Jane Austen News - Issue 168

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Sovereign George III on £100,000 Sovereign

An incredibly rare 200-year-old gold sovereign is being sold by the Royal Mint for £100,000. The George III sovereign was one of 3,574 to be struck in 1819 and there are around only 10 left in the world.

Fans of Georgian antiques and those who collect rare coins won't be able to bid for the coin however, instead the coin is being offered via a ballot on 12 July at the fixed price of £100,000 - a price which the Mint says reflects its rarity and high quality.

Those wishing to be in with a chance of buying the coin will need to apply online before 28 June and they will also need to have their application approved before the winner is selected at random.  

[The coin is an] incredible opportunity for those who want to own a piece of history. We know there are people in the UK and beyond who value such treasures.

Nicola Howell, director of consumer business at the Royal Mint

 

Before it is sold, the 1819 sovereign will be on display at the Royal Mint Experience visitor centre in Llantrisant from 10 June. Why I Dress As A Jane Austen Character Our own Mr Bennet, aka Martin Salter, who is our official meeter and greeter at the Jane Austen Centre was interviewed by Pete Simson for BBC radio recently. Pete and Martin discussed Jane Austen, Bath, and being a local celebrity. You can find their interview here.

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