Tamworth treasure trove! Coin collection set to exceed £20,000 at Lichfield auction

Tamworth treasure trove! Coin collection set to exceed £20,000 at Lichfield auction

A TREASURE trove of coins collected by a popular Tamworth ex-soldier and club steward is expected to fetch thousands of pounds when it goes under the hammer at Lichfield next month.

Tony Baker’s numismatic archive is presented across 52 lots on Day One of Richard Winterton’s Two Day Antiques & Home Sale at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Fradley Park, on Monday, February 7.

Specialists expect the exceptional haul to total £20,000 to £25,000.

View the online catalogue here

Highlights include a UK Britannia four-coin collection with £100, £50, £25 and £10 proof (the highest quality possible) coins in 22ct gold worth around £2,300 and a gold Anglo-Gallic Salut d'Or hammered in the reign of Henry VI (1422-1453) valued at £1,800 to £2,200, pictured.

A Charles II gold coin from 1680 is valued at £1,400 to £1,600 and a cased set of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ gold coins – one coin each from Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa, the USA and the United Kingdom – is estimated to fetch £1,600-£1,800.

Tony Baker. (Photo courtesy Wayne Baker)

Dad of three, grandfather of seven and great-grandfather of three, Mr Baker passed away in May 2021 at the age of 83.

Born in Bolehall, Tamworth, in 1938, he started work as a lorry driver before joining the Army aged 19 and served for 25 years, finishing as Warrant Officer Class 2.

He went on to be a steward and managed Tamworth Progressive Club, where he put on variety acts and other functions.

After retirement he did much traveling, spending a lot of time in Australia.

Mr Baker and his wife Gill – who died in 2002 – had three sons, Wayne and twin brothers Darrel and Dean.

A UK Britannia collection of four 22ct gold proof coins.

Seeking professional advice on the coin collection, the family booked a free consultation at Richard Winterton Auctioneers in Tamworth.

“Dad was a bit of a character,” said Wayne, from Glascote.

“We knew he collected coins but it was a little bit of a surprise to discover quite how valuable his collection is.”

Phil Bridge, coin specialist at Richard Winterton Auctioneers, said to have 50-plus lots of high grade coins ‘is a dream come true’.

“With a mixture of hammered and milled gold coins, I just couldn't wait to get started valuing and cataloguing this vast amount of gold,” he said.

A Charles II gold coin from 1680.

“Not only did Tony Baker buy mainly precious metal coins and in particular gold coins of the UK, most were of the highest quality one can purchase and therefore attain some of the highest returns for his investments.

“I always make a point of recommending buying quality, in line with what the collector can afford – and, more precisely, gold followed by silver are particularly good investments.

“Tony Baker’s collection is a good example of this. Sometimes he purchased a basic year set of coins, other times it was a Henry VI hammered Anglo-Gallic Salut d'Or, when funds were available – a wise gentleman!”

The cased set of ‘The Magnificent Seven’ gold coins – one coin each from Australia, Canada, China, Mexico, South Africa, the USA and the United Kingdom.

The February 7-8 Antiques & Home Sale at The Lichfield Auction Centre, Wood End Lane, Fradley Park, starts at 9.30am both days.

View the online catalogue here

For viewing, bidding, auction information and valuation enquiries, telephone 01543 251081 or email office@richardwinterton.co.uk.

For valuation enquiries at Tamworth, call 01827 217746 or email tamworth@richardwinterton.co.uk.