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Lawrence Chard

Chairman and CEO

Blackpool businessman, Lawrence Chard is not only an avid photographer, cyclist and skier, he is also a coin hobbyist and qualified numismatist and founder of Chards Coin and Bullion Dealers.

Lawrence was born in Blackpool and remains a resident there today. Growing up in Blackpool, Lawrence has always had a strong work ethic, starting work at an early age in his Grandparents' arcade on Blackpool Promenade, selling fruit squash. It was during his time working in the arcade that he discovered his love for coins.

Lawrence founded Blackpool's first and only Coin & Bullion dealers in 1964 with his cousin, Robert. The pair were asked by a part-time dealer to look for certain dated pennies in the arcade. With an entrepreneurial background, Lawrence soon realised he could make a couple of days wages in a day. After his cousin left for university, Lawrence continued to grow the business whilst studying at the local sixth form. He has never stopped since.

About Chards

4 Jan 2023

Chards Coin and Bullion Dealer was launched to offer investors/collectors a simple and secure way to buy bullion/commemorative coins at low premiums.

When will King Charles III coins be distributed?

20 Sep 2022

When will King Charles III coins be distributed? I will attempt to summarise the most likely situation for UK coins. This is not final due to no comment from The Royal Mint

Advice Guide for UK Bullion Investors

24 May 2022

Concise but comprehensive information for anyone thinking of investing in gold, silver, platinum, or other precious metal bullion coins or bars.


Ghosting on Coins

8 Oct 2021

I tend to see it most on gold sovereigns, particularly George V and Edward VII, but it can and does occur on many other coins.


Fijian Coins

20 Aug 2021

The first coins issued for Fiji were in 1934 when Fiji was under British administration, and naturally used the old British pre-decimal system.

Milk Spots on Silver Coins

19 Aug 2021

I had never heard the term "milk spot" until the last year or two on TSF, where there seem be be lots of discussions and complaints about British silver coins.

Newbie Information and Advice - For New Collectors, Investors and Stackers

7 Jun 2021

For people thinking about starting to collect, invest, or stack coins or precious metal bullion, it's important to ask yourself some questions beforehand.

Bubbles: 1637 Tulip Mania, 1720 South Sea Company... 2021 Bitcoin?

11 Jan 2021

Remember greed and fear are the two main drivers of markets, bubbles, and frauds. If in any doubt, keep out!


Double Sovereign History - Gold £2 Coins

1 Dec 2020

The gold two pound coin, or double sovereign, was first introduced in modern times in 1820, three years after the introduction of the modern full sovereign.

Capital Gains Tax Implications Regarding Investment Gold

12 Nov 2020

There has been speculation that a reform to CGT is imminent, so we thought it would be an apt time to republish this 2006 article from taxfreegold.co.uk.

Pure Gold

3 Nov 2020

There seems to be a misconception of what ‘pure gold’ actually constitutes in the real world.


Krugerrand Mintages and Dates

28 Jul 2020

Although the basic idea behind Krugerrands was to be purely a bullion coin, we are increasingly asked for particular dates of Krugers.

The Story Of The Gold £5 Coin

1 Jun 2020

The five pound gold coin is Britain's largest and most impressive gold coin, although there was previously a five guinea piece which was about 5% heavier.


The Story Of The Silver Threepence Coin

28 May 2020

The very first silver threepence was issued in 1551 for Edward VI. There had been a severe debasement of the silver coinage under his father Henry VII

Buying and Selling Rare Coins At Auction

27 May 2020

Many people believe that the best way to buy coins is in an auction. Others think that the best way to sell coins is in an auction. Which view is right, if any?

Confiscation of Gold Bullion in the USA

1 May 2020

In 1933, the USA banned its citizens from continuing to own gold with limited exceptions. Could it happen again?

Low Carat Gold Coins

30 Apr 2020

Our thoughts about a considerable number of low carat, low purity, gold coins issued in the past few decades.

Red Spots on Gold Coins

30 Apr 2020

Our comprehensive guide on the phenomenon of red spots on gold coins. How do they affect your gold bars and coins?

Lawrence Chard's Insight into Recent Events

31 Mar 2020

Since the UK entered panic mode over the Coronavirus crisis, every bullion dealer in the UK has experience hugely increased demand.

The Story of the Farthing Coin

20 Mar 2020

Taking its name from the functionality of an existing piece of coinage, the farthing coin derived fromt he splitting of the popular silver penny coin, with the cross design


History of French Gold Coins

23 Dec 2019

In Roman times France was known as Gaul. Its borders have expanded and contracted over several millennia, and was at various times composed of several different states.

The Gold Sovereigns of Queen Victoria

13 Dec 2019

One excellent way to collect gold sovereigns is to ignore dates, and collect type coins.


Brexit 50p to Finally be Released (Or Is It?)

9 Oct 2019

The official Brexit fifty pence coin is finally set to be released on 31st October 2019. Her Majesty’s Treasury and the Privy Council gave the official go-ahead....

2020 Coin Prediction

4 Oct 2019

With 2020 fast approaching we thought we'd have a look at some of the coins you might find in your change next year.

British Quarter Sovereigns & Technical Specifications

26 Sep 2019

Technical specifications of the gold sovereign, detailing the quarter sovereign weight and more about the sovereign coin.

John Pinches Medallions

13 Jun 2019

John Pinches was an engraver and medallist. He went on to be a founder of Pinches, medal engravers, producing some spectacular medals in both precious and base metal.


The Story of the Florin or Two Shilling Piece

31 May 2019

The story of the British Florin (2/-), a brief history of the coin, part of Chard's online catalogue, with photographs and descriptions.

The Story of the British Gold Guinea

4 Apr 2019

A brief history of the British gold guinea. An information page from Chard's on-line catalogue.

GEORGIVS V. DG.BRITT: OMN: REX. FD. IND: IMP: Coin Inscription

1 Mar 2019

This fairly cryptic inscription can be found on British coins of King George the Fifth from 1911 to 1936, and it means...

Sculptors Artists & Engravers of British Coins

1 Mar 2019

We note that in recent years collectors have been showing an increasing interest in the engravers of British coins......


Raphael Maklouf British Coin Engraver

1 Mar 2019

Raphael Maklouf, famous for the 'Maklouf Portrait' of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II used on British coins from 1985 to 1997 inclusive.

DIEU ET MON DROIT Inscription on British Coins

1 Mar 2019

French inscription on British coins translates to English as 'God and my Right', presumably referring to the divine right of the monarch to rule.

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Address

Chard (1964) Ltd
32-36 Harrowside
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 1RJ

SatNav Postcode: FY4 1LY
Appointment Only

Tel: 01253 343081

Company No: 01378220
VAT No: GB 157 0712 74

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