Single-Owner Irish Coin Sale Is RWB's First White Glove Auction
The RWB Auctions team is celebrating a rare achievement this week, after completing a coveted 'White Glove' sale on Wednesday.
Our 24 September single-owner sale of Irish Coins, Gun Money and Tokens, attracted strong interest from collectors in the UK and abroad, who snapped up all 492 lots. The auction represented the collection of a local numismatist whose interests ranged from early Irish hammered coinage to local Wiltshire tokens.
'We generally achieve sold rates above 95%, meaning only a handful of lots ever go unsold,' said Gareth Wasp, Head Auctioneer at RWB Auctions.
'But to reach a full 100% sold rate is fantastic. It's the result of expert cataloguing, professional photography, and targeted promotion. Pieces from this sale are now heading to collectors around the globe - proof of the reach sellers can achieve with a specialist auction house.'
What Is A White Glove Auction?
In the auction trade, a 'White Glove Sale' refers to an auction in which every single lot finds a buyer. The term draws on the tradition of wearing white gloves when handling valuable or fragile objects and is also linked to the idea of 'white glove service', implying exceptional care and attention to detail.
White Glove sales are relatively rare. Even in strong specialist auctions, it's common for a few lots not to sell, either because they fail to meet their reserve or simply don't find the right buyer on the day. Achieving a 100% sold rate demonstrates both the strength of the material offered and the skill of the auction house in cataloguing and promoting the sale.
For bidders, a White Glove Sale suggests robust interest and competition; for consignors, it's a clear sign that their pieces were marketed to the right audience and reached their full potential under the hammer.
September Coin Sale Highlights
As well as achieving a 100% sold rate, our September coin sale also included many lots which sold significantly over their initial estimates, including:
- A 17th-century token made by a tradesman in Swindon, which sold for £260, well above the modest estimate of £20 to £40
- A sought-after 1868 Hong Kong silver Dollar, featuring a portrait of Queen Victoria that achieved £850 over a £300 to £400 estimate
- A rare Bank of Ireland silver Six Shillings token, estimated to sell for between £200 and £300, soared to £1,300 after competitive bidding
Selling Coins With RWB Auctions
If you're considering selling a single coin or a large collection, we would be delighted to hear from you. Contact the Coin Department today to discuss including your pieces in one of our forthcoming numismatic sales.