Baldwin’s two day auction is to be held over the 28 th and 29 th September and begins with the third part of the Michael Hall Collection of Renaissance and later medals, of which, parts one and two were sold earlier this year through Baldwin’s.

New York based collector and art expert Michael Hall spent over fifty years putting together an awe-inspiring collection and this, the final part, offers an array of choice pieces. Lot 2090, a 1671 Louis XIV Damascened Medal (estimate £800-1,000) by Jean Warin II is a beautifully crafted piece by arguably the best and most powerful French engraver of coin dies of the 17 th Century.

Warin (or Varin) came from a family of artists and distinguished himself primarily as a painter and sculptor. He was one of the first engravers to use the power of the medallic form for propaganda purposes in France. Carrying the title of controleur general Warin imposed strict controls over artists that they were allowed no artistic license, but were instead forced to reproduce official designs that commemorated the magnificence of the state.

This lot is a prime example of the effectiveness of his creations to this end. Lot 2614, a Gustav II Adolf Silver medal of 6-Riksdalers by medallist Sebastian Dadler, estimate £1,200 – 1,500, is another one of the stand out pieces of the sale and distinguished by the intricacy of the artwork on both the obverse and reverse of the medal. Dadler was one of the leading medallists of the 17 th Century, working widely throughout the courts of Germany and princely houses of Europe, amassing an array of high profile supporters at the time.

The Hall Collection is immediately followed by a diverse selection of commemorative medals and a section of Orders, Decorations and Medals. The extensive Commemorative medal section includes lot 3005, a fantastic 1666 Dutch silver Medal (estimate £1,500 – 2,000) depicting the “Four Days” Naval fight on the obverse and crafted by medallist Jerian Pool. The medal commemorates the famous action and carries a poem on the reverse by the Dutch writer and playwright, Joost van Vondel, which appears to have been written especially for the medal.

Commemorative and historical medals have become a feature of Baldwin’s flagship London auctions and the variety on offer in this sale is testament to the accurate cataloguing and historical referencing that assure Baldwin’s achieve the highest possible prices.

A small collection of military medals and decorations from the Seddon-Brown family are some of the most interesting pieces in the sale, most notably lot 3196, The Order of the Nile group of awards to Lieutenant Colonel Seddon-Brown J.P.O.N. the lots includes three attractive copied pictures, one of which portrays Sir Winston Churchill, with whom he worked closely and was personal friends with through his role as chairman of the Conservative party in the North East.

The lot carries an estimate of £1,500 – 2,000. Lieutenant Seddon-Brown was a well know industrialist, heavily involved in the Lancashire cotton Industry and a volunteer in the 1 st Battalion Lancashire Volunteer Regiment and then in the 5 th Battalion, Manchester Regiment. It is presumed that he reached the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in an honorary capacity. He was awarded the Order of the Nile for his involvement in implementing a number of important industrial reforms in Egypt. The lots Nos 3196 – 3200 were not all awarded to members of the Seddon-Brown family but they all hold a history as unique as the first lot.

The Orders and Decorations section of the sale continues to excite with lot 3210, a very scarce set of three NGS and Arctic Exploration medals awarded to Corporal John Thomas of the Royal Marines, estimate £800-1,000. Awarded to Corporal Thomas over his 18 years of service the lots are sold with a quantity of research detailing the activities of HMS Plover and relevant documents confirming the awards and entitlements.

Lot 3217 a rare Sudan “Omdurman Charge” pair, awarded to Private William Etherington, is another lot with a most interesting provenance. Private Etherington first appears on the Muster rolls of the 21 st Lancers in 1897 and was killed in action during this famous charge. The charge of the 21 st Lancers is considered by many to be the last “meaningful” British cavalry charge and there have been very few KIA pairs sold at auction in recent years. This lot is sold with a copy of the Sudan Medal roll mention showing the correction of the initial from J to W, along with other useful documentation.

A large section of Ancient coins follows the medals and contains the entirety of the Dr. E. O. and Mrs. F. M. Halliwell Collection of ancient and English Coins. Dr. E. O. Halliwell (1902-1991) and Mrs. F. M. Halliwell (1907-1996) lived in the East Riding of Yorkshire, where, during the 1950s, they purchased the H. B. McCall collection of Roman and English coinage. The collection includes McCall’s original handwritten notebooks, dating from the 1930s. They later became fascinated by ancient coinage and set about forming a collection of Greek coins progressing to Byzantine gold coins, buying from the major London dealers.

There are many pedigreed coins included in the Halliwell collection, with examples from Pozzi, Bement, Lloyd, Ryan, Lockett and the British Museum. Most coins retain their original tickets from the time of purchase and the silver coins possess that attractive cabinet toning that is characteristic of old collections. Most notable amongst them are lots 3373, an attractively toned 530-500 BC Bruttium Kroton Silver Incuse Stater, estimate £1,200-1,500 and lot 3479, an AD 685-695 Justinianus II Gold Solidus, estimate £2,000-2,500.

Lot 3305 in the Ancient section is also an outstanding piece, though not from the Halliwell Collection, the 356-342 BC Thessaly, Larissa Silver Didrachm carries an estimate of £2,800-3,200.

The 200 or so lots that make up the English section of the auction are packed with some of the rarest and finest examples of English coinage.

Lot 3576, a Richard III (1483-1485), gold Angel, type 2b carries a spectacular provenance to match its estimate of £8,000 – 10,000 and is closely followed by lot 3578, a very fine example of a Mary (1553-1554), Gold Angel, class I, estimate £6,000 – 8,000.

