13 February 2019
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George Halfcrown
A single-owner collection of over 200 Halfcrowns from the reigns of Edward VI through to Elizabeth II will be included in the auction of a Private Collection of British Coins at Dix Noonan Webb.
Like the crown, the Halfcrown, which is the equivalent of 121⁄2p in current UK money, was introduced as a gold coin during the reign of Henry VIII. The issue of gold Halfcrowns ceased in the 17th century, but the silver Halfcrown continued in circulation until January 1970, when the Halfcrown ceased to be legal tender.
Auction highlights
Among the highlights of the collection are:
- an exceptionally fine and unique unsigned Pattern Halfcrown from the reign of Charles I (1625-1649), depicting the King seated on horseback and holding a sword, which is estimated at £12,000-15,000
- a fine and extremely rare George I Halfcrown, dating from 1726, decorated with small roses and plumes, estimated at £10,000-£12,000
- extremely rare and fine George I Pattern Halfcrown, dating from 1715, estimated at £3,000-£4,000
- the first Halfcrown that Brian bought – a scarce Halfcrown from the Tower mint, dating from 1625 which is estimated at £400-£500
Christopher Webb, head of Dix Noonan Webb's coin department, said: 'We are delighted to be offering this collection on behalf of Brian Dawson a well known and respected Coin dealer from Lancashire who is selling his collection of Halfcrowns.
Brian started collecting Coins in 1956, starting like most young men with Pennies in his change, from this he acquired the taste for dealing, so he could finance his collecting from the profit of selling coins, his first sales through exchange and Mart, 10 different date Pennies for £1(!), by 1967 he was a full time dealer and bought his 1st Halfcrown from a fellow dealer in Bolton.'
Auction details
21 March at 11am - Dix Noonan Webb, 16 Bolton Street, London W1J 8BQ; website.
