him from pursuing his radical beliefs. But this was not the case. Just a few years later he published The Age of Reason by Thomas Paine, the American Founding Father.
Thomas Paine was a pivotal figure in the Age of Enlightenment, making his name as a revolutionary pamphleteer and political philosopher during the late 18th century. His influential works passionately advocated individual rights and the removal of monarchies. Moreover, he championed the school of thought ‘deism’. To him, this meant a belief in God the Creator, but a dismissal of all religious texts, religious mysteries, as well as reports of miracles. Enlightenment Deism asked its followers to approach religion with reason, to take the natural world as proof of God rather than resting on the words of a book or another man.
Paine’s writings played a crucial role in garnering public sentiment during the American Revolution, inspiring people to seek independence from British rule. His ideas echoed Enlightenment principles of reason, secularism, and the inherent rights of individuals. The Age of Reason was a bestseller in the States, however, Paine remained a controversial figure abroad. In the UK, his work was not as positively received. Instead of becoming a best-seller, the book sparked anger amongst the British. The French Revolution was fresh in everyone’s minds, as such, they feared political radicalism and were hostile towards rhetoric that might incite this.
The Trial of Daniel Issac Eaton
Daniel Eaton published parts one and two of The Age of Reason in 1796, selling them for one shilling and sixpence, this would be around £7 in 2021. This price meant it was more affordable to the lower classes who may not have been afforded an education at this time. Radical ideas were becoming accessible. The Age of Reason promoted ideas of equality, freedom, and liberation. All of which resonated with the lower classes, and stoked an anti-establishment sentiment in the hearts of many.
In 1812, Eaton was tried eight times and sentenced. During his trial, he was accused of being an atheist. Eaton challenged this, instead claiming deistic beliefs. The romantic poet, Percey Shelley, wrote to the judge the 4,000-word pamphlet A Letter to Lord Ellenborough in Eaton’s defence. In it, he argued for the concept of freedom of the press. Shelley claimed that he had waited for months for someone to come to Eaton’s defence, to point out, what he considered to be, the suppression of individual expression. But, when no one did, he decided to attack the sentence himself.
Despite the lack of evidence to point to Eaton’s atheism and his support from Shelley, the jury pronounced him guilty. His sentence was particularly extreme; 18 months in Newgate Prison with monthly pillorying for his entire imprisonment.
Unfortunately, this is where the story of Daniel Issac Eaton seems to drift off. As a man who has been largely forgotten by history, huge portions of his life are lost to us. However, this does not go to say that what we do have is any less interesting. The information we do have paints a picture of a man who stood by his beliefs and defended the right to individual thought.
Daniel Eaton at Auction
Lot 209
Great Britain, Middlesex. Daniel Eaton CU Halfpenny Token.
Price Realised: £36.40
Monies, Medals & Militaria | Thursday 29th February 2024
Viewing times (ID required):
- London
- 20 February 2024 10.00-16.00
- 21 February 2024 10.00-16.00
- Birmingham
- 28 February 2024 10:00-16:00
Posted in Silver
Tagged age of enlightenment, antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, coin auction, coins, daniel issac eaton, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, Jewellery, silver, thomas paine
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This February marks our inaugural Monies, Medals & Militaria auction. We recently welcomed Sally Oliver to our team as our in-house numismatics specialist who has curated a fantastic selection of items for her first stand-alone sale. Included among these items is a coin minted with the profile of the King of France, Louis XVIII. However, it was minted in England rather than in France. As such, it provides an interesting insight into the French king’s history and relationship with his home country.
Louis XVIII and the House of Bourbon
Louis XVIII, born Louis Stanislas Xavier, was a member of the House of Bourbon. He ruled as King of France from 1814 to 1824. He was the brother of the executed King Louis XVI and became king shortly after the fall of Napoleon Bonaparte. Louis XVIII’s reign marked the restoration of the Bourbon monarchy after the years of the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era.
The House of Bourbon was one of the most important European royal families, tracing its roots back to the medieval period. The Bourbon dynasty played an undeniably significant role in European history, with members often marrying into other royal families in order to cement alliances and expand their influence.
