First trip to UK - any must-see numismatic stops?

Prethen

I will be going to the UK soon (and I've never been off this darn continent in my life - and I don't count Hawaii!). I will be going on a guided tour through England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. However, there will be days/times when I have some freedom. Are there any numismatic points of interest (including really good coin stores) that I should try to go to?

ajaan

Contact Wybrit, he used to live in London. MacCrimmon would also be someone good to contact.

Preussen

Spink London
69 Southampton Row
Bloomsbury
London
WC1B 4ET

Spink

Since our foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holders of three Royal Warrants and several records for prices achieved at auction, we offer an unparalleled range of services to anyone wishing to start, add to or dispose of a collection.

StubbyMcNumbthumbs

I've never made it to England, but one place I would like to visit would be the Royal Mint. I hear they have a bit of a coin collection that goes back a couple of years.

Royal Mint

Sounds like a good trip.

We expect a full report - with pics.

WTCG

Entering the U.K. used to be mostly hassle-free but recently the U.K Border Agency officers have become a real pain to deal with, especially for single travelers. Last may at Heathrow Terminal 5 a stink was raised about why I had three previous "leave to enter" entry stamps in my passport for 2009 alone.

There are coin shops scattered throughout the place especially in the larger cities. A good idea would be to check the directories for any listings once you arrive in town.

Actually the best thing to do while in the British Isles is to immerse and enjoy yourself in the scenery and culture and completely forget about coins for the time being. Since you are on an escorted tour you probably won't have too much free time, much less time to spend foraging for coins to buy.

Prethen

Someone in England just informed me that the Royal Mint is off limits for visitors.

mbogoman

The British Museum has a very nice collection:

http://www.britishmuseum.org/the_museum/departments/coins_and_medals.aspx

Cheers!

CopperWire

The GP in Dublin sells various numismatic items.

Longacre

I tend to drop in and out of London and Dublin whenever I go, and never have a lot of time to get around a lot. If you go on the Esylum website and do a search, the editor, Wayne Homren, spent a summer in London and hit a lot of numismatic sites.

coinkat

I would go to the British Museum

YaHa

I heard they have Harry Potter silver bullion coins. Don't forget to get me one.. Oh, I heard Draegon Alley you might find some coins..


Have a safe trip and please don't bring back the swine flu..

stinkinlincoln

<<Someone in England just informed me that the Royal Mint is off limits for visitors.>>

If true, what a way to get tourists...

wybrit

London:

* Michael Coins, located not far from Notting Hill Gate tube station (served by District, Circle and Central Lines) is the first coin shop I visit when I am there.
* Philip Cohen's shop near the Leicester Square tube station (Piccadily and Northern lines) once had some nice material, but I can't speak to that shop anymore.
* The British Museum is nice, but you can't take any of the coins home!
* There's been a monthly show in London as well. Check with one of the local dealers or contact someone like Stephen Lockett for details as to when/where.

Other locations:
* Downtown Edinburgh had a nice place or two the last time I was there - they were antique shops but had some very nice British pieces for sale as well.
* Colin Cooke in Manchester - the founder is deceased but it is still one of the premier dealers in the UK. You'd probably need to phone ahead for an appointment.
* Lockdales in Ipswich, Suffolk. Haven't been there, but they have lots of stuff.

Places where I would not waste my time:
* The Royal Mint - it's not exactly in the easiest place in the UK to access (Llantrisant, Wales).
* Spink (sorry, Preussen, been there, done that, not much to see). Now if Spink has an auction while you're there, that would be worth seeing.

If you are looking for good US coins, you'll find a few, but not many. You will also be alarmed by how the locals handle and store coins (PVC flips, fingerprints all over the bloomin' coins), so don't get any hopes up on that front.

Quite honestly, I'd take the advice of WTCG and enjoy the country.

StubbyMcNumbthumbs

Well, it sounds as if the Royal Mint would be a Royal Waste of Time. Sorry.

Sounds like Wybrit has the scoop!