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I S S U E • 2 8 www.spink.com Spink App • A SALE CALENDAR 2017 U STAMPS T INSIDER 18 September Newfoundland, the Professor Albert Hamilton Collection London 17038 U 19 September The Arthur Gray Collection of Australia King George VI Issues London 17037 M ISSUE 28 19 September The Windward Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and The Falkland Islands - The David Pitts Collection London 17024 N 21 October The Philatelic Collector’s Series Sale Hong Kong CSS26 • 24 October Revenue Stamps of the World London 17045 2 AUTUMN 2017 24 October Bermuda Part II. - The David Pitts Collection London 17025 0 25/26 October The Philatelic Collector’s Series Sale London 17026 1 STAMPS COINS BANKNOTES MEDALS BONDS & SHARES AUTOGRAPHS BOOKS WINES 28 October The Yen Boon Swee Large Gold Collection of Malayan Airmails Singapore 17044 7 28 October Stamps and Covers of South East Asia Singapore 17023 15 November The Caerynn Collection of Silver Jubilee Stamps and Covers of Great Britain and the British Empire London 17046 6/7 December The Philatelic Collector’s Series Sale New York 163 7 December Brazil: The “Inclinados” Issue on “Bull’s Eye” Paper New York 164 7 December Rarities of Classic Russian Philately New York 165 T COINS 25/26 September Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals London 17006 H 30/31 October The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 1 November The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 E 26 November Spink x Taisei – Tokyo International Numismatic Auction Tokyo 4 - 14 December The Numismatic Timed Auction New York 337 6/7 December Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals London 17007 S P BANKNOTES 27 September The Shamshir and Lion Collection of Persian Banknotes London 17040 I 27 September The Medici Collection of Italian Banknotes London 17034 27 September The Bruce Smart Collection of British Commonwealth – Part Two London 17035 N 27/28/29 September World Banknotes London 17009 K 6 October The Professor Iain Stevenson Collection and other British Banknotes London 17043 6 October Charity Auction of Bank of England Notes London 17039 10 October Charity Auction of Scottish Polymer £10 Notes London 17042 I 30/31 October The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 1 November The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 N 4 - 14 December The Numismatic Timed Auction New York 337 S MEDALS I 31 October The Offi cial Honours and Related Flm Awards Bestowed upon Sir Christopher Lee, C.B.E., C. St. J. London 17047 30/31 October The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 D 1 November The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 E 4 - 14 December The Numismatic Timed Auction New York 337 5 December Orders, Decorations and Medals London 17003 R BONDS & SHARES 29 November Bonds and Share Certifi cates of the World London 17017 M 4 - 14 December The Numismatic Timed Auction New York 337 A AUTOGRAPHS 31 October The Offi cial Honours and Related Flm Awards Bestowed upon Sir Christopher Lee, C.B.E., C. St. J. London 17047 G WINES A 4 October An Evening of Fine and Rare Whiskies Hong Kong SFW25 Z I The above sale dates are subject to change. ______N Spink offers the following services: E Valuation for insurance and probate for individual items or whole collections. Sales on a commission basis either of individual pieces or whole collections.

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SPINK LONDON SPINK NEW YORK SPINK CHINA SPINK SINGAPORE SPINK SWITZERLAND 69 Southampton Row 145 W. 57th St. 18th Floor 4/f & 5/f Hua Fu Spink (Asia) Pte Ltd. Via Balestra, 7 PRINCE OF HORROR • HISTORICAL FIGURES ON BANKNOTES • THE TISBURY COLLECTION Bloomsbury New York, NY 10019 Commercial Building Registered at 50 Ra es Pl. 6900 Lugano, Switzerland London WC1B 4ET T: +1-212-262-8400 111 Queen’s Road West #17-01 Singapore Land T: +41 91 911.62.00 TIFLIS • FIGHTING ON THE FRONTIER • THE CURRENCY OF COMMUNISM T: +44 (0)20 7563 4000 F: +1-212-262-8484 Hong Kong Tower, Singapore 048623 F: +41 91 922.20.52 F: +44 (0)20 7563 4066 [email protected] T: +852 3952 3000 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] F: +852 3952 3038 [email protected] 匀倀䤀一䬀䜀䰀伀䈀䄀䰀䔀嘀䔀一吀匀匀䌀䠀䔀䐀唀䰀䔀 RECOMMENDED READING 圀栀攀爀攀瘀攀爀礀漀甀愀爀攀椀渀琀栀攀眀漀爀氀搀琀栀攀爀攀眀椀氀氀戀攀愀渀攀瘀攀渀琀愀琀眀栀椀挀栀礀漀甀挀愀渀洀攀攀琀漀甀爀猀瀀攀挀椀愀氀椀猀琀猀Ⰰ 搀椀猀挀甀猀猀礀漀甀爀椀琀攀洀猀漀爀最愀椀渀漀甀爀瀀爀漀昀攀猀猀椀漀渀愀氀愀搀瘀椀挀攀⸀ 䄀氀氀搀愀琀攀猀猀甀戀樀攀挀琀琀漀挀栀愀渀最攀⸀ THE COINS OF THE ENGLISH EAST INDIA COMPANY: PRESIDENCY SERIES, A CATALOGUE AND PRICELIST BY PAUL STEVENS 䌀漀甀渀琀爀礀㈀㄀㜀匀攀瀀琀攀洀戀攀爀吀礀瀀攀䐀愀琀攀猀

倀漀氀愀渀搀圀愀爀猀愀眀䌀漀椀渀攀砀瀀漀Ⰰ 圀愀爀猀愀眀䌀漀椀渀猀㄀猀琀⼀㈀渀搀 Hardback and Paperback, 562 pages with colour illustrations throughout. 唀匀䄀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 圀愀爀渀攀爀䌀攀渀琀爀攀䴀愀爀爀椀漀琀琀Ⰰ 圀漀漀搀氀愀渀搀䠀椀氀氀猀Ⰰ 䌀䄀㤀㄀㌀㘀㜀䄀氀氀㜀琀栀唀匀䄀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 䠀椀氀琀漀渀䰀漀猀䄀渀最攀氀攀猀一漀爀琀栀Ⰰ 䜀氀攀渀搀愀氀攀Ⰰ 䌀䄀㤀㄀㈀㈀䄀氀氀㠀琀栀 This catalogue presents a list of all coins known to have been issued by the East India Company for 唀匀䄀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 䨀圀䴀愀爀爀椀漀琀琀Ⰰ 伀氀礀洀瀀椀挀䈀氀瘀搀Ⰰ 䰀漀猀䄀渀最攀氀攀猀Ⰰ 䌀䄀㤀㄀㔀䄀氀氀㄀琀栀 use in their Presidencies of Bengal, Bombay and Madras. Each of the main sections covers the 唀匀䄀嘀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 䠀礀愀琀琀刀攀最攀渀挀礀Ⰰ 䔀洀戀愀爀挀愀搀攀爀漀䌀攀渀琀攀爀Ⰰ 匀愀渀䘀爀愀渀挀椀猀挀漀䌀䄀㤀㐀㄀㄀㄀䄀氀氀㄀㈀琀栀 coins of one Presidency with chapters on the coins issued from the main mint in the area – Calcut- 唀䬀匀琀愀洀瀀攀砀Ⰰ 䰀漀渀搀漀渀匀匀琀愀洀瀀猀㄀㌀琀栀ⴀ㄀㘀琀栀㄀㌀ ta, Bombay or Madras – as well as chapters on coins issued from local and transitional mints, most of which were not covered in Major Pridmore’s seminal work on the subject. 唀䬀伀䴀刀匀 Ⰰ 匀琀爀愀琀昀漀爀搀ⴀ甀瀀漀渀ⴀ䄀瘀漀渀䴀攀搀愀氀猀㄀㘀琀栀⼀㄀㜀琀栀唀䬀䌀漀椀渀攀砀Ⰰ 䰀漀渀搀漀渀䌀漀椀渀猀㈀㈀⼀㈀㌀爀搀䠀漀氀氀愀渀搀䴀愀愀猀琀爀椀挀栀琀倀愀瀀攀爀䴀漀渀攀礀䘀愀椀爀䈀愀渀欀渀漀琀攀㈀㌀⼀㈀㐀琀栀 RRP: Hardback: £60 | Paperback: £40 䌀栀椀渀愀䌀䤀䌀䔀䜀甀愀渀最稀栀漀甀䌀漀椀渀猀㈀㈀⼀㈀㐀琀栀唀䬀圀漀爀氀搀倀愀瀀攀爀䴀漀渀攀礀䘀愀椀爀Ⰰ 䰀漀渀搀漀渀䈀愀渀欀渀漀琀攀㈀㤀⼀㌀琀栀䤀琀愀氀礀刀漀洀愀䌀漀氀氀攀稀椀漀渀愀Ⰰ 刀漀洀攀刀䌀漀椀渀猀㌀琀栀 ☀ ㄀猀琀

㈀㄀㜀伀挀琀漀戀攀爀

唀䬀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 䌀栀攀氀洀猀昀漀爀搀Ⰰ 䔀猀猀攀砀䄀氀氀㈀渀搀䘀爀愀渀挀攀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀倀愀爀椀猀䄀氀氀吀䈀䌀 ISLAMIC COINS AND THEIR VALUES, VOLUME 2: 唀䬀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀猀Ⰰ 一漀爀琀栀䴀椀搀氀愀渀搀猀䄀氀氀吀䈀䌀䘀爀愀渀挀攀匀愀氀漀渀倀栀椀氀愀琀攀氀椀焀甀攀Ⰰ 倀愀爀椀猀匀愀氀漀渀倀栀椀氀愀匀琀愀洀瀀猀㤀琀栀⼀㄀㄀琀栀 THE EARLY MODERN PERIOD BY TIM WILKES 匀䄀匀漀甀琀栀䄀昀爀椀挀愀一愀琀⸀ 匀琀愀洀瀀䔀砀栀椀戀椀琀椀漀渀匀琀愀洀瀀猀㄀㄀琀栀⼀㄀㐀琀栀䘀爀愀渀挀攀匀愀氀漀渀䈀爀漀渀最渀椀愀爀琀匀一䔀一一倀Ⰰ 倀愀爀椀猀䌀漀椀渀猀㄀㐀琀栀 This book is the second volume of an illustrated price guide to Islamic coins; the ﬁrst volume was 䄀甀猀琀爀愀氀椀愀伀䴀刀匀䌀漀渀昀攀爀攀渀挀攀Ⰰ 䌀愀渀戀攀爀爀愀䴀攀搀愀氀猀㈀㄀ⴀ㈀㌀爀搀 published in 2015. The Islamic market has long been hampered by two things: the lack of reliable information regarding values due to the historic volatility of auction prices for Islamic coins, and the ㈀㄀㜀一漀瘀攀洀戀攀爀 lack of general reference works with illustrations. This book is an attempt to remedy both these problems. It is intended as an introductory guide, aimed at the general collector; suggestions for 唀䬀䰀漀渀搀漀渀䌀漀椀渀䘀愀椀爀Ⰰ 䠀漀氀椀搀愀礀䤀渀渀䰀漀渀搀漀渀䌀漀椀渀䌀漀椀渀猀㐀琀栀㐀 further reading are given throughout the book. 䜀攀爀洀愀渀礀一甀洀椀猀洀愀琀愀䘀爀愀渀欀昀甀爀琀䌀漀椀渀猀㔀琀栀⼀㘀琀栀䌀愀渀愀搀愀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 䘀漀甀爀匀攀愀猀漀渀猀䠀漀琀攀氀Ⰰ 嘀愀渀挀漀甀瘀攀爀Ⰰ 嘀㘀䌀㈀吀䌀䌀愀渀愀搀愀䄀氀氀㘀琀栀 This second volume covers the coinage of the entire Islamic world from North Africa to Southeast Asia, 唀匀䄀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 匀栀攀爀愀琀漀渀匀攀愀琀琀氀攀Ⰰ 匀攀愀琀琀氀攀Ⰰ 嘀㘀䌀㈀吀䌀䌀愀渀愀搀愀䄀氀氀㠀琀栀 from the 10th century AH (16th century AD) to the 13th century AH (19th century AD). Prices are given 唀匀䄀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 吀栀攀䠀攀愀琀栀洀愀渀䠀漀琀攀氀Ⰰ 倀漀爀琀氀愀渀搀Ⰰ 伀刀㤀㜀㈀㔀䄀氀氀㄀琀栀 for each type in US dollars. There are appendices covering mints and rulers’ names, both with Arabic 唀䬀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀猀Ⰰ 一圀䄀氀氀吀䈀䌀 transcriptions. The prices are intended to be retail values - i.e. what a collector would expect to pay to 倀漀爀琀甀最愀氀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 䰀椀猀戀漀渀䄀氀氀㄀琀栀吀䈀䌀 buy the coin from a dealer or at auction (including buyer’s premium) - and are based on both auction 倀倀漀爀琀甀最愀氀䌀漀氀氀攀挀䌀漀氀氀攀挀琀漀爀猀䘀愀椀爀Ⰰ 䰀椀猀戀漀渀䄀氀氀㤀㤀琀栀⼀㄀㄀琀栀 prices and dealers’ asking prices. 唀匀䄀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀Ⰰ 圀愀琀攀爀猀琀漀渀攀刀攀猀漀爀琀 ☀ 䴀愀爀椀渀愀Ⰰ 䌀甀爀椀漀戀礀䠀椀氀琀漀渀Ⰰ 䈀漀挀愀刀愀琀漀渀Ⰰ 䄀氀氀㈀琀栀⼀㈀㄀猀琀䘀䰀㌀㌀㐀㌀㈀Ⰰ 戀礀愀瀀瀀漀椀渀琀洀攀渀琀漀渀氀礀 Published: 22 September 2017; RRP: £40

㈀㄀㜀䐀攀挀攀洀戀攀爀

䴀漀渀愀挀漀䜀爀愀渀搀䈀漀甀爀猀攀Ⰰ 䴀漀渀愀挀漀䌀漀椀渀猀㌀爀搀䠀漀氀氀愀渀搀䴀愀愀猀琀爀椀挀栀琀䤀渀琀攀爀渀愀琀椀漀渀愀氀䘀愀椀爀䴀愀愀䄀氀氀㜀琀栀⼀㄀琀栀

㈀㄀㠀䨀愀渀甀愀爀礀 BRITISH HISTORICAL MEDALS OF THE 17TH CENTURY: MEDALLISTS, BOOKS, AUTHORS, 唀䬀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀猀Ⰰ 夀漀爀欀猀栀椀爀攀⼀一䔀䄀氀氀吀䈀䌀唀䬀夀漀爀欀匀琀愀洀瀀 ☀ 䌀漀椀渀䘀愀椀爀䌀漀椀渀猀⼀匀琀愀洀瀀猀㄀㤀琀栀⼀㈀琀栀 COLLECTORS, BOOKSELLERS & ANTIQUARIES 唀匀䄀䘀甀渀匀栀漀眀Ⰰ 吀愀洀瀀愀Ⰰ 䘀氀漀爀椀搀愀䌀漀椀渀猀㐀琀栀ⴀ㘀琀栀唀匀䄀唀一夀䤀一䌀Ⰰ 一攀眀夀漀爀欀Ⰰ 一夀一夀䤀一漀琀攀猀一㄀㄀ⴀ㄀㐀琀栀㄀㄀ⴀ㄀㐀 BY JEROME J. PLATT AND ARLEEN K. PLATT

㈀㄀㠀䘀攀戀爀甀愀爀礀 Hardback, Jacketed, 432 pages with colour illustrations throughout 䌀漀椀渀猀⼀一漀琀攀猀㄀猀琀⼀㐀琀栀䜀攀爀洀愀渀礀圀漀爀氀搀䴀漀渀攀礀䘀愀椀爀Ⰰ 䈀攀爀氀椀渀䄀氀氀吀䈀䌀 As attractive as historical or commemorative medals are in their own right and as telling as they 唀䬀嘀愀氀甀愀琀椀漀渀䐀愀礀猀Ⰰ 䴀椀搀氀愀渀搀猀 are by their designs and inscriptions of the persons or events they honour, they tell us much more: by means of inscriptions, design and allegory, they tell us their age, of their makers, of the purpose for which they were made, the manner in which they were made, and the ‘story’ their maker wished to communicate. 䘀漀爀洀漀爀攀椀渀昀漀爀洀愀琀椀漀渀Ⰰ 瀀氀攀愀猀攀挀漀渀琀愀挀琀礀漀甀爀氀漀挀愀氀匀瀀椀渀欀㨀䔀甀爀漀瀀攀簀䴀甀爀椀攀氀䔀礀洀攀爀礀㨀吀攀氀㨀 ⬀㌀㌀㘀㠀㐀㌀㔀㐀㌀簀䔀洀愀椀氀㨀洀攀礀洀攀爀礀䀀猀瀀椀渀欀⸀挀漀洀 RRP: £50 唀匀簀䌀栀愀爀氀攀猀䈀氀愀渀攀㨀吀攀氀㨀 ⬀㄀㈀㄀㈀㈀㘀㈀㠀㐀簀䔀洀愀椀氀㨀挀戀氀愀渀攀䀀猀瀀椀渀欀⸀挀漀洀䄀猀椀愀簀䬀攀氀瘀椀渀䌀栀攀甀渀最㨀吀攀氀㨀 ⬀ 㠀㔀㈀㌀㤀㔀㈀㌀簀䔀洀愀椀氀㨀欀挀栀攀甀渀最䀀猀瀀椀渀欀⸀挀漀洀唀䬀簀吀椀洀刀漀戀猀漀渀㨀吀攀氀㨀 ⬀㐀㐀 ⠀ ⤀㈀㜀㔀㘀㌀㐀㤀簀䔀洀愀椀氀㨀琀爀漀戀猀漀渀䀀猀瀀椀渀欀⸀挀漀洀䰀伀一䐀伀一簀一䔀圀夀伀刀䬀簀䠀伀一䜀䬀伀一䜀簀匀䤀一䜀䄀倀伀刀䔀簀䰀唀䜀䄀一伀

⌀匀倀䤀一䬀开䄀唀䌀吀䤀伀一匀圀圀圀⸀匀倀䤀一䬀⸀䌀伀䴀⌀匀倀䤀一䬀开 10 Autumn 2017 CONTENTS 4 The Currency of Communism By Tim Hockenhull 10 Fighting on The Frontier By Peter Duckers 16 Historical Figures on Banknotes 4 By Jonathan Calloway 26 The Tisbury Collection By Robert Parkinson 26 Portraits of Greek Coinage By Robin Eaglen 30 Book Review: In Celebration of 32 Greek Coinage By Alan Walker 32 The East India Company 38 By Peter R Thompson 16 38 Prince of Horror By David Erskine-Hill 42 Cowdray Park Polo Club By Edward Hilary Davis 44 New Nova Scotia Baronet’s Badge By Edward Hilary Davis 46 Revenue Stamps 50 The New Partnership 54 Banknote Auctions 58 Staff Proﬁ le - Thomasina Smith 60 British Historical medals of the 17th Century 64 Book Preview: Islamic Coins & Their Values, Volume 2: The Early Modern Period By Tim Wilkes

ISLAMIC COINSISLAMIC AND THEIR VALUES 66 Bonds and Shares 68 Stamp Auctions 44 ISLAMIC COINS 64 AND THEIR VALUES