Louis XVIII’s reign was marked by his efforts to reconcile France after the upheaval of the revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. He attempted to balance the interests of the old aristocracy with the new political realities of a post-revolutionary France. However, his reign was challenged by political unrest and opposition from both traditional royalists and revolutionaries.
Despite his efforts at compromise, Louis XVIII’s reign was continually unstable. It saw several uprisings and attempts to overthrow him. He died in 1824 and was succeeded by his brother, Charles X. However, Charles X’s reign was short-lived, as he was overthrown during the July Revolution of 1830, leading to the end of Bourbon rule in France.
Exile: Louis XVIII in London
During the height of the French Revolution, Louis XVIII was exiled for some time. Following the execution of his brother, King Louis XVI, during the French Revolution, Louis XVIII fled France along with other members of the royal family. He spent much of his exile in various European countries, including Prussia, Russia, and England.
In particular, Louis XVIII spent a significant portion of his exile in London, where he lived from 1807 to 1814. During his time in London, he had relative obscurity when compared to his royal status. As the Bourbon dynasty had been deposed, and Napoleon Bonaparte ruled France as Emperor. Louis XVIII maintained contacts with French émigrés and royalist sympathisers while in London, and continued to assert his claim to the French throne. Louis XVIII’s exile in London came to an end in 1814 when Napoleon Bonaparte was defeated and he was forced to abdicate.
Minted in London
Our upcoming Monies, Medals & Militaria auction will feature a coin minted in London during Louis XVIII’s time in exile. It was minted without the knowledge or approval of the French government. At this time, Britain was in support of monarchies as opposed to republics. The French Revolution threatened a republic so close to home to the British. Because of this, they were keen to keep the French king safe and showed support for him by minting these coins when France wouldn’t.
Lot 151
France, Kingdom. Louis XVIII AV 20 Francs. London mint.
Price Realised: £273.00
Monies, Medals & Militaria | Thursday 29th February 2024
Viewing times (ID required):
London
20 February 2024 10.00-16.00
21 February 2024 10.00-16.00
Birmingham
28 February 2024 10:00-16:00
Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available.
Find what you’re looking for
Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more.
Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
Cordelia Porter | Research Coordinator
Posted in Monies, Medals & Militaria
Tagged antique coins, antiques, auction, auctioneers, auctions, Birmingham, coin auction, coins, Fellows, fellowsauctioneers, french revolution, Jewellery, louis xviii, numismatics, numismatics auction
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The Gothic Crown coin was engraved by William Wyon. It is widely considered by numismatists to be one of the most beautiful coins within the British milled series. The 1847 Crown is especially notable for its depiction of Queen Victoria. Enclosed in Medieval style Gothic script, the bust is modelled on Victoria while still a Princess, wearing an embroidered dress. The roses, shamrocks, and thistles on the dress represent England, Ireland and Scotland. The engraving of her face and dress is notable for being especially fine and intricate. It is evocative of medieval drawings and illuminated manuscripts.
Queen Victoria’s ornate crown is the first instance of a British monarch portrayed on coinage wearing a crown since Charles II. It cuts through the trefoil border on the inner edge of the coin. The crown Queen Victoria wears is a stylised version of St. Edward’s Crown. This is worn by Monarchs since Edward the Confessor in the 11th Century. This version was re-created for Charles II, after the original had been melted down in 1647.
These features evoke the bygone, medieval period in order to emphasise the sovereignty of Queen Victoria. They hint at the ways in which Wyon utilised Gothic Revivalism to express power and unity through the medium of the 1847 Crown.
Gothic Revivalism
Although best known as an architectural movement, Gothic Revival was adopted across the decorative arts. One of the best-known works produced in this style is the Houses of Parliament, by A.W.N Pugin. Pugin was a proponent of Gothic Revivalism as an ideological force. He argued that Gothic architecture was the product of a more spiritually enriched society. Pugin advocated for Gothic Revivalism as the ‘true Christian’ architectural style.
