Richard Falkiner, FSA
(1936 - 2026)
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.
