William Coates (longevity claimant)

William Coates (1869? – reported death 1987) was a British man who was briefly recognized as the oldest man in the world and the oldest living person in 1986 by Guinness World Records. His claimed birth date was June 22, 1869, which would have made him 117 years old at the time of his death.

However, Coates' age claim was later discredited after researchers investigated his birth records and found no evidence to support his stated birth year. Further investigation suggested a more likely birth year was around 1879, making him about 108 years old at the time of his death. Consequently, his recognition by Guinness World Records was withdrawn.

The case of William Coates highlights the challenges involved in verifying supercentenarian claims and the importance of rigorous documentation in establishing age. His story serves as a cautionary tale regarding the acceptance of age claims without verifiable proof. He died in Stoke-on-Trent.