A Congressional Gold Medal sold for £180,000, alongside other rare coin news and finds. Get the latest insights into rare coin collecting and auctions.
Rare Coin Auction: Congressional Gold Medal Fetches £180,000!
The rare coin market is buzzing! A Congressional Gold Medal awarded to Lieutenant Robert Henley commanded a staggering £180,000 at a recent auction, exceeding estimates. This highlights the enduring appeal and potential value lurking within the world of numismatics.
A Medal of Honor and High Value
Noonans Mayfair hosted the auction on September 19th, where the Congressional Gold Medal, presented to Lt. Henley after the Battle of Lake Champlain, soared past its initial estimate of £40,000-50,000. According to Nimrod Dix, Deputy Chairman of Noonans, this medal represents a unique piece of Anglo-American history, one of only a few Congressional gold and silver naval medals known.
Other Notable Finds
The auction also featured a silver medal awarded to Captain Isaac Hull, which fetched £46,000 against an estimate of £12,000-15,000. An early oak tree shilling from Boston, dating back to 1652, sold for £44,000. These sales prove that rare coins and medals continue to be highly sought after by collectors.
The Allure of Rare Coins
What makes a coin valuable? Rarity, historical significance, and condition all play crucial roles. As seen in the Stack’s Bowers Galleries announcement, selections from the James A. Stack, Sr. Collection are projected to bring upwards of $20 million, with several individual pieces valued in excess of $1 million each. These coins have been off the market since 1951, adding to their mystique and desirability.
TikTok and Treasure: Modern Coin Hunting
You don't always need to bid at high-profile auctions to find valuable coins. Social media is changing the game. TikTok user @CoinCollectingWizard has amassed a large following by highlighting rare £1 coins and minting errors that could be hiding in your loose change. One example is a 2016 £1 coin which requires a magnifying glass to spot this particular error, some of these coins were minted with the wrong engraving of 2017 making this super rare and valuable to coin collectors. This makes coin collecting accessible and exciting for a new generation.
A Personal Thought
It's fascinating how a small piece of metal can hold so much history and value. Whether it's a Congressional Gold Medal or a misprinted £1 coin, these items connect us to the past and offer a glimpse into different eras. The fact that everyday people can potentially discover valuable coins in their spare change adds an element of surprise and excitement to the hobby.
Looking Ahead
The world of rare coins is dynamic and full of surprises. With auctions fetching high prices and social media making coin hunting more accessible, there's never been a better time to explore this fascinating hobby. Keep an eye out for those hidden treasures – you never know what you might find! Who knows, maybe that old penny in your pocket is worth more than you think!
