In the years after the French revolution, the powers that be lived in fear that subversives would attempt to mount a similar insurrection here.

Because of this, they were careful that the monarchy didn’t come across as grand or lavish while the poor were starving.

But by 1847 the Government decided that the threat of a British revolution was over. And for the first time they felt able to portray Queen Victoria wearing a crown.

Normally a coin like a silver crown would fetch about £20 to £30 at auction. But only 8,000 of those bearing the young crowned queen and Gothic lettering were ever minted – and they are regarded as some of the most beautiful English coins ever produced.

One will be appearing at Thomson Roddick’s coin sale on Wednesday, August 14 - with an estimate of £800 to £1,000.

“The detail is so fine the coin is considered a work of art,” comments auction manager Steven Parkinson. “One example in almost new condition did sell for £50,000.”

The silver coin was one of the items that emerged through the Carlisle auction house’s last valuation day. Some of them will be included in the antiques sale on Wednesday, July 31 while others will feature in the August 14 sale.

The valuation day also brought in a George IV gold sovereign from 1825.

“Gold coins this early are very much sought after because of their rarity value,” Steven says. “There were four variations of this coin, and there are more collectors than there are coins for them. We have estimated this one at £1,000 or more. Its gold value would be about £220.”

Among other lots to emerge were a collection of Guinness-related memorabilia, and a Carlisle collection.

“There are a lot of Guinness collectors around the world so we will have no problem finding buyers.

“However the Carlisle-related collectables will be of more interest to the local market, especially to a local business such as a pub, which would like to have a mini-display of local bygones. All are estimated low to create interest.”

Thomson Roddick is holding another free valuation day on Wednesday. A record specialist and coin and military specialist will be at the premises in Marconi Road from 10am to 6pm.

Vinyl LPs of classical and folk music are being sought as well as rock and pop. Unusual examples fare particularly well. A copy of The Beatles’ first album Please Please Me was shown to be a first pressing as the publishing credit was for Dick James Music Company rather than Northern Songs. So even in poor condition it made £1,200.

Among coins and military items, those made of gold are proving especially valuable. “They are in mega demand,” Steven adds.

n For more information email carlisle@thomsonroddick.com or call 01228 528939.