A Golden Tour Through The British Monarchy

Jan. 19 is the closing date for Baldwin’s of St. James Auction 14 which contains a wide array of some of the most difficult British gold coins to acquire. Both rare proof issues and fabulous grade rarities can be found in this sale, along with many rare pattern issues primarily struck in silver.

First up are lots 141 and 142; each James II Laureate Bust five guineas dated 1687, the latter with Elephant and Castle mark below the bust. That Elephant and Castle mark indicates that this coin was struck by the Royal Mint using gold supplied by the Royal African Company. The RAC was involved in mining gold in West Africa and shipping it back century guineas of all sizes are nearly unknown in mint state. The plain 1687 in lot 141 was graded by NGC as AU-55, while the Elephant and Castle type in lot 142 was graded by NGC as AU-53. They are estimated at $42,500 and $60,000, respectively.