Press Release 1 December 2005

COLIN ADAMS' HALFCROWNED GLORY

Following on the heels of the fabulous Ivan Buck sale yesterday, Spink once again produced outstanding results with the sale of the esteemed Colin Adams Collection of Halfcrowns. The magnificent collection, the result of more than a decade of active and dedicated study, is the finest specialist collection of Halfcrowns ever to be offered at auction. Today the sale realized a total of £756,979.

Highlights included:

Additional Information for Editors

The Halfcrown was introduced in 1526, when competition from foreign ‘crown’ gold forced Henry VIII to introduce the Crown of the Double Rose of 22ct. valued at 5s., and the matching Halfcrown valued at 2s. 6d. The denomination then faithfully traces the ups and downs of British history for almost three and a half centuries, being struck more or less continuously until it was finally lost to decimalization on 14 February 1971.

For the first 74 years of its existence the halfcrown was essentially a gold coin. In 1551 Edward IV introduced the fine issue silver crown and Halfcrown but the innovation did not outlive him and it was another half century before the silver Halfcrown was reintroduced in 1601. For much of James I’s reign the gold Halfcrown remained in the ascendant, but his third coinage finally saw its demise and the halfcrown became a silver denomination.

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Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of coins, stamps, medals and banknotes. Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holders of three royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offer an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.

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