Queen Anne 1711 fob holder

[Jacqui]

Hi I have what looks like a coin box/fob made with 1711 Queen Ann coins. Can anyone one tell me anything about this please, and how would I open it?

thank you! 

[Paddy]

Nice curiosity! What size is it? Difficult to see what denomination of Queen Anne coin has been used.

I think we would need to see pics of the edge and hinge (if any) to guess how to open it. It may just be a push fit that has become too tight, or there may have been a catch on the opposite edge to the ring. I have also seen things where the ring mount itself can be pulled or twisted to unlock the box. Some tobacco boxes just required squeezing in a particular direction. Could be almost anything!

 

[Jacqui]

Hi Paddy, thank you for such a quick reply. I should have put the size, sorry. The coin part is approx 2cm. I cant see a hinge as such, hre are re edge pics.

 

[Peckris 2]

That size would make it a shilling. The one that's dated 1711 is the "no E" type (E is for Edinburgh where many of the post-Union - England and Scotland - coins were minted, and the E would be below the bust). The other shilling we can't see the date of, but it's a "plain angles" type - i.e. there is just blank space between the shields of the royal arms; the alternative would be roses or plumes between them.

Edited July 7 by Peckris 2

[Paddy]

Thanks @Jacqui for the edge pictures.

With the knurling on the edges I would think this one will unscrew, the ridges offering the extra grip necessary to make the twist.

If/when you get it open, you may be able to see the other sides of the shillings.

PS - if you find you can't get it to unscrew, try a little 3in1 oil in the joins.

Edited July 7 by Paddy
Added PS

[Jacqui]

Thank you both. It is soaking now, wil let you know how I get on.

 

[Citizen H]

it could be a snuff box,  just a thought...... very interesting.  👍

[Jacqui]

Ah, it may be. I'v been thinking about what else it may have bee, like a tape measure or something or just a fob, its the slot that is bothering me.

[Paddy]

I think a snuff box is unlikely. A screw fit is too likely to clog up and too fiddly to open for a regular snuff taker.

A tape measure is a good call, in which case it may be very difficult to take apart.

[Coys55]

What's the little hole at 7 o’clock on reverse" side? It looks like a screw or something under magnification.

If the oil hasn't worked maybe try WD-40, although it's difficult to know what is stuck if you don't know how it should open.

Another thought. Does that slot open up to the inside? If it does a small endoscope fibre-optic camera could give you a look around the inside. A 5.5mm one on eBay is less than £10. I once borrowed one to see why a previous owner of my son's Victorian house had crudely blocked up an alcove next to a chimney breast. I half expected to find a cupboard full of junk, but there was nothing there apart from some cobwebs, some dust and some very crappy-looking exposed brickwork that was best left alone.

[Rob]

2cm will be a 6d. Shillings are about 25mm, plus the bust is ok for a 6d but not a 1/-. The top curls are sort of ok for the 3rd bust shilling, but still a bit too pronounced. 4th bust curls are completely different. Disregards the Edinburgh bust coins, as they are bit more ad hoc in design and clearly identifiable aside from the E or E*

[Jacqui]

On 7/7/2026 at 11:51 AM, Paddy said:

Thanks @Jacqui for the edge pictures.

With the knurling on the edges I would think this one will unscrew, the ridges offering the extra grip necessary to make the twist.

If/when you get it open, you may be able to see the other sides of the shillings.

PS - if you find you can't get it to unscrew, try a little 3in1 oil in the joins.

 

[Jacqui]

no luck yet.

[Jacqui]

7 hours ago, Coys55 said:

What's the little hole at 7 o’clock on reverse" side? It looks like a screw or something under magnification.

If the oil hasn't worked maybe try WD-40, although it's difficult to know what is stuck if you don't know how it should open.

Another thought. Does that slot open up to the inside? If it does a small endoscope fibre-optic camera could give you a look around the inside. A 5.5mm one on eBay is less than £10. I once borrowed one to see why a previous owner of my son's Victorian house had crudely blocked up an alcove next to a chimney breast. I half expected to find a cupboard full of junk, but there was nothing there apart from some cobwebs, some dust and some very crappy-looking exposed brickwork that was best left alone.

Im not sure I am replying properly- using quote? But yes, good call. I assumed it was a spot of corrosion or from an acid test. It feels smooth. Ill have a better look tomorrw with more light. I have tried wwd40. 

But the camera is intriguing. My son also has an old victorian house with some suspicious blocked up bits and holes. I watched the people who installed the stove use one on the chimney breast, which was pretty scary! I may get one. We all fantasise about hidden treasure in these houses.

[Jacqui]

7 hours ago, Rob said:

2cm will be a 6d. Shillings are about 25mm, plus the bust is ok for a 6d but not a 1/-. The top curls are sort of ok for the 3rd bust shilling, but still a bit too pronounced. 4th bust curls are completely different. Disregards the Edinburgh bust coins, as they are bit more ad hoc in design and clearly identifiable aside from the E or E*

Thank you, I re-measured, 2.2cm.

[Jacqui]

The little spot at 7 o'clock is a stain. Still no further along, will decide to leave it as it is for now.