Irregular Postings on Coin Collecting & Numismatics - Both Canonical & Conanical

A Scion Society of The Baker Street Irregulars

Numismatists Do Not Fear Change

Category Archives: United Kingdom

Coinage Portraits of a “Certain Gracious Lady”

Coinage Portraits of a “Certain Gracious Lady”

“… it was a present from a certain gracious lady …” – The Adventure of the Bruce-Partington Plans (BRUC) There are numerous references to coins sprinkled throughout the sixty stories of the Canon. I find it helpful to visualize the design of the coins and the other items mentioned in the stories as I am reading.… Continue Reading

The Iconic London Numisproof Collection’s 221b Baker Street Medal

The Iconic London Numisproof Collection’s 221b Baker Street Medal

“… near the museum …” – The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle (BLUE) Between 2012 and 2014, the Numisproof Collection issued a series of 18 designs that it called its Iconic London Collection, with each medal being plated in 24 karat gold. Designs included in the series included: British Museum, Leicester Square, Greenwich Observatory, London Zoo, The… Continue Reading

2020 Version of Kingdom of Great Britain Fantasy Banknotes Now Available

2020 Version of Kingdom of Great Britain Fantasy Banknotes Now Available

“No living man could tell a Prescott from a Bank of England …” – The Adventure of The Three Garridebs (3GAR)     The sixfth different “edition” of the fantasy Kingdom of Great Britain 10 pound banknotes has recently been issued. You can read about the 2015 version HERE, the 2016-2018 editions HERE.and last year’s 2019 version… Continue Reading

Hey Buddy – Want to Buy a Watch?

Hey Buddy – Want to Buy a Watch?

“Holmes had taken out his watch …” – A Study in Scarlet (STUD) Since the 2019 Sherlock Holmes 50 pence coins was released we have reported examples being altered with decals, placed in special holders, made into keychains and bells. Now, you can buy a watch with the coin as the design. Currently being offered in… Continue Reading

Holmes and Watson in the Great War: The Decorated Duo of Rathbone and Bruce

Holmes and Watson in the Great War: The Decorated Duo of Rathbone and Bruce

The noteworthy British actors received military honors NIGEL BRUCE (left) AND BASIL RATHBONE portrayed Dr. John Watson and detective Sherlock Holmes in the 1939 film adaptation of THE HOUND OF THE BASKERVILLES. From 1939 to 1946, well-known British actors Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce costarred in 15 films and 220 radio programs as Sherlock Holmes and… Continue Reading

Windsor Mint Strikes 2019 Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective Medal

Windsor Mint Strikes 2019 Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective Medal

“It might be his portrait.” – The Hound of the Baskervilles (HOUN) In the fall of 2019 the Windsor Mint, a private United Kingdom organization, released a gold plated copper medal honoring Sherlock Holmes. The obverse of the medal closely resembles the cover drawn by Frederic Dorr Steele for September 24,1904 issue of Collier’s that contained The Adventure of… Continue Reading

British Royal Mint Issues 2020 Agatha Christie 2 Pounds Coin

British Royal Mint Issues 2020 Agatha Christie 2 Pounds Coin

“… my hated rival …” – The Adventure of the Retired Colourman (RETI) The British Royal Mint has released the designs of the United Kingdom’s 2020 coinage, and they feature a 2 pound coin honoring mystery writer Agatha Christie and 100 years of mystery. Currently, these coins are only available as part of the annual coinage… Continue Reading

No Bar For Maiwand (1965)

No Bar For Maiwand (1965)

“… I should have had a medal …” – The Adventure of the Three Garridebs (3GAR) In dusty corners of old curio shops, there is often a little tray of tarnished trinkets. Amongst the buttons and pen-knives, I have sometimes found an old campaign medal with faded ribbon – and finally, after a long search and many… Continue Reading

Financial Anaylsis of “The Man With the Twisted Lip”

Financial Anaylsis of “The Man With the Twisted Lip”

“Every pocket stuffed with pennies and half-pennies….” – The Man With the Twisted Lip (TWIS)   “Every pocket stuffed with pennies and half-pennies….” “For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no less than 26s. 4d. “… had a writ served… Continue Reading