DNW Auctions


Dix Noonan Webb St Piccadilly, Bolton, London 16
+44 0-20-7016-1700

About Auction House

Established in 1990, Dix Noonan Webb Ltd are the UK’s leading specialist auctioneers and valuers of coins, tokens, medals, militaria and paper money of all types staging regular auctions throughout the year. We expanded into the specialist fields of jewellery, watches and objects of vertu with the opening of the Jewellery department in November 2015 and are now one of the top Jewellery Auctioneers in Mayfair.  

Auction Previews & News

21 Results
  • Auction Preview
    Noonans Offers a Rare 1790s Post Captain’s Naval Gold Medal, Other Decorations and Militaria

    The latest Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria sale from Noonans (DNW Auctions) will offer 700 historical lots from around the globe. Leading this auction is a rare Post Captain’s Naval Gold Medal awarded to Admiral Sir Thomas Pakenham, G.C.B., a British naval officer and politician. His Majesty King George III presented this award to Pakenham after his admirable conduct in the Glorious First of June, a 1793 naval battle with the First French Republic. Another notable medal in the auction is a Field Officer’s Gold Medal from 1808-14, awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel James Hugonin. He commanded the Fourth Dragoons cavalry regiment during the Battle of Salamanca during the Peninsular War.  Another lot of interest in this sale is a rare ‘Ruby Mines Expedition 1886’ gold D.S.O. decoration pair awarded to Lieutenant-Colonel A. L. Barrett of the Bangal Infantry. This gold and enamel medal features four clasps and a top ribbon brooch bar. A group of 11 D.S.O. decorations will also be available as a set. These were given to Major-General Weir de L. Williams throughout his lengthy and sweeping military career. Medals and decorations from Romania, India, Portugal, and elsewhere will be up for bid. Find the complete catalog and register to bid in the Orders, Decorations, Medals And Militaria event by visiting Noonans. 

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    Queen Victoria Gothic Crown Coin & Edward VII Sterling Silver Half-Crown Available at Noonans

    The 1847 Victoria Gothic Crown coin is among the leading lots in The Manfred Xavier Thelen Collection of British Milled Coins sale, presented by Noonans. Victoria first sat for William Wyon in 1834 before she became Queen, which was in 1837. Wyon had designed coins for Victoria throughout her reign. The available coin features Queen Victoria wearing the Gothic crown. The coin is dubbed by The Britannia Coin Company as the most beautiful British coin ever minted. Silver specimens with an edge reading are among the rarest, like the one available in this sale. Collectors can also consider Edward VII's 1904 half-crown coin. This is also a rare coin as Edward VII had a very short reign. Coinage with his portrait is difficult to find. The available coin has the bare head of the King on one side and a beautiful crowned shield on the other side. All of his silver coins were struck in sterling silver. The half-crown was the largest denomination silver coin stuck for regular usage. The auction also offers George III (1760 - 1820) and George IV (1820 - 1830) half-crowns. Visit Noonans for more information on the upcoming The Manfred Xavier Thelen Collection Of British Milled Coins sale and to place a bid. 

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    Rare, Historical Medals Bestowed Upon Rorke’s Drift Hero Alfred Saxty and Corporal AW Miller in Noonans’ Upcoming Sale

    This upcoming Noonans auction will offer a selection of rare Orders, Decorations, Medals, and Militaria for sale. Leading the catalog is a group of six Conspicuous Gallantry Cross (CGC) medals belonging to Warrant Officer Class II AW Miller of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME). On May 21, 2007, Miller helped recover a civilian low-loader carrying high-profile military vehicles in Basra, a militia stronghold. The officer put up a brave front for nearly two hours while facing constant heavy machine gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire.  Another noteworthy lot is a set of two campaign medals awarded to Rorke’s Drift defender Sergeant Alfred Saxty. The medals include a campaign clasp marked South Africa 1877-79 and an India General Service 1854-95 clasp. Saxty was one of the last few survivors of Rorke’s Drift, a historic battle fought in the Anglo-Zulu War in South Africa in 1879. Also included in the sale is a unique Waterloo medal presented to Lieutenant Thomas Baynes, a German World War II parachutist’s helmet, and the Small Army Gold Medal for Corunna belonging to Major Chichester McDonnell. Visit Noonans’ to find more information on the upcoming Orders, Decorations, Medals, And Militaria and to register to bid. 

