New Strike vs Heritage – What’s the difference?

Posted on by Vanessa Brockwell

The gold sovereign was first created under the authority of King Henry VII in 1489, when he demanded a ‘new money of gold’ to illustrate his powerful reign. The sovereign, made for kings and queens, has been prestigious throughout history for its reliability, strength and accuracy, and has represented the advancement of the art of minting.

Here at Hattons of London we have an incredible selection of both new strike and heritage sovereigns, but what is the difference between the two? In our latest blog we will be exploring the two categories and what opportunities each has to offer.

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A Brief History Of The Farthing

Posted on by Emma Wilde

A Farthing

This year we are marking the 50th anniversary of decimalisation in Britain, or “Decimal Day” as it became known, by looking back at some of the most iconic British coins, which ceased to be minted following this momentous day for British coinage.

The farthing had actually stopped being minted fifteen years earlier in 1956, and it ceased to be legal tender in Britain on the 1st January 1961, but continued to be used in certain overseas territories until 1970. In recent memory, the farthing will be remembered for the little wren that adorned the reverse, and here, we take a brief look at its history.

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The Threepence – Queen Victoria to Decimalisation

Posted on by Emma Wilde

Threepence set

The Threepence or “Thruppence” or “Thrupenny Bit”, as it has often been referred to, is one of the most recognisable coins in British coinage. It has a long history, with many different monarch’s portraits adorning its obverse, and numerous different designs to its reverse. Here we specifically take a look at the coin from the reign of Queen Victoria through to it ceasing to become legal tender due to Decimalisation in 1971.

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What Makes A Coin Collectable?

Posted on by Emma Wilde

Coin Collecting

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.

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