VOLUME 2: THE EARLY MODERN PERIOD

TIM WILKES 1 50 2017 58

A word from our Chairman

GROUP CHAIRMAN AND CEO Olivier D. Stocker • YOUR SPECIALISTS • Stamps UK: Tim Hirsch FRPSL Guy Croton David Parsons Nick Startup Neill Granger Dominic Savastano Dear Clients and Friends, ect and maybe visit the house we George James Ian Shapiro (Consultant) are building for donors to enjoy USA: George Eveleth Fernando Martínez I am delighted to be back after Europe: Guido Craveri Fernando Martínez the amazing views of Machapu- China: George Yue (Consultant) Alan Ho two editions of your Insider and a life-changing sabbatical break. Af- chare, the most sacred mountain Coins for the Gurung people and the UK: Richard Bishop Tim Robson ter 15 years of investment banking Gregory Edmund Robert Parkinson only one which is not open to followed by 15 years at Spink, I Lawrence Sinclair Barbara Mears climbers. John Pett (Consultant) thought it was a good idea to take USA: Muriel Eymery Greg Cole In the Caribbean, after two a long sabbatical break for the Stephen Goldsmith (Special Consultant) months spent writing and enjoy- China: Kin Choi Cheung Paul Pei Po Chow first time in my life, and to come ing the life in Havana, I visited al- Banknotes back fully recharged with energy, UK: Barnaby Faull Andrew Pattison Thomasina Smith most all the rum distilleries in the USA: Greg Cole Stephen Goldsmith (Special Consultant) the desire to promote our hobbies Caribbean, island after island, to China: Kelvin Cheung Paul Pei Po Chow and with new ideas for another de- Orders, Decorations, Medals & Militaria further advance my knowledge UK: David Erskine-Hill Marcus Budgen cade, at least, at Spink – God will- of my favourite spirit. USA: Greg Cole ing. I shall not bore you to death Bonds & Shares And of course, as one can- UK: Mike Veissid (Consultant) Andrew Pattison with details, but I spent most of not change one’s collector DNA Thomasina Smith this wonderful time in Nepal, Cuba USA: Stephen Goldsmith (Special Consultant) that easily, I have started a col- Europe: Peter Christen (Consultant) and the Caribbean. Even when re- lection of Nepalese banknotes China: Kelvin Cheung laxing, those who know me would and of rare rums! Books guess that there was a purpose UK: Emma Howard Nik von Uexkull I would like to thank again all Autographs in each main location – beyond the extraordinary staff of Spink USA: Greg Cole Stephen Goldsmith (Special Consultant) thinking of the future of the collect- Wines worldwide who have more than China: Angie Ihlo Fung Guillaume Willk-Fabia (Consultant) ables auction industry. held the fort in my absence with Special Commissions In Nepal, a country I have visit- amazing auctions and private UK: Ian Copson Edward Hilary Davis ed many times in my life for climb- treaty transactions. Without • YOUR EUROPE TEAM (LONDON & LUGANO) • ing and trekking, I spent the Hi- Directors them, all this would not have Tim Hirsch Anthony Spink malayan winter in a small, isolated been possible. And after 351 Auction & Client Management Team house in a valley around twelve Mira Adusei-Poku Rita Ariete Grace Hawkins years of existence, it clearly Dora Szigeti Nik von Uexkull Tom Hazell hours journey from the closest shows that the Spink global John Winchcombe Viola Craveri road, next to the Annapurna val- franchise is much greater than Finance ley. The rare human contacts I Alison Bennet Marco Fiori Mina Bhagat any one individual. Dennis Muriu Veronica Morris Varranan Somasundaram had were simply the richest ever In fact to really take advan- IT & Administration in my life and I took this oppor- Berdia Qamarauli Michael Lewis Liz Cones tage of our truly global fran- Tom Robinson Giacomo Canzi tunity to establish a local charity chise, we have recently decided • YOUR AMERICA TEAM (NEW YORK) • with two dear friends to focus on to appoint global coordinators in Managing Director Health, Education and Environ- each category, so your items will Charles Blane ment in this amazing place where Auction Administration and Marketing & Design always be sold in the location Nathalie Rochel 5,000 people live at high altitude, which will yield the maximum Finance & Administration totally forgotten by the Kathman- proceeds for you. Amit Ramprashad Auctioneers du government. Not really a very On that point, many clients Charles Blane Stephen Goldsmith (Special Consultant) ambitious goal, and a far cry from have shared their concerns • YOUR ASIA TEAM (HONG KONG & SINGAPORE) • finding a cure for malaria, but still about selling in London due to Administration with life-changing local impact. the weakness in sterling. It is a Angie Ihlo Fung Newton Tsang Sue Pui Representative for Australia No doubt, in the next few years, very valid concern. However, Peter Griffiths you will hear more about this proj- a lot of buyers now love to buy 日本での弊社オークションへの出品・参加に関してのお問い合わせ Alan Ho [email protected]

2 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Autumn 2017

A word from our Chairman

in sterling, as many have been We have the usual round-up don showroom. Please come surprised by Brexit and hence of items in our forthcoming auc- along and feast your eyes. It is un- “trapped” in the currency and tions – except that the auctions likely that any of us will ever see they are psychologically very are anything but usual! To start such a remarkable and important keen to use their pounds to the ball rolling in Stamps we collection in its entirety again. buy collectables which are a de have three sales of some very And so, to the jewel in our facto global currency. So, the fine collections starting our auc- crown! Our medal specialist prices are currently very good in tion season in London in Sep- David Erskine-Hill has acquired pounds and it is a great time to tember. This is followed up in what must be one of the most sell in London. I know that it is a October by Part 2 Bermuda, of exciting collections that we have bit counter intuitive but so true! The David Pitts Collection. Then ever seen at Spink – namely, We are also delighted to an- we have the auction of Revenue an outstanding collection of nounce a new partnership with Stamps of the World in which awards, from his rich military and Taisei Coins in Japan, or to be the sole surviving complete set acting careers, relating to Sir more accurate, a renewal of an of “Paymaster General’s Ser- Christopher Lee, C.B.E., C. St. old partnership from the 1980s. vice” issue of 1890-92 – surely J. (1922-2015) – Count Dracu- Japan has always been an insu- one of the most elusive sets of la, Scaramanga, Count Dooku lar market within some areas of British Revenues in existence and Saruman. You know him, numismatics and this partner- and whose story is shrouded in your grandparents knew him, ship is simply the only way for mystery – takes pride of place. so did your parents – and your a collector to sell in Japan with And in our Philatelic Collectors children and your grandchildren an international house. Our first Series we have an absolute gem know him! We will be auction- auction will be in November in on offer. One of only six known ing a collection of his awards Tokyo and we are already full. genuine examples of the legend- on 31st October – Halloween, The next one will be in April ary Russian Tiflis local of 1857 an appropriate day for the man 2018. Please contact your spe- – a great world rarity. known as the ‘Prince of Horror’. cialist to see which type of coins Then in Banknotes we can While waiting for this tremen- fetch better prices in Japan – a look forward to The Shamshir dously exciting auction season land of very avid and passion- and Lion Collection of Persian to begin, I want to wish all of ate collectors, who are looking Banknotes, The Medici Collec- you a good end of the summer at international items more and tion of Italian Banknotes, The and hopefully some amazing more, and where premiums over Bruce Smart Collection of Brit- finds for your collections in the the international prices of 30% ish Commonwealth - Part Two months ahead, either here at or 50% are not unheard of! and a World Banknotes sale to Spink or elsewhere! This edition of the Insider has round off. Truly something for ev- With very best wishes, something to interest everyone, ery banknote collector here. regardless of what they collect. In Coins, we have what is We have a fascinating feature probably the finest collection of article on historical figures on Commonwealth silver coinage in British banknotes by Jonathan private hands – The Tisbury Col- Calloway and a very informative lection. And during September overview of medals awarded before the auction takes place during the Zulu campaign by Pe- there will be an exhibition of this Olivier D. Stocker ter Duckers. wonderful collection in our Lon- Chairman and CEO chairmanofﬁ [email protected]

Magazine · Autumn 2017 3 Special Feature

THE CURRENCY OF COMMUNISM By Tom Hockenhull

n 2016, with the centenary with coins and notes from Fund, the Museum has been Figure 1 of the Russian Revolution former communist countries. able to plug these gaps, as well fast approaching, the British Nevertheless, some gaps in the as to explore new avenues for Museum’s Department of collection emerged, especially collecting. ICoins and Medals took the with regard to the note collec- In terms of gap-filling, acqui- opportunity to survey its hold- tion, even of relatively common sitions have included the first ings of communist-era currency. notes. Aided by a research and banknotes to enter the collec- The collection is well-stocked acquisitions grant from the Art tion from South Yemen, strictly

4 Magazine · Autumn 2017 The Currency of Communism

Figure 2 speaking the People’s Democratic Republic note of Yugoslavia, 1950, purchased of Yemen (fig.1). The imagery on its notes through Spink in April 2017 (fig.4). The was retained from South Arabian Currency image of the foundry on the note’s reverse Authority notes and gives little indication is a common motif in communist imagery, that the state was Marxist, as it continued a metaphor for the forging of the social- to be right through until its unification with ist state. In the same sale the Museum the north in 1990. From China, the Museum acquired a set of Yugoslav bon, or coupons has acquired a 50 yuan note issued in (fig.5). In Yugoslavia in the early-1950s, 1980, featuring an intellectual alongside Tito tried to move the economy towards a portraits of a female peasant and an indus- slightly softer form of communism, ‘market trial labourer (fig.2). It is hard not to view socialism’, in which workers were made the inclusion of the intellectual in this group shareholders in cooperatives. Items were portrait as a conciliatory gesture, after years paid for only partly in cash, with the remain- of persecution during China’s Cultural Rev- ing balance payable in discount vouchers. olution. Meanwhile, an object that perhaps Different working sectors were issued best demonstrates the global reach of their own vouchers with varying discounts the project is a Cuban 20 peso note from applied. They illuminate one of the more 1961 (fig.3). It bears the printed signature interesting aspects of the monetary system, of the then president of the National Bank, that of currency substitution. Ernesto Guevara. He allegedly signed Most communist states have at one time using his ‘Che’ nickname as an indication or another experienced a significant frag- of his contempt for money. The note is one mentation of their monetary economies, in of the well-known F series fakes, thought to which the use of vouchers and the ‘shadow’ have been printed by the CIA in preparation economy has become increasingly import- for the failed Bay of Pigs invasion. ant. Partly, this has been a consequence of Rarer items acquired through the project rationing and shortages of basic goods and have included a magnificent 5000 dinar commodities, especially in the Soviet-bloc

Magazine · Autumn 2017 5 Special Feature

in the 1970s and 1980s. The currency Rouge tried to do away with money alto- Figure 3 became less useful because, quite sim- gether, with disastrous consequences. The ply, there was nothing that one could buy international exchange value of all commu- with it. Citizens therefore had to rely on nist currencies has generally been minimal, the black market, barter and their social and states have frequently faced shortages connections in order to obtain the products of foreign currency reserves. One voucher they needed. system in particular, issued for use in Governments of communist states have chains of state-run luxury goods shops, themselves done much to fuel the ideolog- tried to alleviate the problem. The shops ical and physical devaluation of the cur- were known by various names – Intershop rency. In East Germany coins were delib- in East Germany, Intertourist in Hungary erately made from aluminium, ‘aluchips’ as and Tuzex in Czechoslovakia, for example they were known colloquially, in a deliberate – and sold primarily Western goods such attempt to make them feel light and there- as cosmetics, confectionary and clothing. fore cheap. Cambodia’s brutal Khmer They did not accept state currency, only Figure 4 The Currency of Communism

Figure 5

healthcare, these include generous leisure time, heavily subsidised travel and access to state-run sanatoriums and holiday centres. Another form of payment substitution, and one that has tied neatly with the aims of the collecting project, has been through the awarding of medals and honours for special achievement. The USSR introduced a particularly complex system of decorations under Stalin in the 1930s. Before 1947 all honours came with a monthly stipend, and many orders and decorations carried specific benefits such as free travel passes. Recipients of awards could be from all sorts of backgrounds and positions. Illustrated is a late award, Figure 6 vouchers, exchangeable only for in dollars…[but] according to the Order of Labour Glory, hard currency, or hard currency their heroic feats’. A common 1st Class (fig.7). This version itself, thus raising revenue for riposte to Stalin’s words could dates from 1985 and was the state (fig.6). One might find be found in a factory workers’ awarded to a female machine local hustlers outside many of saying: ‘we pretend to work, builder in Donetsk, Ukraine. these shops in the 1970s and they pretend to pay’. Neverthe- As a recipient of all three 1980s. They made their living less, communist states have classes she received a 15% by illegally exchanging state found numerous ways in which increase to her pension, first currency for vouchers, enabling to reward citizens through priority on the state housing locals to get their hands on non-direct payment, with the list, free public transport, a luxury items. ultimate objective being to free annual pass to a sanato- Stalin said that ‘the Soviet change citizens’ attitudes to rium and one first class round people have mastered a new wealth and the things that they trip flight per year. The medal way of measuring the value of value. Besides state housing, is one of more than fifty medal people…not in roubles, not free welfare, education and acquisitions made possible by

Magazine · Autumn 2017 7 Special Feature

the Art Fund grant. They include such particular have top honours as a Soviet State Prize been designed to medal, a Hero of Socialist Labour serve the ideologi- medal, Hero of the Soviet Union med- cal needs of the state. als and awards for numerous civilian Bold imagery celebrates campaigns. the ordinary worker, peasant One final aspect of the project and soldier; collective farms are has been the acquisition of posters shown yielding bountiful advertising banking services, gov- crops; while industrial land- ernment bonds, insurance and other scapes showing oil refin- themes relating to money. These are eries and hydroelectric among the most visually striking of dams demonstrate the the acquisitions and have enhanced technological progress our understanding of how money has made possible by the worked and how it is represented planned economy. within different artistic media. Illus- The broad optimism trated is a 1990 anti-corruption poster, and romantic realism Shadow Economy, Corruption and expected of socialist Crime (fig.8), by the Russian cartoon- art has lent itself well ist Boris Yefimov (1900–2008). Its to banknote design, inscription reads ‘people taking bribes resulting in designs that are a scandal in our organisational are dynamic and original. order; we have to organise to repulse them and break free from them’. The poster represents one of very few official acknowledgements that the aforementioned ‘shadow’ economy existed. In the USSR, as elsewhere, a Figure 7 degree of illicit economic activity was tolerated, at least until it threatened to destabilise the political order. This poster was issued at a time when the Communist Party’s grip on power The currency was at its weakest, shortly before the of communism is collapse of the Soviet Union. on view in Room Some of the four hundred or so acquisitions made so far, as well as 69a of the British historic acquisitions, are on display in Museum from 19 the British Museum’s Room 69a exhi- October 2017 to bition The currency of communism. 18 March 2017; As well as giving a broad overview of free entry. how money works in the communist system it shows how banknotes in

Figure 8 8 Magazine · Autumn 2017 On the journey of collecting, we are your partner

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H W Wood Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). FCA register number 309408. For confirmation of our regulatory status please visit the FCA website www.fca.org.uk FIGHTING ON THE FRONTIER The South Africa Medals of 1853-79

By Peter Duckers

The medal with clasp 1877 to a Trooper of The single dated clasp 1878. Dated clasp 1878-9. This the Fort White Volunteers; most men served Commonly found to colonial units clasp was awarded to both beyond 1877 so that this single date is rare Imperial and Colonial units

n the days before the over the Cape hinterland. In Cape region across the Orange opening of the Suez Canal 1806, Britain took the nascent and Vaal rivers in “the great trek” in 1867 – and even after- Cape province from the Dutch after 1835, leading to the forma- wards – the route to India, and over the next eighty years, tion of the northern Boer territo- Australia and the Far East on the principle of ‘defence in ries, the South African Republic via the Cape of Good Hope depth’ – pushing your defensive (or Transvaal) and the Orange Iwas a vital commercial link. Be- perimeter further from the threat- Free State. cause of Britain’s growing trade ened point (in this case, Cape British and Boer expansion with India and the East, it be- Town) – she engaged upon a not unsurprisingly brought con- came paramount for her to con- gradual inland expansion. British flict over land occupation with trol this base and its surrounding ambitions forced the old-estab- the existing African kingdoms areas and from 1800 onwards, lished Dutch pioneer settlers and states, some of which (most she expanded her domination (the Boers) to move out of the famously the Zulu and Basotho)

10 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Fighting on the Frontier

were militarily powerful neighbours. The desire to seize land was exacerbated by the discovery of huge reserves of diamonds in Griqualand West in the early 1870s, which increased the tension between Britain, the Boers and lo-

Single dated clasp 1879, the commonest cal peoples. The result over the period 1835-81 was a of the 1877-79 awards, issued not only series of wars, known once as “Kaffir Wars”, but now less for the Zulu war of that year but for a contentiously referred to as the Cape Frontier or Xhosa variety of other frontier campaigns Wars. Most took place in the eastern Cape province. The first general medal for service on the Cape frontiers was the South Africa Medal of 1853. Despite its date, it was actually awarded retrospectively for participation in one or more of three serious campaigns against local tribes – in 1835-36, 1846-47 and 1850-53. Much of the action – and there was some fierce fighting – took place in the Amatola highlands, the Perie Bush and Waterkloof area and leaders like Chiefs Sandili of the Gaika (Ngqika) and Moshoeshoe of the Basotho proved to be competent, resilient and dangerous enemies. Recipients of the medal may have served in more than one of these frontier wars but only the medal roll will confirm which. The standard obverse of the 1853 and 1877-79 The obverse design features the familiar ‘young head’ South Africa medals by William Wyon of the Queen by William Wyon, with titles, while the reverse has a protea bush in front of which is a lion ‘couch- ant’. This design caused some adverse comment – it was meant to symbolise “the lion of Africa kneeling in submis- sion”, but it was pointed out that it also could be taken to represent the “British Lion” being subdued or wounded. It carried the award’s date of institution 1853 in the reverse exergue. Medals were given only to survivors and were im- pressed with personal details at the Royal Mint; those to naval forces (which do not carry the ship’s name) are scarce and were conferred only for the last of the three campaigns. Medals to the approx. 190 men who survived the famous sinking of HMS Birkenhead on 26th February 1852 are particularly prized and expensive on the market. What was essentially the same medal and ribbon (but with 1853 replaced by an African shield and crossed spears) and designated The South Africa General Ser- vice Medal, 1877-79, was awarded for the complex series of campaigns fought on the Cape Frontier between those dates. It is sometimes rather generally and wrongly

The reverse of the 1853 medal

Magazine · Autumn 2017 11 $1000 bond issued in 1930 (the ‘Young Loan’).

Special Feature

referred to as ‘the Zulu War Med- al’ but in fact the Zulu campaign of January-September 1879 was only one of many ‘native wars’ on the frontier which attracted the award of this medal. It was originally proposed to award the medal with clasp Caf- fraria 1877-9 (after the old term for the border region) and/or Zu- luland 1879 and/or Basutoland 1879 but in the end the authori- ties – who seem to have been somewhat confused by the variety of enemies and campaigns! – produced a more complicated arrangement of dated bars which Altered reverse for the 1877-79 awards reflected the year in which the recipient had seen active service, rather than reflecting the area. The various dated clasps eventually authorised in August 1880 and in 1881 were for operations against: • the Gaika, Galeka, Tambuki and others between 26th September 1877 and June 1878 • the Amazizi leader Pokwana, 21st to 28th January 1878. • the Griquas, 24 April to 13th No- vember 1878 • the Zulu, 11th January 1779 to 1st September 1879 • the Bapedi under Chief Sekukuni (Sekhukhune), 11th November to 2nd December 1879 • the Baphuthi Chief Morosi, Ba- sutoland, 25th March to 20th No- vember 1879 The clasps issued to cover these various campaigns (and recipients could of course have served in more than one operation in one year) were: 1877, 1877-78, 1878, 1878-79, 1877-79, 1877-8- 9 and 1879. Other than by error, The reverse of the 1877-79 no recipient could receive more medal and clasp than one clasp and the dates re-

12 Magazine · Autumn 2017 $1000 bond issued in 1930 (the ‘Young Loan’).

The medal roll, which identifies the campaigns for which the recipient received his medal and clasp. These are available at The National Archives, Fighting on the Frontier online at various genealogy sites or in printed form

flected actual service in the stated years. e.g. Cape Mounted Riflemen, the Frontier Light 1877-8-9 reflected active service in 1877 and Horse, the Natal Light Horse or the Cape 1878 and 1879. Yeomanry, who could muster a good show By far the rarest clasp is 1877-79 – i.e. of strength. But most of the medals went service in 1877 and 1879 but not in 1878. to scratch-raised and often very small and There seem to have been few men who qual- evocatively-named local colonial units, like ified under those terms and only around 29 the Bolotwa Volunteers, Ferriera’s Horse, the are thought to have been issued. Also rare is Lydenburg Rifles, the Grahamstown Rifle Vol- the single date 1877, since most men seem unteers or the One Star Diamond Contingent, to have served on into 1878 or later and re- to name but a few of many. Some – like the ceived other dated clasps; some 108 were Natal Native Contingent or Fingo Levy – com- awarded. prised African personnel (often drawn from It is interesting to note that applicants who the Swazi, Basuto or Zulu) under British or had already received the 1853 medal (i.e. Boer officers. Many comprised only handfuls over 25 years earlier) should have received of local volunteers drawn from the farming, only the appropriate dated clasp, to add to commercial or mining communities, a lot of the existing medal, but examples of this are whom could not be traced later to receive the very rare, with only approximately 20 record- medals prepared from the rolls. This means ed and few ever seen. that medals to some colonial units are very Comparatively few British units were en- hard to find and more expensive. gaged in some of the smaller frontier cam- By far the most famous campaign for paigns before the Zulu War – notably the which the medal was issued was the Zulu 88th, 1-24th and 2-24th, the 90th, the 1-13th, War of January-September 1879. There have elements of the Royal Artillery and small Na- probably been more published works on this val Brigades. Some fairly large colonial units campaign than any other colonial ‘small war’. took part in these campaigns, like the famous This intense interest was probably sparked by