The crowning glory of the English section is without doubt lot 3580, a 1644 Charles I, Gold Triple Unite (pictured above) with an exceptional provenance. This is followed in close succession by lot 3583, a 1703 Gold 5-Guineas depicting Anne, a high desirable piece coined from gold captured by Admiral Sire George Rooke from a Franco-Spanish bullion fleet sheltering at Vigo Bay on 12 th October 1702. Lot 3697, a 1933 George V, Pattern Model Penny is of the highest rarity and thought to be unique.

The world coin session, which is the final session of the event, is a veritable banquet for any discerning purchaser; Containing Russian coins, South American Cob coinage, a Collection of Crusader coins and South-East Asian Tokens. Two stand out pieces in the Russian section hold an impressive £25,000 – 30,000 estimate. The first, lot 3739 is a 1728, Gold Coronation Ducat, struck for the Coronation of Peter II and the second is lot 3786, a Gold 371/2 Roubles; both are extremely fine and very rare.

Further rarities come in the form of lot 4092, an 1813 Argentinian Rio de la Plata, Gold 8-Escudos, estimate £7,000 – 9,000; lot 4148, a 1617 Breslau City, Gold 2- Ducaten, estimate £2,500 – 3,000 and lot 4229, a year 45 Begum Somru Silver Rupee, estimate £7,000 – 9,000

Ian Goldbart, Managing Director of Baldwin’s commented on the forthcoming sale, “Baldwin’s have had another fantastic year of trading, going from strength to strength, and we are delighted to be celebrating this as official sponsors of Coinex.”

HIGHLIGHTS
2090 French Renaissance Medals. Louis XIV (1638-1643-1715). Louis XIV, Damascened Medal, by Jean Warin, 1671,bust of king in armour right, LUD XIII D G FR ET NAV REX, rev the sun shining over a terrestrial globe, NEC PLVRIBVS IMPAR, 52mm (BMC [Jones] -; cf Vol II, 237, 262-264, 274). Very rare and extremely fine. Estimate: £800-1000

2614 World Medals, Sweden. Gustav II Adolf (1611-1632), Silver Medal of 6-Riksdalers, 1634, by Sebastian Dadler, on the carriage of Gustav II body to Stockholm, trampling a hydra, a triga carries the skeletal body of the king who is accompanied by Religion and Courage, DUX GLORIOS PRINC PIUS HEROS INVICT INCOMPARAB TRIUMPH FELIX GERM LIBERATOR A 1634, rev the king’s body guarded by a host of putti, a battle scene rages behind, GUSTAVUS ADOLPHUS MAGNUS DEI SUECO GOTHOR VANDALORREX AUGUSTUS, 79mm (Hild 188; Wiecek 189); another, a variety. The second roughly cast in lead; the first toned nearly extremely fine. (2) Estimate: £1200-1500

3005 Commemorative Medals. British. Charles II, The Four Days” Fight, Naval Action with the Dutch, Silver Medal, 1666, by Jerian Pool, the ships engaged in close action, several smaller boats between them, signed on floating wreckage, rev legend around, VICTORIA CONFOED BELG SVB AVSP ARCHIT MI RUITER 1666, in centre, below banner of shields, a poem in six lines, De Godt der goden zet …, 57mm (MI 519/165; MH 565; vLoon II, 520, 2). Extremely fine, light tone, the reverse rim with minor bruises. This Dutch medal commemorates the four day action, 11-14 June 1666. Albermarle, later reinforced by Prince Rupert, attacked a Dutch fleet, commanded by Admiral Michiel Adriaenszoon de Ruyter (1607-1676), of some 90 ships. The action ended only because a thick fog made identification impossible, and both sides claimed victory. The poem on the reverse, by Joost van Vondel (1587-1679), appears to have been written especially for the medal. Estimate: £1500-2000

3196 Military Medals. The Order of the Nile group of awards to Lieutenant Colonel Sir Norman Seddon-Brown, J.P. O.N. T.D, issued in person by King Fuad I of Egypt, comprising: Order of the Nile, 3 rd Class, Commander’s neck badge, dress miniature and lapel rosette, in silver-gilt and enamels, 88mm including crown suspension, by J Lattes, Cairo, in original fitted box; Territorial Decoration, George V, unnamed as issued, in Garrard & Co. case with miniature; engraved Key to the City of Preston (Presented to Lt. Col. Sir Norman S. Seddon-Brown T.D., J.P. 6 th May 1937, Re-Opening of Conservative W. M. Club, Preston); in original box by Green & Son, Preston. Group extremely fine. (6) Lieutenant Colonel Sir Norman Seddon-Brown (1880-1971), of Bank Hall, Tarleton, was a well-known industrialist involved in the Lancashire Cotton Industry. Whilst being heavily involved in industry, he volunteered with the 1 st Battalion Lancashire Volunteer Regiment, and then the 5 th Battalion, Manchester Regiment, reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, presumably in an honorary capacity. He was specifically involved in the cotton town of Preston, home of the prestigious cotton producer and retailer Horrockses. He was CEO of Amalgamated Cotton Mills, the parent company of Horrockses and other important cotton mills, which was at the time amongst the largest companies in the world. He was elected Chairman of Conservative Party in the North East, was granted the Freedom of the City of Preston, and Knighted in the New Year’s Honours List of 1936. He later moved with his wife Lady Gertrude Seddon-Brown (nee Martin) and family to Escowbeck Mall, in Caton, near Lancaster in 1937, since the Army was billeted at the property during the Second World War. Through his close ties and heavy involvement with the Egyptian Cotton Industry, Lt Col Sir Norman Seddon-Brown helped advise and implement a number of important industrial reforms which were then put into place in Egypt. For this, he was awarded the Order of the Nile in person during an official visit of an Egyptian Delegation to Horrockses Mill, Preston, on the 19 th of July, 1927, which included Kind Fuad I and Prince Farouk. Seddon-Brown worked closely with, and was a personal friend of Sir Winston Churchill. Lot sold with three attractive copied pictures, including: a portrait of Lieutenant Colonel Norman Seddon-Brown in formal court dress, a picture of him and his son James Geoffrey Seddon-Brown, leading the Egyptian delegation during their visit to Lancashire, and a picture of him with Sir Winston Churchill and his son Randolph Churchill, the former in the process of lighting one of his signature “Churchill” cigars. Estimate: £1500-2000

