The long history of British rule in India is one of the best-known examples of struggle against global imperialism. The Indian fight in the early 20th century against the power of Great Britain led to independence in 1947 and the subsequent split of the country into Hindu-controlled India and Muslim-controlled Pakistan. For many historians, this development also marks the end of the British Empire, which had been weakening as a global power since World War I. British forces arrived in India ... Continue Reading

The far-flung island nation of New Zealand first became officially politically united in 1835, when a confederation of Maori tribes declared its independence as a sovereign state. Five years later however, this independence was rescinded, and Great Britain began to colonize the islands. Much like Australia, New Zealand became a nation of self-governing transplanted European settlers, gaining the status of a Dominion in 1907 and of a formally independent state in 1947. When compared with the ... Continue Reading

Like Canada, Australia freed herself from direct British rule over a century ago in a civil separation from her mother country. Again like Canada, Australia also became a part of the British Commonwealth. But, unlike Canada, Australia kept the pound sterling as her currency until 1966, after which she converted to the Australian dollar that she uses today. Silver Collectors interested in buying Australian silver coins may already know about the Kookaburra series of .999 fine silver one troy ... Continue Reading

Since before its formal independence from direct British rule in 1867 to the present day, Canada has used the Canadian dollar as her currency. Canadian currency will be very familiar to American coin collectors: the Canadian dollar is divided into 100 cents in coin denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, together with 1 and 2 dollar issues popularly called loonies and toonies. Canadian nickels, dimes, and quarters are so similar in shape and size to their American counterparts, in fact, that ... Continue Reading

A look at the very rare gold Oliver Cromwell Half Crown with bust c1658 Struck in gold with bust and practically as struck this Oliver Cromwell Half-Crown is one of the great numismatic rarities. The Reverse with crowned shield of arms (S.3227A; ESC.447A; W&R.46) ex-Bridgewater House Collection, 15 June 1972. Prior to the sale of the Bridgewater House collection only one Oliver Cromwell half crown was known, which was held in a private coin collection. Two further examples appeared ... Continue Reading

Dating Rookwood Pottery Marks & a look at Rookwood History Antique Rookwood Pottery is one collectible you should definitely look out for An American artistic legend established in 1880, by Maria Longworth Nicholas, Rookwood Pottery is an American Art Pottery Company that has gained a formidable reputation as one of the finest in the world. In 1889 Rookwood surprised the ceramics community when it was awarded a Gold medal at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. The award ... Continue Reading

The Art Nouveau Liberty & Co Style, founded by Arthur Lasenby Liberty and its premier designer Archibald Knox. The art nouveau style was itself highly influential but few people can claim to have been quite so influential in the history of modern design as Arthur Lasenby Liberty. From a small shop, opened in 1875 on the corner of Regent Street, Liberty was to popularise an idiom now known and revered world wide simply as "Liberty style". Originally importing exotic household ... Continue Reading