Magazine · Autumn 2017 13 Special Feature

Stanley Baker’s film Zulu, which Drift men can reach anything over appeared in 1964, and the publi- £30,000 depending on how well cation of the influential and high- the recipient is ‘written up’ for the ly-regarded history The Washing defence. of the Spears by Donald R. Mor- Many of the approx. 16,000 ris. Since then, the campaign has men who fought the Zulu in 1879 been an enduringly popular col- had been engaged in earlier fron- lectors’ theme. Today, the sheer tier wars, so received the appro- volume of published works on the priately dated clasp, but most Zulu War has escalated the cam- of the reinforcements who were paign far beyond its actual histor- flooded into the area to renew Multi-dated clasp 1877-8-9, as ical significance – but it does at the campaign after the disaster awarded to British and colonial least mean that collectors have of Isandlwana received the med- forces. The clasp reflects some plenty of reference material! al with clasp simply dated . serious fighting and arduous 1879 campaigning The invasion of Zululand – The multi-dated clasp 1877-8-9 – .deemed to be potentially too which covers such a range of mili- dangerous to be allowed exist tary operations – has always been on the margins of a British-con- popular with collectors where it trolled federation of South Africa includes the recipient’s participa- – began on 11th January 1879 tion in the Zulu War. Also popular and within less than a fortnight are medals to units which took had produced two of the most part in the 1st Boer War or Trans- famous actions in British military vaal War of 1880-81. This largely history – one a disaster and one disastrous campaign (culminating a heroic defence. in the serious British defeat at Ma- On 22nd January 1879, part of juba Hill) unsurprisingly produced Lord Chelmsford’s ‘Central Col- no medals of its own (apart from umn’ was attacked at its camp gallantry awards) so that South at Isandlwana and, in what was Africa medals to units which perhaps the most crushing de- went on to be engaged against feat inflicted upon a British force the Boers in 1880-81 are keenly in colonial warfare, suffered over sought after. Examples are those 1,300 killed. The honour of British to the 3/60th Rifles, the 58th, arms was somewhat redeemed 91st, 92nd and 94th regiments. when, later that day and into the For the Zulu operations, med- night, a small garrison of around als without clasp were awarded 130 men successfully defended to mobilised forces, both British the depot and hospital at Rorke’s and colonial, who were based in Drift. As is well known, no fewer the frontier zone but did not cross than 11 Victoria Crosses were into Zululand (e.g. the Durban eventually awarded for that single Volunteer Artillery) and to naval Medal with clasp 1877-8-9 to Pte. action. It is perhaps unnecessary forces who only served on RN Henry Laws of the 90th Light Infantry. to say that medals to casualties at warships and transports in sup- Laws, who died in 1950, was one of Isandlwana (mainly 1-24th Foot) port operations off the coast; the last survivors of the Zulu war; the last (identified so far) died in 1953 are very much collected and, at naval personnel who landed and the time of writing, fetching over actually served in the campaign £7,000. Equally needless to say is received the dated clasp. that medals to confirmed Rorke’s It is important to state, how-

14 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Fighting on the Frontier

ever, given the popularity of the Zulu War, that not all medals with dated clasp 1879 or incorporating that date (e.g. 1878-9) reflect anything to do with the Zulu – men could earn these clasps for service against other African communities and leaders in 1879, for example Sekukuni or Morosi, without ever seeing a Zulu warrior! Some soldiers of the 80th Reg- iment and a large number of scratch-raised colonial units would fit this bill, so if you are looking to buy a medal for the Zulu War, check the medal roll first!

Medal group including the South Africa Medal to a recipient who went on to serve in the Sudan in 1885, with the relevant British and Egyptian Medal for 1879 without clasp as awarded to RN awards. Many recipients had of personnel serving offshore - in this case to a course received medals for earlier recipient on the troopship HMS Himalaya – with his wars or went on to serve in later Naval Long Service and Good Conduct Medal campaigns

Magazine · Autumn 2017 15 Special Feature

HISTORICAL FIGURES ON BANK OF ENGLAND BANKNOTES Jonathan Callaway

here has never been so much interest in who gets on to the back of new Bank of England notes! Con- Tsiderable media attention was generated in 2013 by the Bank of England’s announcement that it intended to introduce a new polymer fiver in 2016 with Sir Winston Churchill on the back, replacing Elizabeth Fry. A man replacing a woman – no wonder half the population decided this was not good enough! A campaign was born and, among oth- banknotes had hardly changed been withdrawn in 1944 thanks Sir Walter Raleigh since the 18th century; they all to Operation Bernhard, the - adventurer and er successes, it encouraged the explorer did not Bank of England to change its looked like the old white fiver. massive counterfeiting operation appear since the approach to the selection of the But 1928 saw the introduction of undertaken by Nazi Germany, note was replaced historical figures we have been a green £1 note and a reddish- so until 1956 the population had by the 50p piece enjoying on our notes for over brown 10 Shillings note to re- to make do with just three Bank forty years. place the UK’s Treasury issues. of England denominations and This article looks at who we The white fiver, meanwhile, nothing larger than a £5 note. have seen so far and consid- continued to reign supreme The white fiver was replaced ers who is coming next. Prior right up until 1956. The many by the blue ‘Lion and Key’ five to 1928 Bank of England higher denominations had all pound note, a beautiful but

16 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Historical Figures On Bank Of England Banknotes

have two females on them – the Queen and Britannia. In the late 1960s the Bank started thinking about further changes to its banknote designs and the view was formed that including historical figures on them would enhance their attractiveness while giving scope for the designers to bring in more anti-counterfeiting design features. It took until July 1970 for the Bank finally to get round to putting the first historical figure on one of its notes. The note chosen to initiate the new Pictorial Series was the newly re-introduced £20 note in a love- ly design with the Queen on the front accompanied by a delight- ful vignette of George and the Dragon. On the reverse we see the first in a long line of historical figures, William Shakespeare (1564-1616). The Pictorial Series was designed by Harry Eccleston OBE, assisted by Roger Withington and David Wicke. The Bank was delighted with its new note and in September 2015 Victoria Cle- The Duke of Wellington - military leader and politician, who later became Prime Minister land, the current Chief Cashier, said in a speech: short-lived design replaced and sometimes with a lion at “Our modern notes can after only ten years. It was only her feet in a range of poses arguably be said to stem in 1960 that the Queen first from the frankly militaristic to the from 1970 when we in- appeared on a Bank of England demurely feminine. The front of cluded a historic charac- note, accompanied on the the Lion and Key fiver carried a ter for the ﬁ rst time. The reverse by a stylised image of bold image of Britannia wearing counterfeit resilience of Britannia. Britannia, an allegor- a Roman helmet, an image more the William Shakespeare ical female representation of classical Victorian than modern £20 was provided by the Britain, had always appeared Elizabethan. Britannia continues watermark, the embed- on Bank of England notes in a to appear on every note, be it as ded thread, and the vignette based on the Bank’s a small vignette, in the water- note’s complex multi-co- seal. She had also frequently mark or as one of the images in loured design. At the appeared on English provincial the hologram security device. time, it was a triumph in banknotes in the 19th century, Arguably, therefore, current note sophistication, and usually with sword and shield Bank of England notes already very hard to copy.”

Magazine · Autumn 2017 17 Special Feature

It is difficult to think of a more fitting figure than our national poet and playwright to start this new series of notes but less well known is the fact that, had the Bank decided in the same year, 1970, against issuing a new 10 Shillings note, then the honour would have gone to Sir Walter Raleigh (1552-1618), Sir Isaac Newton - the most eminent scientist and astronomer of one of Shakespeare’s contem- his day, who also became Master of the Royal Mint poraries. He was better known as an adventurer and explorer The next figure to appear, and such an image was wisely than as a writer but he did also and the first female historical not included on the note. He write poetry. The 10 Shillings figure, was Florence Nightin- did, however, write of watch- note, and its projected follow-up gale (1820-1910) in 1975. She ing apples fall and wondering denominated as 50 Pence, was enjoyed 19 years on the back why they always fell straight to scuppered when a 50p coin of the £10 note and her image earth. In 1687 Newton pub- was introduced instead. as the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ lished his single greatest work, Shakespeare lasted 23 years was accompanied by a scene the Philosophiae Naturalis on the £20 note before making from the hospital in Scutari Principia Mathematica (‘Math- way for Michael Faraday. We (now part of modern Istanbul ematical Principles of Natural will now look at all those who in Asian Turkey) where she Philosophy’) which embodied came after him, taking them in first came to public attention his studies on gravity. He was chronological order. A summary for nursing soldiers wounded by far the most eminent scien- at the end lists all these historical in the Crimean War. In 1856, tist of his day and felt by many figures by denomination and after the war ended, she to have been as influential in date. returned to Britain and went the development of physics as In 1971, the next figure to on to establish a number of Albert Einstein himself. His po- appear was Arthur Wellesley, training facilities for nurses. sition as an eminent astronomer the first Duke of Wellington In 1978 the last £1 note is reflected on the note which (1769-1852), who shared the was introduced with Sir Isaac includes an image of his tele- back of the new £5 note with a Newton (1643-1727) on the scope and a depiction of the depiction of one of his famous reverse. This small note, known solar system with the sun at its victories, the Battle of Fuentes as the ‘Luncheon Voucher’, was centre. He found time among de Onoro. He lasted 20 years in circulation for only ten years his scientific research and on the note. The Duke was not and was the Bank of England’s writing to become the Master only a famous military figure but final £1 note before it was of the Royal Mint, a position he later became the Prime Minister withdrawn and replaced with took very seriously in his pursuit responsible for the passing of a coin. Newton seems most of counterfeiters. the Catholic Emancipation Act famous for the moment when In 1981 we see the Pictorial (he was Irish born, though a an apple fell on his head and Series completed with the issue Protestant) and presiding over he ‘discovered’ gravity. This of a newly re-introduced £50 the 1832 Reform Act. story is, however, apocryphal note featuring Sir Christopher

18 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Historical Figures On Bank Of England Banknotes

Wren (1632-1723). This was Wren appears alongside a view In 1990 the Bank launched the first note of this denomina- of St Paul’s Cathedral, his most the new Historical Series of tion since 1944 and remains famous creation, with an outline notes, designed by Roger the highest Bank of England de- of its floorplan below. Apart Withington and slightly reduced nomination (and is likely to stay from being one of our most in size compared to previous as such, the Bank having firmly celebrated architects, Wren issues. The theme of featur- decided against issuing a £100 was also one of the founding ing a historical character on note even though banks in members of the Royal Society each note was continued and Scotland and Northern Ireland and devoted much of his earlier the new series began with a still issue this denomination). years to the study of astronomy. new fiver portraying George Stephenson (1781-1848) on the reverse. He is seen with the Rocket, the famous steam locomotive he built and first ran on the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. Skerne Bridge is also shown. The Rocket had a top speed of an impressive 36mph. Its success ushered in the railway age when thousands of miles of lines were built all over the UK, making a huge contribution to the success of the Industrial Revolution. A year later, in 1991, a new £20 note joined the fiver, this time the featured figure being Michael Faraday (1791-1867). Florence Nightingale - the ‘Lady with the Lamp’ famous for nursing Faraday was another scientist, soldiers wounded in the Crimean War his speciality being electromag- Sir Christopher Wren - architect of St Paul’s Cathedral and founding netism, a principle which paved member of the Royal Society the way for the development of electric motors. He devoted much time to lecturing and instituted the annual Christmas Lectures at the Royal Institu- tion which continue to this day. An image of him delivering a lecture on his electro-magnetic spark apparatus appears alongside his portrait. The £10 note was updated the following year, in 1992,

Magazine · Autumn 2017 19 Special Feature

and Charles Dickens (1812- forge the notes. The notes in the pre-First World War peri- 1870) joined the illustrious list had originally been designed od with his composition Enigma of historical figures. Dickens by Roger Withington but were Variations. He appears on the is still a hugely popular author modified by Andrew Ward. The note alongside an image of as attested to by the numerous previous £20 note had lasted Worcester Cathedral where his screen and TV adaptations of just ten years and this new one, first work was performed. his novels. The note carries a featuring Sir Edward Elgar A year later in 2000, a new scene from the cricket match at (1857-1934), lasted just eleven. £10 note was issued, featuring Dingley Dell described in The Elgar is one of Britain’s most Charles Darwin (1809-1882). Pickwick Papers, one of his famous composers who wrote a Darwin is rightly lauded for most successful novels. number of popular works such his hugely influential work The In 1994 the £50 note was reas his , which revo- designed and a new figure ap- Pomp and Circumstance Origin of Species pears on the reverse, Sir John marches, including Land of lutionised scientific thought and Houblon (1632-1712), the Bank Hope and Glory, played and propelled Darwin into the fore- of England’s first Governor. sung every year at the Last front of top-ranking scientists. Arguably the least well-known Night of the Proms at the Royal It was, however, a controversial historical figure to appear on Albert Hall. He made his name book in its day and even today their banknotes, he is also one of the longer lasting, only bow- ing out after some 20 years. George Stephenson - He appears alongside an image pictured with of his house in Threadneedle his steam Street on the site of which the locomotive Bank itself was later located. The Rocket In 1999 it was decided to which ushered in the railway replace the £20 note once age again, the new design prompted perhaps by the increasing occurrence of attempts to

Sir Edward Elgar - one of Britain best-loved composers whose music is always played at the Last Night of the Prom

Michael Faraday – a scientist whose speciality was electromagnetism and who started the annual Christmas Lectures at the Royal Institution

20 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Historical Figures On Bank Of England Banknotes

its conclusions are challenged century philanthropist and penal the father of modern econom- by some. Indeed, the Bank had reformer, a Quaker born into ics whose work The Wealth previously thought his inclusion the Gurney banking family who of Nations argued in favour to be ‘inappropriate’. Darwin’s were one of several Quaker of free trade and the division luxuriant beard is said to have families whose banks were of labour – thus providing a influenced the choice of his por- merged to create today’s Bar- theoretical basis for the modern trait given the apparent difficulty clays Bank. Her husband was industrial factory system. There it presented to the banknote a member of the Fry family who is no sign of any of the Scottish engravers – and thus to po- founded the J S Fry chocolate banks wishing to reciprocate by tential forgers. This consider- and confectionary business. putting an Englishman on one ation does not appear to have In 2007, yet another £20 of their notes, and indeed the worked against the almost bald note was issued following a Clydesdale Bank could rightfully and clean-shaven Churchill. further re-design of the note. accuse the Bank of England In 2002 Elizabeth Fry The new £20 featured the first of pinching their idea – Adam (1780-1845) was selected to Scot to appear on an English Smith featured on their £50 grace the reverse of a new £5 note, Adam Smith (1723-1790). notes from 1981 to 2009. note. She was a prominent 19th Smith is considered by many as In 2011 there was another first, in that two figures were selected to appear together on the reverse of the new £50 note, Matthew Boulton (1718- 1809) and James Watt (1736- 1819). Their claim to fame was their collaboration in the devel-

Sir John Houblon - the ﬁ rst Governor of the Bank of England and possibly the least well known of all the ﬁ gures

Charles Dickens - still a hugely popular author showing a scene from The Pickwick Papers

Magazine · Autumn 2017 21 Special Feature XXXXXXXXXXXX

opment of the steam engines which were used to power many of the factories of the Vic- torian industrial revolution. They also established a coin mint in Soho, near Birmingham which supplied the Royal Mint, as well as many foreign governments.

The choice early in 2013 of Elizabeth Fry - a prominent 19th century philanthropist and penal reformer Sir Winston Churchill (1874- 1965) to go on the Bank’s first polymer £5 note proved somewhat controversial despite the towering role he played in leading the UK through the dark days of the Second World War. A feminist campaign group threatened legal action under the Equality Act, insisting that the Bank reconsider its decision and choose another female figure. The Bank initially resisted this but the campaign grew quickly and after a brief period of reflection the Bank decided that engagement and co-operation was a better way forward. It helped considerably that they Charles Darwin - whose book On the Origin of Species revolutionized scientiﬁ c thinking already had one female figure on the shortlist of four for the humous engraving, attributed, selection panel to guide them new polymer £10 note and in possibly wrongly, to the famous on future choices of historical June 2013 the outgoing Gover- Scottish engraver William Home figures. Clearly they wanted to nor Sir Mervyn King announced Lizars. The engraving was itself avoid making the same mis- that Jane Austen (1775-1817) based on a posthumous portrait take again! The new selection had been “quietly waiting in by James Andrews painted process involved the appoint- the wings” and was one of the in 1869, some years after the ment of outside specialists figures they had been consid- author’s death. The choice of sitting with Bank officials on an ering. The new Governor, Mark Jane Austen was applauded by advisory committee. The per- Carney, confirmed the choice her many fans – her remarkable manent external members of the soon after (though it would have books are still being filmed or Banknote Character Advisory been difficult for him not to!). serialised on television. Committee, who accompany The polymer £10 note is One result of the furore over Ben Broadbent (Deputy Gov- finally expected to be released the replacement of Elizabeth ernor for Monetary Policy) and in September 2017. The portrait Fry was that the Bank set up a Victoria Cleland (Chief Cashier) on the note is based on a post-

22 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Historical Figures On Bank Of England Banknotes

are Professor Sir David Canna- historical figure from the visual (it always was and will remain dine, a leading British historian, arts for the new £20 note. The the Governor’s decision) the Sandy Nairne, former Director issue was then opened up to Committee was supplemented of the National Portrait Gallery the general public and sugges- by three new members, Alice and Baroness Lola Young, an tions were invited for a repre- Rawsthorn, Andrew Graham experienced writer and broad- sentative figure. Almost 30,000 Dixon and John Akomfrah, caster. They were chosen for people responded suggesting whose specialised knowledge their breadth of knowledge 590 different names (the whole of the visual arts helped draw across a range of areas, includ- list can be found on the Bank’s up the shortlist. ing history and the arts. website). For the process of In fact there was a long list The first decision made deciding which of these many of 67 names (all on the Bank’s by the core members of the names were to be shortlisted website) from which the final Committee was to choose a for the Governor’s final decision shortlist of five was selected. The five were Joseph Mallord William Turner, Barbara Hep- worth, Charlie Chaplin, Josiah Wedgwood and William Hoga- rth. During this process, stake- holders in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland were all consulted, given that the Bank, despite its name, is the central bank for the whole of the UK and its notes are used in all four of the home nations. Finally the decision was made and it was announced on 22nd April 2016 that J M W Turner (1775-1851) would appear on the polymer £20 note, due to be released by 2020. Adam Smith - the father of modern economics and the ﬁ rst Scot to appear on an English banknote

Matthew Boulton and James Watt - they collaborated on the development of the steam engine, so powering the Industrial Revolution

Magazine · Autumn 2017 23 Special Feature

The reverse of the note will include Turner’s self-portrait, painted c.1799 and currently on display in the Tate Britain, alongside an extract of one of his most lauded paintings, The Fighting Temeraire, a tribute to the ship HMS Temeraire which played a distinguished role in Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. The quote ‘Light is therefore colour’ will appear, these words coming JMW Turner - an artist known for his seascapes and his from an 1818 lecture by Turner innovative use of light, shade, colour and tone referring to his innovative use of light, shade, colour and tone in his pictures. Who might come next? According to the Bank it will probably be quite some time before they need to start another selection process, so they remain open-minded on which field of endeavour might be selected, never mind which figure might eventually go on the next new note. It is not even clear which note will be the next to be replaced as they appear to be in no hurry to replace the Boulton/Watt £50 note, given low issue volumes. It may be Sir Winston Churchill - Britain’s wartime Prime Minister a long time before this article who proved to be a controversial choice needs any further updating. Acknowledgement Many thanks to Pam West for providing some of the illustrations and allowing me to draw on information contained in her catalogue English Paper Money. This article is an updated and extended version of one which appeared in Coin News in Au- gust 2013 ALL IMAGES ARE “COPY- RIGHT THE GOVERNOR AND COMPANY OF THE BANK OF ENGLAND” Jane Austen - the writer who has been ‘quietly waiting in the wings' and whose books are still being ﬁ lmed and serialised on television

24 Magazine · Autumn 2017 WANTED Choice Collections and Individual Items The Celebrated Petition Crown

CHARLES II PETITION CROWN 1663 (the celebrated ‘Petition Crown’) by Thomas Simon. Obv large medallic laureate bust of the King facing right with Simon in script below bust. The portrait fully frosted, the legend inely edged with frosting within, all surrounded with a heavy toothed border. Rev four crowned ornate shields, between the interlinked Cs and St George and dragon in garter in centre. The shields, Cs and legend inely edged with frosting within all surrounded by a heavy toothed border.

