Exceptional British Coins Expected to Fetch Millions at Auction

An extremely rare and valuable British coin, the Petition Crown of King Charles II, will be auctioned soon, with an estimated value of up to $750,000. This ultra-rate coin, minted in 1663, is part of the Cope collection, a collection of British and Roman coins to be auctioned in two lots in May and October. The Petition Crown is one of only sixteen in existence and is considered a masterpiece, featuring a detailed portrait of King Charles II and an inscription petitioning the King to reinstate Thomas Simon as the sole chief engraver at the Royal Mint.

Exceptional British Coins to Be Auctioned for Multimillion-Dollar Figures

A remarkably rare and valuable British coin, the Petition Crown of King Charles II, is set to be auctioned, with an estimated value of up to $750,000 (£595,000). This exceptional coin forms part of an impressive collection of British and Roman coins that will be offered for auction in two lots in Zurich on May 8th and October.

The Intricate History of the Petition Crown

The Petition Crown, minted in 1663, is one of only 16 known examples. It was created by renowned medallist and coin designer Thomas Simon to petition King Charles II for the reinstatement of his position as sole chief engraver at the Royal Mint. The design of the coin incorporates a message around its edge, a plea to the King to compare the quality of Simon's work to that of the Flemish brothers who had previously designed coins for the Mint.

The coin's extraordinary craftsmanship is evident in its detailed portrait of King Charles II, capturing even the subtle veins on the monarch's neck. Its historical significance and artistic merit have made it a highly sought-after collector's item. Records indicate its sale in 1742 for £20, equivalent to approximately £3,600 today. In recent years, similar Petition Crowns have been sold for substantial sums: £207,100 in 2007, $649,000 in 2018, and $960,000 in 2023, hinting at the potential value of this particular example.

Other Notable Coins in the Collection

Alongside the Petition Crown, the auction will feature several other noteworthy coins from the Cope collection. The Oxford Crown, minted in 1644, depicts King Charles I during the English Civil War and is estimated to fetch around £132,400. Only eleven original Oxford Crowns are known to exist, with eight held in museum collections.

Another highly sought-after coin is the King Henry VIII Testoon, minted in 1544. This coin showcases a striking portrait of the Tudor monarch and represents a pivotal moment in his reign when financial constraints forced the introduction of cheaper metals into coins. The Testoon in the Cope collection is considered the finest known and is expected to attract bids in the region of £35,300.

Expert Insights and Market Significance

The sale of the Cope collection marks a significant event in the numismatic world, offering collectors and investors an opportunity to acquire rare and valuable British coins. David Guest, director of Classical Numismatic Group, emphasizes the exceptional nature of the collection, stating that "every era of coin production in the British Isles is represented."

Numismatica Ars Classica, auctioneers managing the sale, notes that the Petition Crown "has developed a mythic status amongst numismatists and coin collectors for its sheer artistry." The rarity and historical importance of this coin, coupled with the strong demand for exceptional numismatic pieces, point towards a potential sale price exceeding $1 million.

This auction highlights the enduring fascination with British numismatics and the continued appreciation for coins that embody craftsmanship, historical significance, and rarity. Collectors and investors alike eagerly anticipate the opportunity to acquire these exceptional items and add them to their coveted collections.