Such ideas were supported by eminent art critic John Ruskin. He regarded medieval crafts people’s painstaking attention to detail as nurturing a spiritual satisfaction which he believed was lacking in modern, industrialised production. Despite nationalistic claims to Gothic style within France and Germany, English writers’ interchangeable use of the terms ‘Early English’ and Gothic asserted ownership over the style. As late as the 1920’s, prominent critics such as Kenneth Clark praised Gothic Revival as ‘the most widespread and influential artistic movement which England has ever produced’.
Therefore, by employing an artistic style that was associated with spiritual superiority and that was articulated as evidence of British cultural hegemony, Wyon constructed a regal image of unity, pride and power especially resonant with contemporary taste.
Gothic Crown Coin Sold at Auction
The 1847 Gothic Crown’s desirability is elevated by its limited, initial mintage of just 8000 pieces, as well as the mysterious reason for its issue. Almost certainly not intended for circulation, it is speculated that the piece commemorates the 10th Anniversary of Queen Victoria’s 1837 accession. This 1847 ‘Gothic Crown’ coin featured in our Silver, Coins & Medals auction on Thursday 2nd March, lets see how it got on…
Lot 392 – 2/3/23
Victoria, Gothic Crown 1847.
Price Realised £3,835.00
Auction Details
Silver, Coins & Medals | Thursday 2nd March 2023
Coins & Medals- Lots 382 – 431
Our next Silver, Coins & Medals auction will be on Wednesday 24th May 2023.
Virtual viewings are available by request. Virtual viewings are the ultimate personal shopping experience. Using Zoom, you can ask us whatever you need to know in order to buy with confidence. Find out more here. Please contact info@fellows.co.uk to book a virtual viewing.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available.
Find what you’re looking for
Make sure you don’t miss finding that special something by signing up to our email alerts. You’ll be the first to know when catalogues become available, receive invitations to special events and preview the hottest lots from our auctions, plus much more.
Why not use our free personal shopping service? Sign up for lot alerts and tell us exactly what you are looking for. Each time we upload a catalogue, we search for your keywords and email you lots matching your interests. Your personalised email will include images, lot descriptions and auction details.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can therefore find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple. You can fill in a form online or book an appointment to visit either of our offices in Birmingham or London. Virtual valuation appointments are also available
Orla Taylor-Davies | BA (Hons)
What Royal Maundy?
The Royal Maundy is a Christian religious ceremony that takes place in The Church of England. Taking place during the Easter holy week on Maundy Thursday, the service has been held at various locations across the British isles. In the ceremony, The Queen or her representative gives out silver coins known as Maundy money to local pensioners.
This ceremony shows that The Queen has compassion for the poor and needy by giving alms. The story of Jesus washing the feet of his apostles at The Last Supper is the inspiration for the ceremony. We get the word Maundy the Latin word “mandatum“. In this context, it refers to the command that Jesus gave his apostles:
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
16 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.
Gospel of John 13:14–16.
In the Church of England, the British monarch or their representative washed the feet of poor people up until the 18th Century, as well as distributing money, clothes and other necessities. Only the tradition of giving money has continued to this day.
What is Maundy money?
Maundy money is made up of a four penny, three penny, two penny and one penny piece, all in sterling silver.
Like a normal coin, the Maundy coins feature a profile of the monarch. For the last 90 years, that has been Queen Elizabeth II. The portrait of The Queen on coins that we use in everyday life has been updated four times during this period.
However, Maundy money still has the same portrait by Mary Gillick from 70 years ago. The sculptor’s profile of The Queen was first used on standard coinage in 1953.
On the back of the coins, there is a crowned number showing the value i.e. 1,2,3,4. The date of the coins is set on either side of the number and encircling it all is a wreath This design was first used in the early 19th Century and hasn’t changed significantly in the proceeding years.
