Essential Reference Books
Bronze Coinage
- Freeman, Michael J. – The Bronze Coinage of Great Britain
The definitive guide to bronze penny varieties. Essential for serious collectors. - Gouby, Michael – The British Bronze Penny
Comprehensive modern reference with excellent photography.
Copper Coinage
- Peck, C. Wilson – English Copper, Tin and Bronze Coins in the British Museum, 1558–1958
Academic standard for copper coinage. "Peck numbers" are standard references. - Withers, Paul & Bente – British Copper Coins and Their Values
Accessible guide with market valuations.
General British Coins
- Spink & Son – Coins of England and the United Kingdom
The "Standard Catalogue" – updated annually. Essential market reference. - Seaby – Standard Catalogue of British Coins
Another comprehensive general reference.
History & Background
- Dyer, G.P. – The Royal Mint: An Illustrated History
Official history of the mint that produced most British pennies. - Craig, Sir John – The Mint: A History of the London Mint
Scholarly history of minting in Britain.
Official Institutions
The Royal Mint
Official British mint since 886 AD. Their website includes:
- Coin specifications
- Historical information
- The Royal Mint Museum
- Educational resources
British Museum
World-class numismatic collection including:
- Department of Coins and Medals
- Online collection database
- Research facilities
- Expert consultations
Fitzwilliam Museum
Cambridge University's coin collection:
- Significant British holdings
- Academic resources
- Research programs
Grading Services
NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company)
Leading third-party grading service:
- Extensive UK coin census
- VarietyPlus attribution
- UK submission centers
- NGC Coin Explorer – free population data
PCGS (Professional Coin Grading Service)
Premier grading with excellent resources:
- Strong world coin expertise
- PCGS CoinFacts – comprehensive database
- Price guide included
- International offices
Premier Dealers & Auction Houses
UK-Based Specialists
Spink & Son
Founded 1666. Publisher of the Standard Catalogue. Regular British coin auctions.
A.H. Baldwin & Sons
Established 1872. Leading British coin specialists with regular auctions.
Dix Noonan Webb
Major auction house with searchable price archives. Excellent British coin sales.
London Coins
Regular postal and live auctions specializing in British coins.
Coincraft
London-based dealer. Publisher of reference catalogues.
Colin Cooke Coins
Specialist in British milled coinage including copper and bronze.
International Auction Houses
Heritage Auctions
World's largest numismatic auction house. Strong world coin presence.
Stack's Bowers
Major international auctions including British coins.
Sixbid
Aggregator for numismatic auctions worldwide.
Numismatic Societies
British Numismatic Society
Founded 1903. The premier UK numismatic society:
- Regular meetings and lectures
- British Numismatic Journal publication
- Research library access
- Networking with collectors and scholars
Royal Numismatic Society
Founded 1836. Academic focus on all numismatics:
- Numismatic Chronicle publication
- International scope
- Scholarly programs
American Numismatic Association
World's largest numismatic organization:
- Annual conventions
- The Numismatist magazine
- Educational programs
- Money Museum
British Numismatic Trade Association
Trade body for UK coin dealers:
- Member directory
- Dispute resolution
- Ethical standards
Online Resources
Reference Databases
- Numista – Collaborative coin catalogue with extensive British coverage
- Coin Hunter – UK-focused collecting guides and checklists
- Coin Archives – Historical auction results
- ACSearch – Ancient and world coin auction database
Pricing & Market Data
Forums & Communities
- CoinTalk – Active collecting forum
- Coin Community – Discussion and identification help
- Reddit r/coins – Large online community
- Reddit r/AncientCoins – For earlier British coinage
Metal Detecting Resources
- Portable Antiquities Scheme – UK finds recording
- UK Detector Finds Database
Note: Metal detecting regulations vary. Always obtain permission and follow local laws.
Shows & Events
Major UK Coin Shows
- BNTA Coinex – Annual show organized by the British Numismatic Trade Association. Largest UK coin show.
- London Coin Fair – Regular shows at Holiday Inn Bloomsbury.
- Midland Coin Fair – Birmingham-based show.
- Regional Shows – Numerous local shows throughout the UK.
Check dealer websites and numismatic society announcements for current schedules.
Starting Your Collection
Recommended Approach
- Get educated first: Read the Spink catalogue and browse online references before spending significantly.
- Start with common dates: Learn to grade and handle coins with inexpensive examples.
- Buy the book before the coin: Freeman's bronze reference is essential for serious collecting.
- Buy from reputable sources: BNTA members, established auction houses, and NGC/PCGS certified coins.
- Focus your collection: Decide whether to collect by monarch, date, variety, or grade.
- Join a society: The British Numismatic Society connects you with experienced collectors.
- Handle coins properly: Always hold by edges, use cotton gloves for valuable pieces, and store in appropriate holders.
Storage & Preservation
- Avoid PVC: Some plastic holders contain PVC that damages coins over time.
- Use quality holders: NGC/PCGS slabs, Saflips, or quality cardboard 2x2s.
- Control environment: Avoid humidity, temperature extremes, and air pollution.
- Never clean coins: Cleaning destroys value. Leave natural patina intact.