Pair of 17th century coins fetch £33,000 at auction

The coins, a 1656 gold broad of twenty shillings dating from the Cromwellian period and the Charles II 1662 gold broad of twenty shillings were expected to reach between £3,000 and £12,000 respectively.

But they were sold at Cuttlestones auctioneers, on Pinfold Lane, on June 3, with the Cromwell coin reaching a staggering £22,000.

And the Charles II coin followed suit sold for an impressive £11,000.

Coin collectors and Civil War buffs were out in force on the day of the sale – both in the auction room and placing bids via telephone and via live internet budding.

Head auctioneer and managing director of Cuttlestones, Ben Gamble, said: "The prices realised by these coins surprised everyone – including the telephone bidders, who were out in force. However, they were very rare items in exceptional condition and we had huge interest in both lots before the sale.

"The Cromwellian coin in particular is a very special example, not only due to the short period of Cromwell's reign but that it was one of the very first coins made using the modern minting method rather than being struck by hand, so it really got the enthusiasts in a spin.

"This, and the subsequent price achieved by the less rare Charles II coin, just shows how a bidding war can develop and send prices well beyond expectations!"

Both historic coins sold to a London-based bidder, who had travelled up to the Midlands in order to attend the sale in person.

Head auctioneer Ben Gamble said: "They came to us through a long-standing client of ours who had a relative who was a coin collector. He's brought lots of things to us over the years but nothing quite like this, we were gobsmacked.

"They were always going to make big money. There are very few about."

"The condition was perfect. With all rare stuff, if the condition is good, people will pay a lot."

To find out more about forthcoming auctions at Cuttlestones, visit www.cutt lestones.co.uk/index.htm