Noonans

An original owner of considerable military renown made the difference when a c.1820 gold fob seal came up for auction in London on March 14.

Struck c.1500 in Lisbon from Guinean gold provided by the explorations of Vasco da Gama, the 10 cruzados piece or Portugués do ouro of Manuel I (1495-1521) is a coin synonymous with the Age of Discovery.

Instituted by Maria Dickin, the founder of the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA), in 1943, the Dickin Medal has been awarded on 71 occasions – 32 of them going to pigeons, 34 to dogs, four to horses and one to a cat.

The unexpected but very welcome increase in demand that the market experienced amid Covid lockdowns continued in 2022 as restrictions eased – and auction houses are optimistic about another strong performance this year

A sale of Banknotes at Noonans included this One Rupee note issued by the Banco Nacional Ultramarino in Goa in 1917. The rare first issue note took £13,000 (plus 24% buyer’s premium).

With 39,000 of these campaign honours given out, which ones can generate extra demand and achieve higher prices?

The personal stories behind medals are becoming increasingly relevant to collectors.

Vice Admiral Davidge Gould was the last surviving member of Nelson’s Band of Brothers, dying in 1847

A pair of militaria highlights related to Irish regiments that came up in recent auctions.

Discovered by a metal detectorist on Dorset land once owned by Sir Thomas Brook, the late 14th century diamond set gold love ring captured hearts and international interest at Noonans’ (24% buyer’s premium) Mayfair rooms.

The most famous of the many silversmiths in the German city of Hanau in the late 19th century was Neresheimer & Söhne.

While Ascot Gold Cups are not uncommon, the sight of two heading down the home straight to a rostrum finish on the same day was definitely rare.

The most famous firm of the many silversmiths in the German city of Hanau in the late 19th century was Neresheimer & Söhne.

When Bill Speakman won his Victoria Cross on November 4, 1951, fighting beside him was Corporal John Pender.

A group of father-and-son lots related to the Royal Navy may have been small in size but revealed a combined service in the Revolutionary and Napoleonic wars that was lengthy.

The first civilian Victoria Cross of just five to be awarded has sold for an auction record hammer price of £750,000 at London saleroom Noonans.

Coinex, the most important event on the British calender for many serious coin collectors, opens at the Biltmore Hotel in Mayfair on September 23-24.

The first Victoria Cross awarded to a civilian is coming up for auction at Noonans on September 14.

Unique medal combinations will always catch a collector’s eye, particularly when accompanied by a highly emotive backstory.