On July 22nd, dealer Charles Riley made this post on Facebook. -Editor

"I have just heard that Richard Falkiner died yesterday. Perhaps not widely known these days among the younger generation of numismatists, he is certainly well-known among British numismatists of my generation and above. He began his career in 1956 at Glendining & Co, central London auctioneers, before moving to Christie's in 1958 to set up their own coin department. From 1972 he was an independent dealer and numismatic writer, becoming a weekly columnist for the Antiques Trade Gazette (until 2014).

In 1992 he wrote a history of Glendining's (unfortunately never published although I have one of three extant bound photocopies). An ardent "European" in the political sense, in 1991 he struck a series of unofficial ECU (European Currency Unit) coins in his name. The ECU was a trial forerunner of the Euro.

The photograph of Richard was taken after a jolly lunch in 2008 hosted by Peter Mitchell, formerly of Baldwin's. He often attended the London Coin Fair, including just last month, making the lengthy journey from his home near Evesham - a determined effort indeed."

Timeline Auctions published this note. -Editor

Richard Falkiner, one of the most respected and influential figures in British numismatics and antiquities, has passed away after a remarkable career spanning more than seven decades in the world of ancient art and collecting. Richard was a vetter and consultant for TimeLine Auctions for 16 years, and more recently headed the vetting meetings as our senior consultant.

Richard built a distinguished career at two of London's leading auction houses, where he headed the Antiquities, Medieval, Renaissance and Islamic Coins, and Medals departments at various times. He was a leading authority on coins, medals and engraved gems (glyptics) from prehistoric times onward. Between 1956 and 1972 alone, he compiled or edited over three hundred auction catalogues, several of which remain standard references in the field today.

From 1972 he worked independently, a decision he never regretted. For over 50 years he sat, often as chairman, on the vetting committees of London's major art fairs - including Grosvenor House, Masterpiece, Olympia, BADA and the Frieze Fairs - covering ancient, Medieval and coin categories. He went on to advise museums, private collectors, dealers and auctioneers all over the world, and served on the British Museum's Treasure Valuation Panel from 1996.

His passing is felt at TimeLine not only as the loss of an exceptional specialist but as the loss of a friend and mentor. Richard's contribution to numismatics and the wider antiquities community has been immense, and his wisdom, professionalism, and kindness will be greatly missed.

"Richard Falkiner (1936-2026) was highly respected in numismatic and antiquities circles. He was on and frequently chaired vetting committees for numerous London art fairs, including Grosvenor House, Masterpiece, BADA, etc.

Richard was in the trade starting in 1956 and while at Christie's in 1964 he catalogued the Lord St. Oswald collection (and couldn't have been more helpful when I peppered him with questions about it while I was working on my research for the article regarding Sir William Strickland). He later became an independent consultant and was also the numismatic columnist for the Antiques Trade Gazette for decades."