3210 Military Medals.Scarce and Interesting NGS and Arctic Exploration group of three awarded to Corporal John Thomas, Royal Marines, aboard HMS Plover during the search for Franklin’s Lost Expedition (1847-54), comprising: Naval General Service Medal, 1793-1840, single clasp, Syria (John Thomas), Arctic Medal 1818- 55, unnamed as issued, St Jean D” Acre Medal, 1840, in copper, unnamed as issued, with contemporary straight bar suspension. Group well-toned, second good fine, the others good very fine. (3) Corporal John Thomas was born in Narbeth, Pembrokeshire, Wales, in March 1819. He attested for service as a Private in 76 Company, The Royal Marines, at Bath on the 11 th of November, 1837 – at the age of 18. He soon saw active service aboard the 74-gun HMS Revenge, which was involved in the naval activities off the coast of Syria in 1840, including its blockade and the bombardment of Acre. Later in his career he was sent on several expeditions to the Arctic region between 1848 and 1854 as part of the crew of HMS Plover. The Plover was sent along with HMS Herald as part of the western search for Franklin’s lost expedition, which had disappeared following its departure in 1845, with the aim of discovering the North West Passage. During 1849 Plover and Herald traversed the Bering Strait, proceeded to Chamisso Island and then onto the Dease inlet, but still found no trace of the apparently doomed Franklin expedition. The two ships re-explored the same area in 1850, but without success in their original aim. This trip did however prove to be a most useful ethnographic study of the local Iñupiaq Eskimo of that region, upon whom they had relied heavily during their searches. These searches continued in vain during the easier summer months each year following until 1854, wintering at Port Clarence (1851-1852) and later at Point Barrow (1852-1854). Corporal Thomas then returned home to Britain and was discharged from further service at Deal on the 25 th of April, 1855, at the age of 36, presumably exhausted from his years spent in the Arctic. Sold with a quantity of research detailing the activities of HMS Plover in the Arctic, copy service and discharge papers and relevant documents confirming these awards and entitlements. These medals sold as a complete group by the family, complete with an earlier A H Baldwin & Sons valuation dated 6 th of October, 1938, considering the medals worth 25/-, and worthy of further research. Estimate: £800-1000

3305 Ancient Coins. Greek. Thessaly, Larissa (c.356-342 BC), Silver Didrachm, head of nymph Larissa facing three- quarters to left, hair in ampyx, rev ?API-S-AI?N, bridled horse pacing right, 12.19g (Lorber, SNR 79, 2000, Phase L-III, 66 (same dies), pl. 5; BMC 55; SNG Cop 119). Attractive style, lightly toned, nearly extremely fine. Estimate: £2800-3200

3373 Ancient Coins. Greek.Bruttium, Kroton (c.530-500 BC), Silver Incuse Stater, OPO, tripod, two serpents emerging from bowl, raised border, rev tripod incuse, 8.02g (SNG ANS 228; HN Italy 2075). Attractive cabinet tone, good very fine to nearly extremely fine. From The Dr E O and Mrs F M Halliwell Collection of Ancient and English Coins. Estimate: £1200-1500

3576 English Coins. Richard III (1483-1485), Gold Angel, type 2b, St Michael and dragon, initial mark boar’s head 1 over halved sun and rose 1, RICARD” X DI XX GRA”REX X ANGL” X Z FRANC, rev ship sailing right, with long bowsprit that intrudes legend, quartered shield on hull, R over E and rose close to mast above, wire line inner circle, initial mark halved sun and rose 1, PER CRVCE” X TVA X SALVA NOS XPC X REDEMPT, 5.03g (Sch 484; N 1676; S 2151). Weak very fine and a little short of flan, extremely rare. ex R T Cassall collection, Glendinings, 3 December 1924, lot 224, sold for £8/-/- ex G C Drabble collection, Glendinings, 4 July 1939, lot 120, sold for £10/-/- ex David Dupree collection, sold to Spink 1989 ex Spink Auction 90, March 1992, lot 18 Estimate: £8000-10,000

