Hattons of London - Blog - Learn and discover about the world of coins

Everything you need to know about the Troopship MV Royal Daffodil

Posted on August 17, 2020July 28, 2021 by Richard Costello

Our 2020 Dunkirk 80th Anniversary Gold Sovereign Range commemorates the remarkable rescue of Allied troops from the beaches of Northern France, sometimes known as ‘Operation Dynamo’.

The Gold Quarter Sovereign in particular, features a design that pays tribute to the MV Royal Daffodil, a passenger vessel that undertook no fewer than seven trips to the beaches of Dunkirk in 1940 and rescued up to 9,500 troops. On the final trip, a bomb went right through her hull and exploded beneath her; the hole was plugged with a mattress and she made it home. After the War she was refitted and proudly bore a plaque that commemorated her as a ‘Dunkirk Little Ship’.

We are taking a closer look at the Troopship Royal Daffodil and everything you need to know.

Queen Elizabeth II: Pre Decimal vs Decimal Coins

Posted on August 5, 2020September 7, 2023 by Richard Costello

Although decimalisation occurred in 1971, the names of pre decimal coinage can still be seen and heard today; making them very much a part of British Culture and history. For the period before decimalisation, Britain relied on a system of pounds, shillings and pence.

There were 12 pennies to the shilling and 20 shillings to the pound. There were also Half Crowns, Three Pennies, Sixpences and Farthings. Prior to the decimalisation era, many had problems dealing with the complicated system, with Sir John Bowring, a Member of Parliament at the time, being one of the first calling to change to a currency based on units of ten.

A Beginners Guide to Coin Collecting

Posted on July 27, 2020July 28, 2021 by Richard Costello

Coin collecting – or ‘numismatics’, the technical term – can be a rewarding and enjoyable past time. Many people begin their coin collecting journey after inheriting a coin or collection from a family member, or sourcing a coin for a particular sentimental event. However you start coin collecting, it is a hobby that falls across generations young and old, and is actually said to be one of the world’s oldest hobbies.

Seven Facts You May Not Know About George III

Posted on July 15, 2020September 7, 2023 by Richard Costello

King George III, born in 1738, was a member of the Hanover Dynasty, which ruled England for almost two centuries. He became King of Great Britain in 1760, during some of the most turbulent and trying times, including the American Revolutionary War.

In 1788, an illness brought upon him many mental struggles and uncertainties, with Parliament eventually deeming him unfit to rule, and making his son Prince Regent. He lived with this ‘unknown’ disease for several years before his death in 1820.

We’re taking a look back through the reign of George III, and seven facts that you may not know about him and his life as King.

Ask the Expert – Peter Hutchison – Q&A

Posted on July 10, 2020July 28, 2021 by Richard Costello

Here at Hattons of London, we pride ourselves on being coin experts. That’s why we decided to introduce our ‘Ask the Expert’ series , with our own Heritage Coin expert, Peter Hutchison. Peter has years of experience in the coin industry, residing in Australia but having a strong interest in British coinage in particular. Every week he’s answering a different question on on of the greatest sovereigns in the world. Today however, we’re talking to Peter about how his interest in heritage coins began, and what his favourite coins are.

Britannia: The History & Coin Usage

Posted on July 5, 2020July 28, 2021 by Richard Costello

Britannia; conceived as a symbol of strength and unity, and created to personify the province shores taken over by the Romans. Since then, the symbol of Britannia has been as ever-present figure, reassuring the nation through the many times of disruption, change and upheaval.