Halfcrown collection built over decades offered at DNW in March

A single-owner collection of over 200 Halfcrowns from the reigns of Edward VI through to Elizabeth II will feature in Dix Noonan Webb's Private Collection of British Coins on 21 March.

As Christopher Webb, Head of the Coin Department explained: “We are delighted to be offering this collection on behalf of Brian Dawson, a well-known and respected coin dealer from Lancashire, Brian began collecting coins in 1956, starting like most young men with pennies in his change. From this he acquired the taste for dealing, so he could finance his collecting from the profit of selling coins, his first sales through exchange and Mart, 10 different date pennies for £1. By 1967 he was a full-time dealer and bought his first Halfcrown from a fellow dealer in Bolton.”

Like the crown, the Halfcrown, which is the equivalent of 12½p in current UK money, was introduced as a gold coin during the reign of Henry VIII. The issue of gold Halfcrowns ceased in the 17th century, but the silver Halfcrown continued in circulation until January 1970, when the Halfcrown ceased to be legal tender.

Among the highlights of the collection is an exceptionally fine and unique unsigned Pattern Halfcrown from the reign of Charles I (1625-1649), depicting the King seated on horseback and holding a sword, estimated at £12,000-15,000, while a fine and extremely rare George I Halfcrown, dating from 1726, decorated with small roses and plumes, carries an estimate of £10,000-£12,000, and an extremely rare and fine George I Pattern Halfcrown, dating from 1715, is estimated at £3,000-£4,000.

Also included is the first Halfcrown that Brian bought – a scarce Halfcrown from the Tower mint, dating from 1625 which is estimated at £400-£500.