Collecting coins in England is a hobby that can serve as a good investment, as they can increase in value over the years. This is probably why people, both old and young, collect all kinds of money.
The earliest coins of England appeared more than 2000 years ago. More modern banknotes, the production of which began already in 886 AD e., were cast in the Royal Mint. Surely everyone knows what the coins of England are called: pounds, pennies, shillings, etc.
This article will familiarize collector buyers with the history of British money, explain what makes them valuable, and how and where to buy them.
What makes the English currency more expensive?
There are many variables that make money valuable, including age, rarity, demand, wealth, or class. Nowadays, the gold coin of England has a high denomination. Their cost, as we have said, depends on several parameters. Let's look at them:
• Age.
Coins of England, the value of which is considered in our article, become more valuable, depending on their age. So, old money is certainly more valuable than what is in circulation now. Nevertheless, age is not the only determining factor in assessing the value of coins. For example, a 1909 penny can cost hundreds of dollars, while a thousand-year-old penny from the Romanesque era can be sold for just $ 10.
• Rarity.
Rarity is much more widespread for estimating the cost of shilling or farthing. What is rare (and can never be reproduced) will be in demand and will have a higher price than singing or shilling, which has less demand. An example is the penny minted in San Francisco in 1870.
• State or class.
The condition of the exhibit will have a leading influence on its value. The better it is, the higher the cost. Surprisingly, cleaning a silver or gold coin reduces its value.
• Demand.
The popularity of certain currency units can increase and decrease, and some are always in demand. But most often, banknotes, which are fashionable today, tomorrow fall to the bottom of demand. This should be borne in mind when buying a coin: when it is rare, it will almost always be in demand.
Popular types of collectible British coins
As history has shown, in England there were many types and denominations of coins. There are many ways to classify them, for example by date type or monarch. The most popular coins for British collectors are:
- Farthing 1216-1960 Farthing is the smallest denomination of British currency. It costs a quarter penny, can be made of silver, tin or copper.
- Halfpenny (halfpenny) 1272-1969 Half a penny came from ½ Farthing. These coins can be made of silver, tin or copper.
- Shilling 1461-1967 Almost every British monarch minted shillings, with the exception of Mary I. These coins cost 12 pence. Twenty shillings were also equal to one pound.
- Florin 1849-1967 This currency was created during the reign of Victoria I and was the first coin on which the monarch wore a crown, also the first on which the words "Dei Gratia" (which means "by the grace of God") are excluded, for which they even nicknamed it " godless. " Florins were made of silver and cost two shillings.
Where to buy British coins
British coins can be purchased through dealers, collectibles, and through websites.
Dealers and collectibles are good options to look for rare British coins. For example, in St. Petersburg in the Peter and Paul Fortress there is a large selection of interesting banknotes.
And those who want to buy them through specialized sites will have to register for them to create an account. The only information that you usually need to provide is your email address and physical address. Creating an account will allow you to contact the seller before buying the product.
In the end
British banknotes have a long and complex history, which makes collecting them fascinating for many. Launching a collection of coins is not difficult, but you can purchase them from dealers, in special stores or through websites.
Coins of England are a reflection of the long and colorful history of their country. Remember that you can collect not only coins and paper money in England, but also banknotes of other countries.