Antiques Roadshow reveals 1902 chocolate bar"s surprising value
- A guest on BBC's Antiques Roadshow discovered the surprising value of a 1902 chocolate bar commemorating the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra.
- The chocolate bar, still in its original packaging, was deemed a rarity, as most similar tins are often found empty and valued at £15 to £25.
- The expert revealed that a similar item sold for £1,000 at auction in 2023, leaving the guest astonished by the unexpected worth of his heirloom.
During a recent episode of BBC's Antiques Roadshow, a guest was astonished to learn the value of a 1902 chocolate bar, which was a commemorative item for the coronation of King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. The chocolate bar was presented in a small tin that had been passed down through generations, originally given to the guest by his father. The expert, Lisa Lloyd, noted the significance of the item, particularly because it still contained the original chocolate, which is a rarity among such memorabilia. The tin featured the initials 'E' and 'A' along with portraits of the royal couple and the date June 1902, although the actual coronation took place in August due to Edward's appendicitis. While similar tins are commonly found and typically valued between £15 to £25, the presence of the intact chocolate dramatically increased its worth. Lisa expressed her excitement at seeing a complete version of this item, which is often seen without its contents. The guest was initially uncertain about the value of his chocolate bar, prompting Lisa to reveal that a similar item sold at auction for £1,000 in 2023. This revelation left the guest speechless, highlighting the unexpected financial worth of what seemed like a simple souvenir. The episode, filmed at Cromford Mills in Derbyshire, aired on September 1 and was a repeat, showcasing the fascinating world of antiques and their hidden values. Host Fiona Bruce reflected on the historical context of the chocolate bar, noting that just eight years after its release, Edward VII passed away, and the country transitioned to King George V, setting the stage for significant changes leading up to World War One.