IRVINE, Calif. (May 21, 2013) — One of the most impressive and historical collections of British gold coinage auctioned in the United States will fall under the gavel at Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the ANA World’s Fair of Money — the largest national numismatic convention held in the United States — August 9-11, 2013, in Chicago, Illinois.
The Thos. H. Law Collection of British gold coinage is a pictorial history of English gold coins by denomination that includes many great rarities with over 450 examples. It encompasses an incredibly diverse variety of coin types, from hammered pieces emitted by Edward III (1327-1377), to modern-day coins of Elizabeth II (1952-present). This will be an extraordinary collector-oriented sale featuring Mr. Law’s acquisitions of over four decades, used to form his groundbreaking and award-winning ANA convention exhibits, several winning Best in Show honors. His studious acumen is apparent with many intriguing varieties, present along with choice quality type coins from all reigns and series, from hammered coinage through the milled series.
Although gold coins were minted from ancient times, the first unified British gold coins were not produced until 1344, during the reign of Edward III. The Thos. H. Law Collection possesses an exceptional variety from that hammered series until the 1660s, when milled coinage had completely taken hold. Numerous great rarities from several monarchs during this span make this collection one of the finest ever sold. The fascinating history of Lancastrians and Yorkists is mirrored through several elite specimens. Broad large Sovereigns from Henry VII, the first Sovereign issue in 1489, Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I are especially noteworthy. The Law family’s great interest in Shakespeare is illustrated by an exceptional selection of Elizabethan gold coinage that represents all styles with superb portraits on many. The Stuart succession from the Tudor Dynasty contains coins from James I and Charles I, including two Triple Unite pieces. The short-lived Commonwealth of Oliver Cromwell has choice hammered coins and a superb milled 1656 Gold Broad.
The crossover from hammered to milled coinage took place during the reign of Charles II. Milled examples from this collection also rank among the finest sold here in the United States. There are an amazing 21, Five Guineas within the collection, many in choice condition. Important crown-size Five Pound proof coins in the collection are another superb highlight. An exceedingly rare 1831 William IV Crown in Gold stands out. Two choice and iconic 1839 Una and Lion Five Pound pieces from Victoria, Edward VII, George V and George VI are not only represented, but at times with choice duplicates that were used in award-winning ANA convention exhibits.
Stack’s Bowers Galleries is preparing a specialized catalog for this unparalleled collection, with over 400 illustrations, extensive historical and enlightening information about this outstanding collection of English gold coins, which will be a reference for years to come.
The coins themselves are timeless artifacts from this period of English history that embodies nearly 700 years of British history and tradition. The illustrious battles, famous and infamous monarchs such as Richard III, Henry VII and Elizabeth I, American Revolutionary era coins of George III and coins issued through World War I and World War II are all interwoven together into a rich tapestry created by Mr. Law and shared with many others at numerous coin convention exhibits.
All lot descriptions and images for the Stack’s Bowers Galleries Official Auction of the ANA World’s Fair of Money can be viewed online on our website StacksBowers.com beginning in July. Printed catalogs are available upon request by calling 800.458.4646. Online bidding and pre-auction bids will be accepted online at StacksBowers.com; by email at auction@stacksbowers.com; by phone at 800.458.4646; by fax at 949.253.4091; and by mail addressed to Stack’s Bowers Galleries, Official Auction of the ANA World’s Fair of Money, 1063 McGaw, Irvine, CA 92614. Interested bidders are also encouraged to view lots onsite in Chicago in August and bid in-person at the live auction or online via StacksBowers.com. A complete auction and lot-viewing schedule will be available on StacksBowers.com in July or by calling 800.458.4646.
About Stack’s Bowers Galleries
Stack’s Bowers Galleries, a division of Fortune 500 Company Spectrum Group International Inc., combines the extraordinary histories of Stack’s, the oldest rare coin auction and retail company in America, with Bowers and Merena Auctions, one of the world’s preeminent auctioneers of rare coins and paper money. The two companies unite to share a combined legacy that spans more than 100 years, and includes the cataloging and sale of many of the most valuable collections to ever cross an auction block — the John J. Ford, Jr. and Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr. collections, The Harry W. Bass, Jr. Collection, and The Norweb Collection — to name just a few. Topping off this amazing numismatic history is the inclusion of the world record for the highest price ever realized at auction for a rare coin: the 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar graded Specimen-66 (PCGS) that realized over $10 million. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California, with offices in New York, New Hampshire and Hong Kong. Stack’s Bowers Galleries is the Official Auctioneer for several important numismatic conventions, including the 2013 ANA World’s Fair of Money and the ANA/PNG Pre-Show, the 2013 ANA National Money Show, and the Whitman Coin & Collectibles Baltimore Expo, three times yearly.