The edge inscribed – THOMAS SIMON.MOST.HVMBLY.PRAYS.YOVR MAJESTY TO.COMPARE.THIS.HIS.TRYALL.PIECE.WITH.THE.DVTCH.AND.IM.MORE/TRVLY.DRAWN.& EMBOSS’D.MORE.GRACE:FVLLY.ORDER’D.AND.MORE.ACCVRATELY.ENGRAVEN.TO.RELIEVE.HIM. in two lines between palm and laurel leaves. ProvenanceP – Bought ‘for a tri le’ by the dealer Abraham Edwards from a silversmith in the Strand and ex T. Dimsdale, Sotheby 18/6/1824, Lot 1788 T. Thomas, Sotheby 23/2/1844,i Lot 387 J.D. Cuff, Sotheby 8/6/1854, Lot 1373 Major-General W. Yorks Moore, Sotheby 21/4/1879, Lot 255 The Hon. R. Marsham, Sotheby 19/11/1888, Lot 731 A.D. Clarke, Christies 15/6/1891, Lot 364 H. Webb, Sotheby 9/7/1894, Lot 692 R.M. Forster, Sotheby 3/11/1903, Lot 243 B. Roth Pt. 1, Sotheby 19/7/1917, Lot 348 Col. T.G. Taylor E.H. Wheeler, Sotheby 12/3/1930, Lot 500 W.L. Raynes Coll’ bought Spink December 1962 Norweb Coll’, Spink 45, 13/6/1985, Lot 223 PerleyP Storer, Spink III, 21/11/1995, Lot 101 St. James’s Auction 18/6/2008, Lot 333

A little rubbing in ield before face (in antiquity) otherwise a magni icent example of this great rarity, perhaps the most spectacular and desirable coin in the entire British series. i Deeply toned and Extremely Fine: £585,000

Born from the competing parties of Jan Roettier and Thomas Simon vying for the King’s favour to produce the gold and silver coins for currency. Roettier having been successful prompted Simon to produce this crown with the edge inscription being a petition to the King to relieve Roettier of his post and reinstate himself. For appointments in London or my latest circular, please contact me at Old Granary Antiques Centre, Kings Staithe Lane, King’s Lynn, Norfolk, England PE 30 ILZ Tel: (+44 ) 1553 670 833 | Email: [email protected] Check out my website: roderickrichardson.com

Forthcoming Events

THE TISBURY COLLECTION OF COMMONWEALTH SILVER COINAGE

London, 26 September 2017

By Robert Parkinson A rare 1649 crown variety with a wire-line inner border

Spink is delighted to be auctioning the first instalment conjoined shields of St. George and Ireland (leading of arguably the finest collection of Commonwealth to Samuel Pepys dubbing them “Harp and Cross silver coinage in private hands in its upcoming London money”) with legends in English rather than Latin, sale on 26th September 2017. From 1649-60, it is reading ‘THE COMMONWEALTH OF ENGLAND’, and recorded that £750,000 worth of this coinage was ‘GOD WITH VS’. produced, but after the restoration of the monarchy Even though the design transition was fairly rapid, in 1660, it was demonetised and all but £100,000 coin production began in very limited numbers, recovered and melted down. As a result, these coins meaning that those minted in 1649 are scarce while are comparatively scarce and desirable, famous for the no silver coinage whatsoever is recorded to have conspicuous absence of a monarch and the fact that been produced in 1650. It is impressive thus that this entirely English legends instead of Latin are used. collection includes six coins of 1649, consisting of two This collection amounts to nearly £11 in period extremely rare 1649 crowns, a halfcrown, two shillings currency through every denomination from crown and a sixpence. to halfpenny. Many of the coins are the only known 1651 Patterns examples, with 38 illustrated in English Silver Coinage For many centuries English coinage had suffered (Maurice Bull, published by Spink, £40). Here follows through the unscrupulous activity of clipping, and an overview of the assemblage underpinned by towards the end of the Civil War the coinage of historical accounts. Charles I had become untidy, irregular and poorly 1649 struck, exacerbating this issue. As a result, soon after The year 1649 marked the execution of Charles I and the establishment of the Commonwealth, the Council the establishment of the Commonwealth of England. of State decided that rounder, neater coins with Parliament could no longer claim to be serving the king lettered or engrailed edges should be produced to and thus soon removed the royal arms and portrait help combat clipping. Having heard that the French from their coinage, issuing instead a new design in engineer and moneyer Peter Blondeau (operating out keeping with Puritan ideals, minimising ornamentation of the Paris mint) was famous for his milled coinage, in and any vestige of Roman Catholicism. Thomas Simon, 1649 the Committee extended an invitation to him in chief engraver to the mint, was occupied with the the hope that he could assist in introducing this more production of government seals and medals at the advanced method to England. time and so is quite likely to have delegated the design This, however, caused consternation among the for the Commonwealth coinage to his two under- moneyers of the Mint led by David Ramage, previously engravers. This would somewhat explain the simplicity assistant to Nicholas Briot (a prominent French and lack of elegance of the coinage; bearing the engraver and engineer, Chief Engraver at the Royal

26 Magazine · Autumn 2017

The Tisbury Collection

Mint from 1633 until his death in 1646) along with Thomas Simon. The moneyers believed that they too could achieve the same result and that it was merely a matter of time and expense. They therefore requested £1,000 for the equipment necessary to coin milled money ‘as fair, beautiful and cheap as any Frenchman in the world’. As a consequence, The original letter sent to Ramage requesting his patterns in May 1651 the Committee ordered both Ramage and Blondeau to produce pattern coins for trial. On 3rd July 1651 the patterns were presented before the his milled coinage, “It is faire Committee. Blondeau had to the Eye, but not safe for the produced 300 coins of a Commonwealth”. similar style to the ‘Harp and Within this collection is Cross’ hammered coins, an excellent assemblage but of a much higher quality, of patterns relevant to this engraved by Simon, with competition, including two the larger denominations halfcrowns, a shilling and bearing crisp and regular edge two sixpences produced by inscriptions. Ramage’s patterns, Blondeau, and an exceedingly featuring an angel motif with rare halfcrown and shilling the legend ‘GAVRDED WITH produced by Ramage. The ANGELES’ produced using weight of this Ramage leftover equipment by Briot and halfcrown is 19.79g, heavy for Mestrelle, numbered merely this denomination, implying it twelve halfcrowns, shillings is one of the last he produced and sixpences. Furthermore, in with a thicker flan in order to attempting to inscribe the edges improve its edge lettering. The of his coins, Ramage was forced shilling is of the same flan, to steadily increase the thickness struck by the same dies, but of his planchets, giving coins of on a thinner planchet with a inconsistent weights. Although milled edge, weighing 6.20g. initially no determination Additionally, there are three was made in favour of either curious patterns of half crowns, party, the Blondeau patterns namely a thin flan copper remained in the hands of Sir pattern produced by Blondeau, James Harrington, chairman of a 1651 hammered pattern the Committee, for nearly two attributed to Simon and an years while Ramage’s were exceptional 1651 milled pattern From top to bottom, Ramage’s pattern delivered back to the moneyers of indeterminate manufacturer half crown, Blondeau’s pattern, and the by Thomas Violet who said of and of the highest rarity. extremely rare unattributed pattern

Magazine · Autumn 2017 27 Forthcoming Events

1651-1657 Despite Blondeau’s success, the powerful Corporation of Moneyers ensured no action was taken to introduce his methods into English coin production until 1656. As a result, the Tower continued to produce hammered, lower quality coinage throughout the 1650s. This collection presents a comprehensive coverage of the period 1651-7 with 107 pieces, including many error varieties and very rare dates, such as a 1657 halfcrown of which only two are known. In addition, two 1656 half crowns in the collection appear to have been produced as proofs or patterns in collars and made to a very high quality, potentially to compete with Blondeau Rare 1659 half crown and sixpence and his Cromwell coinage of the same year. 1658-1660 On 9th November 1657, Oliver Cromwell issued a warrant ordering an assay to be made regarding the circulating Harp and Cross coinage, known as the the mint and tested them for weight and metal purity. Trial of the Pyx. This retained gold and silver coins of On the trial’s completion, the sun mint mark, universal on Commonwealth coinage, was changed to that of an anchor. The following year, 1658, Oliver Cromwell died, and was succeeded by his son Richard. Thus, those coins bearing the anchor mintmark are often associated with the protectorate of Richard Cromwell. Richard, however, was weaker-willed than his father and lacked authority. With no respect from the army or Parliament, his reign was short-lived and lasted only until 1660. Before Oliver Cromwell’s death, Blondeau had been designing a new milled coinage bearing his portrait but ceased in 1658 so the Tower went back to hammered coinage during Richard’s two-year protectorate between 1658-60. These coins were poorly produced and in very limited numbers, and as such are accordingly rare to acquire in high grades. The Tisbury collection boasts 19 coins from this short period including 11 from 1658, an exceptionally rare 1659 sixpence and halfcrown and six from 1660, the Commonwealth’s final year.

We are currently holding an exhibition of the collection in its entirety in our London showroom at 69 Southampton Row. Such an academic collection gives a once-in-a- generation opportunity to compare and contrast production style, allowing unique insight into the progression of Commonwealth coinage. Contact Robert for information The two 1656 collar-struck half crown patterns about the sale and exhibition at [email protected].

28 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Special Feature

PORTRAITS OF GREEK COINAGE Obverse Reverse TAUROMENIUM (Figure A) (Figure B)

R.J. Eaglen 4 Litrai (Drachm), c.275-210 BCE. 3.13 g (17 mm diameter), die axis 45 °. TAUROMENIUM, modern Between then and the late third Ex Spink auction, 24 Sep 2008, 4. Taormina, has the most beau- century BCE control of the city Obv. Laureate head of Apollo r., with locks of hair tiful setting of any ancient changed hands on a number and curl at neck, surrounded by a border of Greek or Roman amphitheatre. of occasions. In 358 Andro- fi ne pellets. Star in fi eld behind . Located upon a prominence machus, father of the famous Rev. Tripod resting on ground line with lion paw on the north-easterly coast of historian, Timaeus, became feet, stabilising struts and handles in the form of crosses within circles (so-called Sicily, it looks out beyond stage its tyrant with the support of tripod-lebes). Inscription TAYPOME vertically columns to the sea close to the refugees from nearby Naxos. In downwards on r. and NITAN upwards on l. toe of Italy. Beneath, a narrow, 345, when Timoleon was sent Monogram and letter I in upper left fi eld. rocky path gives access to from Corinth to remove Diony- the Isola Bella, now a nature sius II of Syracuse and other trident, did not originate at Tauromenium. reserve, while on the skyline unscrupulous tyrants in the The tripod had been associated with the inland broods the smouldering island, he landed at Tauromnium coinage of Croton in Italy from as early as outline of Mount Etna. and was prudently supported the sixth century BCE and eventually, in Although the theatre is Greek by Andromachus in fulfilling his 360, the city issued a fraction with the head in origin the extensive use of mission. When in about 316 of Apollo on the obverse to accompany the brickwork is evidence of its BCE tyranny was re-established customary Delphic tripod on the reverse. remodelling and extension in at Syracuse by Agathacles, Staters of similar design followed from 330. Roman times. The auditorium Tauromenium also came under More significantly, Apollo on the obverse now measures 117 yards in his dominion. Following his had been paired with a tripod-lebes reverse width, second in size only to assassination in 289/8 he was for 50/25 litrai denominations struck in that at Syracuse, some fifty succeeded at Tauromenium electrum at Syracuse between 357 and miles to the south. The site by a local autocrat, Tyndarion, 353 and for trihemiobols in gold between became celebrated from the who in 276 lent his support to 275 and 210. The type illustrated from Tau- nineteenth century onwards, the Molossian king, Pyrrus,in romenium clearly derives from these issues attracting Goethe and many his campaign against Rome‘s at Syracuse when Hieron II held sway in other notable visitors. D.H. Law- allies, the Carthaginians. both cities. rence made Taormina his home Subsequently, under Hieron II

Robin Eaglen has combined a busy In Celebration of Greek Coinage is a career as a lawyer in industry with readable but scholarly tribute to for two years from 1920. of Syracuse (c.271-216) by an If you enjoyed this article you IN CELEBRATION OF GREEK COINAGE other wide-ranging interests. In ancient Greek coins, its origin being 1989 he was awarded a doctorate in a thoughtful study of the author’s medieval history and numismatics own collection, acquired over the for a seminal study of the abbey and past seventeen years. Two initial mint of Bury St Edmunds, published IN CELEBRATION OF chapters relate the author’s devotion The city was established in agreement with Rome in 263 incan two volumes in 2006 readand 2014 about many other to numismatics and his thoughts on respectively. From 2008 to 2011 he Greek coins as art; these are followed served as President of the British by fifty essays inspired by coins in the Numismatic Society, and has lectured GREEK COINAGE author’s own collection, comprised of and published widely in the fields articles which mainly first appeared of ancient and medieval history and in the Spink Numismatic Circular numismatics over many years. and its magazine the Insider, revised 396 BCE by the Carthaginian, Tauromenium returned to Syr- finely illustrated coins in the and updated for this volume. The essays seek to identify the formative geographical, historical, ethnic, political, religious, cultural, artistic, social, economic and commercial Himilco, on territory occupied acusan control and remained author’s collection by order- influences behind the coins. In Celebration of Greek Coinage is valuable both for the insights it offers to existing students and collectors in the series, and for the stimulus it extends to anyone attracted by the by native Sicels. In 394-3 Dio- so until 211 when it became ing a copy of In Celebration beauty of the coins themselves and the extraordinary civilisation that created them. nysius I of Syracuse besieged designated as a federated state of Greek Coinage by Robin the settlement and in 392 (civitas foederata) of Rome. J. Eaglen from Spink (www. Robin J. Eaglen evicted the local population in The design of the coin spinkbooks.com), priced at Robin J. Eaglen R.R.P. £40 favour of his former soldiers. illustrated above, featuring a £40, plus P+P.

Magazine · Autumn 2017 29 Book Review

is a revised version of his 2014 BANS lecture on Greek IN CELEBRATION coins as art and provides us with the author’s enjoyably personal view of Greek numismatic art. OF GREEK COINAGE The rest of the book is composed of 50 chapters arranged chronologically from Lydia, Ionia and the BY ROBIN EAGLEN birth of coinage (late 7th century BCE) to Coson (c. 40s BCE), all very well illustrated with excellent photo- graphs (somewhat oddly captioned, however: instead By Alan Walker of being numbered consecutively throughout the book, each coin is lettered A,B,C,D, etc. by chapter; i.e. the two coins illustrated in Chapter 4, Aegina, are 4, obin Eaglen is a well-known figure in A&B – obverse and reverse of a turtle, and 4, C&D – British numismatics: he was President of obverse and reverse of a tortoise; to me this is very the British Numismatic Society (BNS), cumbersome). Each chapter is in the form of a short, and is responsible for a number of erudite and always interesting, essay about a coin and its mint publications on medieval English coinage (they include a major two volume work on (sometimes with parallels). The basic problem is that the accuracy of each chapter is dependent on the the coinage of Bury St Edmunds, as well as an equally R accuracy (or recentness) of the references RE used major study on the mint of Huntingdon). In many ways, to describe the coins, or RE’s own knowledge. I do RE’s interest in English coinage has always been that not think this is particularly important since it basically of a scholarly and serious collector; this is in con- does not affect the overall usefulness of the book as trast to his fascination for ancient Greek coins, which a whole. For example, in Chapter 4 the discussion of comes from sheer enjoyment! He seems to have first the reason behind the adoption of the turtle as a type been ‘reeled in’ through a purchase of a drachm of at Aegina, would have both been more accurate, and Alexander from Baldwin’s in 2000, but then was taken more intriguing, if RE had been aware of G. Welter’s in hand by David Miller and John Pett, who turned an suggestion in the 1954 AA (pp. 28-30; and cited by interest into an obsession. The ultimate result of this Ross Holloway in the 1998 RISD catalogue, p. 3), passion for Greek coins is the extremely pleasant book that the early, pre-coinage, plano-convex silver ingots under review here – it is also a monument to what from Aegina were colloquially termed ‘turtles’ from happens when an enthusiastic collector has the help of their shape; thus, when Aeginetan coinage began in knowledgeable, friendly and approachable dealers. the late second quarter of the 6th century – inspired by Before going further, let me point out how well writ- Kroisos’s initiation of pure gold and pure silver coinage ten this book is: at a time when so – the turtle type was selected to many scholarly books tend to be Robin Eaglen has combined a busy remindIn Celebration of usersGreek Coinage is ofa the pure silver in- career as a lawyer in industry with readable but scholarly tribute to IN CELEBRATION OF GREEK COINAGE other wide-ranging interests. In written in ever more impenetrable ancient Greek coins, its origin being 1989 he was awarded a doctorate in gotsa thoughtful that study of had the author’s been used as a kind medieval history and numismatics own collection, acquired over the for a seminal study of the abbey and jargon, the clarity and readability past seventeen years. Two initial mint of Bury St Edmunds, published IN CELEBRATION OF ofchapters money relate the author’s earlier. devotion This is, of course, in two volumes in 2006 and 2014 to numismatics and his thoughts on respectively. From 2008 to 2011 he of RE’s text is a joy. Even if he’s Greek coins as art; these are followed served as President of the British anby fiftyomission, essays inspired by coins not in the a mistake. Numismatic Society, and has lectured GREEK COINAGE author’s own collection, comprised of and published widely in the fields articles which mainly first appeared of ancient and medieval history and wrong, and he sometimes is, his in Actualthe Spink Numismatic mistakes Circular can often be numismatics over many years. and its magazine the Insider, revised and updated for this volume. The writing is always a pleasure to foundessays seek tobut identify theare formative seldom of any impor- geographical, historical, ethnic, political, religious, cultural, artistic, read. The book collects a series of tance.social, economic For and commercial example, here is a selec- influences behind the coins. 50 short essays that were original- tionIn Celebration of ofminor Greek Coinage isglitches: pp. 66-7, the valuable both for the insights it offers to existing students and collectors ly published in Spink’s late, lament- Athenianin the series, and for Newthe stimulus itStyle tetradrachm is extends to anyone attracted by the beauty of the coins themselves and ed Numismatic Circular, the place notthe extraordinary from civilisation164/3 that BC but 132/1 (RE created them. where so many major articles and has still used Thompson’s long dis- notes had appeared over the past proved high chronology); there is hundred years. It begins with two constant confusion, primarily in the Robin J. Eaglen introductory chapters, the first is text, between gamma and pi (as on on why RE loves coins; the second p. 106 where we see , Egi, for

R.R.P. £40 Robin J. Eaglen ΕΓΙ 30 Magazine · Autumn 2017 In Celebration of Greek Coinage

, Epi; though this is probably While I have spent some time because the original gamma pointing out faults, or perceived Dr. Walker, who has a degree in ΕΠΙ has a short right hasta) – on faults, in this book, I would Classics from the Johns Hopkins p. 135 the lower case ( ) is like to make it very clear that I University and a doctorate in Classi- used instead of the lower case really do recommend it highly. cal Archaeology from the University Ν ν ( ), etc.; on p. 203 we learn, It is highly readable, filled with of Pennsylvania, joined Nomos AG for the first time, of a decad- enthusiastic idiosyncrasies, - where he is a Director and Senior Υrachmυ from Catania; on p. 212 and illustrated by coins that are Numismatist - after 28 years with the inscription “Epiphanous invariably clear and attractive the numismatic department of Bank Dionysou” cannot be translated without being sterilely perfect Leu and its successors. He received as “illustrous Diodotos”. A mar- gems, the way they tend to be field training in archaeology in ginally more serious problem in the usual books highlight- England; later in Athens he worked, appears pp.100-102, in relation ing the artistry of Greek coins under the auspices of the American to a stater of Corinthian type (though I could have lived School of Classical Studies, on the from Anactorium. This coin, p. without the dig on Alexander’s coins from the Agora Excavations. 100, C-D, is actually the type of cheek - Chapter 35, A-B). In his years in Zürich Dr. Walker has Calciati 44 and SNG Delepierre When I was about five, the been responsible for researching 1211, and is struck from the American Life Magazine pro- and writing some of the world’s fin- same reverse die as Camman duced a series on the history est numismatic auction catalogues. 48 (= BMC Corinth p. xxxi, 11 of the Earth entitled The World = Traité IV, 174 & pl. cclxxvii, We Live In; and in September 7): pace RA, but we have – 1953 the issue was on the – on the reverse, not just , beginning of life through the and the facing head is probablyΕ R. J. Eaglen, In Celebration of Greek Dinosaurs. I seemingly got so AcheloosΠ Ι and not a Gorgon. Ε Coinage, (London, Spink, 2017). 229 pp., excited that I ran around the The snotty will find the many illustrations. Cloth, with dust jacket neighborhood showing it to constant appearance of David (£40) anyone I could catch: among Sear’s admirable Greek Coins them were the mailman and and Their Values grounds for Other books mentioned in this review (all both tut-tutting and a raised the local painter, a Glasgow available from Spink, www.spinkbooks. eyebrow, but collector-oriented Ulsterman named Jim Sloan com) are: as it is, one must never forget who used to regale me with the thrilling tale of him fishing The Abbey and Mint of Bury St Edmunds to just how useful and good those 1279 by Robin Eaglen, BNS SP £55 books are! Back in the late in a dinghy and almost being 1960s, when I dug in Fish- swamped in the wash when The Abbey and Mint of Bury St Edmunds from bourne, Portchester Castle and HMS Hood came out on one of 1279 by Robin Eaglen, BNS SP £45 her first sea trials. In the same Dorchester, Sear’s then single Greek Coins and their Values Vol 1: Europe by youthful way, though RE is no volume Roman Coins and Their David Sear, Spink, £35 Values was the one book every longer five, I can just visualize Roman archaeologist could use him button-holing everyone he Greek Coins and their Values Vol 2: Asia and to provisionally identify coins could catch at a BNS meeting, Africa by David Sear, Spink, £40 found. It is worth pointing out and excitedly telling them about Roman Coins and their Values 4th editi on by that REs bibliography consists the glories of Greek coins! Rob- David Sear, Spink, £35 primarily of books that are easily in Eaglen wrote this book so Roman Coins and their Values Vols I-V available to the interested read- that everyone could share that by er, rather than to more obscure enthusiasm: we can thank him David Sear, Spink, available individually from £45 specialist works (albeit often for doing so, and give thanks to more accurate). Spink for publishing it.

