A ‘COLOSSAL’ collection of gold and silver coins is set to exceed £60,000 at auction in Lichfield later this month.

Accumulated by a Staffordshire numismatist, the treasure trove goes under the hammer with Richard Winterton Auctioneers at The Lichfield Auction Centre on Monday, October 24.

The collection is catalogued across the first 82 lots of that week’s Antiques & Home Sale, starting at 9.30am.

It includes a rare, non-circulating, platinum ‘Piedfort’ proof coin minted for Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday in 2016 – only 80 such coins are believed to be in existence and this example is expected to exceed £3,000.

A Piedfort is a coin that is thicker than a normal issue, made as a collector's item, and ‘proof’ means the highest quality commemorative coin, with unrivalled sharpness, detail and finish.

“This particular coin is one I have never seen in person before,” said Phil Bridge, numismatics specialist at Richard Winterton Auctioneers.

“It weighs a mighty 94.20 grams and is one of many very impressive pieces.

“When I first viewed this colossal coinage collection, I would liken my reaction to visiting a bullion company’s retail shop!

“There is an enormous amount of gold proof coins plus high end silver and Piedfort silver proofs, including the Kew Gardens and EEC Presidency 50p pieces.

“It is the first time I have witnessed such a large collection both in volume and value with lots of beautifully designed proofs and sovereign sets.”

Lot 82, the final lot of the collection, is a 2008 Emblems of Britain and Royal Shield of Arms dual proof collection in a deluxe presentation case, estimated to fetch in excess of £6,000 at auction.

Other highlights include a two coin set of gold proof £5 and €20 coins commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale, estimated at £2,400-£2,600; a Kew Gardens 50p gold proof; and numerous gold proof £1, £2 and £5 coins.

View the catalogue right here. Viewing is available on Friday 21st October by appointment only. Phone 01543 406124.

Photo captions:

Only 80 examples of the platinum Piedfort proof coin minted for Queen Elizabeth II’s 90th birthday are believed to be in existence. 

The Entente Cordiale 100th anniversary pair of a gold proof £5 and a gold proof €20. 

A Horatio Nelson 22ct gold £5 commemorative from 2005. 

The 2008 Emblems of Britain and Royal Shield of Arms dual proof collection, estimated to exceed £6,000 at auction.