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

The (Lucky) Sixpence

Posted on December 4, 2020August 4, 2021 by Emma Wilde

The sixpence was first struck in 1551 during the reign of Edward VI. This was the precursor to the shilling, seeing its value halved from twelve pence to six; establishing itself as a popular fixture in British pre-decimal coinage.

Una and the Lion – The World’s Most Beautiful Coin?

Posted on November 17, 2020August 4, 2021 by Emma Wilde

Storytelling through coins, is one of the most significant ways historical events are recalled, for the simple reason that currency is a constant that has always been around in one form or another. It has adapted, changed and transformed, but it is always there telling a story of history…

There’s one coin in particular though that holds more meaning and beauty than any other, blending fact and fiction to produce what can only be described by many as the world’s most beautiful coin. Una and the Lion.

Cyrus Karimi, descendant of Mayflower passenger, John Howland

Posted on October 21, 2020August 4, 2021 by Emma Wilde

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where are you located?

My name is Cyrus Karimi and I am a 43-year-old and I live in Trumbull, Connecticut. My wife and I have two daughters and a great dog named Blue.

When and how did you find out you were a descendant of a Mayflower passenger?

The Mayflower and Seven Facts You May Not Know

Posted on October 15, 2020August 4, 2021 by Emma Wilde

On 16th September 1620, a merchant ship called the Mayflower sailed from England to Plymouth, USA to the ‘New World’. On board the ship were 102 men, women and children; half of which were Pilgrims’ looking for a new life away from religious persecution. After a treacherous journey through storms and high waves, the mayflower finally reached its journeys end after 66 grueling days.

We’re looking at the history of the vessel, as well as five facts you may not know…

The Trial of the Pyx – What is it, and why does it exist?

Posted on October 6, 2020August 4, 2021 by Emma Wilde

The Trial of the Pyx is one of Britain’s longest-established judicial ceremonies; held since the 12^th century and remaining largely unchanged since that date and Henry III’s reign.

The word ‘pyx’ comes from the Latin word ‘pyxis’ or small box, and in this case refers to the chests used to store and transport the coins ready for the trial. Throughout the year, coins are randomly selected from every batch and denomination struck, sealed in bags of 50 and locked away in ‘Pyx’ boxes ready for testing to commence at the Trial of Pyx.

The 2020 Pre-Decimal 50th Anniversary Gold Sovereign Range

Posted on September 23, 2020August 4, 2021 by Emma Wilde

The 2020 Pre-decimal 50th Anniversary Gold One-Eighth Sovereign Banner

In 1970, the last ever pre-decimal coins were struck. Pre-Decimal coinage is however very much still heard and seen today, despite there being many younger generations who have only ever known ‘Decimal’ currency of pounds and pence, missing out on centuries of history and tradition.

Decimalisation, or Decimal Day as it is most known, occurred in 1971 after the pre-decimal system was deemed too complicated with pounds, shillings and pence. Initially, the plan was to make the new decimal currency into cents and dollars (known more in the USA), but this was reconsidered, and pounds and pence were the chosen coinage.

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