Two NGC-certified Guineas Each Realize Six figures in Baldwin’s of St. James Sale

A Baldwin’s of St. James auction held in London saw strong results for two English gold guineas certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®). Realizing over £ 100,000 (about $137,000 USD) each, the coins dominated the sale on April 14, 2021.

The pinnacle of the auction was a gold England 1675 5 Guineas Elephant graded NGC MS 62+ (lot 351). As one of the oldest guineas that has survived in such a high grade, this coin realized £ 160,000 (about $220,000 USD). The small elephant stamped below the bust of King Charles II represents the Royal African Company, which supplied gold to England during the late 1600s to early 1700s.

England 1675 5 Guineas Elephant graded NGC MS 62+: Realized £ 160,000 (about $220,000 USD) Click images to enlarge.

Another gold guinea, an England 1748 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 64 (lot 352), realized £ 115,000 (about $158,000 USD). This example was struck during the reign of King George II and features his likeness.

Great Britian 1748 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 64: Realized £ 115,000 (about $ 158,000 USD) Click images to enlarge.

About English Gold Guineas

Guineas were minted between 1663 to 1814. In 1663, King Charles II granted a royal charter to the “Company of Royal Adventurers Trading to Africa” (later called the “Royal African Company”), and most of these coins were produced with gold obtained from the Guinea region in West Africa. Overtime, older guineas became a source to make new ones, which featured the reigning monarch. Because many were melted, only a few of the earliest pieces have survived.

All prices realized are expressed in US dollars.