Unearthing rare gold coins, from Charles II five guineas to Kew Gardens 50ps, and the intriguing stories they tell. Plus, Zimbabwe's gold coin program halt.
Gold Coin, Rare, Horses: A Numismatic Roundup
From a hidden Charles II five guinea piece, once worth a Rolls Royce of horses, to Zimbabwe's gold coin woes, the world of rare coins is always turning. Let's dive in!
A King's Ransom: The Charles II Five Guinea Find
Imagine sifting through an old coin cabinet and stumbling upon a rare Charles II five guinea piece! That's exactly what happened during a recent valuation at Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's in London. This particular coin, dated 1684, is especially significant as one of the last ever minted featuring Charles II, with fewer than 40 known examples. It's expected to fetch between £5,000 and £6,000 at auction.
The anonymous owner from Suffolk recounted how the coin was part of his late father's collection, a "jewel" he thought was lost. He remarked that when minted, this coin could have bought you a "very good horse, almost a Rolls Royce of horses!" The coin itself depicts the king with a laureate on his head and an elephant below, symbolizing the West African gold from which it was made. The name "Guinea" also reflects the gold's initial source.
Zimbabwe's Gold Coin Gambit Stalls
In stark contrast to finding a piece of history, Zimbabwe's experiment with gold coins as an economic stabilizer seems to be faltering. The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) abruptly suspended gold coin sales in June 2025, a move interpreted by many as a sign of panic amidst economic turmoil. The coins were initially touted as a hedge against inflation, but their suspension raises concerns about the country's monetary strategy and investor confidence.
Critics argue that the suspension, coupled with the ongoing halt of minting, suggests the RBZ is running out of options. While the RBZ assures the public that existing coins remain tradeable, the move fuels fears of policy instability. Only time will tell if Zimbabwe can find a stable economic path forward.
The Hunt for Hidden Treasure: Rare 50p Pieces
While gold guineas and economic policies grab headlines, don't forget the everyday treasure hunt happening in your own pocket! Rare 50p pieces, like the Kew Gardens 50p, can be worth hundreds of pounds to keen collectors. With only 210,000 in circulation, these coins are highly sought after.
Launched in 2009 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Gardens, the Kew Gardens 50p features a Chinese pagoda building. One sold for £205 in 2023! Coin experts recommend checking for the designer's initials (IRB) under the Queen's neck and advise getting bags of 50ps from the Post Office or bank to increase your chances of finding one.
Final Thoughts: Keep Your Eyes Peeled!
Whether you're unearthing a centuries-old guinea or spotting a rare 50p in your change, the world of coins is full of surprises. So, keep your eyes peeled, your wallets ready, and who knows? You might just strike gold (or at least a valuable piece of change!).
