1 What do you wish buyers did more?
Read books. Not enough collectors take the time to learn about what they are collecting. Buy the book first and the coins afterwards.
2 What is the biggest challenge that buyers and collectors now face?
Too many auction houses are going into coins and accepting mediocre coins at high reserves. Meanwhile, fewer dealers are putting out lists. However, we publish 40 different catalogues a year and as the number of places to buy coins decreases, our business is actually growing.
3 Should buyers shop at fairs?
Fairs are not quite so important in the coin business. You have to look over a lot of material very quickly and you don’t have a lot of time to think about it. Shopping at an established premises gives you more time to contemplate.
4 What is one great discovery you’ve made?
The finest known George III 1819 sovereign. We sold it through Sotheby’s for £55,000 more than 25 years ago. It was resold a couple of years ago for £250,000. I have also been listed 14 times in the Guinness Book of Records for coins and banknotes.
5 Sky is the limit – what is an object you would love to have in your home?
I would like to have back the partial set of Edward VIII coins that I bought and sold three times.
If you would like to be featured in 5 Questions, please contact francesallitt@antiquestradegazette.com