Modern-day
Until the 1930s, a representative of the monarch presented the Maundy money. In 1932, King George V started a new tradition of distributing the coins himself on the recommendation of his cousin, Princess Marie Louise. Our current Queen has only missed the service 4 times in her reign. In 2022, Prince Charles and his wife The Duchess of Cornwall attended as the Queen’s representatives.
The number of gifts distributed and the number of their receipents depends on the number of years she has lived. In 2022, The Prince of Wales distributed 96 pence worth of Maundy Money to 96 men and 96 women, on her behalf.
Various clergymen from across the Christian denominations choose recipients for the gifts. Normally, the recipients are from the diocese of the church that is hosting the service – normally people who have contributed to their church and community.
Although it is technically legal tender, the coins are largely symbolic. The Queen’s representative gives out the coins in two leather purses, one red and one white. One contains a small number of standard coins to symbolise a gift for food and clothing. The other purse contains the Maundy coins.
Maundy money at auction
Due to their high sentimental value and low value as actual coinage, most people will retain them as keepsakes during their lifetime. here are very few complete sets to be found in the secondary market . In our June Silver, Coins & Medals auction, we sold an Elizabeth II, Maundy money set from 1953 for £832.00.
The full Maundy coin set contains all 4 pieces, from the Penny to Fourpence. This set is one of the first sets to feature Queen Elizabeth II. It was given out in the first year that The Queen featured on Maundy money after her coronation.
1953 was the first year that the coins featured the Gillick profile mentioned above. Given that this is The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee month, it is particularly special to be able to offer this lot for auction.
Valuations
If you are looking to find out how much your items could be worth, why not speak to our specialists? Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple, so you can get a valuation now:
Fill in a form online. In addition, you can book an appointment to visit our offices in Birmingham and London. Moreover, you can book a virtual valuation appointment.
Posted in All, Antiques
Tagged auction, auctioneers, coins, elizabeth II, Maundy money, queen, Queen elizabeth
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Orla Taylor-Davies | Junior Cataloguer
History of Birmingham ‘Toys’
An array of Birmingham-made ‘toys’ available in the current Silver, Coins & Medals sale highlights Fellows Auctioneers’ place within a rich, local history of world renowned craftsmanship. Featuring a range of eminent names, the sale is representative of a network of skilled smallworkers active in Fellows’ Jewellery Quarter vicinity.
As industry flourished in the 18th century, Birmingham metal workers set about producing a variety of small, personal items known as ‘toys’. James Sketchley’s Birmingham Directory of 1767 notes that while ‘it would be endless to attempt to give a list’ of every single item that constituted a ‘toy’, the category included vinaigrettes, snuff boxes and vesta cases.
Championing the skill of Birmingham makers, Sketchley stated that ‘for cheapness, beauty and elegance, no place in the world can vie with them’. These sentiments remain true today, with the enduring popularity of makers such as Nathaniel Mills.
Featuring as Lot 280 in the Silver, Coins & Medals auction, this ‘castle-top’ snuff box is typical of luxury silver boxes sold to commemorate visits to British castles or other landmarks.
The rise and expansion of the railway system enabled easier travel and contributed to the development of tourist areas. Touted as the most prolific of all box makers, Mills exhibited the entrepreneurial spirit Birmingham is known for, by catering to the newly mobile middle classes and capitalising on their demand for souvenirs.
Another commemorative piece is Lot 284, an Admiral Lord Nelson vinaigrette by Matthew Linwood. The highly detailed pierced grille depicting H.M.S Victory is testament to Linwood’s specialism in box making.
A prominent figure in Birmingham’s metal industry, Linwood was made Guardian of the Birmingham Assay Office in 1811. His connection to a network of Birmingham innovators is evident in his sister’s, the celebrated needlework artist Mary Linwood, appointment as embroidery teacher to Mathew Boulton’s own sister, Ann at Soho House, Handsworth.
With a family history entwined with Birmingham’s metalworking legacy, is Deakin & Francis, featuring in the Silver, Coins & Medals sale as Lot 301, a novelty vesta case modelled as a reclining boar.
Founded in 1786 by Benjamin Woolfield, Deakin & Francis are England’s oldest manufacturing jewellers, seven generations later.