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    17th-Century Green Bank Humphry Boone & Ratcliff Cross Coin Come to Auction

    Believed to be the only known specimen of a Humphry Boone imprint, a square halfpenny of the highest rarity is leading the upcoming British 17th-Century Trade Token auction from Noonans. All details are clearly visible on the coin. It bears the mark of Green Bank in Wapping. This halfpenny was found during the excavation of the Wendover bypass (Buckinghamshire) in 1995. Noonans will also offer a rare Ratcliff Cross coin in this auction. The name ‘Ratcliff’ derives from the Red Cliff, a bank of light-red gravel which once rose from the Thames above Wapping Marsh. The gravel is now impossible to detect as much of it was dug out and distributed around the globe as ballast in the ships that left Ratcliff for destinations far and wide.  A heart-shaped halfpenny issued in 1669 by Peter Dale is a notable coin. Peter Dale of Scarborough, Yorkshire was an issuer of private tokens. He was an active merchant of his time. This rare piece was found in 2001. The auction offers 600 coins and collectibles. Special collections include the Geoff Percival tokens, the James Lamb tokens, and Warwickshire tokens. Visit Noonans for more information on the upcoming British 17th Century Trade Tokens sale and browse other online auctions.

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    Rare Memento Mori Ring and Cartier’s Trinity Ring Featured in Upcoming Noonans Sale

    Memento Mori is a Gothic jewelry style that was widely popular during the 14th through 17th centuries. These items often featured skulls, skeletons, and moral messages. They were a symbolic and creative representation of inevitable death. Memento Mori rings get their name from the Latin phrase ‘remember we must die.’ The upcoming Noonans sale presents a circa 1730 Memento Mori skeletal ring. The Georgian gold ring is set with a rock crystal and has a black enamel layer. It features a skeleton motif adornment on its shank. The ring carries the ‘Memento Mori’ inscription and the owner’s name on its interior. Other notable jewelry items in this sale include a 10.13-carat diamond ring.  Also notable is a Cartier Trinity ring with three interlocking bands. Its yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold bands are studded with tiny diamonds. The Trinity collection was designed in 1924 by Louis Cartier. The intertwining design was a commission for Jean Cocteau, the French playwright. The ring’s design symbolizes friendship and fidelity. The sale will also showcase a Bon Ton jewelry set from Pasquale Bruni. The onyx and diamond jewelry set design has five floral petals that define the Maison icon. The faceting jewel petals have the Pasquale Bruni signature ‘Bon Ton’ cut. The auction also offers LeCoultre & Co. keyless watches, Omega and Rolex wristwatches, silverware, and gemstone jewelry. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog on Noonans’ website and register to bid in the Jewellery and Objects of Vertu sale.

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    Noonans’ Banknotes Sale Features Rare 2 Rupees, 8 Annas and Koffyfontein Notes

    In Noonans’ first banknote auction of 2023, several notable currency collections will come to the market. This includes the Bruce Smart Collections of India, Britain, and Ireland; proceeds from these lots will be donated to Humane Animal Partners, an animal welfare organization. Leading the sale is a Cawnpore 2 Rupees, 8 Annas note issued by the British Government of India in 1918, formerly of the Bruce Smart Collection. The British introduced this note in response to widespread silver hoarding in the aftermath of World War I. The available banknote has been awarded grade 63 by Paper Money Guaranty (PMG). Another notable lot is a 500 Tomans note issued by the Imperial Bank of Persia between 1890 and 1923. Its intricate engraving was completed by English banknote printer Bradbury Wilkinson & Co.  Several rare banknotes from South Africa are also on offer, including an exceedingly rare Koffyfontein £5 note from 1901 during the Boer War era. There are only four other known examples of this note available in the private market. The offered note has been awarded grade 25 by PMG. Also notable is a 1960 proposed £1 note from the Bank of Jamaica and a 1,000-lire note issued by the Banca Nazionale nel Regno d’Italia in 1878. The Italian note features blue-tinted images of young women and angelic putti. Visit Noonans to learn more and register to bid. 