3578 English Coins. Mary (1553-1554), Gold Angel, class I, St Michael of neat style and small wings slaying dragon, wire line circle, initial mark pomegranate (1553-1554) both sides, legend with annulet stops both sides, rev ship sailing right, long bowsprit terminates in field, linear circle, large quartered arms, M and rose above, plain forecastles, 5.18g (Sch 714/721; N 1958; S 2490). Weak in parts, very fine and very rare. Estimate: £6000-8000 3580 English Coins. Charles I (1625-1649), Gold Triple-Unite or Three Pound Piece, Oxford Mint, 1644, OXON type, crowned and armoured half-length portrait of the King left, holding upright sword in right hand, laurel branch in left hand, Oxford plumes in field, bust breaks inner beaded circle at crown and sword hilt, initial mark small Shrewsbury style plume with band, CAROLVS.D:G.MAG:BRI:FRA:ET.HIBER:REX., toothed border both sides, rev legend on wavy wire line scroll with initial mark five pellets, EXVRGAT. DEVS. DISSIPENTVR. INIMICI:.: surrounds and continues into Declaration, RELIG:PROT .LEG:ANG: LIBER: PAR: in three lines on continuous scroll at centre, .1644. and .OXON. below, value “III” and three Shrewsbury-style plumes above, 26.93g (Beresford-Jones dies VII/S11; Schneider 303 – SCBI 57; Brooker 841; N 2385; S 2729). Attractive red tone, slight striking weakness at hands on obverse and corresponding part of reverse on declaration, rim thicker in some parts than others, some light flan flaws on the reverse and one small pit in the obverse field to left of sword, light raised die striations evident on the obverse which are typical for this type, otherwise fully round good very fine, with a detailed face and pleasing portrait, it is rare to find a nice and well centred coin with such a good provenance. ex Lady Duveen collection, Glendinings, 29 September 1964, lot 50, sold for £1700 (hammer) ex Spink Numismatic Circular, November 1972, item 10435 ex St James Auction 2, 11 May 2005, lot 129 Estimate: £50,000-60,000

3583 English Coins. Anne (1702-1714), Gold 5-Guineas, 1703, VIGO., provenance mark below draped bust facing left, ANNA.DEI. GRATIA., toothed border both sides, rev inverted die axis, crowned cruciform shields, sceptres in angles, rose at centre, semi-frosted inner rings to small crowns, small stop above right of English crown, date either side, with “J” type 1, .MAG BR.FRA ET.HIB REG., edge inscribed in raised letters .+DECVS. ET. TVTAMEN. ANNO. REGNI. SECVNDO., 41.59g (Sch 523; MCE 197; S 3561). Some porosity to the obverse fields, dig on lower cheek and one on neck, the reverse lightly toned retaining brilliance with no porosity, the rim a little nicked in places, otherwise almost very fine, the reverse good very fine, extremely rare, the most desirable of all the currency 5-Guineas.The highly desirable VIGO 5-Guineas was coined from gold captured by Admiral Sir George Rooke from a Franco-Spanish bullion fleet sheltering at Vigo Bay on 12 October 1702. A remarkable action. A Royal Warrant was issued to strike the captured bullion into coin and insert the word VIGO under the bust in permanent remembrance of the battle. Many different commemorative medals were struck as souvenirs. Under the personal supervision of the Master of the Mint, Sir Isaac Newton, just under 4,500lb of silver was transported in great pageantry to the Tower Mint to coin a great quantity of Crowns, Halfcrowns, Shillings and Sixpences. However a mere 7lb and 8oz of gold only, was captured and used to coin a short run of 5-Guineas, Guineas and ½-Guineas. For further reference on the battle of Vigo Bay and its consequences see “The Destruction of the Spanish Silver Fleet at Vigo in 1702” by H Kamen, Spink Numismatic Circular, June 1968. Estimate: £60,000-80,000

3697 English Coins. George V, Pattern Model Penny, undated, c.1933, by Andre Lavrillier, of obverse design only, struck in bronze on a thick flan, stylised bust facing left, L to left of B.M. on truncation, GEORGIVS V DEI GRA: BRITT: OMN: REX FID: DEF: IND: IMP:, rev struck en medaille, legend MODEL, raised linear rim surrounding, 14.48g (Peck -; Fr 787). Some lustre in the legends, toned, as struck and of the highest rarity, probably unique, Peck only records the companion reverse piece. Estimate: £6000-8000

3739 Russian Coins.Peter II (1727-1730). Gold Coronation Ducat, 1728, struck for the Coronation of Peter II, 3.47g (Bit ?233 R2; Sev 116; Diakov 66.10; Rudenko 1728.2 R4; F 87). Slightly creased, extremely fine, very rare. Estimate: £25,000-30,000

4092 Foreign Coins. Argentina. Rio de la Plata, Gold 8-Escudos, 1813J, Potosi (KM 9; F 1). Some tooling on the reverse, cleaned, generally boldly struck and a decent very fine, extremely rare. Estimate: £7000-9000

4148 Foreign Coins. Germany. Breslau, City, Gold 2-Ducaten, 1617, with title of the Habsburg Emperor Matthias, F/II dividing legend, under palms and crown and above a quartered shield of arms which divides date, rev crowned bust of Matthias right, 6.88g (F&S 3466; F 462). Traces of old creasing, very fine. The obverse of this coin commemorates the accession of Ferdinand II as king of Bohemia in 1617. Estimate: £2500-3000

