Coins

The Coins and Banknotes department at RWB Auctions hosts four specialist sales per year offering a wide range of historic and modern currency from around the world.

Our experts boast decades of expertise in identifying and valuing currency. This, combined with our industry-leading fee structure makes RWB Auctions a profitable place to consign your coins. 

Bidders can expect to pay just 20% of the hammer price in Buyer’s Premium.

Coins have traditionally been regarded as a safe investment and a window into the culture that struck them. In the distant past, skilled craftsmen made coins by hand using similar techniques from the first millennium BC to the early modern period. The value of ancient and hammered coins depends on their comparative rarity, grade (condition) and a host of other factors. From the 17th century onwards, most European countries began to use machines to make their coins. So-called ‘milled coins’ were mass-produced but rare dates and notable errors can add significant value.

Paper money has a long history in China. In the West, banknotes were first issued in the late 1600s with collectors drawn to issues with historical significance, unusual designs and rare serial numbers. Well-printed examples in excellent condition are the most sought-after with scarcity and desirability determining how much a banknote is worth.

Our quarterly sales also offer an extensive range of modern collectors’ coins from Britain’s Royal Mint and other national and private mints. Of particular interest are:

• Early British proof sets dated 1887, 1893, 1902 and 1937
• Gold proof sovereigns and sets in original packaging
• Official commemorative £5, £2 and 50p coins struck in precious metal
• Coins from popular series like The Queen’s Beasts or The Great Engravers

At RWB Auctions we consign and sell metal detecting finds with reference to local and national treasure legislation. We count institutional and board members of the British Numismatic Trade Association among our team and subscribe to their code of ethics. Identification, research, cataloguing and photography for coins and banknotes consigned to our sales are conducted by experienced numismatists (coin experts).

You might also be interested in our Medals and Militaria Department.