In this episode, we turn our attention to stamps and stories shaped by empire, identity and memory. Josh Barber, Head of Stamps, is joined by world-renowned philatelist and author Majed Halawi to explore Sierra Leone's extraordinary philatelic legacy. Born in Sierra Leone, Majed reflects on how childhood fascination with the colours of stamps and encouraged his teacher, grew into a lifelong passion. The conversations follow his journey from early collecting to the creation of Echoes of...

Step behind the scenes with the Spink Medals department in this brand-new Roundtable. Each specialists dives into their favourite lot of the auction and shares the fascinating stories and surprises behind them, bringing the catalogue to life in the most delightful way. A fun peek at the treasures waiting in the auction room.

In this glittering episode, our Head of Coins Gregory Edmund is joined by the renowned historian Professor David Carpenter for an extraordinary deep dive into one of the most enigmatic objects in English numismatic history: the Henry III Gold Penny: Ancient royal treasure or an elaborate medieval hoax? Together, they explore the discovery of the coin, its sensational record auction price, and David’s ground-breaking research into Henry III, the Magna Carta, and the monarch’s enduring, if oft...

In this charming and illuminating episode, we are joined by Marcus Budgen, Head of Medals & Special Commissions, and Owain Raw-Rees, long-time friend, collaborator, author and passionate collector. Together, they explore the world of medal collecting through three remarkable medals, each with its own story. From tales of bravery and adventure to the quiet art of historical discovery, Marcus and Owain bring the past to life with warmth, humour, and deep expertise. Owain reflects on his l...

In this Halloween special, Arnas (Global Banknotes Coordinator) and Axel (Head of Ancient Coins) explore the curious crossroads between history, folklore, and collecting. From coins that cross the River Styx to banknotes featuring myths, they uncover the stories that blur the line between superstition and art. This episode traces the origins of Halloween itself, from its early rituals to its modern imagery, revealing how stories of the supernatural often mirror the way we preserve and t...

Time was everything at Trafalgar. As cannon fire echoed across the sea and the fate of Europe hung in the balance, three gold pocket watches ticket steadily on. One in the pocket of Admiral Lord Nelson, another with Admiral Cuthbert Collingwood, and a third with Captain Thomas Masterman Hardy. In this episode, Senior Specialist Tim Robson and Special Guest Martyn Downer explore the remarkable stories behind these watches: how they marked the moments of Britain's greatest naval victory,...

From postmarks to pop culture, the world of stamps has always delivered more than just postage. In this episode, Josh Barber and Tom Fell - our Heads of the Stamp Department, explore why collectors are drawn to these miniature works of art, trace the story of the very first philatelist, and reveal how stamps became cultural icons. Signed, sealed, and most certainly collected, this is one First Class Story you will not want to miss.

Step into the fascinating world of paper money with Arnas Savickas, our Head of Banknotes at Spink, and leading expert and banknote dealer Simon Narbeth. Together, uncover the remarkable history of banknotes: how they first emerged, the artistry behind the design, and the reasons they continue to captivate collectors across the globe. From tales of Operation Bernhard, the audacious WWII plot to destabilise Britain, to the fine engravings and hidden details that make each note a miniature ma...

Gold has captivated humanity for thousands of years. From the treasures of Tutankhamun to the myth of El Dorado, from Roman coins that carried emperors' faces across empires to modern currencies shaped by golden imagery. In this episode, Ella Mackenzie (Coins Specialist) and Olivia Collier (Banknotes Specialist) explore why civilisations revered gold, its role in religion, culture and power- and why, even today, we are still drawn to its weight, brilliance, and everlasting value. ...

From Napoleon's resilience to Queen Elizabeth's royal portrait, the written word has preserved some of the most intimate fragments of history. In this episode, Head of Department Tom Fell and Senior Specialist Ian Shapiro open the vaults of extraordinary letters and photographs, exploring why these documents endure, what they reveal, and why collectors treasure them. More than ink and paper, they are incredible stories frozen in time.

In AD 286, a highly capable Roman general named Carausius rebelled against the imperial regime and set up his own empire in Britannia. The so-called “arch-pirate” ruled over Britain, parts of Northern France and Belgium, repelled a major invasion force led by the Emperor Maximian, and survived far longer than most legitimate emperors of the period before his assassination in 293. The “Britannic Empire” was soon subdued and reconquered by the future emperor Constantius ‘Chlorus’ and was soon e...

In this episode, we uncover the stories behind Admiral Nelson's greatest objects, including his bloodstained purse from Trafalgar, the legendary Jacobean Cup, and the extraordinary objects that shaped history. Hosted by Senior Specialist Tim Robson, featuring special guest Martin Downer. Discover the passion behind collecting and why these objects continue to captivate us centuries later.

Step back into the magnificent world of the Tudors, as special guest Dr. Peter Stiffel joins our Head of Coins, Gregory Edmund to discuss and explore the life and legacy of Queen Mary I. In this episode, we uncover why her reign remains one of the most controversial in English history, trace the origins of her infamous nickname, and delve into the fascinating coinage of her era. From the 'copper nose' coins of her father, Henry VIII, to the monetary reforms under Mary and Edward VI, we ...

Welcome to our first episode of Spink Insider: The Podcast Where History is Valued. In this episode, Arnas Savickas (Global Coordinator Banknotes), and Robert Wilde-Evans (Medals Specialist) take us through the stories of the Victoria Cross, iconic battles, military history and more.