Begum Somru was a most remarkable women in the latter part of Mughal India. For almost 60 years she controlled a good deal of land in the Doab and maintained her own army. Born around 1751 and given the name, Munni, her early life is rather obscure. Moving to Delhi around 1760 with her mother, she entered the service of a German mercenary soldier named Walter Reinhardt. Reinhardt had previously served the French in India and had earned the nickname Le Sombre because of his severe nature. It is said that this nickname became corrupted to Somru. Over the years, Reinhardt, latterly with the forces he raised himself, served a whole range of different armies in India, particularly that of the Mughal emperor. Munni accompanied Reinhardt on his campaigns and they married in due course. Around the year 1777, the emperor granted Reinhardt a jagir in the Doab, which extended from Aligarh to beyond Muzaffarnagar. Within this territory, Reinhardt chose Sardhana for his and his army’s headquarters. Reinhardt did not live long to enjoy his jagir, dying the following year. Munni, now known as the Begum Somru, soon emerged as the rightful ruler of Reinhardt’s territory, this succession being confirmed by the emperor, Shah Alam II. Then things became complicated. The Begum needed a suitable officer to command her troops. Various Europeans entered her service, including for a while George Thomas. To command the troops, however, she appointed a certain Le Vaisseau. Presumably to consolidate his position he proposed marriage to the Begum, which was accepted. At this, Thomas left the Begum’s service to set up his own army elsewhere. Le Vaisseau’s appointment was a mistake. Discipline in her army broke down to such an extent that the Begum and her husband planned to retire from their estates and seek refuge in the East India Company’s territories. Her soldiers got wind of these plans and intercepted the couple on the road from Sardhana. Concerned at the treatment she would receive she attempted to commit suicide. Thinking she had succeeded, Le Vaisseau shot himself dead. The Begum, however, had been less successful and was taken wounded to Sardhana, where she was maltreated. At this juncture, George Thomas came to the rescue. He must have heard of the Begum’s plight and moved towards Sardhana with some of his troops. With the approval of the local Maratha chiefs, who were now in overall command of the Doab, he issued the Begum’s troops a stern ultimatum, which they heeded. The Begum was duly reinstated in her jagir, the officers and troops promised to behave themselves, and a new commander of her army was appointed in the form of a Monsieur Saleur. After the Second Maratha War, the Doab came under British administration. In 1805, the Begum entered into an alliance with them and remained in her territories as a British vassal until her death in 1836. The rupee offered here is one of an extremely rare issue first published by Whitehead in the Numismatic Chronicle [1926]. It is in the name of the Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II, is dated to the 45th regnal year of that ruler and bears the mintname: Dar al-Zafar Zebabad. It shows only the first two digits of the Hijri year: 12xx, but a specimen in the British Museum has the date 1218. White head stated that “this issue was struck at Sardhana in the Meerut District in the year of Lord Lake’s victory of Delhi by the Begum Sumru Zebu-n-nisa, Begum”. The Hijri year 1218 did start in April of 1803, the year the British occupied the Doab. Begum Somru was given the title, Zabu-n-Nisa, by the Mughal emperor, Shah Alam II. This would account for the mintname Zebabad, which, it is assumed, was given to the Begum’s capital of Sardhana. To own this coin is to own a fascinating piece of history. see The New York Sale XX, 9 January 2009, lot 558, for another example, sold for US$13,800 Estimate: £7000-9000

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Michael Hall has been a prolific collector of art for more than 60 years amassing vast collections with a focus on sculpture. Michael was inspired in his youth by the Kress Collection, a phenomenal collection of medals housed in the National Gallery of Art in Washington that are of artistic importance, not just of historical or archaeological interest. It is therefore unsurprising that the focus of the numismatic part of the Hall collections has always been on the artistic and sculptural aspects of the medals which have augmented his interest in sculpture of all origins and periods.

The aim of the collection is to share the artistic legacy of Europe with the American people, a sentiment which still resonates with Michael. He offers his collection to the public at large with generosity and well meaning and with ‘the hope that you will be as successful as I have been in my most satisfying endeavors.’

The auction of the second part of his collection begins with a large and impressive group of Papal medals from the 15 th century onwards, from which highlights include a group of six prize medals of the Accademia di san Luca (lots 1227-1232). Founded in 1593, the academy was setup as an association of artists in Rome for the purpose of elevating the work of “artists”, including painters, sculptors and architects.

The image on the reverse of the medals was designed by Giovanni Hamerani in 1694 and was taken from a painting by Guercino. Hamerani came from a family of celebrated artists and engravers and was appointed as medallist to the pope. It has been said he possessed a purer and far superior style to other engravers of his time.

Intended as an annual competition, although it was not always the case, these medals were given in three classes and in three disciplines, painting, sculpture and architecture. The most significant of the group are lots 1227 (which carries a pre-sale estimate of £800-1200) and lot 1232 (pictured above) which is the only lot to be engraved by Bernhard Perger and has an estimate of £700-900. Other stand out pieces from the section include lots 1245 and 1246, two Clement XII medals. The first is a choice, extremely fine, 1753 Damascened Bronze Complimentary Medal, estimate £300-400 and the second is a 1733 Silver Fountain Medal of San Giovanni in Laterano, estimate £600-800.

The sale continues with an eye-catching selection of Italian medals. Lot 1266, a brilliantly crafted cast bronze medal of Pasquale Malipiero intensely portrays the figure of Peace on the reverse with a sword and shield at her feet (estimate £150-250). A further highlight of the section, lot 1271, a 1687 oval cast Gilt- bronze medal, intricately depicts the surrender and homage of Mustapha Pasha and his brother Hassan Pasha to the Doge (estimate £800-1000.) A small selection of baroque pieces are offered to complement the much larger section contained in part one of the collection which was sold earlier this year.

Further French Renaissance and later pieces also form part of the auction including an extensive selection of medals by Ferdinand de St Urbain and a large collection of Louis XIV and XV medals by Jean Mauger (lots 1321- 1346), one of the most prolific engravers of the Le Grand Siècle period in France. Several of the pieces offered are not listed in the standard works. Lot 1349, a 1727 Louis XV Damascened Bronze Medal beautifully demonstrates the craftsmanship involved in the construction of these works of art.

