In the 16th Century, imitations of Roman coins were created by the artist Giovanni da Cavino of Padua, after whom some imitations are called ‘Paduans’. At the time da Cavino was living in Padua, working as a sculptor and jeweller, and making medallions of various kinds.
GIOVANNI DA CAVINO OF PADUA: MASTER OF THE HONOURABLE FORGERY JOHN-MELVILLE-JONES Read Article »
Since I last wrote, and as I write, the UK and much of the rest of the world has gone back into versions of lockdown, meaning Spink is once again operating behind closed doors in some locations. But the lockdown will end soon, and I am sitting in our totally renovated offices in our historic location of Southampton Row. Therefore I am looking at the world from a different vantage point.
A WORD FROM OUR CHAIRMAN Read Article »
The romantic garden of Ninfa, just 65 miles south of Rome, was created by the Caetani family almost one hundred years ago, and lies among the eloquent ruins of a small but affluent medieval town, which in turn grew out of Roman and papal settlements, and passed to the Caetani in the early fourteenth century.
Ninfa, Caetani and Coins Read Article »
Stephen Sack is an American artist living and working in Brussels since 1977. He has exhibited widely in America and Europe. The Insider caught up with him recently to find out a little more about his past and future projects.
ANOTHER WAY OF LOOKING AT COINS – STEPHEN SACK Read Article »
Philately is a new interest of mine, for no real reason than that I had not given it much attention before. My ignorance on the subject changed around five years ago when I was admiring a few first day covers that my father had: a keen stamp collector, he has amassed thousands of stamps over the years. I had just completed a GCSE in astronomy via evening classes; with my curiosity piqued, I started to wonder what astronomy- and space-themed stamps were out there.
THE VOICE OF A NEW GENERATION – KATRIN RAYNOR-EVANS Read Article »
This is the tale of the making of a groat in Cork. It is one of three Irish coins known from the second reign of Henry VI, all of which are Cork groats.
THE SEVENTH EARL OF DESMOND, THE ENGLISH JUSTICIARY AND A CORK GROAT Read Article »
“If I do nothing else with my life I will make it solo, with no re-supplies, to the North Pole.” These are the last words my father heard as he died in my arms. The words had just welled up unexpectedly from a place deep inside, but my father and I both knew this is was the sort of thing he had been working towards. I needed him to know he had successfully handed me the baton, and that I was not going to stop until it was done, whatever the cost. If ever there was an unbreakable commitment, a vow even, it seemed to me that this was one.
DEFYING THE ODDS: PEN HADOW’S SOLO NORTH POLE EXPEDITION Read Article »
On 5th March 2020, Bob Galland gave an excellent talk on The Evolution of the British Franking System at the Royal Philatelic Society London, 15 Abchurch Lane, with a full display of hundreds of sheets and the usual presentation to the assembled audience of 86 members and guests. The Auditors were hap-pily ensconced in the office on the third floor trying no doubt to find a flaw in our accounts to justify their fee.
THE ROYAL GOES TO STAMPEX – VIRTUALLY!! Read Article »
At Spink we are used to hearing incredible stories of bravery and heroism, often in battle, which lie behind many of the medals sold at auction here, but what of the living men and women who have served their country selflessly during both war and peacetime – the unsung heroes, if you like?
The Story Behind the Medals – THE CHELSEA PENSIONERS Read Article »
This Autumn we are holding our annual World Banknotes auction with a varied group of interesting paper money.
FORTHCOMING EVENT – WORLD BANKNOTES Read Article »