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    Rare British India Presidency Coins Featured in Upcoming Sale by Noonans

    The British India coinage falls under the East India Company and Imperial issues. The East India Company (EIC) coins were categorized into Madras, Bombay, and Bengal presidencies, minting individual coins until 1835. The upcoming DNW Auctions sale presents rare British India coins. A highlight is a Bombay gold Mohur from 1765. The 15 rupees coin features the East India Company arms on one side. Its reverse features floral motifs with the inscription ‘Bombay 1765’ in the middle. Termed among the King of English East India Company coins, it is a rare specimen. The available Bombay presidency coin contains pure 24-karat Venetian gold. It belongs to the early authenticated gold coin specimens during the silver coin shortage.  Showcased is a 1677 Bombay pattern rupee. It is a rare silver rupee pattern in the name of Charles II. The ‘Rupee of Bombay’ was to be struck in Bombay in 1678. However, the project failed due to the demise of coiner John Morrice and the inefficiencies of George Bower’s dies. Also featured is a 1784 silver pattern rupee from John Prinseps’ coinage from the Pulta mint in Calcutta. The coin bears the name of Shah Alam II in Persian. Princeps’ coinage is rare as it failed local adoption, ceasing production in 1784. The Puddester Collection also presents a Bengal presidency recruiting ticket, the first Bombay presidency silver coin, and an 1830 gold mohur made from steam-powered equipment at the Calcutta mint. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog and register to bid online by visiting DNW Auctions.

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    Honors and Awards Bestowed Upon Archer Martin Highlight Coins and Historical Medals Sale by Noonans

    British biochemist Archer John Porter Martin, CBE FRS was an outstanding figure in the world of science. He shared the 1952 Nobel Laureate Prize in Chemistry for the invention of partition chromatography, along with biochemist Richard Synge. A collection of awards and honors bestowed upon Archer Martin, including the gold coin for the prestigious award, is a key highlight of the upcoming sale by Noonans. The Nobel Prize coin portrays a bust of Alfred Nobel on one side. On the obverse, it has two robed female figures, representing Science and Nature. The collection also includes a 1951 gold medal by P. H. Lundgren after C.G. Qvarnström (1849). It depicts the bust of Jacob Berzelius on one side. On the reverse is the illustration of Genius standing, filling a cup held by Isis, who is seated.  A Kings of East Anglia, Æthelstan (825-40) penny is another significant lot that leads the sale. According to R Naismith’s corpus records, there are only two examples of Æthelstan portrait pennies, which were struck by Eadnoth from two obverse and two reverse dies. This coin, possibly the fourth known specimen, was struck from the same dies. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Noonans.

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    DNW Auctions Brings Exceptionally Rare Parys Mine Co. Token in the Upcoming Sale

    The Parys Mining Company (PMCo) produced copper pennies by sourcing metal from Parys Mountain, Wales. Considered to be the premier tokens of the 18th century, the tokens have a company design logo on their back. An example of a PMCo coin will lead the upcoming British Tokens, Tickets, and Passes sale, presented by DNW Auctions. Alongside a portrait is the name of PMCo with the words, “We promise to pay the bearer one penny.” The token was issued by the company in 1788.   Coin collectors can also find a seven-tray carry case filled with a rare, comprehensive group of miscellaneous tokens and checks. The black and red case comes with locks and a key. The tokens and checks come in different shapes including circular, square, rectangular, star, triangular, and octagonal. Also highlighted in this auction are 17th-century coins inscribed “Joseph Knibb: Clockmaker in Oxon.” On the obverse is a Roman numeral chapter ring engraved with the initials I and K on either side of a single hand to the center. For more information about these or any other lots, visit DNW Auctions and register to bid. 

