Found any old coins?

If you’ve ever unearthed an old coin from the bottom of a drawer that you may have inherited from a loved one or kept as a keepsake, it might well be worth seeking a valuation.

 Downies coins and collectables numismatist Steve Kirby said many people would often find old coins lying around from time to time and might never realise just how much they could be worth.

Steve told Southbank Local News that a woman in the United Kingdom recently cleaned out her husband’s chest of drawers and found a coin inside worth 150,000 British Pounds. “The widow had no idea her husband had the gold coin stashed away among his clothes,” he said.

“She only realised its true value when a coin expert identified it as a lost coin made from gold seized by the British from a Spanish treasure ship in 1702.” Located on the upper level of Southgate Shopping Complex, Steve invited local residents to the Downies Southbank store for a free no-obligation valuation or to simply just pop in for a browse.

Open Monday to Saturday, Downies houses a broad range of rare coins, banknotes and collectables and specialises in buying and selling, free appraisals, specialist collecting advice and auction services.

Steve said for those interested in learning more or starting a collection there was no better place to begin than at Downies.

“For new collectors buying coins a coin shop is the place to buy and sell coins,” he said. “Coin shops are a good place in which to build a working relationship while dealing with someone face to face.” “A good relationship with a local dealer can become important if you are building a meaningful relationship.” And Steve said there was no better way to start collecting than by investing in one of Downies most recent and exciting additions to its Southbank store – a series of rare Australian-minted gold sovereigns (pictured).

Originating from England in 1489, the Sydney Mint was first established in Australia as a branch of the Royal Mint in London in 1855 and Steve said the series was one of the more interesting collections. “Sovereigns could be produced at one mint, two mints or at all mints and when enough coins were thought to be in circulation no sovereigns were produced at all,” he said.

“Gold Sovereigns are Australia’s first coins and one will discover collecting them to be one of the most fascinating and rewarding hobbies.” Steve is one of two new staff members to the Southbank team along with fellow numismatist Emily Blankendall, who both bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.

With more than 30 years of coin collecting between them, both have travelled extensively around Australia and overseas to major coin fairs, auctions and seminars.

Together they work closely with Royal Australian Mint and Perth Mint coin specialist Sally McTaggart to provide the best service available. Steve said he and the team looked forward to warmly welcoming local residents in store to Downies Southgate for a visit soon.

For more information visit www.downies.com