The later part of the auction reemphasises the sculptural and artistic qualities of this collection with a stunning selection of French “Art” Medals including a number of Belle Epoque period plaquettes. The section includes lots 1394 and 1395, two uniface cast bronze medals depicting Virginie Cécle Louise Doutreleau and Onésime Rosalie Doutreleau respectively. Both medals are sculpted by J J Richard and are rare pieces of his medallic work. The artist was acquainted with David d’Angers and both medals display his influence.

The second part of the sale of the Michael Hall Collection of Renaissance and later medals is set to be held by Baldwin’s on the 29th June this year in London and the catalogue can be viewed online at www.baldwin.co.uk . Following on from the outstanding success of part one of the collection this, the second part is a smaller, modest, prelude to the finale due to take place on the 28 th September, during London Coinex week. The third and final part of the collection will comprise of northern European Renaissance and later medals.

For more information about The Michael Hall Collection please contact Graham Byfield on +44 (0)20 7930 6879 or at graham@baldwin.co.uk For press enquiries please contact Caroline Newton on +44 (0)20 7930 9808 or at carolinenewton@baldwin.co.uk

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The Strickland Neville Rolfe Collection is an amazingly conserved compilation of Ancient, British and World coins, tokens and Commemorative medals that has been untouched and out of circulation since 1852. This numismatic collection has remained in the hands of Rolfe’s descendents since his death and brilliantly represents a snapshot of the tastes and interests of an educated English country gentleman and divine of the Victorian era.

Strickland Charles Edward Neville Rolfe was born in 1789, eldest son of General Neville of the Royal Artillery. He assumed the name and arms of Rolfe by royal warrant in 1837, upon receiving the bequest of the estates at Heacham and Sedgeford, from Edmund Rolfe, a distant relative who had no issue.

Educated at Wadham College, Oxford, BA 1812, MA 1816, he was ordained in 1814. He became domestic chaplain to the Duke of Kent in 1814 and to the Duke of Somerset in 1825. He was appointed vicar of Heacham in Norfolk in 1838. His first wife, Agnes, was the only daughter of Henry Fawcett, MP for Carlisle. They married in 1814 and had five sons and four daughters. In 1833 he married Dorothy, widow of the Rev TT Thomason, Chaplain to the Honourable East India Company.

It is known that he was an enthusiastic collector of both natural and archaeological items, as well as having a keen interest in art. Rolfe had had a number of artists staying for long periods to study artistic endevours at Heacham Hall. It is said that he had a large coach built in which he took these artists on excursions to draw and paint buildings or articles of interest in and around the area.

He was especially interested in the area of Norfolk and part of his collection of portraits of Norfolk celebrities, original drawings, topographical and antiquarian, were sold by Sotheby’s. Some of these pieces were used to extra illustrate ‘Blomefield’s History of the County of Norfolk’ (compiled by Francis Blomefield and published in 1805). Later, in 1929, a number of water-colour drawings from the collection were also used to illustrate a publication compiled by his great grandson, Clement Rolfe-Ingleby, and entitled ‘A supplement to Blomefield’s Norfolk.
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Strickland Rolfe died in 1852. Heacham Hall was destroyed by fire in 1941, whilst being occupied by the
RAF.

The English coins from the collection span three centuries and include some key rarities, such as the pattern “Incorrupta” crown (lot 1405), one of only eighteen known to have been struck, and the “Three Graces” crown, one of the most important and majestic coins of the English series (lot 1406, pictured above). Both the “Incorrupta” and the “Three Graces” crowns were struck by the renowned medallist, William Wyon.

Wyon was born into a family of engravers and medallists and was the official Chief Engraver at the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death in 1851. He is well known amongst the numismatic community for the prolific amount of work he produced and for his artistic ability. Heavily influenced by relief sculpture he was an obvious advocate of Neo Classicist Vogue and was elected to the Royal Academy in 1838. It is astonishing that these coins were probably acquired soon after they were issued, which would account for their remarkable state of preservation.

There is an interesting selection of colonial coins in the collection including a number of East India Company coins from India and the Far East and St. Helena. It would be tempting to think that these were gifts from relatives who travelled overseas as we know that his second son, Henry Fawcett Rolfe, served in the Royal Navy, and died in the Far East.

There were Rolfes amongst the early settlers in America, notably as successful Virginia tobacco farmers and amongst the colonial coins are some superb early American coins. Most notably a pewter Continental Dollar (lot 1589), some stunningly preserved Rose Americana coppers (lots 1590-1593), and a magnificent Virginia halfpenny (lot 1594). Perhaps the most extraordinary part of the collection is the series of Norfolk and Suffolk 17 th Century tokens (lots 1474-1486).

This is a substantial collection of 365 pieces, formed with obvious pride and dedication, as is confirmed by the meticulous notebook kept by Rolfe for the Norfolk part. Whether he drew the astonishing pen and ink illustrations himself, or employed an artist to do them, we will never know. There are numerous rarities for both counties, many in remarkably high grade. The sobering thought is that this collection was unknown to the key researchers and cataloguers of this series in the 19 th and 20 th Centuries, William Boyne (1858), George Williamson (1889) and latterly, Michael Dickinson.

The tokens listed in the notebook will be sold with it in one lot, to maintain the integrity of the collection. The full catalogue for Baldwin’s auction number 65 can be viewed online at www.baldwin.co.uk and the Rolfe Collection will be sold alongside The Michael Hall Collection of medallic art and the Bishop’s Wood Hoard of Roman coins. The quality and diversity of the items offered over the two days is unsurpassable and is sure to attract a lot of international attention.

