OUR HISTORY

The History of Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's

Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's represents the convergence of two legendary collecting houses - Stanley Gibbons (est. 1856) and Baldwin's (est. 1872) - now united as a comprehensive auction house whilst each brand continues to serve collectors in their specialist fields.

Some of the greatest collecting stories begin with the most unlikely circumstances. This one starts with a teenage boy in a Plymouth chemist shop and a family coin business, each building their own remarkable legacy over more than a century before discovering they were stronger together.

Today, Stanley Gibbons continues as the world's leading stamp specialist, Baldwin's remains Britain's premier coin dealer, and Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's brings together their combined expertise as the auction house where every type of collection finds its perfect home.

This is the story of how these parallel journeys led to something extraordinary.

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Two Parallel Journeys Begin

1840 was a remarkable year for collecting. The world's first postage stamp, the legendary Penny Black, was issued – and in the same year, Stanley Gibbons was born. It's almost as if fate was setting the stage for what would follow.

By 1856, sixteen-year-old Stanley had convinced his father to let him add a stamp counter to the family chemist shop in Plymouth. What started as a teenager's entrepreneurial spirit would become the foundation of the world's most trusted name in philately. Meanwhile, across the country, collecting was taking root in other forms too.

1865 saw the first Stanley Gibbons catalogue – a simple penny price list that ran monthly until 1879. That little publication was already connecting collectors across Britain, helping them discover what they didn't yet know they needed.

In 1872, A.H. Baldwin & Sons opened its doors, establishing what would become one of the world's most respected numismatic dealers. While Stanley Gibbons was building the future of stamp collecting, Baldwin's was laying the groundwork for serious coin dealing, developing relationships with collectors, museums, and institutions that continue to this day.

Building Reputations, Earning Trust

The 1890s brought recognition and expansion for both houses. Stanley Gibbons launched its first magazine in 1890 – a publication that, well over a century later, remains the leading voice for philatelists worldwide. Baldwin's was establishing itself as the go-to destination for serious numismatists, building the comprehensive stock and expertise that would define them for generations.

1901 marked a milestone when the first lot went under the hammer at the newly founded Stanley Gibbons Auction House. The age of philatelic auctions had begun, creating the excitement and community that collectors still treasure today.

In 1914, Stanley Gibbons was honoured with the Royal Warrant when it was appointed to the place and quality of Philatelists to King George V.

Mark Smith Victoria Cross Talk Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's

Surviving and Thriving Through Change

Even wartime couldn't stop the passion for collecting. In 1941, a World War II bomb destroyed an entire edition of Gibbons Stamp Monthly. But in true Blitz spirit, an emergency edition was quickly proofed and re-printed. That determination to serve collectors, no matter what, has remained part of the DNA ever since.

1956 brought double celebration – Stanley Gibbons' centenary and a new Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II, who became their trading philatelist and remains so to this day. Meanwhile, Baldwin's continued building their reputation as the most comprehensive source of numismatic material in the UK.

The 1960s and 70s saw both companies cementing their positions as global leaders. Stanley Gibbons' Catalogue Centenary Exhibition at the Royal Festival Hall in 1965 displayed the world's rarest stamp – the British Guiana one-cent black on magenta. In 1977, Queen Elizabeth II presented Stanley Gibbons with The Queen's Award to Industry for outstanding achievement.

Evolution and Innovation

As collecting evolved, so did both companies. The 1998 publication of the 100th edition of Stanley Gibbons' 'Part 1' catalogue marked a century of cataloguing excellence. Baldwin's continued expanding their expertise across ancient coins, British pieces, world currencies, and military medals.

The 2000s brought record-breaking moments. In 2015, a complete sheet of Chinese Monkey Stamps sold for £109,250, setting a new in-house record and proving that passion for collecting was stronger than ever.

Adam Pace Comic Valuation Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's

A New Chapter Begins

In 2013, Baldwin's joined the Stanley Gibbons Group, bringing together two of the most respected names in collecting under one roof. By 2014, Baldwin's had relocated to 399 Strand, right alongside Stanley Gibbons' legendary stamp showroom, and by 2019, they opened their beautiful new Coin Room.

This union also saw the natural evolution of Baldwin's precious metals expertise into Baldwin's Bullion, bringing their century-and-a-half of knowledge in rare coins and precious metals to modern bullion investment. Meanwhile, Complete Collector emerged as the insights hub, sharing stories and expertise across all collecting categories.

But the most exciting chapter began with the creation of Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's - a true fusion of expertise that honours both legacies while expanding into every corner of the collecting world. Today, we bring together stamps, coins, medals, trading cards, comics, bullion, and militaria under one roof, served by specialists who understand that each category has its own stories, its own community, and its own magic.

Looking Forward

We're not just custodians of these remarkable legacies – we're writing the next chapters. Every day brings new discoveries, new collectors, and new categories emerging. From ancient Roman coins to modern Pokémon cards, from Victorian stamps to contemporary comics, we're building bridges between past and future, between established collectors and newcomers just discovering their passion.

Today, our family of services reflects this comprehensive approach to collecting: Stanley Gibbons continues to lead the world in stamps, publications, and philatelic auctions at stanleygibbons.com. Baldwin's remains the trusted name for coins, medals, and numismatic auctions at baldwin.co.uk. Baldwin's Bullion offers secure precious metals investment at baldwinsbullion.com. And Complete Collector shares insights and stories across all categories at completecollector.co.uk.

The future of collecting is brighter than ever. New generations are discovering the joy of building meaningful collections, while traditional categories continue to evolve and surprise us. At Stanley Gibbons Baldwin's, we're excited to be part of that future, ensuring that the love of collecting continues to flourish for generations to come.

Because the best stories in collecting – ours included – are still being written.

Visit us at 399 Strand, London, or explore our family of services online – where over 300 years of collecting heritage meets the excitement of what's still to be discovered.