Hattons of London - Blog - Learn and discover about the world of coins

Diana…The “People’s Princess”

Posted on June 17, 2021November 29, 2023 by Emma Wilde

Princess Diana once famously stated in an interview, that she wished to be “a Queen of people’s hearts”. After her tragic death at the age of just 36, the then Prime Minister Tony Blair in a statement said “They liked her, they loved her, they regarded her as one of the people. She was the ‘People’s Princess.’ And that’s how she will stay, how she will remain, in our hearts and in our memories, forever.”

Here, we take a look back at the life and tireless charity work, that has made her loved by millions all over the world.

What Makes A Coin Collectable?

Posted on June 4, 2021November 2, 2021 by Emma Wilde

Coin collecting, as a hobby, can take many forms. From collecting a few coins in a jar that you store at the back of a cupboard or in the attic, to keeping your coins in transparent sleeves in a folder to keep them in good condition and make viewing them easier. You may even have collections of coins that you keep in their original presentation cases, that you have never opened.

But what makes a coin collectable? Here, we take a look at four things that collectors think about when obtaining new additions to their collections.

The “Crown” Coin – A Brief History

Posted on May 11, 2021November 2, 2021 by Emma Wilde

The “Crown” has a long history as a currency coin dating all the way back to the time of Henry VIII. In more recent times the crown has been struck as a commemorative coin to mark significant royal events such as birthdays, weddings or jubilees. Here, we take a look at the crown’s origins and how it has changed since then.

Queen Victoria…Six Things You May Not Know!

Posted on May 7, 2021November 2, 2021 by Emma Wilde

Queen Victoria reigned from just after her 18^th birthday until her death at the age of 81. She is Britain’s second longest reigning monarch. She was married to her beloved Albert for 21 years, and mourned his death for nearly 40 years afterwards. But what else do you know about Victoria. Here are six unusual facts that you may find interesting.

Benedetto Pistrucci – The Man Behind The Design

Posted on April 28, 2021November 2, 2021 by Emma Wilde

There is a myriad of designs that adorn coins all over the world. From shields and floral wreaths, to coats of arms and cyphers. But one particular design, many believe, stands head and shoulders above the rest. The design is that of St George and the Dragon – on the reverse of the sovereign of King George III created in 1817. But what of its designer, Benedetto Pistrucci? Here, we take a brief look back at his life, from his early years, growing up and being educated in Rome, to his time at the Royal Mint and the creation of this iconic design.

Proof, BU and Bullion…What Does It All Mean?

Posted on April 23, 2021November 2, 2021 by Emma Wilde

In the wonderful world of numismatics, you will hear many terms for the gold and silver that you purchase, and some of the terms that you may hear could be PROOF, BRILLIANT UNCIRCULATED or BU, and BULLION. Here is a quick guide to the differences between the three.