Magazine · Autumn 2017 31 Special Feature

EAST INDIA COMPANY COINS & HISTORY By Peter R Thompson

n 31st December of these when seeking markets 1600 ‘The Gover- in the East and protecting its nor and Company monopoly. of Merchants of The story of how a company London trading to of London merchants became Othe East Indies’ were granted a the vast territorial organization Royal charter giving them a mo- in India and the East which nopoly of English trade with the eventually passed to the East. A monopoly of trade was Crown in 1858 is complex and important to such an enterprise interesting and can be illus- in order to attract the large in- trated by the coins that it used vestment required and promise and issued. a reasonable return. Although For its first voyage which the grant was later extended to Portcullis eight reales cleared Woolwich in February (sometimes termed ‘eight merchants outside London and 1601 the Company supple- testerns’) struck at the interests were merged (in 1708) mented the Spanish dollars Royal Mint for the ﬁ rst to form ‘The United Company of voyage (pieces of eight reales) it Merchants of England Trading wished to take to the East with to the East Indies’ their monopoly was always important to £6000 worth of coins specially them and had to be defended. struck at the Royal Mint. These Other European nations also were at Spanish weight and had companies trading to the fineness and are known today East, England’s main rivals be- as Portcullis coins because ing the Dutch and the French, of the prominent use of that but there were other less formal device on them. These were companies like the Ostend English versions of the stan- Company and interlopers too dard trade coins of the day, who challenged the monopolies the Spanish (usually Spanish of them all. The East India Com- American) eight reales and its pany was in competition with all divisions. The Portcullis coins

32 Magazine · Autumn 2017 East India Company

were struck in four denomina- in use. Some expense was tions: eight, four, two and one involved in exchanging Span- reales but were only struck for ish coins into local currencies this first voyage. They were so the right to its own mint at not popular in the East and for Madras was very useful. Here subsequent voyages adequate the Company soon began supplies of Spanish coins were producing local pagodas and available. fanams in gold to purchase its In order to trade in eastern investments on the Coroman- ports, the Company had to del Coast of India. Before long Silver coinage introduced for internal use at Madras. acquire permission, usually Madras was also striking coins Two fanams denomination termed a ‘firman’, from the local for its own internal use in the ruler. The negotiations for these garrison and city introducing were often complicated and the silver fanam in 1689 to Madras struck rupee in Moghul style for use in involved commitments on both replace the tiny gold fanam of Bengal sides. The Company would general currency. In this way the usually seek to exclude other Company first began to influ- European traders to the port ence coinage in India. but in return may have had to By 1692 the Company had promise support for the local obtained a Moghul grant to ruler. Such support may have strike rupees at Madras which been rewarded by grants of they put into immediate effect. land, the rents of which would These were not for use in the defray the Company’s expens- region around Madras which es. In this way, the Company continued to use gold coins for first became involved in the some time. The Madras struck administration of land and rupees were for use in Moghul when it was granted the right Bengal where the Company to settle at Madras in around was developing its trade but did 1640 it was also given the right not yet have sufficient influence that any other local ruler would to be granted a mint. enjoy, to coin money in local Throughout the East the style. Company’s factors sold English While Spanish coins could goods and collected togeth- be used for buying spices and er the homeward cargoes at pepper in the eastern archi- settlements termed factories. pelago the Company soon Without these factories (the expanded its trade to the Indian first of which was set up at sub-continent and there it usu- Bantam in Java by the first ally had to convert its bullion voyage) the ships would have into local coins. In the Moghul been delayed indefinitely while

The Company’s famous areas of India (Surat, Bengal trading took place. Around star pagoda struck at and the north in general) the some of these factories quite Madras from 1740. This silver rupee was the standard large communities, like cotton Bencoolen fanam and replaced the purely local cash coins supplied by the while further south, in the weavers at Madras, grew up to Madras Mint types produced since the predominantly Hindu regions, 1640s supply the Company’s needs. In gold pagodas and fanams were Sumatra, the Company estab-

Magazine · Autumn 2017 33 Special Feature

lished a system of factories was administering vast areas subordinate to Bencoolen to of India and after the Maratha supply its pepper. As the need wars of the early 19th century for a subsidiary coinage grew could consider itself to be the among the plantations specially paramount power in India. struck fanams and cash were However complicated the supplied from the Madras Mint Company’s organization and from about 1687. affairs had become, it must be Bombay (Mumbai) came into remembered that its original the Company’s hands in 1668 purpose was to make a profit and was soon also striking from trade. The basic aim was coins for use in the garrison simply to buy goods in Asian and later for general trade. Like markets, to sell them in Europe Madras, Bombay was soon and to export as little bullion as producing coins for use else- possible in the process. Ulti- where and generally supplied mately the Company’s adminis- the needs of Company facto- trative functions became more ries on the Malabar Coast of important but they had evolved India. through a desire to protect and As the factories grew in regularize its trade and to col- economic importance their lect the revenues of the areas defence became a concern not under its control. just to the Company but to the As these developments oc- nation as well. In the mid-18th curred the British Government century, at a time when Britain took an increasing interest in and France were frequently at the Company’s affairs through war, the French attempted to the Regulating Act of 1773, the increase their influence in India India Act of 1784 and at the by involving themselves in local various Charter renewals. The politics. To counter this, the Company became little more United East India Company did than the Government’s agent the same and the era of Euro- in the administration of ‘Brit- pean led armies in India had ish India’ and, although there arrived. Greater land grants was no obvious alternative were required to support these it seemed odd that a trading armies and soon the Company company should have such was administering large tracts powers. The solution was to of land. Events in Bengal in the gradually reduce its trading role mid-18th century led in 1765 to by opening the India trade to the Company taking over the competition and at the 1833 Bombay Mint. (Top) Tin revenue collection (in effect Charter renewal The East India double pice for local use the civil administration) for the Company lost its last trading (Middle) Moghul style whole of Bengal, Bihar and monopoly (The China trade). It rupee in the name of Orissa and the Company had became an administrative orga- Muhammed Shah (1719- 1748) (bottom) Bombay already opened its own mint at nization only. The incongruity of struck ﬁ fth rupee for use Calcutta in 1757. By the end of a private company exercising on Malabar Coast the 18th century the Company rule in India on behalf of the

34 Magazine · Autumn 2017 East India Company

Government was hotly debated soon termed “Presidents”, the in Parliament where it was ac- regions under their control be- knowledged that the Company ing “Presidencies”. The rupee was ‘...the strangest of all gov- was coming into more general ernments, but it is designed for use at Madras but all three the strangest of all empires’. Presidencies were producing Outside India the Com- rupees at different weight and pany provided coins for its fineness. Administration would settlements in Sumatra, the be simpler if all of them were Java rupee for the period Bengal (Murshidabad) Malay Archipelago, Java and St on the same standard and in of British rule mohur from the Compa- Helena. Examples of these are 1806 the Directors instructed ny’s Calcutta Mint the silver two sukus struck in that they should work towards 1783/4 for use in Sumatra and this. They felt also that it was the coinage in Spanish dollar time to move away from the denominations struck for use Moghul style of coin to a more in Penang from 1787 both from European design. It took some the Calcutta Mint but there time for all three Presidencies were many others. to adjust rupees to the same The Napoleonic War brought standard and even when they Java temporarily into the had done so they were still of Company’s hands from 1811 to the old Moghul style. By 1835, 1816 and during this period the though the Company was final- Company struck a whole series ly able to produce its uniform of coins for the island in gold, British Indian rupee. It showed Tin doit 1814 silver, copper and tin. a portrait of the British king In the long voyages to the on the obverse and a mainly Fort Marlboro (Sumatra) East it was important for the English legend on the reverse, two sukus of 1784 struck ships to have secure ports of an unstated but overt assertion at Calcutta call where they could rendez- of paramountcy. This uniform vous and where stores and wa- coinage continued, with a ter could be replenished. It was change of portrait after the for this reason that the island of accession of Queen Victoria, St Helena in the South Atlantic until the handover of control to was settled in 1659. When a the Crown in 1858 had been small coinage was required for completed. the island in 1714 it was the The immediate reason for the Madras Mint that supplied it. handover to the Crown was the The only subsequent currency Indian Mutiny of 1857 which led supplied specifically to St Hel- to a fundamental reassessment ena was the halfpenny of 1821 of the Company’s government. struck by Boulton’s Soho Mint The India Act of 1858 took in Birmingham. effect on 1st September of that In India itself Madras, year and Company rule came Penang half dollar 1788 Bombay and Calcutta were to an end and the Company all producing coins in local lost its administrative function. style. The chief officials at There was naturally much busi- these major factories were ness that had to be completed

Magazine · Autumn 2017 35 Special Feature

before the Company could be in Conduit Street in central St Helena halfpenny of formally dissolved on 1st June London on 15th August 2010. 1714 struck at Madras 1874. It was the United East In- This flagship store is still the Milled halfpenny of 1821 dia Company (the result of the Company’s head office but merger of old and new interests there are now additional stores in 1708) that was dissolved at in the United Kingdon, the Mid- that time but what of the old dle East and across the world. London Company which had Initially concentrating on fine been chartered in 1600? It had foods, The East India Company of course been absorbed into Ltd soon expanded into other the United Company but had it fields - Publishing, Restaurants, ever been formally dissolved? Home Accessories, Silverware In the 1980s a group of Brit- and Bullion. This includes the ish investors thought not and production of collector coins, Bombay rupee at the new claimed the right to its name many of them issued by St uniform standard but still and armorial bearings. They Helena, which specifically cel- in the name of the Moghul Victoria rupee dated 1840 felt it would be appropriate if ebrate the history and heritage Emperor they could trade in teas as the of the original Company. original company had done. The coins we examined After some years they came above are tangible connections into contact with Mumbai-born to The East India Company of entrepreneur Sanjiv Mehta who old and to the great trade and immediately saw the potential commerce that joined East and for such a business using a West all those generations ago. name already familiar to millions The collector coins produced of people around the world. by the Company today remind In 2005 Sanjiv Mehta us, and will remind future secured all the shares in this generations, of how that came reinstated enterprise becoming about. the owner of The East India The Company’s uniform Peter Thompson’s interest rupee of 1835 bearing the Company with a right to trade in The East India Company portrait of William IV Victoria mohur dated 1841 in its name – a remarkable and its coins was inspired by twist for anyone familiar with service in the eastern trades its history. With a deep under- as a young Merchant Navy of- standing of that history Meh- If you enjoyed this article ﬁ cer and a lifelong interest in ta’s vision was to rekindle an you can read about many numismatics. He is a member awareness of what the Compa- other finely illustrated of both the Royal and British ny had once been by bringing coins in the new book by Numismatic Societies, the quality products to a discerning Paul Stevens, The Coins Oriental Numismatic Society, market as the original Compa- of the English East India the Numismatic Society of ny of Merchants had done; to Company: Presidency Ireland and the Ormskirk and establish an international luxury Series – A Catalogue West Lancashire Numismatic brand for the modern world and Price List from Spink Society and is the author of (www.spinkbooks.com), while preserving the memory The East India Company and priced at £60 hardback, and history of the company he its Coins published in 2010. £40 paperback, plus P+P. now owned. His first store was opened © Peter R Thompson 2017

Please note: All images are not to scale 36 Magazine · Autumn 2017 THE EMPIRE COLLECTION

Strictly limited to just 500 sets | 72 grams of 24 carat gold Issuing Authority: St Helena | Includes certificate of authenticity

9 beautifully crafted gold proof coins presented in an individually numbered luxury display case The Empire Collection traces the rich and intertwining history of The East India Company, the Empire and the British monarchs.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, a band of merchants created an Empire through the monopoly, privilege and power bestowed on them by the monarchs that ruled. The East India Company over almost three centuries laid the foundation of the British Empire and slowly transformed countries, tastes, cultures, currencies and commerce. It developed trade routes uniting the regal West with the exotic East.

Full set : £5995 Single coin : £745

CALL US TO RESERVE YOUR SET

+44 (0) 203 205 3380 Mon-Fri 10am - 5pm | www.theeastindiacompany.com/empire Lee’s mention in despatches Forthcoming Event certiﬁ cate

THE OFFICIAL HONOURS AND RELATED FILM AWARDS BESTOWED UPON SIR CHRISTOPHER LEE, C.B.E., C. St. J.

London, 31 October 2017 By David Erskine-Hill

At Spink we greatly value an international following based upon all manner of wonderful ‘collectables’. By way of example, in December 2013 we were pleased to offer a selection of fascinating memorabilia associated with the famous actor Bruce Lee. The auction – a popular and successful event – was held at our Hong Kong office. In one of those strange coincidences known to auction specialists, we are now delighted to announce another important auction relating to the world of film and cinema, namely a diverse and quite outstanding collection of awards relating to Sir Christopher Lee, C.B.E., C. St. J. (1922-2015). Popularly known as the ‘Prince of Horror’, Sir Christopher needs little introduction here. Apart from anything else, his career was distinguished by numerous leading roles in a spate of Hollywood blockbusters, more often than not as a ‘baddie’ in one guise or another. From Scaramanga in The Man with the Golden Gun to Count Dooku in Star Wars and Saruman the Wizard in The Lord of the Rings, he attracted an international audience of admirers. The list is endless and conjures up all manner of famous scenes, his closing – and memorable – ‘Golden Gun duel’ with Roger Moore’s Bond among them. Yet Sir Christopher’s career – embracing as it did nearly seven decades of diverse and dedicated work – commenced with an equally impressive array of roles. In terms of duels, he famously clashed broadswords with Errol Flynn in The Dark Avenger in 1955. In one take – as Flynn’s double, an Olympic sabre champion, deftly withdrew from the scene – the Hollywood star threw himself at Lee, slipped and struck him a glancing blow on his right hand: the broadsword’s

38 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Lee’s miniature dress medals

Below: Lee as an RAF Offi cer at Alexandria in 1942: ‘When the Second World War fi nished, I was 23, and already I had seen enough horror to last me a lifetime. I’d seen dreadful, dreadful things, without saying a word. So, seeing horror depicted on fi lm doesn’t affect me much.’

Lee with the ‘absolutely fabulous’ Joanna Lumley: ‘I’ve always acknowledged my debt to Hammer. I’ve always said I’m very grateful to them. They gave me this great opportunity, made me a well-known face all over the world for which I am profoundly grateful.

Lee as Lord Summerisle in The Wicker Man: ‘a marvellous part in a wonderful story’.

Left: ’Lee and Jon Belushi: ‘Chris, you are the best in the biz. John Belushi – second best.’

Furthest left: Lee with his wife Gitte and daughter Christina, Buckingham Palace, 2001.

Left: Lee and his ‘World Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to him by Mikhail Gorbachev at a ceremony in Vienna in 2003.

Magazine · Autumn 2017 39 Forthcoming Event

Lee’s ‘President’s Crystal Globe’ Award from the 43rd Karlovy Vary International Film Festival; Robert de Niro was likewise honoured on the same occasion.

blade nearly cut clean through the University of Virginia – which Lee’s little finger, which ‘bled like mapped the working relationship a fountain’. As recounted by him between 1,250,000 actors in the in his autobiography, The Lord of Internet Movie Database – he was Misrule, Flynn’s instant reaction declared the most connected actor was to exclaim ‘Oh, f---!’. His living ‘at the centre of the Hollywood bleeding opponent – stated by universe’. The Guardian to be ‘the coolest He may not have won an Oscar actor on the planet’ – responded but, as the actor Nicolas Cage with admirable restraint: ‘Quite’. once observed, that didn’t matter: And who can forget Sir because he was cool. Christopher’s role as Count And it doesn’t come much better Dracula in the Hammer Productions than that! of the 1960s or ‘70s, or for that The Event matter his chilling portrayal of the The auction will be held at Spink, pagan Lord Summerisle in the London on the evening of 31 1973 film The Wicker Man? Some October 2017 – Halloween, of film fans consider the latter as course – and will be preceded by a one of his best performances but special reception. from a personal perspective Sir The sale will comprise around 50 Christopher preferred his portrayal lots, some of them inevitably linked of Pakistan’s founder in Jinnah to Sir Christopher’s more famous (1998). roles in Star Wars and Lord of the Most of us will no doubt have Rings. Hence the inclusion of his a firm favourite and this leads to Empire Award for Scene of the Year mention of a more specialist cast in 2013 – ‘Yoda’s Duel – Star Wars of fans, among them fellow actors Episode II: Attack of the Clones’ and directors. In his introduction to – see front cover illustration. In Sir Christopher’s Lord of Misrule, the previous year he had received Peter Jackson described him as ‘an the Empire Award for ‘Lifetime icon; somebody we have grown Achievement’. up with.’ He spoke too of a life that It is the eclectic nature of was imbued with ‘more surprises, the awards – and their design laughter and human drama than – that reflects the real joy of the collection. One such is Sir could be found in any motion Christopher’s ‘World Awards’ picture film’. One surprise to many Lifetime Achievement Award, which film buffs will be that Sir Christopher was presented to him by Mikhail was also a great fan of heavy metal Gorbachev at a ceremony in Vienna and released his first ‘symphonic in 2003 – it comprises a finely cast metal’ album in 2010, followed by a bronze figure of a seated Atlas and second when he was 91! weighs in at about eight kilos. As Of friendships made with fellow its grateful recipient later recalled actors, the list is as long as it is in Lord of Misrule, it was quite a distinguished but not perhaps struggle to carry his newly acquired as lengthy as his screen credits: honour off stage: when ‘…the Pope the latter gained him an entry in received his he very wisely made no The Guinness Book of Records. effort to pick it up’. In fact, Sir Christopher held all In July 2008, Sir Christopher was manner of records within the film awarded the splendid ‘President’s world, among them ‘tallest actor Crystal Globe’ award at the 43rd in a leading role’ and ‘most films Karlovy Vary International Film with a swordfight’. In 2008, as a Festival; Robert de Niro was similarly result of software developed by honoured on the same occasion.

40 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Sir Christopher Lee, C.B.E., C. St. J.

The diversity of the collection is further reflected in awards granted for Sir Christopher’s well-known support of charitable causes. Cases in point include his UNICEF Award of 2012 and his ‘Cinema for Peace’ Award of 2014, both presented to him at ceremonies in Berlin, the latter by Angelina Jolie. In terms of overall career importance, however, high on the list is his British Film Institute Fellowship Award, presented to him by Johnny Depp in 2013. No less important are Sir Christopher’s official insignia and awards, including his Knight Bachelor’s Badge – he was knighted in 2009 – and his C.B.E. (2001), in addition to such distinctions as a Commander’s badge of the French Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (2012). His good deeds were also rewarded by his appointment to Commander of the Order of St. John (C. St. J.) in 1997. As is well known, he lent valuable service as an RAF officer in the Second World War – he was mentioned in despatches for gallant and distinguished services in 1944 – and the collection also includes his medals from this notable chapter in his life. When Peter Jackson was directing him in Lord of the Rings and trying to explain to him how he wanted him to play being stabbed, he quietly asked the director, “Have you any idea what kind of noise happens when somebody’s stabbed in the back? Because I do…” This aspect of active service – in which Sir Christopher had contact with Special Forces as a liaison officer – is one he shared with some notable British actors of his generation. One is reminded of David Niven, who saw action in Lee’s UNICEF Award of 2012 and his ‘Cinema for Normandy in 1944; Kenneth More, who braved Peace’ Award of 2014, both presented to him at the Luftwaffe off Crete in 1941 and Richard ceremonies in Berlin, the latter by Angelina Jolie. Todd, who landed on the end of a parachute near the River Orne on D-Day. Such experiences left each of them with a genuine sense of humility. It’s a rare quality. No wonder that Sir Chris topher – and they – will be held in high esteem for generations to come, or certainly by those who understand and value such qualities. Please contact David ([email protected]) or Marcus Budgen ([email protected]) for further details. For those who wish to attend the sale or receive catalogues, please contact Rita Ariete: [email protected]

Magazine · Autumn 2017 41 Special Feature

COWDRAY PARK POLO CLUB

By Edward Hilary Davis

s readers will remember, this year is the first season of Cowdray Park Polo Club that Spink has been the Sponsor. Spink has designed and produced the highly prized members’ and players’ badges. The 19th May Asaw Spink take pride of place at the club in West Sussex for the Spink Cicero Cup. Watched by Spink staff and guests from the clubhouse, a spectacular match was eventually won by Armis Snake Bite, who were awarded specially designed Spink medals – presented by Spink’s Thomasina Smith and Edward Hilary Davis. Later in the year, on July 23rd, Spink was invited to be part of one of the world’s biggest days in polo, the Cowdray Gold Cup (the Wimbledon of Polo). Despite inclement weather Spink staff eagerly manned the Spink stand in the trade-park by the pitch, showcasing upcoming auctions of all departments. As part of the relationship with Cowdray, Spink has produced a half-size gold cup – an exact copy with the dimensions halved. As with all great cups, one has to return the gold cup, however, winners and former winners of the Cup (now over sixty years old) may apply for the ‘Spink Gold Cup’ as a memento of their prodigious achievement. We look forward to having more friends of Spink at the Polo Club next season and during the rest of this one.