Residing in what was once the family home of James Watt, the most famous of all Birmingham’s industrialists as the revolutioniser of the steam engine, the company remain in the heart of the Jewellery Quarter. Their pieces are represented in historic collections, such as the Jewellery Quarter Museum and Powerhouse Museum, part of Sydney, Australia’s Museum of Applied Arts & Sciences.
The Silver, Coins & Medals Auction
The links between the eminent silversmiths represented within this sale and Birmingham’s industrial heritage can’t be understated, with silver novelties also by William Simpson, Edward Smith and Samuel Pemberton.
Each of these pieces feature within our timed, online only Silver, Coins and Medals sale. Bids can be placed throughout the duration the sale is online, open from now until Tuesday 1st March.
Valuations
Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will value your item with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
The process is simple, so you can get a valuation now:
Fill in a form online. In addition, you can book an appointment to visit our offices in Birmingham and London. Moreover, you can book a virtual valuation appointment.
Fellows are delighted to confirm we will be attending this year’s Game Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire. The Game Fair is the annual gathering for people passionate about countryside pursuits and the Great British Countryside. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the prestigious event. The event will take place on Friday 27th July – Sunday 29th July.
Join Fellows at Stand H901 where we will be offering complimentary refreshments as well as free valuations, previews of upcoming auctions and daily talks at 2pm. We will be bringing a selection of items from our upcoming auctions, including The Watch Sale on Tuesday 31st July. The selection from this sale will include an incredibly rare limited edition gentleman’s titanium ‘Rum’ watch by Speake-Marin. The timepiece has a capsule containing the oldest rum in the world inserted within the dial. There will also be a great selection of Omega, IWC and Jaeger-LeCoultre to enjoy.
Highlight items from Silver, Coins & Medals, Antiques & Collectables, and Antique & Modern Jewellery will be on show at Stand H901, where our specialists will be on hand to convey some interesting treasures. We are excited to be able to bring a selection of handbags from our in-demand Designer Collection to the Game Fair, featuring brands such as Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton.
Last year’s Game Fair was a huge success
We will be offering talks from our watch, jewellery and antique specialists at 2pm each day. Keep updated on our social posts leading up to the event where we will be hosting competitions to win tickets to the Game Fair. There will also be a daily giveaway at the event so make sure you pop along and see us.
You can find out more about the event on the Game Fair website: https://www.thegamefair.org/.
If you have any questions, make sure you contact our team or visit one of our office.
Birmingham Office: 19 Augusta Street, Birmingham, B18 6JA
London Office: 29 Charles Street, London, W1J 5DT
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Tagged antiques, auctionhouse, coins, competitions, event, Fellows, gamefair, giveaways, medals, modernjewellery, silver, speakemarin, specialists, talks, warwickshire, watches, westmidlands
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Fellows Auctioneers are delighted to announce it is relocating its London premises after we have acquired our own townhouse, nestled in the heart of Mayfair. Our new property is based on 29 Charles Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 5DT. The location of our new London office is situated nicely only a five minute walk from Green Park tube station and a ten minute walk from Bond Street.
We are excited for the future as our new office will enable us to hold more events and activities in the capital. We are expanding our London office and we have already branched out by hiring a jewellery specialist, watch specialist, and a client services representative. The new office will ensure that we offer a better experience for our clients, and we are proud to announce we are offering free delivery of items to the London office.
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Tagged bondstreet, charlesstreet, coins, Designer, freedelivery, jewelleryviewings, london, mayfair, moving, newoffice, office, silver, timepieces, townhouse, valuations, viewings
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Upcoming in our Antiques, Silver & Collectables sale on Monday 27th February is a 1940’s silver mounted oak Freedom Casket for the City of Carlisle (Lot 340).
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Tagged Antique, Antique furniture, Antique home, antiques, auction, auctions, Birmingham, coins, collecting, Fellows, medals, Military, Military medals, rare, Retro, silver, silver auction, World War 1, WWII
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18th Century Trade Tokens