Our first Coins, Medals, Militaria and Banknotes Auction of 2026 attracted a lot of bidders, old and new, which resulted in fierce competition.
Starting with Medals & Militaria, our first mention is lot 34, a 1894 Hong Kong Plague Medal, silver issue, officially impressed to Private W. Allen. S.L.I., Approximately 400 medals were issued in silver, with 300 awarded to the King's Shropshire Light Infantry. Due to this not being an official service medal, permission to wear was refused; this unique medal received a final hammer price of £1,050.
Lot 56 WW1 Distinguished Conduct Medal to 24996 Sjt: G. Walmsley. 115/Coy M.G.C., 1914-15 Star Trio to 11515 Pte G. Walmsley, W. Rid. R. (C. Sjt on BWM & Victory Medal) DCM awarded for 'For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty, During the recent operations his coolness under fire and his power of command were most marked and were the means of maintaining a high standard of efficiency in his company. Under heavy barrages, he continuously went from gun to gun in the open, advising and encouraging his men. His gallantry won for him the admiration and confidence of all ranks.' The medals of this brave individual achieved a hammer price of £1,100!
A more unique piece is lot 111 Toledo sword cane, blade plain other than 'Toledo' stamped on ricasso, blade measures approx. 70cm, brass 'twist and lock' mechanism to lock blade into place, silver knob at head of cane, total length approx. 92cm, generally good, very fine, achieved a respectable £210.
Our final mention is lot 122, a British Army Red Coat jacket, with Victorian General Service Royal Coat of Arms buttons, bullion wire collar and epaulettes, very good, sold for a final hammer price of £310.
Moving on to our banknote section, starting with lot 153, C.P. Mahon. £5 1925 (2 Oct) Leeds 232/U 30934 very fine, achieved a respectable hammer price of £500
Lot 165 P.S. Beale. 10/- 99B 296222 last run good very fine. (Duggleby B265) attracted fierce bidding, resulting in a final hammer price of £390!
Our final mention for banknotes is lot 173, our highest-selling individual banknote, D.H.F. Somerset. £5 OCR Experimental Issue BR91 446910 near uncirculated, scarce in high grades. (Duggleby B344) resulting in an impressive selling price of £775!
Moving on to our ancient coin section of the sale, our first mention is lot 220, Roman. Julius Caesar. Silver denarius c42-40 BC, obverse 'CAESAR' under elephant walking right trampling on dragon, reverse no legend with simpulum, sprinkler, axe and apex (symbols of the pontificate), extremely fine. This lot sold for £825
Lot 231 Roman. Valentinian I (364-375 CE) gold solidus, 4.46g, obverse bust right, reverse RESTITVTOR REIPVBLICAE, Emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum and victory, very fine, slightly creased and sold for £950.
Moving on to our British coins, starting with lot 300 1736 NONO crown, some darker toning to fields, very fine. Achieving a final price of £1,100
Lot 315 George III. Emergency issue dollar with oval countermark on Mexico 1794 8 reales (Mexico Mint), countermark good fine, host coin good fine. Final hammer price £575
Our final mention and one of the most desired coins is lot 331, a 1847 Gothic crown, undecimo edge, extremely fine. Achieving an impressive £3,300!
Overall, the auction was a huge success with many unique and interesting lots. Our next coin auction will be held on Wednesday, 15th April 2026. Look out for the full catalogue for this sale, which will appear on our website in the next few weeks. Also, keep an eye on our Twitter, Instagram and Facebook pages, which will include updates of our latest auction news. Are you thinking of selling your entire coin collection or part of it? Would you like us to value your coins and give you advice on how best to market them? Visit our coins and banknotes department page for more information or call us on 01926 499 031 and speak to a valuer.
Daniel Smith
