British History in the Palm of Your Hand: Cope Collection of Coins Unveiled for Auction

The Cope Collection of Roman and British coins includes rare and significant examples representing key moments in British history. Consisting of approximately 1,000 coins, the collection was amassed by numismatist Geoffrey Cope and will be sold through a collaboration between Numismatica Ars Classica, Classical Numismatic Group, and Numismatica Genevensis. Highlights include a Roman sestertius depicting Hadrian's Wall, a Henry VIII testoon representing the Great Debasement, and a Petition Crown of Charles II.

Unveiling the Cope Collection: A Treasure Trove of British History Coins

For the first time in history, the illustrious Cope Collection of rare and historically significant Roman and British coins will be auctioned in two installments, one in May and the other in October. This extraordinary dispersal, spanning over half a century of meticulous acquisition by numismatist Geoffrey Cope, represents a pivotal chapter in British numismatic history.

The Collection's Significance

The Cope Collection, encompassing an astonishing 1,000 coins, offers an unparalleled chronicle of coin production throughout the annals of British history. Each coin, a captivating miniature artwork, carries centuries of captivating history within its intricate designs.

"This sale represents one of the most significant dispersals of British coins in decades," declared David Guest, director of the Classical Numismatic Group. "It encompasses coins from every era of British coinage, providing a comprehensive overview of this nation's monetary heritage."

Roman Splendors

Among the 170 Roman coins, a captivating bronze sestertius of Emperor Hadrian stands out. Struck in 130 C.E., just after the completion of Hadrian's Wall, this coin bears witness to one of the most ambitious Roman engineering feats in British history. The obverse portrays Hadrian's regal likeness, while the reverse depicts the emperor addressing his legions, a symbol of the Empire's military prowess.

Tudor Transformations

The collection also boasts a remarkable selection of British coins, including a 1544 testoon (shilling) of Henry VIII. This exceptional coin, crafted from Henry's portrait by Hans Holbein the Younger, captures a pivotal moment in Tudor history: the Great Debasement. Driven by financial necessity, the treasury adulterated its silver coinage with cheaper metals, marking a significant turning point in British monetary policy.

Cope spent years searching for the finest example of this coin, and he finally acquired the one presented in this collection, considered the most pristine known to exist.

A Numismatic Marvel

Undoubtedly, one of the most captivating coins is the "numismatic marvel" Petition Crown of Charles II, struck in 1663. This exquisite piece, crafted by the celebrated medallist Thomas Simon, was a supplication to the King to reinstate Simon as the sole chief engraver of The Royal Mint. Its intricate details, including visible veins on the King's neck, attest to Simon's unparalleled artistry.

Preservation and Provenance

Remarkably, the coins in the Cope Collection have been preserved in an exceptional state, with many considered the finest known examples in existence. This pristine condition not only enhances their aesthetic appeal but also underscores their historical value.

"The Cope Collection is truly exceptional, housing some of the finest specimens of Roman and British coinage," remarked Arturo Russo, director of Numismatica Ars Classica. "These coins are extraordinary not only for their artistic representations of pivotal historical events but also for their impeccable provenance."

Collaboration and Auction

This historic sale will be conducted in two installments, with the first taking place in Zurich in May and the second scheduled for October. The auction is a collaborative effort between the coin firms Numismatica Ars Classica, Classical Numismatic Group, and Numismatica Genevensis.

Collectors, enthusiasts, and historians alike eagerly anticipate this unprecedented opportunity to acquire a piece of British history, embodied in these exquisite and historically significant coins.