Gold Coinage of George III (books/catalogues)

[Descartes]

Does anybody know of any good books or auction catalogues that cover the Gold coinage of George III? I'm just about finished collecting the bronze and silver coins of G3 and am looking at branching out into the gold coinage. There doesnt seem to be much 'in-print' literature available, other than a few websites and good old Spink. Descartes.

[jelida]

You could try the copper coins of G3?.

But seriously, Rob is probably your man here.

Jerry

[Mr T]

I seem to remember one of the more recent sovereign collection auction catalogues having some reasonably detailed information, though that only covers back to 1816 I suppose.

[Rob]

I'm surprised you have got to the end of the copper and silver without encountering the gold references along the way!

The most comprehensive tome for George III gold patterns is Wilson & Rasmussen which has 140 entries. The Plymouth sale in 2008 had another 20 G3 gold pieces that were previously unidentifiable. Sovereigns and halves are covered by Marsh. Peck has a number of gold patterns and proofs, but you will know about these having completed the other metals.

In terms of auctions, then many major early 20th century sales had a decent number. Murdoch had the most 5 guineas at 43 of 47, though even second line sales such as O'Hagen tended to have a few (35 in this case). Obviously not all were G3. From the1970s onwards you had Douglas Morris and Barnes, Sharps Pixley, Norweb pt.1, Selig, King, plus many more, Wertheimer (1945), Nobleman (1922), the list is practically endless.

[Descartes]

6 hours ago, Rob said:

I'm surprised you have got to the end of the copper and silver without encountering the gold references along the way!

The most comprehensive tome for George III gold patterns is Wilson & Rasmussen which has 140 entries. The Plymouth sale in 2008 had another 20 G3 gold pieces that were previously unidentifiable. Sovereigns and halves are covered by Marsh. Peck has a number of gold patterns and proofs, but you will know about these having completed the other metals.

In terms of auctions, then many major early 20th century sales had a decent number. Murdoch had the most 5 guineas at 43 of 47, though even second line sales such as O'Hagen tended to have a few (35 in this case). Obviously not all were G3. From the1970s onwards you had Douglas Morris and Barnes, Sharps Pixley, Norweb pt.1, Selig, King, plus many more, Wertheimer (1945), Nobleman (1922), the list is practically endless.

Thanks for the responses guys, and thanks especially for your response Rob! I WIll certainly hunt down the Wilson and Rasmussen, and the Plymouth sale catalogue. When I say I've finished the other metals I mean 'within my present limited budget'. I used to buy the rarer items each year when I got my annual bonus. Sadly at present I can only dream of owning some of the 'rarest' pieces that saying, it's always good to know about them and hope to one day have them in my collection. For instance I'm still missing the 1820 I of HONI over S variety in the sixpence series ... a recent one graded EF, sold for £1,350 on ebay ... too much for the exchequer this year! I plan on building up my gold series starting with the third guineas and just researching the rarer types and varieties for the sole pleasure of gaining the knowledge, whilst at the same time hoping for a good win on the horses! D

[Rob]

Get the quarters out of the way first. Both 1718 & 1762 are cheap and readily obtainable, plus a 1764 pattern which is a bit elusive.