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    Noonans Presents Rare Medals and Honorary Orders at Upcoming Event

    A selection of rare Orders, Decorations, Medals, and Militaria will be offered up for sale in the upcoming Noonans auction. One of the most impressive pieces of the catalog is a set of seven Knight Bachelor’s medals and badges belonging to Commander Sir Geoffrey E. Duveen of the Royal Marines. In 1926, King George V created the badge for a British Knight Bachelor. Knights Bachelor rank below knights of chivalric orders and are the oldest type of British knights. Another noteworthy lot in the auction is a collection of six O.B.E. medals awarded to Major C. L. Chapman of the Royal Marine Brigade for his service in the defense of Antwerp and Gallipoli. Founded by King George V on June 1, 1917, the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (O.B.E.) is an order of chivalry awarded by the British monarchy. Also included in the upcoming auction are British World War I campaign medals, including the 1914 Star, presented to Captain F. N. Fargus of the Royal Naval Division and Royal Navy. Browse the full catalog or submit a bid by visiting Noonans.

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    War Dog Rob Headlines Upcoming Noonans Auction

    Noonans will be offering two medals that were awarded to 2nd S.A.S. ‘s (Special Air Service) War Dog Rob for his service. The collie-retriever joined the British Royal Army as a War Dog on May 19, 1942 until being demobilized on November 27, 1945. In September 1943, Rob became the first dog to be assigned to the S.A.S. Official War Office records indicate that during his time with the regiment, War Dog Rob completed over 20 parachute descents, three of them being operational. Rob was the first dog awarded the animal V.C. (Victoria Cross) – the highest and most prestigious award of the British Armed Forces – by Major the Hon. W. P. Sidney V.C. M.P., the Anzio beachhead hero, at a ceremony at the Prisoner of War Funds Exhibition in London on February 8, 1945. Also included in the upcoming auction are medals representing the British Armed Forces and a Second World War Luftwaffe Pilot Observer’s Badge with diamonds and citation to Oberst Hermann Graf. View these items and more by visiting Noonans.

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    From Henry V to Queen Elizabeth II English Coins Come to Noonans’ Auction

    As the world focuses on England after Queen Elizabeth II, Noonans will present English groats in the upcoming Francis Bartlett Collection Of English Groats auction. This coinage sale starts with a Henry V, class A groat. Henry V, also called Henry of Monmouth, reigned over England and Ireland, eventually winning the Hundred Years’ War against France. He was recognized as the heir and regent of France in 1419. Although his reign was short, Henry's outstanding military successes made England one of the strongest military powers in Europe. This relic Henry V coin features a cross pattée with a sunken center containing a pellet and emaciated bust. The inscription reads, “henric di gra rex anglie z franc,” meaning "Henry VIII, by the Grace of God King of England and France." It also features large flowers on the bust and a portrait. Another notable coin in the auction is a posthumous groat of Henry VIII, a descendent of Henry V. It bears a crowned, bearded bust of Henry VIII and the Durham House logo. It features lozenge stops, saltire stops, and crescents in the fork end. A well-preserved but rare Elizabeth I groat or medalet from 1601 is available in the sale. It is a silver coin with Queen Elizabeth I’s crowned bust wearing a high ruff. On the reverse, it bears a crowned monogram with the divided date. The inscription translates to “a female who conserves or keeps safe.” This auction features the collection of Francis Bartlett, who started collecting coins in his childhood. By the 1990s, he had amassed coins ranging from the Roman Empire to the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Find the listed items and more on Noonans and register to place a bid.

