Spink Insider: The Podcast Where History is Valued

In this episode, Spink China’s Head of Numismatics (Asia) Elaine Fung along with Dr. Yu Tong and Professor Alex Fang take a deep dive into the rigorous and exquisite world of Qing Dynasty Cash Coins. We discussed the thousand years old ancient philosophy behind its design to the meticulous start from hand engraved models all the way to mass production as well as other lesser known uses of cash coi...

211 years ago, on a field south of Brussels, a battle was fought that would change the course of European history. To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Waterloo, we are proud to announce a new collaboration between Spink and the National Army Museum.  In this special two-part series, Senior Specialist Robert Wilde-Evans and Senior Historian Matilda Greig explore the story of the Napoleonic War...

Long derided as the root of all evil, money has never been far from controversy, whether simply depicting gaudy, blasphemous or tyrannical symbolism, portraying villainous characters, or facilitating fraud, conquest or even piracy. Coins, banknotes, and bonds have often provoked fits of public distaste, scandal, or outright frenzy.  Join Axel Kendrick, Head of Ancient Coins, and Tim Robson, Senior...

From the earliest days of the FIFA World Cup to some of the most infamous moments in modern football history, sporting objects always leave something behind.  In this episode, we step inside the world of sports memorabilia with special guest David Convery from Budds, exploring how moments in sport are transformed into collectable history. What makes something “match-worn” so significant? Why do co...

In this episode of the Spink Insider Podcast, Giuseppe Razza and Fernando Martínezexplore the remarkable world of Albanian postal history and hidden stories carried across one of Europe’s most complex frontiers. Far beyond stamps as objects, this conversation examines what postal history can reveal about empires, conflict, economics, and power. Through rare and extraordinary material, we trace Alb...

At the Restoration court of Charles II, few figures were more talked about than Frances Stuart. Celebrated for her beauty and closely watched by the King and his circle, she navigated a world where visibility brought both opportunity and risk. In 1667, following the Peace of Breda, her image was used for something quite unexpected. On a medal by Jan Rottiers, Frances appears as Britannia—an enduri...

The Spink Medals department is back for another exciting roundtable. Each specialist talks us through the selected highlight lots of the auction and shares the fascinating stories behind them. As always, bringing our catalogue to life in the most delightful way.

There are collectors who preserve, and those who live with what they love. In this episode, Tim Robson returns, joined by Will Robson - comic artist and avid collector. Together, they wander through the world of comic books: what draws people to them, how value is recognised, and which heroes have stood the test of time.  With an unexpected and rather charming turn, they explore the balance betwee...

In this episode of the Spink Insider Podcast, Head of Medals Marcus Budgen returns alongside medal specialist Robert Wilde-Evans for a thoughtful and personal conversation about how they both found their way into the world of military medals. Together they discuss the honour and privilege of working with objects that represent the lives, service, and sacrifices of men and women across history. Eac...

What might be hiding in your jewellery box? In this episode, Spink Specialists Ella Mackenzie and Tim Robson explore how to assess the value of jewellery. From antique rings and signed pieces to gemstones and even family heirlooms, they explain the factors that contribute to value and the details that are often overlooked.  Whether you are simply curious or beginning to research your own collectio...

The Spink Insider returns with a story of ambition, audacity and one of the most extraordinary financial frauds of the twentieth century.  In this episode, Arnas Savickas is joined by long-time friend of Spink, author and banknote specialist Jonathan Calloway to unravel the infamous case of Artur Alves dos Reis - the mastermind whose forget banknotes came perilously close to collapsing Portugal&ap...

All you always wanted to know about cigars without daring to ask. From a family tobacconist in Geneva to one of the world’s most respected cigar houses, Davidoff’s story is rooted in time, terroir and craftsmanship. In this episode, Spink CEO Olivier is joined by Laurent de Rougemont, CEO of Davidoff of Geneva Asia, for a conversation recorded in Hong Kong. Together, they explore cigars not only a...

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...

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 Davi...

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 an...

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 mode...

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 sto...

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 Cl...

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...

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...

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 GB Stamps-Thomas 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...

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 Em...

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 'co...