Wearable wealth

The fashion for coins as jewellery during the Victorian era was a significant one. As well as being attractive items for wear, these conveyed a pride for queen and country but were not only limited to British coins. Lot 504 in The Coins and Banknotes Auction on 15 January features a collection of coin jewellery including British, South African and Netherlandish examples.

One brooch features a central South African coin flanked by two pairs of Victoria sixpences. All coins are enamelled in blue and it is a well-balanced and very interesting item of jewellery. Another brooch in the group is formed from a Netherlandish coin, this has been cut to have a scalloped edge. Estimated at £60-90, this group is sure to appeal to coin and jewellery collectors. 

View the full Coins & Banknotes Auction catalogue here >>

Sarah Fergusson

Do you have coins, banknotes or bullion to sell? For a free auction valuation please contact sarah@mctears.co.uk or come along to the Valuation Days at McTear’s on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays for complimentary auction advice.