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    Old Brilliant Cut Diamond Worn by Lady Ezra Leads Noonan’s Upcoming Jewelry and Objects of Vertu Auction

    An early-20th-century diamond ring worn by Lady Ezra, also known as Rachel Sassoon Ezra, is coming to Noonans’ Jewellery And Objects Of Vertu auction. The cushion-cut central diamond weighs 3.32 carats and is set within a bow with foliate detailing to the sides. The foliate has single and smaller old brilliant-cut diamonds mounted in platinum. This generational piece is coming to auction for the first time. It was passed down to Lady Ezra from her mother, Flora (Farha) Abraham Sassoon (neé Gubbay). She was the great-granddaughter of David Sassoon, one leader of the Jewish community in Mumbai. The Sassoon family moved from Bagdad to Bombay during the early 18th century, becoming some of the first Baghdadi Jews to settle in India. Flora Sassoon had therefore received the best education of the time and was fluent in six languages. After her husband’s demise, she took over the family business, becoming a successful Jewish Indian businesswoman, scholar, Hebraist, and philanthropist. A late medieval gold posy ring (circa 1400 - 1500) is another notable lot in the auction. It has a broad flattened cross-section, engraved with black letter inscriptions on both the inner and outer surfaces. The external inscription reads ‘mieu en vou,’ meaning ‘best in you.’ The inscription is decorated with flowers and foliage. The internal inscription read ‘a bon am,’ translating as ‘for good love.’ The words are spaced by stylized foliate sprays, with traces of white enamel. Other notable lots are gold presentation cufflinks from the Prince of Wales and the famous Tiffany & Co. scarf necklace by Elsa Peretti. Find the listed items and more on Noonans, and register to place a bid.

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    PMG-Certified Iraqi Banknotes Available at the Upcoming Noonans World Banknotes Auction

    In 1916, the British expeditionary force introduced Proclamation No.1, disregarding the Ottoman currency circulation. The Indian rupee became the universal Iraqi currency. However, the Government of Iraq wanted its own national currency. The issuance of Iraqi banknotes began on March 16, 1932 with continuous efforts from the Iraqi government. The denominations ranged from ¼ dinar to 100 dinars. The upcoming Banknotes auction from Noonans presents multiple PMG-certified Iraqi banknotes. One highlight is a 1942 100 dinars banknote from the Government of Iraq. The Bradbury Wilkinson and Company-printed banknote features King Faisal II’s portrait. It also carries the signatures of Lord Kennet and Ata Amin. Another key lot is a 100 livres specimen from Banque de Syrie et du Liban, Lebanon. The colorful currency with arabesque patterns is sought-after among collectors. The serial number 0.000-000 note depicts mountain ranges in Bsharri and cedar trees on its reverse.  The auction also showcases a two-shilling and six-pence note from England’s Treasury series. These were named Bradbury pounds after John Bradbury, the secretary to the Treasury. The Bradbury notes came into circulation at the start of World War I. These notes were meant to prevent a shortage of gold coins. The available banknote features a side profile crowned portrait of King George V. The reverse side portrays the Houses of Parliament symbol. Also offered is a £1,000 exchequer bill issued on April 19, 1811, world banknotes, and British and Provincial banknotes. Interested collectors can explore the entire catalog and register to bid online on Noonans.

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    Coveted Historical Medals and Rare Gothic Crowns Highlight Noonans’ Upcoming Sale

    Renato Signorini was an Italian medalist, sculptor and painter known for crafting busts of popes and other significant dignitaries. In 1958, he carved a portrait of Pope John XXIII during his coronation. The portrait was later manifested in bas-relief on Vatican medals. One of these medals is a key highlight of the upcoming sale at Noonans. Included in a set of four gold medals by Signorini. This set venerates the Pope for convoking the Second Vatican Council. In the other three medals, the artist portrays Jesus Christ on the Cross, St George taming a dragon, and Christ handing a set of keys to St Peter. A 1965 gold medal by M. Rizzello commemorating the 900th Anniversary of Westminster Abbey also leads the listings. It portrays a view of the Abbey with the reverse side depicting the head of Edward, the Confessor in the center surrounded by nine other historical figures. Another noteworthy lot is a rare Gothic Crown issued in 1847. It belongs to a limited edition of 8,000 pieces. Depicting Queen Victoria (1837 - 1901), the design is particularly prized by numismatists for its iconic value. To view the complete catalog and register to bid online, visit Noonans.