Balmer, Noel George, 1907-1973 : Papers relating to the discovery of a hoard of gold coins

Papers relating to the find by Mr W J Renfree of Lyall Bay of a hoard of gold coins on the local beach in 1957. Includes lists of the individual coins and their value calculated by Balmer, sales to other collectors and Renfree's donation to the Dominion Museum. The papers also include correspondence between the Marine Department, Renfree, the Dominion Museum and other collectors.

Source of title - Supplied by Library

In 1957, Mr W J Renfree, a resident of Lyall Bay, found a hoard of gold coins dating from 1817 to 1839, on Lyall Bay Beach. For the then Marine Department, the local application of the law of 'Treasure Trove' was unclear and the advice of Dr R A Falla, Director of the Dominion Museum was sought. Dr Falla advised inviting a numismatist, Noel George Balmer, to research the hoard's value. After correspondence between Renfree, his lawyers, Buddle, Anderson, Kent & Co, the Marine Department, the Dominion Museum, Balmer and several collectors who had heard of the find, Balmer ascertained the value of the individual coins. The Crown, represented by the Marine Department, relinquished its claim to the hoard. Renfree sold some coins to collectors and donated the remainder to the Dominion Museum. (Information taken from item)

Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres.

Physical Description: Mss, typescripts

Provenance: Mr W G Renfree apparently gave the papers relating to the treasure trove to Noel George Balmer, who added his own notes on the coins and the disposition of parts of the collection. The papers were acquired later by a fellow member of the Royal Numismatic Society of New Zealand, Phillip O'Shea.