A 1902 Edward VII penny defaced with the words Votes for Women, stamped across the Kings head It is believed that the first defaced coins with 'Votes for Women' were in circulation circa 1913. Mutilating coins was one of the methods used by the suffragettes to spread their message to a wider audience - using a small denomination such as a penny was likely to be used by all of society but was equally rarely recalled by the banks and so would have been in relative constant circulation.
Mark Hannam - Valuer & Auctioneer
Collectables, Mechanical Music & Coins
Mark has over 25 years’ experience as a Fine Art & Antiques Auctioneer. He joined Fieldings in 2010 following a number of years as the Mechanical Musical Specialist and Senior Auctioneer and Valuer for a major London auction house. Mark has extensive knowledge in many areas most notably collectables; including coins, banknotes and automata. He has also worked with banks and solicitors undertaking probate, trust and insurance valuation work. He enjoys sharing his experience and knowledge through his talks and networking with groups and companies in and around the Midlands. One of Marks favourite finds to date is a lead statue made by the Bromsgrove Guild which sold for £35,000