42 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Cowdray Park Polo Club

Magazine · Autumn 2017 43 Special Feature

NEW NOVA SCOTIA BARONET’S BADGE

his month saw the Special Commissions Department manufacture a ‘new’ Baronet’s Neck Badge. Baronets, although not they are not peers, hold the hereditary title of ‘Sir’ with the post-nominals ‘Bt’ and rank below TBarons and above knights (except for Knights of the Garter or Thistle!). Unlike English Baronets, the creation of Baronets of Nova Scotia was a scheme devised by James I and Charles I to aid in the settlement of this new colony. In exchange for a Baronetcy, Scottish Gentry were expected to support six colonists for two years and give a sizable sum towards its plantation. ‘Cash for Honours’ was acceptable in the 17th century! The first was created in 1625. Charles I gave these new baronets the right to wear a neck badge suspended by an orange tawny ribbon, consisting of a white shield with a blue saltire with an inescutcheon of the Royal Arms of Scotland, Imperially crowned and a blue and gold motto around the outside: Honestae Gloria Fax Mentis. Other Baronetcies were not granted a badge until 1929, making this one of the oldest medals in constant use in the British Order of Wear. Each one usually has the surname and territorial designation of the baronetcy engraved on the reverse. Spink is proud to be the first to produce one of these in several decades – silver gilt, hallmarked and vitreous enamel in a personalized leather presentation box. As there has never been a set or detailed specification for this badge, for nearly 400 years these decorations have been open to slight artistic embellishment. This badge was made from a photograph of our client’s predecessor’s badge. For further information please contact Edward Hilary Davis [email protected]

44 Magazine · Autumn 2017

Forthcoming Event

1890-92 PAYMASTER GENERAL’S SERVICE GREAT BRITAIN’S RAREST REVENUE

STAMPS? Robert George Windsor-Clive, 1st Earl of Plymouth, who held Revenue Stamps of the World the role between 1890-92 London, 24 October 2017 By George James “The Paymaster General’s duties, originally confi ned to the pay, etc, of the armed services, Over the course of a year Spink sells many remarkable, unique and rare lots. One set were extended in 1848 when he absorbed the of stamps coming up for sale in October’s offi ces of Paymaster of Exchequer Bills and Revenue Stamps of the world auction is Paymaster of the Civil Service. He thus became unique in that it is the first time in my career the principal paying agent of the government I have handled a set of stamps which is so rare, that extensive research had to be car- and the banker for all government departments ried out to prove the stamps are genuine — except the revenue departments and the not easy when the lot we have consigned is National Debt Offi ce. In 1872, he took over the the only recorded complete set and many of duties formerly exercised by the Accountant the current catalogue listings are erroneous or incomplete. General of the Court of Chancery.” As a result, the “Paymaster General’s Service” issue of 1890-92 is surely one of the most elusive sets of British Revenues in existence. Its story is shrouded in mystery, and in the course of my research I was surprised to discover that the history of these stamps is chequered with misinformation, guesswork and may even be tarred by a very sad story as we will see later… Who is the Paymaster General? The Paymaster General is a role which exists to this day, reporting to the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The key responsibility of the position is the payment of government staff, including the armed forces. In 1890, when these stamps were issued, it was a most important position in the British Gov- ernment, with a growing remit:

46 Magazine · Autumn 2017

The sole surviving complete set for sale in October:

1890 – 92 Paymaster General’s Service

Considering the number of employees Recorded examples and servicemen this covered, and the fact The specimen set pictured is — as far as can that the types of payments included (but be ascertained — complete, and comes from were not limited to) “salaries, contractors’ the remarkable collection of Oswald Marsh, accounts, subsidies, compensation and eminent fiscal philatelist, contemporary of payments relating to social and other Walter Morley and lifelong stamp dealer. services, and the payment of retired pay Eagle-eyed readers may notice the and pensions to offi cers of the Armed and lack of a £1 value, as reported by Forbin Civil Services including their widows and (1915) Booth (1990) and Barefoot (2010), dependants” one quickly is able to ascer- although this stamp is not given a price tain the scale of the task facing. in any of these listings. Barefoot lists this Early Reports of the Stamps value (and the £2) in brackets for “reported The first traceable record is this snippet but not seen”. Given that the £1 has been (below) which was sent to Moen’s Le given this status in every published cata- “Timbre Fiscal” (No. 205, 1891). The text logue available, and the overall quality of the in French reads, “Here is the design of the Marsh collection, it would not be a surprise Paymaster General’s Service stamp which to discover that even if the £1 was issued, was announced during the last month”. none have survived, particularly when The stamps were first re- Marsh was able to assemble the rest of the ported (in English) in Morley’s set, and did not leave a space on the page Philatelic Journal (Dec. 1906, for the ‘missing’ £1, as was standard pro- Vol. 7 pg. 93), when reporting on cedure across the rest of his collection. So, information provided by ”Messrs. it would be a truly marvellous story were a Gilbert & Kohler… fortunate pur- reader of the Insider to come forward with chasers of Judge Philbrick’s fi ne this value. collection of British fi scals”, with A friend and fellow revenue collector was Morley stating that “Besides the able to help with this article by providing stamps, some valuable informa- scans of his own two examples (pictured tion with regard to the several series of fi s- below) overprinted “Specimen”, (acquired cal stamps came into their possession and in 2009 in a mixed lot) and will no doubt this has been embodied in the present be delighted to learn that the handstamps work, rendering it an important document exactly match the Marsh set. for those philatelists who are studying the Marcus Samuel owned the 6d., 9d., £2 fi scal issues of this country” The work they and £5 values, again overprinted “Speci- are referring to is Catalogue Illustré des timbres fi scaux de Grande-Bretagne - Irlande--Ecosse. The paragraph continues, “The somewhat mysterious series of Foreign Bill stamps surcharged “Paymaster Gener- al’s Service” was supplied gratis to the Paymaster General, who previous to the issue, which seems to have been made in about 1890, had to purchase such For- eign Bill stamps as he required. This however was a matter of rare occurrence, it being stated that from 1890 to July 1892, only 40 stamps were issued to him”.

Magazine · Autumn 2017 47

Forthcoming Event

men”, which were sold (but not pictured!) The missing £5 values discovered by Peter Mansfi eld by Spink in our 2005 sale of his collection. Booth reports that “Specimen stamps are known and also several copies date cancelled in manuscript “1891” and “1892” (probably from a sample book)”, without mentioning which values he has seen. Tantalisingly he finishes, “I know of no mint examples and I have never encountered or heard of any used copies…” The Mansfi eld £5 values – a sad story? Pictured right are two £5 values, originally purchased by an Australian philatelist, who recounted a hazy memory of them coming “in a bulk lot of Foreign Bill revs I bought via Ruby Auctions in the US”, they then formed part of a swap to the late Peter lost, as they were not included in the Mansfield, who wrote about the pair in the auction of Peter’s material after his death, December 2007 Revenue Society Journal a fact confirmed by examining his archive (Vol. XVIII No.3). of scans from that sale. If any reader was Tragically Peter compared these copies lucky enough to acquire the stamps from to John Barefoot’s catalogue illustration, Peter- all available evidence points to the and despite Barefoot’s published re- fact that they are in fact genuine. sponse: “The illustration was prepared in the days before scanners. I have taken Listing Status it on trust ever since, but never found a In the same December 2007 article, Bare- better photo despite various requests at foot is quoted saying, “I’m in two minds the time of doing newer editions. Don’t whether to ‘delist’ this issue as it is really reproduce it as ‘genuine’ as it might be only a control cachet, not a denominat- an artist’s impression!!”. Peter surmised ing imprint (I think)”, and in the header to that: “After examining them in detail I came his listing he states, “It is open to debate to the conclusion that the stamps were whether they deserve catalogue status genuine, but in all probability the overprints when other precancels are not listed; how- were fake. My only yardstick for com- ever, they have been “recognised” in reve- parison was the illustration in Barefoot nue publications since the days of Forbin”. (2000). This has a well-centred overprint in To his credit, Barefoot also states that clear, unsmudged, rounded sans-serif type, they were “offi cially requisitioned and used while on Dave’s examples the overprint let- by a Government Department”, and the tering is poorly centred, of uneven quality, historical information provided at the start tall and ‘rectangular’ rather than rounded — of this article proves the sheer scale of even though, unlike the Barefoot example, administrative duties, the rationale for their it appears to have an apostrophe between issue, and an idea of the quantities issued. the “L” and “S” of “GENERAL’S”.” The Morley’s estimate of 40 issued stamps also article finished with an appeal to readers justifies the crude nature of the overprint to help solve the mystery either way. This — if it was always known that the number Article’s title? “GB - Forged Overprints”. required would be low — why spend money As a result, it seems, the stamps were and time on a typeset overprint when a

48 Magazine · Autumn 2017

1890 – 92 Paymaster General’s Service

simple handstamp will suffice? There are still many questions which need The nuance of the ‘Specimen’ overprint answering. also gives great weight to their legitimacy, • Does the 1906-07 “Catalogue Illustré des in that on most of the recorded examples timbres ﬁ scaux de Grande-Bretagne - the Specimen handstamp has been aimed Irlande--Ecosse” provide a more detailed between rows of the ‘Paymaster Gen- summary than Morley transcribed in Decem- eral’ overprint, implying that these were ber 1906? returned to the relevant bodies as Speci- mens for official reference after manufac- • Did the £1 value ever exist, and if so, are ture. Most Foreign Bills of the same type there any surviving copies? have “Specimen” applied as centrally as • Where are the missing £5 values which possible, (or at least at a consistent height/ belonged to the late Peter Mansfield? location on the stamp below the portrait). Given all the available facts, the size • And lastly, can any reader add to the ‘num- of the Government department and the bers recorded’ table below? official ‘Specimen’ overprints I see no reason why these stamps would not be Face Value Colours Mint Specimen Used given the same status as Inland Revenue, or Land Registry departmental overprints. 1d. lilac 0 2 0 Furthermore, the lack of recorded usage 2d. lilac 0 1 0 seems irrelevant when one considers that “GAOL” overprints on Ely, Gloucestershire 3d. lilac 0 2 0 and Northamptonshire issues, and early “Matrimonial Cause” issues have a similarly 6d. lilac 0 2 0 sparse record of usage. 9d. lilac 0 2 0 Continuing the Story 1/- green 0 1 0 I hope that the arguments presented here, along with the first clear scans of genuine £1 llilac 0 0 0 overprints to appear for many years lead to more examples of these extremely rare is- £2 lilac 0 2 0 sues coming out of the woodwork. They are £5 lilac 2 1 0 certainly discreet and obscure enough that it would be very easy to miss them should you not know what to look for. If Morley was Total reported: 15, plus unspecified values right, and the number provided is below 40, reported by Booth (1990) these are surely some of the most spec- If you have any answers to some of the ques- tacularly rare Great Britain Revenues ever tions posed in this article or any queries re- issued, and deserve recognition as such. garding the auction please contact GJames@ Forbin certainly believed so; putting a price spink.com of 260 Francs on the set to 1/-. For per- Thanks to the following people who assisted spective, the British South Africa Company with this article: Andrew McClellan, Dave £200 on £10 provisional (2 recorded, ap- Elsmore, Dr Mike Tanner. pearing in today’s Barefoot at £2,000) was priced at a comparatively paltry 100 francs!

Magazine · Autumn 2017 49 New Venture

Taisei monthly magazine

NEW PARTNERSHIP

Tokyo, 26 November 2017

From London to Tokyo, Spink-Taisei – a history of the international auctions that paved the way to the development of the porting the growth of the first Singapore International Coin Fair (SICF) and a few years later the instigation numismatic market in Asia. of the first international coin show in Hong Kong run by the local subsidiaries of the Taisei Stamps & Coins Spink and Taisei Coins Corporation have both recently Corporation. celebrated key milestones in their development. Spink, Together Spink and Taisei were leaders in initiating the diversified global collectables auction house is a new international auction model and in offering world enjoying its 351st year; the Japanese lead coin retailer class services to many new collectors. One of them, and auctioneer celebrated its 50th anniversary last Mr Gerry Pronk, recalled, “I made my living in aviation April. This year will see a revival of these two com- and that led me often to the Far East ... My first contact panies’ long-standing relationship from the 80s-90s, with the Asian numismatic world was the local dealer when they were jointly running auctions around the in Singapore, Mr. B.H. Lim from Taisei Stamps & Coins st world. The 21 century will see a rebirth of this strong Singapore...For me, the revival of Spink-Taisei is a great partnership. news. As a collector of Dutch colonial coins, I found The Japanese market is a particularly difficult one to the best material in the auctions, especially in the break into and this partnership will offer a unique and ones that took place in Singapore. The [first of these direct conduit into the high-end Japanese collector in] 1986 offered a lot of material in my area. In those market. It is only through Spink in association with Tai- years, I was always advised and helped by very profes- sei that vendors from around the world can access this sional and capable numismatists like Mr B.H. Lim and market, as no other non-Japanese auctioneer has ever his colleagues at Spink London. I was able to form my run local auctions in Tokyo. collection with nice and rare material at very reason- Rare coin collectors around the world will still able prices. Through the auctions, I built up a very remember the previous Spink-Taisei auctions, which personal friendship with these experts, a friendship took place from 1986 to 1993 in Singapore, Tokyo and that still exists and has enriched my life. I welcome the Hong Kong. Their auction catalogues are still sought revival of Spink-Taisei and wish you a lot of success. after and have even become key numismatic reference I am sure that collectors will find a lot of interesting works for many collectors interested in those presti- material in Tokyo.” gious provenances. But how did Spink and Taisei first join forces? Taisei This initial series of auctions were a key innovative Coins Corporation was created 50 years ago in 1967. factor in supporting the development of the Asian Headquartered in Tokyo, it expanded to Singapore and South East Asian coin markets; notably of Asian early on by creating a wholly-owned subsidiary Taisei collectors of Ancient, British, French and Chinese rare Stamps & Coins Singapore Ltd. in 1980. coins. These auctions were also major elements in sup- In the 1970s, the Japanese collectors’ coin market

50 Magazine · Autumn 2017 New Partnership

was experiencing an exponential Spink came as the right expan- growth thanks to Taisei’s efforts sion since the two companies in promoting foreign numismatics had built up a long-standing and especially in introducing the relationship”. commemorative and bullion coin- Meanwhile, the need for a live ages of various European mints international auction, offering such as the British Royal Mint rare World coins and medals, and Monnaie de Paris. In 1977 grew stronger in Japan. After a and 1978, they ran their two first auctions in Tokyo, successful Première together in Singapore followed which mainly featured Japanese coins and medals, by a few others, Spink-Taisei decided to expand their and they started developing a strong relationship with model to suit an ever-growing, sophisticated Japanese Spink in order to source prestigious, rare British and clientèle. Finally, on 3rd July 1988, Spink-Taisei jointly world coins to feed the appetite of the growing number ran the first numismatic auction in Tokyo. The catalogue of collectors. included a fine selection of Japanese, British, French, Spink’s first modern auction took place in 1977 in Prussian, Chinese, Hong Kong, US and other ancient London. This was quickly followed by an expansion into and world gold and silver coins. auctioning rare coins not only in the UK but New York, This partnership was instrumental in further cap- Zürich, Sydney and Melbourne too. By the mid-80s turing the interest of Japanese collectors for foreign Spink had held over 50 prestigious auctions over 10 coins and medals, especially British coinage. A second years. auction in Tokyo (Auction No 7) took place one year However, both markets had to wait until 4-5th April after on 2nd July 1989. Shortly after, both auction 1986 to see the first Spink-Taisei auction in Singapore houses agreed on an additional location for the group at the new Otani Hotel. By that time, Taisei’s Singapor- in Zürich, managing many auctions under the name ean subsidiary (which was created in 1980) was pur- Spink-Taisei Numismatics Ltd Zurich which gathered suing its goal of capitalizing on the South East Asian and catered to European ancient, Renaissance and numismatics market and the benefits of the geograph- vintage coin collectors. ical centrality and the modern infrastructure which In Asia, the auction consortium ran ten auctions over Singapore could offer. For Mr. Masamishi Oka, Chair- the following years in Tokyo and Singapore. When man of Taisei Stamps & Coins Co, Taisei decided to launch a new Tokyo, Japan, this auction was “to international coin show in Hong raise the standards of collecting Kong in 1990 at the Holiday Inn, in the AESAN region (...) promote Golden Mile, Kowloon the HKICC, Singapore as an international it came as a logical conclusion to auction centre for rare coins (...) involve Spink for the first inter- sincerely hoping that this auction national auction there to support will be a valuable contribution to this show. Auction 11 took place the pleasures of coin collecting”. on 5th September 1991 at the As Douglas Lidell, then Spink’s HKCS. A few more prestigious Managing Director, stated in his joint auctions followed, including opening statement of this first other partners, such as the Ameri- joint auction, “Singapore was can Ron Gillio Numismatics. bridging the gap between Japan Over the years collectors have and the West. Associating with enjoyed a very fine variety of rare

Magazine · Autumn 2017 51 New Venture

From left to right: Mr Oka, Muriel Eymery, B H Lim (Taisei Singapore owner-partner and initiator Singapore SICF show), Kenta Kutsumi – Taisei auction manager offerings from both auction houses to suit their collecting interests, among which were an extremely rare Una and the Lion gold proof coin, an extremely rare silver held by both auction houses on 26th essay 1 Tael dated Year 16 (1890) of Kang November 2017, a taster event to whet Hsu Shansi Province, a 1910 Yunnan silver collectors’ appetites, including Japanese, dollar, the famous rare 1899 specimen gold Chinese, British gold and silver rare coins Hong Kong Dollar and rare hand-painted and sets, a rare selection of French and bank trials from Thailand. Monaco gold and silver piéfort sets and the On the 21st April 1993, Spink was sold first part of the Hubert Larivière Collection to Christie’s. This, unfortunately, marked the of modern French essays, (former Chief end of a long successful partnership which Engraver of Monnaie de Paris). Banknote saw many world-class, famous collections lovers will also be able to enjoy a fine come under the hammer, such as the R.J selection of French specimen and circulat- Ford Collection of Strait Settlements and ing banknotes amongst other fine rarities. Myanmar (Burma coins), and the Amon The sales will be conducted live online Carter Collection of New Zealand and in Japanese, English and Chinese as both Indian and West Samoa banknotes. companies are dedicated to making the For corporate reasons, Christie’s auction as accessible and enjoyable for decided to cease third-party joint auctions, clients as possible. forcing Spink and Taisei to end their busi- The second major auction will take place ness relationship. Nevertheless, the two at the Tokyo International Coin Convention companies have stayed close and contin- in 2018. Taisei has been running the official ued sharing their enthusiasm for further auction of the TICC, the largest show in promoting coin collecting to the Asian Japan, for many years and we could not market and supported shows in the region have hoped for a better spectacular venue! with parallel auctions. Mr Oka, of Taisei Coins commented: “It Today both companies look forward to was the first partnership between reviving their successful history and tradi- Spink-Taisei that brought the very first tion of excellent service with the resurrec- international numismatic auction to Japan, tion of the Spink-Taisei auctions in Japan since then we have enjoyed thirty years of this November. harmonious relations with Spink to B.H. Lim of Taisei Stamps & Coins continue to bring the finest coins to Singapore Ltd. was involved with setting the market. Collectors can be reas- up the first Spink-Taisei Auction of coins, sured that when these two globally banknotes and medals in Singapore on reputable companies come together 5 April 1986. He states that he has: “… again there will be not only the welcomed this new initiative heartedly, I am finest coin auction seen for many glad that after so long, the Spink-Taisei auc- years, but the future of coin sales in tions are going to be revitalised in Tokyo. I Japan. Both vendors and buyers will am also confident that with Spink and Taisei have experienced a streamlined and Coins Corporation at the helm, collectors dynamic means to success.” all over the world can look forward to a Spink are always seeking new more vibrant market”. ways to bring high-quality material There will be a small preliminary sale to collectors and are very excited

