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.