Ask Eric
Curious about an heirloom, hallmark, or coin? Eric and the
team share insider tips to help you understand what you’ve got — and
what to do next.
Meet Eric
Eric Knowles is a well-known antique specialist and auctioneer, loved for his down-to-earth expertise and passion for helping people discover the stories behind their objects. From grand antiques to quirky collectibles, Eric’s goal is to make the world of antiques friendly, fun and fuss-free.
Eric Knowles is one of the UK’s best-loved antique experts, celebrated for his warmth, wit and deep knowledge of art and antiques. Rising to fame on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow, Eric has spent over four decades as an auctioneer, valuer and broadcaster, guiding countless people through the fascinating world of collectables. His approachable style makes antiques accessible to everyone, whether seasoned collectors or first-time sellers. Beyond television, Eric writes, lectures and supports cultural charities, sharing his passion for history, craftsmanship and design. He continues to inspire trust and curiosity in audiences across Britain and beyond.
Have something interesting? Ask Eric
Meet Eric’s Team
The Team Behind the Scenes
Kind, curious and quietly brilliant — meet the friendly
people who help Eric keep everything moving.
How It All Began
It started with a shared frustration — and a better idea.
Back in the early 2000s, Ryan Gisborne-Weare, Andrew Roberts, and renowned antiques expert Eric Knowles saw the same problem from different angles: selling antiques was often slow, confusing, and unfair.
Whether you were a collector or clearing a family home, the experience usually felt cold, opaque, and undervalued. Between inconsistent valuations, poor customer care — the industry was overdue for a change.
So they decided to build something different with the help of some wonderful people.
Megan
Lorna
Mickie
Emma
Jackie
Antique Eras
Antique Eras — A Quick, Handy Guide
Not sure where your piece fits in? Start here.
Elegance, symmetry, fine woods. Think mahogany, refined lines.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis
Ornate detail, eclectic influences, industrial innovation.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis
Lightness and grace; delicate motifs and fine craftsmanship.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis
Flowing lines, nature forms, enamel & glass artistry.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis
Bold geometry, chrome, lacquer, glamour & speed.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis
Clean lines, teak, modern living, great British & Scandinavian makers.
Hallmarks — The Simple Way to Decode Your Silver & Gold
Locate the marks
(inside ring bands, underside of spoons, near clasps).
Identify the symbols
(metal standard, assay office, maker’s mark).
Compare with a reference
(use our quick checker below)
Unsure what your marks mean? Upload a clear photo and ask Eric.”
Old Coins & Bullion — What to Know in Minutes
arity, demand, condition, errors, proofs, limited
mintage.
weight, purity, live spot price for gold/silver, condition
less important for melt.
What to Look For — and How to Price Pre-1947 Silver
If you’ve ever wondered whether those old coins in your drawer might be worth something, you’re in the right place. This guide from the Antique Buying Collective Coin Department helps you identify valuable pre-decimal silver coins, understand their silver content, and discover what truly makes them collectable.
Quick Facts — British Silver Coins
A concise overview of silver content across key historical periods
| Period | Silver Content | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Before 1920 | 92.5% Sterling | Classic “sterling” quality — the same standard used in fine silverware. |
| 1920–1946 | 50% Silver | Silver content was reduced after WWI to make minting more affordable. |
| From 1947 | 0% Cupronickel | Silver was removed entirely from circulation coins; modern issues use base metals. |
| Special Notes: Low-mintage, error, or commemorative coins can be worth well above face value. | ||
Spotting Keepers in Your Change
When examining your coins, look for:
Dates before 1947
these contain silver.
Unusual minting errors
double strikes, misprints, or missing details.
Commemorative designs
limited editions can fetch a premium.
Excellent condition
clean details, minimal wear, and no polishing.
The rarer and better preserved a coin, the more valuable it can be to collectors.
How to Store and Send Your Coins Safely
To protect your collection and maintain its value:
Inside the Coin Department
At the Antique Buying Collective Coin Department, our specialists sort and assess thousands of coins, banknotes, and collectible sets every day. We evaluate both precious metal content and numismatic value — helping you understand what your items are truly worth.
Our passion goes beyond metal and money. Every coin tells a story — of history, design, culture, and craftsmanship. We love tracing those stories and helping our clients uncover the hidden potential in their collections.
Ready to Discover What Your Coins Are Worth?
Whether you’re sorting through an inherited collection or curious about a handful of old change, we’re here to help.
Contact the Antique Buying Collective today for expert advice and a free valuation.
Have a Question? Ask Eric
"*" indicates required fields