PREVIEW: THE MANFRED XAVIER THELEN COLLECTION OF BRITISH MILLED COINS 10 MAY

It takes passion to build an outstanding collection, and that is the mark of this gathering of coins from the reigns of George III to Elizabeth II, put together over the past 37 years.

Manfred Thelen was already a coin collector when he moved from Germany to Kent, when his interest in British coinage was sparked by the Farthing Specialist, whose principal, the late John Minshull (1925-90), attracted a significant following with his lists.

Thelen began by ordering Elizabeth II farthings from the company before broadening his ambitions and interests with the help of dealers Colin Cooke and John Welsh. Whether pursuing issues of Edward VII or George VI, his watchword was quality, as can be seen from this catalogue.

While most of these coins can be had for a few hundred pounds, rarities from the Victorian era can reach significant four-figure sums. One such is the Gothic Crown of 1847, an extremely fine example of which is on offer here.

Designed by the celebrated engraver William Wyon – a favourite of the Queen – it features the stunning Gothic portrait of Queen Victoria, her hair in tucked braids. The fine detail of the reverse features the Royal insignia, as well as the national flowers of England, Ireland and Scotland.

Only 8,000 were produced in the initial mintage, with examples in silver, sterling and gold, with and without inscribed edges.

The estimate is £4,000-5,000.