PREVIEW: COINS AND HISTORICAL MEDALS: 30 JUNE

As the border posts are dismantled between Gibraltar and Spain in anticipation of the new treaty, 40 lots of coins, proof sets and historical medals come to auction here tracing its story as a British Overseas Territory since its capture from Spain in 1704.

Gathered together in a single collection by the well-known Dutch numismatist Willem van Alsenoy, estimates range from £1,000 down to just £50, making this a very accessible selection for those interested in the subject.

At the top end of hopes is a General Picton’s Medal for The Relief of Gibraltar (1783), marking the successful holding of the Rock by the British garrison after a siege by the Spanish and French in 1782. The obverse of the silver medal by Lewis Pingo shows an aerial view of the Bay of Gibraltar, with the fleet to the upper right. To the reverse is an inscription celebrating the victory written across 17 lines within a laurel wreath, a lion holding the Gibraltar coat-of-arms above cartouche below. This 59mm diameter medal is very rare and in nearly extremely fine condition. The estimate is £800-1,000.

Also relating to the Relief of Gibraltar is the 1783 silver medal by J.C. Reich, the obverse with the bust of Admiral Elliott right, the reverse showing the colony under bombardment. The 43mm medallion is polished, but otherwise better than very fine, and very rare in silver. The guide is £400-500.

The Catton family were gold and silversmiths in Gibraltar in the 18th and 19th century. One of the highlights in this sale is a collection of 26 tokens issued by Richard Catton and others from the period (1802-20). These quartos were usually made from copper, with 24 quartos being the equivalent to one Spanish Real. The estimate is £400-500.

Another notable piece is a bronze seal of the Bishop of Gibraltar, George Tomlinson, 1842. Created by Benjamin Wyon, the shield-shaped seal shows the Bishop’s mitre over a shield, with an inscription around it, while the plain reverse carries a five-line inscription identifying Wyon as the engraver. At 77 x 55 x 14mm, and with some scratches across the base inscription, this gilt-blocked seal comes in its original case of issue at £200-300.

A highlight of the wider sale is a Kings of Mercia Penny for Coenwulf (796-821) found near Maiden Newton, 21 February 2023. A full round coin with a superb portrait, it is expected to fetch £2,000-3,000.