Rare Gold Pattern Coins Emerge from Historic Collection for Plymouth Auction

Two rare and significant gold pattern coins, bearing the dates 1788 and 1791, have recently come to light from an important private collection and are to be offered for sale at Plymouth Auction Rooms on Tuesday 1 December.

The discovery has a fascinating connection to one of the saleroom's most memorable auctions, held more than eighteen years ago.

In April 2008, Plymouth Auction Rooms offered 68 lots from the Evan Roberts Collection, an exceptional group of gold coins with provenance to the celebrated John Gloag Murdoch Collection, dispersed by Sotheby’s in London in March 1904. The sale attracted considerable interest from specialist collectors and realised approximately £330,000.

However, two remarkable coins remained with the family and have now come to light. They will be offered at auction in Plymouth for the first time.

Given their association with the original collection, it is considered highly likely that these two examples also share the distinguished Murdoch provenance.

Both coins are gold pattern halfpenny restrikes attributed to William Joseph Taylor, a nineteenth-century die-sinker and medallist. Bearing dates from the reign of George III, they feature portraits of the King and differing representations of Britannia. These unusual gold pieces were produced for collectors rather than everyday circulation.

Their rarity, unusual designs and association with such an important historic collection make their appearance at auction particularly noteworthy.

The coins will be offered as Lots 100 and 101 in the Antiques & Collectables Auction on Tuesday 1 December at Plymouth Auction Rooms, Faraday Mill, Plymouth, and are expected to sell for several thousand pounds.

Further information is available on 01752 254740 or visiting www.plymouthauctions.co.uk.