For more information about any of the other lots please contact Seth Freeman on +44 (0)20 7930 9450 or at seth@baldwin.co.uk

Sale Highlights

Lot 1405 George III, Pattern Crown, the “Incorrupta”, 1817,
Struck in silver, by William Wyon, laureate and draped bust right, date below, W.WYON: below rear of drapery, GEORGIUS III D:G: BRITANNIARUM REX, last letter obscured by drapery, toothed border both sides, rev struck en medaille, crowned quartered shield of arms with a crowned escutcheon of the Arms of Hanover, INCORRUPTA FIDES VERITASQUE, edge plain (ESC 229 R4; L&S 159). Attractively toned with a few tiny blotches, mint state FDC, attractive and extremely rare. Lot 1199 from the J T Brockett auction in June 1823 is the first known record of one of these patterns being sold and a note there shows a total mintage of only 25 pieces. According to a manuscript note in one of the surviving copies of this sale, this may include the seven specimens struck in gold, leaving only 18 struck in silver.
Estimate: £10,000-15,000

Lot 1406 George III, Pattern Crown, the “Three Graces”, 1817,
Struck in silver, by William Wyon, laureate head right, date below, W.WYON. below truncation, GEORGIUS III D:G: BRITANNIARUM REX F:D:, beaded border and linear circle both sides, rev struck en medaille, the Three Graces, personifying England and Scotland, with national emblems, W.WYON to left of harp, FOEDUS INVIOLABILE, palm branch and paddle in exergue, edge plain (ESC 223 R2; L&S 152). Attractively toned with a few tiny blotches, a little cabinet friction to high points, good extremely fine, attractive and extremely rare.
Estimate: £10,000-15,000

Established in 1872 A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd has over 100 years experience in servicing the numismatic industry.

Baldwin’s auction department was established in 1993 and has grown to hold between ten and twelve sales annually in London, New York and Hong Kong and specialise in all areas of Numismatics.

Baldwin’s broadcast all of their main auctions over the internet and provide a live bidding service through www.the-saleroom.com.

A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd
11 Adelphi Terrace, London, WC2N 6BJ
Tel: +44 (0)207 930 6879 Fax: +44 (0)207 930 9450
A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd is a Noble Investments (UK) Plc company

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1. THE DIANA COLLECTION OF COINS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE PART 3
2. Baldwins UK to offer Part Two of the Michael Hall Collection of Renaissance Medals
3. Chinese Gold Leads World & Ancient Coins section of Heritage Boston Sale

The extensive hoard was unearthed at Bishop’s Wood, near Ross-on-Wye, just across the Herefordshire border and within the surroundings of the Forest of Dean. Several other, smaller finds, of similar coins had also been found along this route but none as vast or as interesting as this. It was discovered in a rough walling built against the hillside by workmen who were in the process of repairing a road and who struck an earthenware vessel containing the coins. The accidental strike from a pick broke the jar and scattered its contents in various directions.

Details of the hoard were first published in the 1896 edition of the Numismatic Chronicle, and also in the editorial of the Numismatic Circular in November of that year. In both publications a total of 17,550 coins were listed, although a number had already been lifted and dispersed around the region by the time the coins were rescued. Many of these coins were subsequently given to local museums and the portion now being sold by Baldwin’s (containing 1,661 coins and the restored jar that contained them) has remained in the family of the original landowner since they were found in 1895.

Included with the hoard is a reprint of the article from the Numsimatic Chronicle of 1896 and a reprint of ‘Notes on a Great Hoard of Roman Coins found at Bishop’s Wood in 1895’ from the “Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society”, vol. XIX, pp. 399-420, both written by Mary Bagnall-Oakeley. The latter also includes the author’s handwritten annotations and a list, dated March 1898, of the museums and institutions that she was aware had received portions of the hoard.
.
Following the revolts of the usurpers Carausius and Allectus in Britain in the late third century A.D., it is likely that the area in which the hoard was found was occupied by Roman soldiers at the time the coins were deposited. Given its size it is assumed that the Bishop’s Wood Hoard formed part of a military treasure, intended as payment for the legions. There were no banks in Roman Britain, so the usual practice was to hoard large quantities of money and deposit it in the ground for safe-keeping. It is therefore a fascinating primary source of information for the mints employed in supplying Britain with coinage.

The contents of the hoard are composed almost entirely of bronze coins of the Constantinian family and we can surmise that it was deposited after A.D. 337 as there are many coins of Constantius II, who had received the title of Augustus in that year, included within it. The Numismatic Chronicle lists its contents as follows

• Claudius II, Gothicus – 1
• Diocletian – 1
• Maximian – 1
• Helena – 315
• Theodora – 271
• Licinius I – 21
• Licinius II – 7
• Constantine I – 2,455
• Constantinopolis – 3,512
• Urbs Roma – 4,214
• Crispus – 4
• Delmatius – 30
• Constantine II – 3,683
• Constans – 450
• Constantius II – 2,201
• Illegible – 384
• Total = 17,550

The majority of the coins were minted at Lugdunum (Lyons), Treveri (Trier) and Arelate (Arles). Rome and Aquileia are also present, as well as a sprinkling of coins from Siscia, Thessalonica, Heraclea, Constantinople, Nicomedia, Cyzicus and Antioch. The coins are in very good condition, many of them having seen little or no circulation. They have been expertly cleaned and preserved and the coins, together with the reconstructed vessel, are now housed within a custom-made cabinet with a glass lid. There are many coins of interest included and careful viewing of the lots is recommended.

