Swindon & Wiltshire News
‘White glove’ status for auction house where all lots sold
Wiltshire auctioneer RWB Auctions achieved a coveted ‘White Glove’ sale at their recent coin auction – selling all of the lots that went under the hammer.
The team held an auction on Wednesday September 24, selling a collection of rare historic tokens and coins that had been collected over many years.
During the auction every single lot found a buyer.
The achievement is rare in the world of auctions and a benchmark of success within the auction industry and marks a significant milestone for the saleroom, which recently celebrated its 18-month anniversary of being on the High Street in Royal Wootton Bassett.
The single-owner coin sale featured an important collection of historic Wiltshire tokens and Irish coins, which attracted strong interest from collectors around the world.
All 492 lots were snapped up within a couple hours.
“We generally achieve sold rates above 95 per cent, meaning only a handful of lots ever go unsold,” said Gareth Wasp, head auctioneer at RWB Auctions.
“To reach a full 100 per cent sold rate is fantastic. It’s the result of expert cataloguing, professional photography, and targeted promotion.
“Pieces from this sale are now heading to collectors around the globe – proof of the reach sellers can achieve with a specialist auction house.”
The tokens and coins have significant social interest: when official small change was scarce, local business owners took matters into their own hands by issuing bespoke tokens.
These pieces acted as everyday currency in shops and markets and provide a fascinating window into Wiltshire’s history.
Some highlights from the sale included a 17th-century token made by a tradesman in Swindon, which sold for £260, well above the estimate of £20 to £40.
Additionally, a rare Bank of Ireland silver token, estimated to sell for between £200 to £300, sold at £1,300 after competitive bidding.
This auction formed part of RWB Auctions’ busy autumn schedule, which also features antiques, collectables and jewellery, attracting strong interest from bidders around the world.
Pictured: Auctioneers Gareth Wasp, Gordon Brockman and William Walter
