Archive – Great Britain
Let’s be merciful and hang them: The Catherine Heyland case
In March 1788, a police unit of the Westminster community stormed a locked room in London. They had been tipped off that two people committed a crime in that house that was forbidden under penalty of death: false coining... [ more ]
Between East and West or: the first Western coins of China
The first Chinese coins imitating western models were struck on the island of Formosa, modern-day Taiwan, nearly 200 years before. This article will tell the story, how it came about... [ more ]
Henry VII – Founder of the Tudor Dynasty
In the mid-15th century two aristocratic houses divided England deeply fighting the so-called War of the Roses. Henry VII overcame this situation by a marriage founding a new, stable dynasty: the Tudors.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 5.
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Henry VIII – the Man Who Had Six Wives
Henry VIII is renowned for his many wifes. Behind these marriages was his endeavour to unite love and a secure dynasty. On behalf of this goal he even broke with the Pope and the church.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 6.
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The Powers of the Soho Mint
William McKivor presents a medal from his own collection telling the history of its origin: It was struck in the Soho Mint in 1803, and played a role in an argument conducted in three countries in three languages on two medals, between the English manufacturer Matthew Boulton and the French Engineer J. P. Droz. [ more ]
Elizabeth I – Ruler of the Seven Seas
The Virgin Queen she was called by her contemporaries – and she made them tremble. Elizabeth I was a key figure of the 16th century, her navy controlled the oceans, England flourished.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 7.
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Ironsides of England: Oliver Cromwell
In the 17th century England experienced a period without king when the officer Oliver Cromwell was trying to establish a republic – even at the cost of precipitating the whole country into a civil war.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 8.
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A Glorious Revolution
Besides the fear of having no king at all the English feared always the scenario of a Catholic king. In 1688 dread of becoming re-Catholicised led the aristocrats to call a Protestant from the Netherlands to be their new king.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 9.
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A German on the British Throne: George I
To bar the Catholic Stuarts from the throne of England Queen Anne designated a German to become her successor: George I. But nevertheless he was a Protestant, the English were not satisfied with their new monarch.
By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 10.
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Queen of an Empire: Victoria
Under Victoria I Britain’s Empire embraced the whole world. But the Queen drew back from policy and let the politicians govern the country. That system should never change any more. By examining 12 coins we are going to stroll through Great Britain’s history – this is part 11. [ more ]
Morton & Eden
It takes a certain amount of courage to face a fast bowler on the cricket pitch but in the history of the game, only one man has received a medal for bravery on the field of play... [ more ]
Enigmatic hoard in East London
Amateur gardeners unearthed 80 Double Eagles in a little garden in east London. If the owner won’t be found within one year, the hoard will be declared treasure... [ more ]
Owner of the Hackney Hoard ascertained
In 2007 residents of the London borough Hackney came upon a treasure of 80 American gold coins, while digging a frog pond. Now the real owner of these coins has been ascertained. It is the descendant of a German Jew, who escaped to Britain in 1938... [ more ]
Police of Albany investigates, who has a right to treasure troves in Australia
At the beginning of May 2011 a construction worker found a hoard of sovereigns while digging a trench in the port city of the Australian Albany. Now the authorities seem to wrack their brains in order to find out, who has the right to treasure troves in Australia... [ more ]
Why were British coins buried in Australian Albany?
At the beginning of May a little hoard of British sovereigns was found at Australian Albany. But why were they buried there? There are various theories... [ more ]
A new museum for Mary Rose
Once she was a flagship of England’s war marine, today Mary Rose tells us of the Tudor era. Many artifacts and an impressive hull will be exposed in a new museum at Historical dockyards in Portsmouth in 2012... [ more ]
HMS Victory Shipwreck To Unveal Her Treasure
Odyssey Marine Exploration, Inc., has executed an agreement with the Maritime Heritage Foundation for the financing, archaeological survey and excavation, conservation and exhibit of HMS Victory (sunk in 1744) and artifacts from the shipwreck site. [ more ]
‘Cityscapes’ – City views on historical coins and medals
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts, Birmingham (UK), shows an exhibition on panoramic views of Europe’s great cities on European coins and medals. ‘Cityscapes’ will be on display until 6 October 2013 and in addition it will be accompanied by an online exhibition. [ more ]
Gold Exhibition in London
“Gold: Power and Allure” is the most comprehensive and ambitious exhibition ever staged at Goldsmiths’ Hall. Until July 28th it powerfully tells the rich and previously untold story of Britain and its relationship with gold, demonstrating the country’s unique golden heritage. [ more ]
Medals of first private soldier to be awarded the V.C. in the Great War at Spink
In Spink’s London auction of Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria, on July 19, 2012 the first V.C. awarded to a private soldier in the Great War (1914-1918) was offered for sale.
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Henry VIII groats hoard declared treasure
14 silver groats minted under Henry VIII were found in a field in Norfolk (UK) and now declared treasure by a coroner. The coins may have been concealed during the famous Kett’s rebellion in 1549. [ more ]
Isaac Newton: from mathematical genius to crime-fighter extraordinaire
Isaac Newton is famous for his achievements in physics and astronomy. But he also was a Warden and Master of the Mint – and a successful crime-fighter who enjoyed chasing counterfeiters. [ more ]