SPINK SELLS RICHARD III COIN FOUND NEAR BATTLEFIELD

A gold coin discovered near the site of the famous Battle of Bosworth in Leicestershire, bearing Richard III’s personal emblem of the boar, has sold for £36,000 to a private collector, against a pre-sale estimate of £12-15,000 at Spink in London. It went under the hammer in Spink’s Ancient, English & Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals two day sale in London, on December 4th & 5th, 2012.

While badges, sword mounts and cannonballs, as well as other coins have been found near the site of the battle before, the discovery of a contemporary gold coin is most unusual. As well as bearing the personal boar’s head emblem of Richard III (1483-85), this very rare coin is in pristine condition, with few signs of wear and tear, suggesting it was recently made when lost. The coin, an Angel, dates from circa 1484 and features St. Michael spearing the dragon on reverse and a ship on the waves with a crucifix above a shield on the obverse.

Commenting on the sale, Spink coin specialist William MacKay, said: “There was fierce competition in the saleroom for this exceptional example of an historically important coin from an interesting find location. This is a fantastic result, which shows the demand continues to be strong for top quality, rare English gold coins.”

Wayne Homren, Editor

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