52 Magazine · Autumn 2017 New Partnership

Hubert Larivière featured in the Taisei magazine

about the prospect suitable market, achieving optimal results of joining forces with for our customers and collectors alike. Taisei Coins for this Earlier this year, the Spink London auc- venture into the Jap- tion room saw a 1679 Charles II (1660-85) anese market. Olivier Five-Guinea piece achieve a record break- Stocker, Chairman ing £180,000 against Spink’s earlier record and CEO at Spink, from 2015 for a Charles II 1673 Five-Guin- reflected on the eas which sold for £162,000. This year venture: Spink has also seen a fantastic price for a “We are honoured territorial California gold $50 from 1852. that Taisei Coins are This stunning coin fetched an astounding working with us again $172,600 in New York. That sale also saw in the Japanese market, a great price for an Italian Joachim Murat and I hope that both Spink’s and Taisei’s (1808-1815) 1810 40 franchi which realized commitment to customer service and $91,900. The Spink office in Hong Kong providing outstanding quality material will also frequently sees great results for coins. pave the way for strong auctions with many Already this year, Spink China had the plea- happy customers. We feel very strongly sure of selling a China for Tibet, Anonymous that this partnership with Taisei is a natural (c. 1902/03), “Lukuan”(Lu Guan) Rupee for step forward in global expansion for the HK$432,000 - a wonderful result for a very company. These two initial auctions will rare coin. truly allow us to hit the ground running in Spink is confident that these auctions will the Japanese market.” lead to further strengthening the partnership Spink is well known across the globe between Spink and Son and Taisei Coins for consistently breaking records in Corporation for the benefit of Asian collec- diverse areas of coin collecting. By having tors. As well as these auctions organised a professional presence in five different by the biggest Japanese dealer, and the countries, Spink is in the unique position longest established UK dealer and auction of being able to sell material to the most house in numismatics, there are plans to extend the publishing side of the business in a joint enterprise to better service our customers. We still welcome your consignments for the Spink-Taisei April TICC show’s ofﬁ cial auction. Please contact one of our local experts or Muriel Eymery directly or at one of the many upcoming shows Spink is attending to capture this rare opportunity to sell your coins, medals and banknotes to Japanese and world clients in Tokyo. Email: [email protected] Tel: +33684030543 (EMEA) +16463442413 (USA) +85294299182 (Hong Kong)

Magazine · Autumn 2017 53 Forthcoming Event

THE BRUCE SMART COLLECTION OF COMMONWEALTH BANKNOTES PART TWO

London, 27 September 2017 The second half of the Bruce Smart Collection of British Commonwealth Banknotes is upon us at last. I know there are several collectors who have been waiting for this sale for years, and everyone here at Spink is very excited about it. This auction features Commonwealth countries beginning with letters H to Z. By chance this includes most of the Southeast Asian, and a large percentage of the British African notes. Both these regions are renowned for having climates inimica- ble to paper, so, it is no small feat that Lot 465 Bruce has managed to gather together Board of Commissioners of Currency, Malaya and British Borneo, $100, 21 March 1953, such a range of wonderful condition a superb original about uncirculated, very rare in higher grades and moreover, original, banknotes. £6,000-8,000

Lot 528 Government of Sarawak, $25, 1 July 1929, choice very ﬁ ne, and clean and very presentable example of a rare note £7,000-9,000

54 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Banknotes Auction

THE MEDICI THE LION AND COLLECTION SHAMSHIR OF ITALIAN COLLECTION BANKNOTES OF PERSIAN

London, 27 September 2017 BANKNOTES It is not often that any collection of this London, 27 September 2017 scale comes to the market, especially from an old European country. As the name im- The banknotes produced by The Imperial Bank of Per- plies, The Medici Collection comprises the sia are among the most handsome issues in the history most extensive offering of Italian banknotes of world currency. With their striking colours, often in we have ever auctioned at Spink. It in- shades of pink and green, the dignified portraits of the cludes both private banks and state issues Shahs and the fine engraving and calligraphy, these from the length and breadth of Italy, and we notes showcase the very best of Bradbury Wilkinson are sure this variety will prove attractive to and Waterlow & Sons. The series is highly collectable, collectors and researchers alike. in part due to the myriad of cities in which the notes were issued, most of which are represented here.

Lot 282 Federal Biglietti Gia Consorziale, 1000 lire, law of 1874, a presentable ﬁ ne and a very attractive and rare note. £1,800-2,200

Lot 26 Imperial Bank of Persia, 100 tomans, Yezd, 18 June 1918, ‘PAYABLE AT YEZD ONLY’, very ﬁ ne. It is believed only about 100 examples were unredeemed in the ﬁ rst half of the 20th century. Of the greatest rarity and an exceptional piece. £15,000-20,000

Magazine · Autumn 2017 55 Forthcoming Event

Lee’s mention in despatches certiﬁ cate

WORLD BANKNOTES

London, 27–29 September 2017 The World Banknote sale this September is a magnificent affair of almost 2000 lots. It includes spectacular selections from Fiji, Canada, Indone- sia, and The Netherlands and its Colonies, among others. As ever, we look forward to a lively and well-attended auction with competitive bidding.

Lot 1939 Government of Iraq, obverse and reverse die proofs for 100 dinars, 1931, good extremely ﬁ ne, exces- sively rare and a wonderful item. £20,000-25,000

Lot 2464 Spanish Philippines, El Banco Espanol Filipino de Isabel, 10 pesos, Manila, 1 January 1865, original paper still re- taining good body, thus ﬁ ne. An exceptionally rare note in fantastic condition for an early large format note. An utterly remarkable note. £8,000-12,000

56 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Banknotes Auction

CHARITY SALE OF BANK OF ENGLAND NOTES

London, 6 October 2017

A sale of low and ‘lucky’ numbers of the new polymer Bank of England £10 for the issue of 14 September 2017. All proceeds are t o be donated to the Bank of England’s three chosen charities; Bliss, Myotubular Trust and The Lily Foundation.

Bank of England, Victoria Cleland, £10 on polymer, ND (14 September 2017), orange-brown, Queen Elizabeth II at right, transparent window at left with portrait of the Queen and view of Winchester Cathedral, the latter highlighted in gold. To the right of Winchester Cathedral is a quill, which shows as orange or purple depending on angle of view. Reverse orange-brown, a portrait of Jane Austen. To her left is an illustration of Elizabeth Bennet, the central character in Pride and Prejudice. A foil silver image at left depicts Winchester Cathedral.

Magazine · Autumn 2017 57 Special Feature

STAFF PROFILE: THOMASINA SMITH

To those of you who collect Banknotes, Thomasina will be a familiar ﬁ gure. One of Spink’s youngest employees and our ﬁ rst female auctioneer in London, here she And your career path so far? tells us how her career has progressed My career at Spink started nearly four years ago when I since starting as an intern four years ago. first joined the internship scheme and was seconded to the auction team where I assisted them in the lead up Where and how did it all start? to and on auction days. My time was then split between My first involvement at Spink was when I was sixteen, the auction team and the Banknote department. and came here to gain some work experience. Time went quickly and I discovered a real interest in Coincidentally that was the same week Spink famously banknotes and continued to pursue a career in this sold the Victoria Cross group awarded to Private S.F. field. After the internship I had to formally apply for a Godley, Royal Fusiliers for £276,000. This was my first position within the company. After the application, and experience of a major London auction house and I was an interview, my position was secured after a baptism lucky enough to meet some significant collectors whose of fire when I was drafted at extremely short notice to passion was unmistakable. It was a completely new conduct part of a live auction. Heart rate through the world of which I had no experience, but I now realise roof, I stepped up to the rostrum, picked up the gavel that, even in those early days, my enthusiasm for the and the rest is history! opportunities that lay ahead had begun to form. After my work experience, I went back to school to complete and Why Banknotes? pass my A levels. On returning to school and talking to I find my job very interesting and banknotes continue my friends I realised how fortunate I had been to have to fascinate me with their function and beauty. They had the opportunity to work at Spink. are tangible objects, and I enjoy the fact that you can handle them. Everyone needs money and every Why Spink rather than university? banknote represents its country. Paper money Upon completing my A levels, I realised I had a big represents the economic, political, historical and decision to make. I already had a place at university, social development of each and every reading architecture, but I also had an opportunity to take nation, or issuer. Banknotes up an internship at Spink. None of my friends or careers are produced to the highest advice officers were aware of what this might entail, or standard of technological where it might lead. As a compromise, I decided to defer and artistic ability and my place at university and take up the internship. It was embrace complex designs during this period that I had time to reflect on my decision. to prevent forgery. I looked at the position of some of the post-graduate The Spink banknote leavers and many were simply not using their degrees or department is globally had no obvious career path. Given the additional time renowned and has an I had at Spink, and how much I was enjoying the work I international presence was doing during the internship I made the judgement of which I am proud to that this was the right career path for me. be part.

58 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Staff Proﬁ le

The most enjoyable part of your job? The highlights? I am now an integral part of the entire process - My proudest moment at Spink was taking my first from clients, to consigning, researching and from auction when I was just eighteen years old, and I was cataloguing to selling. I enjoy all aspects of my job, delighted and proud to be first female auctioneer for but the researching and the cataloguing gives me an Spink London. I have since conducted many sales insight into and knowledge of the new and rare material including setting a world record when selling a set of we offer. We never know what banknotes may be Cassa Mediterranea di Credito Per L’Egitto - a short consigned to us. In receiving old collections that have lived Egyptian series of notes produced by the Italians been cherished over many years by their owners we during the Second World War - for a total price of often discover new banknotes or rare varieties which £108,000 without our expertise would go unnoticed, but which What do you do outside work to relax? once researched and catalogued are keenly bid over in In my spare time I love to paint, visit art galleries and the auctions. museums, and to travel. I try and find anything that Do you collect? doesn’t involve banknotes but, amusingly, cannot seem I am not a collector but if I were to collect banknotes I to escape them! No matter what country I am in now, would collect any notes printed by Waterlow and Sons. I recognise landmarks, locations, people and objects Waterlow and Sons was a major worldwide printer featured on the banknotes. of banknotes, stamps, bonds and share certificates And ﬁ nally, what advice would you give to from 1810 to 1961. They played a major part in anyone wanting to get into the auction/ designing some of the most classic and beautiful British banknotes world? Commonwealth and world banknotes for over 150 I love my job and would recommend a similar career years, throughout the Victorian era and into the 20th path to anyone. My best advice to someone who wants century. In my opinion, they were the best engravers to get into the auction world is to find the specialist of all time, with a very distinctive style and exquisite area that interests you. With a genuine interest, you designs. Most notes produced by Waterlow are will find your enthusiasm growing daily and you will extremely scarce because generally the issue numbers gain knowledge quickly. Furthermore, collectors and were quite low. There were also many political and colleagues will invariably respond positively to such geographical changes in the countries and governments enthusiasm. Finally, seize opportunities you are given they were designed for, particularly South America and and create new ones where you can. With hard work colonial Africa. and time, you will create a niche for yourself. Spink’s Global Internship Spink offers paid internships throughout the year aimed at and ac curate; team players with a ﬂ exible approach and an those with an interest in collectables or looking to make a ability to communicate with people at all levels to provide career in the auction business. a high-quality service to clients. Applicants need to be Applications are now being accepted for placements of well presented along with excellent spoken and three to six months in all our departments globally. During written English. the internship. Candidates will be placed in positions which If you are interested in this opportunity. will enable them to fully experience and participate in the Please email your CV and a covering letter day-to-day workings of an international auction house. to [email protected] describing your reasons We are looking for highly organised individuals able to for applying, in particular, and as well as what work under pressure while remaining good humoured you hope to achieve from the internship. Special Feature

BRITISH HISTORICAL MEDALS OF THE 17TH CENTURY Struan Bates interviews Jerome J. Platt about his new book, recently published by Spink…

Your new book is a companion probably given to senior officers, Parliament work to one previously never having appropriated the funds to published. Tell us more... pay for a general issue of the medal to all British Historical Medals of the 17th participants, numbering about 10,000. Century: Books, Authors, Medallists, The ECW also saw the implementation Collectors and Antiquaries covers the of a practice, on both the Royalist and medallists, authors, collectors, medal Parliamentarian sides, of awarding medals dealers and booksellers associated with to individuals for acts of bravery in much the ECW period, with expanded coverage the same way as is the case for present- to include British medals 1600 - 1688. day gallantry awards. Among these early It’s a companion to our earlier work, The awards were the Royalist ‘Forlorn Hope’ English Civil Wars: Medals, Historical medals which can be identified as a military Commentary & Personalities vols. 1 and reward to individual soldiers of all ranks. (also published by Spink) which drew 2 , Preceding and during the ECW, awards of together detailed information on some money, food and drink also continued to 900 individual medals reflecting some 400 be given by commanders: one can easier subtypes of medals in private and public collections. see how a ‘Forlorn Hope’ party would particularly be grateful for the latter on the A small ‘General What were medals typically awarded evenings before (and after) an assault on a Fairfax medal’ (m.I.I 318/151; 25 x 21 for during the period? castle or other fortified position! It was during the English Civil War that mm.) Of the type An important aspect of collecting British which was awarded to the issuance of military medals came to military medals is being able to carry out Mr. John Sharpe and be more of a common practice and the research on specific recipients. This is not recently given to the present system of medals began to be British Museum. Image possible for most ECW medals, however, established. For example, medals such as courtesy the Trustees those for the battles of Edgehill and Dunbar as in almost all cases the medals were of the British Museum. were created and awarded by King Charles not named and what little paperwork I and Parliament respectively. In their existed is now gone. Luckily, a very few conception, these generally correspond award documents have survived with to our present campaign medals. While the accompanying medal and these can the Royalist medal for Edgehill was likely provide the names of the recipient. One intended for issue to senior officers and of these medals, together with the award thus may be seen to also be a continuation document signed by Sir Thomas Fairfax and of the practice of rewarding leaders, but issued to a soldier under his command — not common soldiers, the Dunbar medal identified as ‘Mr. John Sharpe’—remained in was the first medal intended for issue to the possession of the recipient’s family and all ranks as a reward for their participation in 2005 was gifted by his descendants to in that battle. Unfortunately, however, the BM’s Department of Coins and Medals. the few medals that were created were During this period, unique awards were

60 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Jerome J. Platt Interview

also created for award to individual officers: Have you any personal Capt. John Smith and Capt. William favourites? Rainsborough were two recipients of early My favorite medal, while quite rare, is an gold medals. anomaly in that it has the characteristics Were medals equally bestowed on of rarity, base metal composition, physical both Royalist and Parliamentarian unattractiveness and less than pristine sides? condition. This medal, illustrated on next Generally, the Royalists paid attention page, was likely, as was noted by Herbert to medals more so than did the Grueber in the plates volume accompanying Parliamentarians. Royal warrants were Medallic Illustrations…, “…executed as a written for several medals, including the military reward in some beleaguered place ‘Forlorn Hope’ medal, and the medals where an artist could not be found…it may awarded to Capt. John Smith and Sir have been only a badge made for some Robert Welch (or Welsh, Walsh). The persons as could not procure those of Commonwealth did catch up later silver.” A Charles I memorial when it issued a series of medals to sea medal of the kind often Which medals are rarest or most worn concealed by his commanders, including Admirals Robert prized? followers after the ECW. Blake and George Monck and a number of I mention a medal or two in the book that In silver-gilt. (M.I.I captains and other officers. Parliament also have sold in the rarified £50,000+ range: 361/235; 21 x 17.45 Mm.). Author’s collection. issued a warrant for the manufacture of a these are unique pieces connected with very expensive (£800) ‘jewel’ in precious specific events and have the provenance metals and enamels to be awarded to to support the connection. One example is General Sir Thomas Fairfax on his victory at the unique ‘Dominion of the Sea’ medal in Naseby in 1645. This jewel now resides at gold owned by Charles I and given by him Seaton Delaval Hall, Northumberland. to Bishop William Juxon a few weeks before Display of a medal could cause problems the former’s execution. This medal recently for an individual if it reflected loyalty to sold for $375,000! the ‘other side.’ For example, the wearing Another, the ‘Juxon medal,’ is actually a of a medal with the portraits of the past gold pattern five-unite coin which Charles or present sovereign (or Protector, in the I gave to Juxon while on the scaffold. Case of Cromwell) could have disastrous Here we have two very rare numismatic consequences if the particular ruler was out items with unique and historically of office! important connections to an important Thus, during the Protectorate, owners historical event. In the first case, the of medals or badges of Charles I or Prince medal was unique and remained in Charles took care to either destroy them or the unbroken possession of the Juxon to wear them in a concealed manner, while family until 2010. In the second case, the after the Restoration former Parliamentarian coin, one of two identical pieces given supporters could not be seen wearing to Juxon, had passed from Charles I to A locket or ‘funeral ‘their side’s’ medals. In the former case, Juxon, to his niece, then to prominent medalet’ in silver-gilt worn surreptitious wearing of small medals collectors and finally, after auction at by royalist supporters after the execution of bearing the portrait of Charles I, particularly Sotheby’s and Spink, to the British Charles I. In silver-gilt ‘funeral medalets,’ appears to have Museum. The price paid by the Museum (m.I.I 366/249,. 21.7 continued, these being broken out for more when the piece was acquired in 1896 was X 19.6 Mm.). Author’s public display after the Restoration. £770. collection.

Magazine · Autumn 2017 61 Jerome J. Platt Interview

The Charles I, crowned, medal in pewter, civil war period, now in the British Museum Collection (m.I.I 367/251; 39.7 X 29.7 mm.). Image courtesy Trustees of the British Museum. What originally sparked your found: I should say ‘we’ rather than ‘I’, as interest in the fi eld? my wife, whom I had caught peeking over My interest in English Civil War medals was my shoulder as I worked on my collection, part of an evolutionary progression. In 1974, soon occupied a seat at the table, and we having had an interest in British military his- became a research team. tory from a very early age, I was a collector The unique view we’ve taken in the new of British militaria – uniforms, headdresses, book is to integrate detailed information on th swords, Victorian campaign medals and ECW and 17 century medals in connec- badges – until one day I came across an tion with the historical background and ECW medal. From that moment on, I realized personages associated with them, either as that I was a medal collector – I now held in subjects, medallists, collectors, authors or my hand a piece of history, in the form of a sellers. This simply does not exist elsewhere small work of art, which could be connect- in print. ed directly to a time, place and perhaps, if I was lucky, a person who had participated British Historical Medals of the 17th in history. Of course, I had tapped into the Century: Medallists, Books, Authors, medal collector’s true passion – the story of Collectors, Booksellers & Antiquaries the man or woman behind the medal. by Jerome J Platt and Arleen Kay Platt, Soon afterwards I came across a Parlia- Published by Spink, £50 plus P&P mentarian medal for the victory at Dunbar The English Civil Wars: Medals, Historical for sale. Although unnamed, as were almost Commentary & Personalities vols. 1 and all other medals of the ECW period, it was 2, by Jerome J Platt and Arleen Kay Platt, clearly associated with a time, place and wPublished by Spink, £85 plus P&P person – Oliver Cromwell – and evocative of all that had occurred in that internecine war. Over time, as I came across other medals from the period, I became increasingly interested in the many variants that existed and I began to see these medals as very personal; it was likely, for instance, that these medals, except perhaps those to very senior officers, were worn constantly throughout a soldier’s or officer’s period of service and even his lifetime. In this regard, it is interesting that the ‘Forlorn Hope’ medal appears to have holes for sewing it to one’s jacket, jerkin, or other article of clothing. As time went on and as my collection The ‘juxon medal.’ grew, I also became interested in the Although often referred medalists who had designed and made to as a ‘medal,’ this the medal. Soon the ECW period became gold piece is actually a the single focus of my collecting. Being a pattern for a fi ve unite researcher by both inclination and profes- (fi ve pound) coin (m.I. 374/270; 38 mm.). Image sion, I began delving deeper into ECW The full interview of this Q&A session courtesy of the Trustees medals and the people connected with can be read on englishcivilwar.org. Struan of the British Museum. them, and being an academic, of course I Bates is a writer and producer. He is the began keeping copious notes of what I had editor of englishcivilwar.org.