For more information about any of the other lots or to make an appointment to view the hoard please contact Paul Hill on +44 (0)20 7930 9450 or at paul@baldwin.co.uk

Related posts:

1. ‘Exceptional’ Roman coins hoard
2. Hoard of Roman coins declared treasure
3. The Brackley Hoard Of Silver Groats Coins to be Sold

The auction opens with lot 1, a Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) 1-Kuan banknote. The Baldwin’s – Ma Tak Wo auction group sold a similar piece in their last sale for a record breaking US$19,000 and, although this note isn’t in as good condition, they are hopeful that this piece will attract as much attention.

The banknote section continues to show promise with lot 39 a 1908 Hio Lung Kiang Government Bank, Branch Office $5 note in extremely fine condition and leads into an extensive selection of Indian banknotes, the most unique and desirable being lot 227 the 1000 Rupees, first issue note of Hyderabad.

Following the success of the Chinese medals and orders section of the last sale the Hong Kong sale this year offers a smaller but equally as interesting selection. The highlight of the orders is lot 560 – The Order of the Stripped Tiger, First Class Set.

Founded in 1912 by President Yuan Shih-Kai as an award of merit to Chinese Navel and Military Forces, the award cam in nine classes and is no longer awarded. The class is indicated by the number of stars appearing above the tiger’s head and also by the size of the badge itself. Three stars denotes a first class award, two a second class award and one for third class. Lot 560 holds three stars and is in extremely fine condition and estimated at US$12,000 – 15,000.

A nice selection of Portuguese-Indian coinage appears in the World Coins section of the auction and includes 22 coins of high grade and rarity. Lot 799 a 1653 João IV (1640-56): Gold 2-Tangas is the stand out piece. Lots 641 and 783, a 1941 George VI (1936-52): Proof 1-Cent and an 1858 Netherlands East Indies: Gold Proof striking of the copper 2½-Cents, are also worthy of note. The Thai coin section is strong with an extremely rare Rama V gold pattern set (lot 720) shining out above all others, some porcelain gaming counters sit aside the coins as interesting lots and the coin selection is complimented by an extensive group of Thai medals.

For more information about any of the other lots in the sale please contact Seth Freeman on +44 (0)20 79309808 or at seth@baldwin.co.uk

Sale Highlights

Lot 1 Ming Dynasty (1368-1644): 1-Kuan, issued by Emperor Hong Wu, made of mulberry paper, 220mm x 335mm (P AA10). Slightly ragged left margin and usual internal thinning, otherwise fine. Estimate: US$3,000-4,000

Lot 39 Hio Lung Kiang Government Bank, Branch Office: $5, Year 34 (1908) (Pick and S/M unlisted). Extremely fine and rare. Estimate: US$2,500-3,000 Hyder Nawaz Jung, printed by Waterlow & Sons Ltd, London (Jhun 12.1; P S267). Usual pinholes to left and in top left corner, paper strong, extremely fine, highly desirable and rare. Estimate: US$2,000-2,500

Lot 560 Order of the Striped Tiger , First Class Set of Insignia, comprising sash badge and breast star in silver-gilt and enamels, both stamped “7 X II” and ” ??? ” on the reverse, badge 78mm, star 97mm. Extremely fine and rare. Estimate: US$12,000-15,000

Lot 641 George VI (1936-52): Proof 1-Cent, 1941 (KM 24). One of the greatest rarities of the Hong Kong series, in PGCS holder graded PR64RB. Estimate: US$18,000-22,000

Lot 720 Rama V: Gold Pattern Set, RS127 (1908), 1-Satang, 5-Satangs and 10-Satangs, Obv legend, Rev chakra, weights 3.90g, 5.78g and 7.98g, diamter 17.4mm, 19.9mm and 22.5mm (S 183, 187, 190; KM Pn50, 51, 52). Brilliant uncirculated with light red tone, in NGC holders graded MS64, MS63 and MS64 respectively, extremely rare. (3pcs) Estimate: US$40,000-50,000

Lot 783 Netherlands East Indies: Gold Proof striking of the copper 2½-Cents, 1858, Obv arms and date, Rev inscription in Malay and Jawi (Scholten 773, stated to be unique, ex Stephanik sale, lot 6894). Brilliant mint state. Estimate: US$500-700

Lot 799 João IV (1640-56): Gold 2-Tangas, 1653, Chaul E Baçaim mint (Gom 19.01; KM 3). Good very fine or better for this crude issue, very rare. Estimate: US$1,000-1,500

*
The Hong Kong Coin Auction is held twice annually in conjunction with the Hong Kong International Coin
Convention and Antique Watch Fair and always over the three days after the auction. It is organised by Ma
Tak Wo Numismatic Co. Ltd and A.H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd and details of how to book an exhibition table or
get tickets for the show can be obtained from either of the partners.
*
A.H. Baldwin & Sons have been holding auctions in Singapore and Hong Kong with local partners since 1993
and this will be the 32 nd
auction they have held together.
*
Baldwin’s auction department hold between ten and twelve sales annually in London, New York and Hong
Kong and specialise in all areas of Numismatics.

Auction Partners
Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co Ltd
Unit A2, 9 th
Floor, China Insurance Building, 48 Cameron Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: (++852) 2316 2926
Fax: (++852) 2316 7526

A. H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd
11 Adelphi Terrace, London WC2N 6BJ, United Kingdom
Tel: (++44) (0) 20 7930 9808, Fax: (++44) (0) 20 7930 9450
Email: auctions@baldwin.co.uk
Website: www.baldwin.co.uk

Related posts:

1. Baldwin plans 47th Hong Kong Coin Auction
2. Highlights of the upcoming Champion Hong Kong Auction April 1, 2009
3. Wa She Wong Collection of Chinese and Other Asian Coins Tops $10.7 Million at Hong Kong Auction