Great Britain - Historical Medals

  PrevNext  

This lot is not illustrated.

Lot 1899    Session 7 (11.30am Wednesday 21st November)    Great Britain - Historical Medals

Estimate $100
Bid at live.noble.com.au

BILLY AND CHARLEY, 'medallion' dated 1012, with elaborate loop, in brass (58 x 83mm), obverse, with facing bust of a king and meaningless legends, reverse with two medieval knights and meaningless legends; another smaller in brass, (44 x 72mm), dated 1011, obverse, with seated king and meaningless legends, reverse with three figures and meaningless legends. Very fine. (2)


Billy and Charley were illiterate forgers operating in London in the 1850s. They produced cast medallions and other items in lead and brass, many with impossible designs including Arabic dates long before such dates were in use. For some time these items created great confusion and debate among archaeologists and collectors before being exposed as fantasies.

Estimate / sale price does not include buyer's premium (currently 22% including GST) which is added to hammer price. All bids are executed on the understanding that the Terms & Conditions of sale have been read and accepted. For information on grading and estimates please refer to the Buying at Auction advice.

Quick find

View a lot by number and sale.

Adjacent lots

  • Lot 1897  

    OPENING OF LONDON BRIDGE, 1831, in bronze (51mm), by B. Wyon, obverse, bust of William ...

    Estimate $120

  • Lot 1898  

    ST GEORGE'S HALL OPENED, 1854, in white metal (45mm) by J.Mayer (BHM-), obverse, Queen seated ...

    Estimate $80

  • Lot 1899   This lot

    BILLY AND CHARLEY, 'medallion' dated 1012, with elaborate loop, in brass (58 x 83mm), obverse, ...

    Estimate $100

  • Lot 1900  

    'THE TIMES' CENTENARY CELEBRATION, Bearwood, 1885, in silver (45mm), by (Longman) Strongi'th'arm (BHM.3202; Eimer 1712), ...

    Estimate $150

  • Lot 1901  

    COLONIAL AND INDIAN EXHIBITION, London, 1886, in bronze (51mm) (BHM 3209; Eimer 1725), by L.C.Wyon, ...

    Estimate $50