62 Magazine · Autumn 2017 TRUST YOUR COINS AND NOTES TO THE EXPERTS

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Mohammed took from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE) saw the establishment of the Sa‘dian kingdom and the ISLAMIC COINS gradual conquest of the remainder of North Africa by the Ottomans (Ottoman coins of the region are listed & THEIR VALUES in the Ottoman chapter). The second half of the 11th century AH saw the collapse of the Sa‘dian dynasty VOLUME 2: and the beginning of that of the ‘Alawi Sharifs, who continue to rule Morocco today. THE EARLY Chapter Two covers the Arabian Peninsula and East Africa. Most of the Arabian Peninsula was under Otto- MODERN PERIOD man control during the period covered by this volume (again, Ottoman coins of the region are listed in the BY TIM WILKES Ottoman chapter). However, in the 17th century CE the Qasimids gradually took control of the Yemen from the Ottomans; their rule lasted until the mid-20th century CE. Apart from those of the Ottomans and Qasimids, his new book follows on from Islamic the only other Arabian coins of this period are a few Coins & Their Values, Volume 1: The rare issues of local rulers and some anonymous copper Mediaeval Period, which was published coins. East Africa is represented by the coinage of the by Spink in 2015. Volume 2 covers the Sultanate of Harar (in present-day Ethiopia). period from the 16th century CE up to the introduction of modern machine-made Tcoinage in the 19th century, and is a price guide to the coinage of the Islamic world from Morocco to China and Southeast Asia; 1485 different types are listed, of which approximately 550 are illustrated. This book is intended to serve as an introductory guide; suggestions for further reading are given at the beginning of each Ottoman, Osman III (1168-1171h), AV Sultani, Jaza’ir (no. 3349) section. To help readers with coin identifications, appendices are included, giving transcriptions of common Chapter Three covers the Ottoman Empire, which mint names and proper names of the period. grew from small beginnings in Turkey to include Syria, The world of Islamic coins has always been a some- the Jazira, Egypt, most of North Africa and the Arabian what neglected area of collecting. This is a shame, be- Peninsula, and at times parts of the Caucasus, Iraq, cause Islamic coins offer much to interest the collector. and Iran. For the early period (up to 1099h), coinage The amount of historical information found on an Islamic was struck at many mints, and there were a relatively coin is often greater than that found on a contemporary small number of denominations which did not vary European coin; since most Islamic coins do not depict too much from mint to mint. For the later period (from images, there is more room for text. Many Islamic coins 1099h), coinage was restricted to a small number of are aesthetically pleasing due to the artistry of the cal- mints but the number of different denominations was ligraphy and the styles and designs used. Many Islamic greatly increased and different mints, particularly those coins of the period covered by this volume were struck in North Africa, developed their own distinct coinages; in large quantities and are relatively inexpensive today; consequently, the coins of this period are listed by mint. consequently, it is possible to build a wide-ranging, representative collection even on a limited budget. The chapters are arranged geographically from west to east, so the book begins with the coinage of the kingdoms of Morocco. The 10th century AH (AH is an abbreviation used in many Western languages for “after hegira,” or its Latin form, “Anno Hegirae”. The hegira refers to a journey that Muslims believe the Prophet Safavid, Tahmasp II (1135-1145h), AV Ashraﬁ (no. 3702)

64 Magazine · Autumn 2017

Islamic Coins & Their Values, Volume 2

Chapter Four covers Iran, the the Janids. After the fall of the lim, very little of its coinage was Islamic in Caucasus, and Crimea. In the Janids most of the region was style; only coins with solely Arabic legends early 10th century AH the Safa- divided between the three ma- are included in this book. The 10th century vids conquered the Aq Qoyunlu jor Khanates of Bukhara, Khiva, AH saw the establishment of several Islam- kingdom and the western part of and Khoqand. ic kingdoms in present-day Malaysia and the remaining Timurid kingdom. Indonesia, the most important of which was In the early 12th century AH their the Sultanate of Acheh. By the 13th century supremacy was threatened, first AH Western and Chinese influences begin by the Hotaki Afghans and then to be seen in the coinage of the region; by the Afsharids. After the fall of again, only coins with solely Arabic legends the Safavids, Iran was ruled by are included. the Afsharid and Zand dynas- ties; reunification was achieved by the Qajars in the early 13th Islamic Coins & Their Values, Volume century AH. The mid-12th cen- 2: The Early Modern Period by Tim tury AH saw the establishment Wilkes, published by Spink, £40, of various minor Khanates in the available in October 2017 Caucasus region, some of which issued coins. In Crimea, the Also Islamic Coins & Their Values, Giray Khans ruled from the 9th Volume 1: The Mediaeval Period by Tim rd century AH until their eventual Mughal, Babur, 3 reign (910-937h), Wilkes, published by Spink, £40. Visit AR Shahrukhi (no. 4183) absorption into the Russian www.spinkbooks.com to order your copy. empire. Chapter Six covers India and the Maldives. Mughal rule in India was established by Babur and Humayun, but it was during the reign of Akbar that the ISLAMIC COINSISLAMIC AND THEIR VALUES empire increased dramatically

Khans of Khoqand, Sher ‘Ali (1258- in size, due to the conquest of 1260h), AV Tilla (no. 4099) the major Sultanates. A few smaller Sultanates held out Chapter Five covers Afghan- into the 11th century AH, but all istan and Central Asia. During were subsumed into the empire ISLAMIC the 11th and early 12th centuries by the end of the century. In th AH most of Afghanistan was the 12 century AH, Mughal COINS ruled by the Mughal emperors influence began to wane and AND THEIR VALUES of India. However, in the mid- power gradually passed to the VOLUME 2: th various princely states. The 12 century the weakening of THE EARLY Mughal influence in the region area directly controlled by the MODERN led to the foundation of the Mughal rulers grew smaller and PERIOD Durrani dynasty. The Durranis smaller, although they continued th were succeeded in the mid-13 to be cited on the great majority TIM WILKES century AH by the Barazkais. of princely state coins. In Central Asia, most of the Chapter Seven covers China eastern lands of the Timurid and Southeast Asia. Although empire came under the control the Xinjiang region of China had 2017 of the Shaybanids and later long been predominantly Mus-

Magazine · Autumn 2017 65 Forthcoming Events

Left: Derby Canal, one share, no. 390, dated 1793. Printed on Below: Solent vellum. The BONDS & SHARE sea Steam earliest known Packet certiﬁ cate to CERTIFICATES Company, mention the £25 share building of dated 1841, Railways in the OF THE WORLD printed by a text. Estimate local printer in £1,200-1,400. London, 29 November 2017 Lymington.

Featuring a fine collection Below: Stowmarket Navigation, share of early British Canals, certiﬁ cate dated 1792, one of only three known. Estimate £400-500. Bridges & Shipping companies, this is a good collection of Chinese Foreign bonds, the first part of an excellent collection of Western United States Railroads, and the final part of the Duppa-Miller collection of United States Gold mining companies.

Below, Right: Colorado: Fair Play- Mount Sheridan and Leadville Railway Company, a large $1000 bond, dated 1881. Only 200 issued and only a few reported to exist today. Estimate £300-400.

Left: Colorado: Silverton Railroad Co., a rare SPECIMEN bond for $1000 from the American Bank Note Company archive, dated 1888. A narrow- gauge line connecting Silverton with local mining districts 66 Magazine · Autumn 2017 Estimate £200-250. Bonds and Shares

Left: Vauxhall Bridge Company, share certiﬁ cate dated 1825 printed on thick paper. Bears an embossed copper seal at the left which is so far unique to this company. Built between 1809 and 1816 to replace a ferry to facilitate the development of the area. Replaced by the current bridge in 1906. Estimate £300-400.

Right: A very rare unissued bond of the Shanghai Nanking Railway. The loan was fully repaid and no issued ones have been seen. Ten unissued bonds were found in a branch of HSBC back in 2007 which were kept to replace lost or damaged bonds. Estimate £1,500-1,800.

Left: California: Monterey and Fresno Railroad Company, a rare issued and uncancelled $1000 bond from 1893. One of only a handful known. Estimate £150-200.

Magazine · Autumn 2017 67

Forthcoming Event

PHILATELIC COLLECTOR’S SERIES TIFLIS

London, 25–26 October 2017 By Dominic Savastano It is every philatelist’s dream to find an undiscovered had noted, “Four times as rare as the Post Office rarity in a collection. In over 50 years collecting and 40 Mauritius!” above the descriptions of the Tiflis items. years working in stamp auction houses I have made a I told the owner that this was something that needed few discoveries in my time but nothing even gets near to further research but was potentially of considerable value. my most recent find. History of Tiﬂ is The scene is Summer Stampex of 2015, and I am Tiflis (today known as Tbilisi) is the capital and largest on Spink’s stand for the Saturday shift. As always it City of Georgia. In the Middle Ages Georgia was is a pleasure to catch up with old clients, meet new a Kingdom but became divided into a number of collectors, talk about stamps and the forthcoming Princedoms in the 15th century. These were successively auctions. annexed by Russia, or conquered by her from Turkey Along comes a friendly face, a well-known and much in the years 1810-1878. After the Russian Revolution, respected client from New Zealand who pulls out a Georgia declared her independence on May 1918, stock card with two items on it and asks, “Any idea what in February it was designated a Soviet Republic and these are?”. in 1923 it was absorbed into USSR. In April 1991, it One of the items was a cut out from a Russian became an independent Republic. telegraph form of no interest or value, the other item is a Because of its location on the crossroads between rather unprepossessing white square with an embossed Europe and Asia and its proximity to the lucrative east- design. Could it be? …….. am I right? …….. surely west trade routes, throughout history Tiflis was a point not…. Oh yes it is ….. an example of the legendary of contention and rivalry between various global powers Tiflis, the first postage stamp issued in Russia in 1857. such as the Roman Empire, Parthia, Sassanid Persia, Over the years I have been privileged to handle the Arabs, the Byzantine Empire and the Seljuk Turks. The Mauritius 1847 “Post Office” 1d. and 2d. stamps, a cultural development of the city was naturally somewhat dependent on who ruled the city at various times, complete mint sheet of Great Britain £5 oranges, a although it was generally able to maintain a considerable couple of United States 1918 24c. Air Mail “inverted degree of autonomy from its conquerors. Jennies” and many other of the world’s great rarities but Various City Posts had existed in the territories of I had never had the opportunity of handling a Tiflis local. the Russian Empire since the 1830s. The first of these My knowledge of this stamp was sketchy to say was set up in St. Petersburg in 1833, being followed the least and came almost entirely from the famous by Moscow in 1845 with both of these Cities issuing Agathon Fabergé collection of Russia which was sold their own postal stationery in 1845. The Russian States at auction by H.R. Harmer in London in November issued postal stationery in 1848. 1939. Fabergé had three of them! (No doubt because The Tiflis local was the first stamp (as opposed to of his connections with the Imperial Court, since the postal stationery) to be issued In Russia. Although the intended use of the Tiflis was on mail between Tiflis and precise date of issue is not recorded, it was in mid-1857, the summer residence of the Tsar’s representative at and so certainly before the first Russian stamps were Kodzhory). In his copy of the auction catalogue Fabergé issued on 1 January 1858.

68 Magazine · Autumn 2017

Stamp Auctions

History of the stamp The Tiflis local comes from an old, partly stuck down collection in an “Oppens” album (20th Edition 1876) that THE DAVID PITTS had been bought in August 2014 in an auction in New Zealand. The owner bought the collection because it was the earliest such album he had ever seen sold locally COLLECTION, and, as such, was interesting in terms of philately in New Zealand. BERMUDA PART 2 The stamp was eventually sent to the Royal Philatelic Society of London’s Expert Committee for their opinion. London, 24 October 2017 The owner knew that other items that he had extracted from the old album had been sent to the Society in London and had been given good certificates. Chris Harman and his team of the Royal Expert Committee studied the stamp in great depth and compared it in microscopic detail with the five known genuine examples and several known forgeries. Embossed stamps are notoriously difficult to compare since they require a side-light to best see the contours of 1849 ‘Perot’ the design, however there are various parts of the design Postmaster’s of the Tiflis local that are very detailed and distinctive and provisional stamp, S.G. O2. would be practically impossible to replicate. The results of the comparison with the known genuine examples are indisputable, indeed in every respect the “Patient” was proved identical to the example from the Ex Szymanowski and Kaestlin collection which is held in the famous Smithsonian Collection in Washington D.C. The paper, which was, of course, handmade – meaning that each sheet was likely to have variable qualities was practically identical when examined by the Brucker XRF–Tracer III Spectrometer. The Royal Philatelic Society has issued a certificate of authenticity for the stamp and it is now officially the sixth recorded authentic example. The other five recorded genuine examples are: 1. Ex Fabergé, Stibbe and Mikulski 2. Ex Fabergé, Goss, Mikulski 3. Ex Fabergé, Sir John Wilson, Mikulski 4. Ex Szymanowski, Kaestlin (Now in the Smithsonian Institute, Washington D.C. 5. Ex Schmidt (Now in the Berlin Postal Museum) Spink has been instructed by the owner to offer this great world rarity in our October 25-26 Philatelic Collectors Series sale. It is our understanding that the The famous “Moncrieff” Cover, the only cover known bearing all three vendor wants to use most of the proceeds of the sale to values of the 1875 One Penny Provisional issue. support organised philately. The estimate is £70,000-£100,000.

Magazine · Autumn 2017 69

Forthcoming Event

STAMPS AND THE YEN BOON COVERS OF SOUTH SWEE LARGE GOLD EAST ASIA COLLECTION OF

Singapore, 28 October 2017 MALAYAN AIRMAILS Singapore, 28 October 2017

1911 Ross Smith England to Australia Flight via Singapore. Straits Settle- ments 1938 $100 mint block of four

Straits Settlements 1921-33 Script $100 mint

1934 (September) from Kuching to Brazil and carried on Zeppelin’s 9th South American ﬂ ight.

India 1854 4a. (4) on 1856 cover from Singapore to Hamburg

Stamp Auctions

THE CAERYNN NEWFOUNDLAND, COLLECTION OF THE PROFESSOR SILVER JUBILEE ALBERT HAMILTON STAMPS AND COLLECTION

COVERS OF GREAT London, 18 September 2017

BRITAIN AND THE 1919 (12 April) The “Hawker” Attempt, 3c. brown with large part original gum, initialled BRITISH EMPIRE “J.A.R.” on reverse, exceptionally ﬁ ne and rare.

2d. scarlet-vermilion, London, 15 November 2017 (3,000 printed) good to large margins, unused without gum. One of Great Britain 1935 Prus- the major rarities of sian Blue, unmounted Newfoundland philately. mint, an iconic rarity.

Mauritius 1919 (19 Apr.) envelope to London, marked “Per Aeroplane Ray- De La Rue mor, by kindness of Major Morgan”, bearing well-centred Caribou frame die 3c. brown (deep rich colour) with manuscript “Aerial/Atlantic/ proofs. Mail” and initialled “J.A.R.”, tied by St, John’s machine d.s. and showing London arrival c.d.s. (7.1.20) on reverse. A neat cover. Only 30 overwritten examples of the stamp were created and only 16 were believed to have been used as Martinsyde postage. Exceptionally ﬁ ne and rare.

Papua Large format Hand Painted Essay for unissued Silver Jubilee design. Outstanding.

Magazine · Autumn 2017 71 RECOMMENDED READING Forthcoming titles from Spink Books

COINS OF ENGLAND 2018

This historic reference work for British coins is still the only catalogue to feature every major coin type from Celtic to the present day, arranged in chronological order and divided into metals under each reign, then into coinages, denominations and varieties. Under Elizabeth II the decimal issues are separated from the pre-decimal coinages, with all decimal coinage since 1968 listed in a separate volume.

The catalogue includes up-to-date values for every coin, a beginner’s guide to coin collecting, numismatic terms explained and historical information about each British coin, from our earliest (Celtic) coins, Roman, Anglo-Saxon and Norman coins, the coins of the Planta- genet Kings, the Houses of Lancaster and York, the Tudors and Stuarts, to the more modern Milled coinage, minted for the ﬁrst time in 1561 during the reign of Elizabeth I. It has been newly revised and edited, and includes many improved images throughout.

From the earliest of times, coins have been used by states or monarchs to communicate with people; Coins of England is therefore not only a reference book for collectors, but a fascinating snapshot of British history, illuminating its economics, technology, art, politics and religion.

Published: 10 December 2017; RRP: £30

CATALOGUE DE TIMBRES DE FRANCE SPINK MAURY 2018

The Spink Maury Catalogue has traditionally provided the highest level of detail for the stamps and covers of France and the French colonies, with thousands of top quality illustrations and prices updated every year. It was acquired by Spink in 2015, and the editors have since endeavoured to make this the premium reference work of its kind.

The catalogue includes stamps on cover, tete-beche issues, blocks, reprints, military mail, specimens, telegraphs, oﬃcials, parcel post, booklets, essays, proofs, airmails, precancels, postage dues, imperforate issues, balloon mail, occupation issues, telephone stamps, siege mail and war stamps, and is the authoritative work for any collector of French stamps, or anyone interested in this fascinating area of philately.

The 2018 edition has been newly remade, improved and updated, and will for the ﬁrst time be presented in two volumes; it is an absolute must for all collectors of French stamps.

‘Layout‘L and coverage are sumptuous … The trite phrase “mine of information” does not begin to do justice to this immense achievement. To any collector of France beyond the el- ementary stage, this would be a bargain at twice the oﬃcial retail price … Highly recommended.’ Michael Round, Journal of the France & Colonies Philatelic Society

Published: 9 November 2017; RRP £27.50

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⌀匀倀䤀一䬀开䄀唀䌀吀䤀伀一匀圀圀圀⸀匀倀䤀一䬀⸀䌀伀䴀⌀匀倀䤀一䬀开 I S S U E • 2 8 www.spink.com Spink App • A SALE CALENDAR 2017 U STAMPS T INSIDER 18 September Newfoundland, the Professor Albert Hamilton Collection London 17038 U 19 September The Arthur Gray Collection of Australia King George VI Issues London 17037 M ISSUE 28 19 September The Windward Islands, Cayman Islands, Jamaica and The Falkland Islands - The David Pitts Collection London 17024 N 21 October The Philatelic Collector’s Series Sale Hong Kong CSS26 • 24 October Revenue Stamps of the World London 17045 2 AUTUMN 2017 24 October Bermuda Part II. - The David Pitts Collection London 17025 0 25/26 October The Philatelic Collector’s Series Sale London 17026 1 STAMPS COINS BANKNOTES MEDALS BONDS & SHARES AUTOGRAPHS BOOKS WINES 28 October The Yen Boon Swee Large Gold Collection of Malayan Airmails Singapore 17044 7 28 October Stamps and Covers of South East Asia Singapore 17023 15 November The Caerynn Collection of Silver Jubilee Stamps and Covers of Great Britain and the British Empire London 17046 6/7 December The Philatelic Collector’s Series Sale New York 163 7 December Brazil: The “Inclinados” Issue on “Bull’s Eye” Paper New York 164 7 December Rarities of Classic Russian Philately New York 165 T COINS 25/26 September Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals London 17006 H 30/31 October The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 1 November The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 E 26 November Spink x Taisei – Tokyo International Numismatic Auction Tokyo 4 - 14 December The Numismatic Timed Auction New York 337 6/7 December Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals London 17007 S P BANKNOTES 27 September The Shamshir and Lion Collection of Persian Banknotes London 17040 I 27 September The Medici Collection of Italian Banknotes London 17034 27 September The Bruce Smart Collection of British Commonwealth – Part Two London 17035 N 27/28/29 September World Banknotes London 17009 K 6 October The Professor Iain Stevenson Collection and other British Banknotes London 17043 6 October Charity Auction of Bank of England Notes London 17039 10 October Charity Auction of Scottish Polymer £10 Notes London 17042 I 30/31 October The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 1 November The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 N 4 - 14 December The Numismatic Timed Auction New York 337 S MEDALS I 31 October The Offi cial Honours and Related Flm Awards Bestowed upon Sir Christopher Lee, C.B.E., C. St. J. London 17047 30/31 October The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 D 1 November The Numismatic Collector’s Series Sale New York 336 E 4 - 14 December The Numismatic Timed Auction New York 337 5 December Orders, Decorations and Medals London 17003 R BONDS & SHARES 29 November Bonds and Share Certifi cates of the World London 17017 M 4 - 14 December The Numismatic Timed Auction New York 337 A AUTOGRAPHS 31 October The Offi cial Honours and Related Flm Awards Bestowed upon Sir Christopher Lee, C.B.E., C. St. J. London 17047 G WINES A 4 October An Evening of Fine and Rare Whiskies Hong Kong SFW25 Z I The above sale dates are subject to change. ______N Spink offers the following services: E Valuation for insurance and probate for individual items or whole collections. Sales on a commission basis either of individual pieces or whole collections.

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