Admiral St. Vincent’s Gold Medal: Loyalty, Victory, and Naval Legacy

At the center of the sale stands a remarkable gold presentation medal issued by Admiral Earl St. Vincent, also known as Sir John Jervis (Lot 369).

This large medal displays Jervis’s bust on the obverse. Meanwhile, the reverse shows a naval officer and an enlisted seaman shaking hands before a Union flag, an unmistakable symbol of unity and loyalty within the Royal Navy.

Encased in two glass lunettes with a contemporary gold brace and suspension loop, the medal remains in pristine condition. It measures 47mm in diameter and weighs approximately 61.5 grams, consistent with known unglazed examples. The medal itself is struck in 22-carat gold, while the brace and loop test as 18-carat.

The Battle Behind the Medal

The medal commemorates the British victory at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent in February 1797. During that engagement, Admiral Jervis defeated a significantly larger Spanish fleet led by Admiral Don José de Córdoba y Ramos.

As a result, Jervis received elevation to Baron Jervis of Meaford and Earl St. Vincent. In addition, the Crown awarded him a lifetime pension of £3,000 per year.

Rewarding Loyalty During Crisis

Three years later, Jervis distributed silver and bronze versions of this medal to officers and sailors who demonstrated loyalty during the mutiny at the Nore. That mutiny involved more than 10% of Royal Navy seamen, making it one of the most serious internal crises in British naval history.

Gold examples, however, remain extremely rare. One specimen went to King George III and now resides in the British Museum. Another example sits in the National Maritime Museum. Both feature the raised edge inscription: +(SOHO)+ STRUCK AT THE MINT OF MATTHEW BOULTON.

Importantly, correspondence from June 1801 confirms that Lady Spencer designed the medal.

Today, the number of gold specimens remains unknown. Still, records confirm that Jervis distributed several during his lifetime.

Estimate and Bullion Value

The medal carries an estimate above £7,500. Notably, its intrinsic gold value alone already exceeds £7,300, underscoring its significance.

Oliver Cromwell Gold Broad: Power, Symbolism, and Ambition

Another highlight emerges in Lot 113: a striking 1656 gold broad issued under Oliver Cromwell.

This twenty-shilling piece features Cromwell’s laureate portrait facing left. The reverse presents a crowned, quartered shield representing the Protectorate, with the date flanking the crown. The coin appears boldly struck and remains in good very fine condition. PCGS has graded it AU50.

Estimated at £12,000–£14,000, this coin represents one of only two gold denominations issued during Cromwell’s rule as Lord Protector. The other, a fifty-shilling piece engraved by Thomas Simon, remains exceedingly rare, with perhaps only a dozen known examples.

A Republican with Royal Imagery

The coin’s imagery raises fascinating questions. Cromwell appears wearing a laurel wreath, a symbol traditionally associated with Roman emperors and monarchs.

On the reverse, the arms of England, Scotland, and Ireland surround a central shield bearing Cromwell’s personal arms: a lion rampant. A crown tops the entire design.

This imagery signals something deeper. Cromwell had refused the crown when Parliament offered it in 1653. However, his coinage increasingly adopted royal language and symbolism. Latin inscriptions replaced earlier English legends, while regal iconography became more prominent.

At the same time, Cromwell accepted the title “Your Highness.” Therefore, his coinage suggests a delicate, and perhaps shifting, balance between republican ideals and monarchical authority.

Some historians even draw comparisons to ancient Rome. After abandoning kingship, Rome evolved from republic to empire. Cromwell’s trajectory may hint at a similar path. He died in 1658, shortly after these coins entered circulation.

Two Examples in One Sale

Interestingly, Baldwin’s offers two Cromwell broads in this auction. Lot 113 stands as the superior example. Meanwhile, Lot 112 shows similar detail but includes a skillfully plugged area.

As a result, the lesser piece should realize around £9,000, while the finer example could exceed £14,000.

Edward VI Gold Half Sovereign: A Portrait of a Doomed King

The sale also features a deeply moving Tudor issue: a gold half sovereign of Edward VI struck at Southwark (Lot 89).

This coin captures a striking portrait of the young king at approximately twelve years old. The son of Henry VIII, Edward would die just three years later at age fifteen.

The obverse portrait stands out for its clarity and minimal wear. The youthful features, crowned head, and cuirassed bust appear sharply defined. Only slight doubling in parts of the legend interrupts an otherwise strong strike.

The reverse displays the crowned Royal Arms within an ornate ogee shield. An arrow mintmark confirms production at Southwark.

The Short Life of the Southwark Mint

The Southwark Mint operated briefly, from 1543 to around 1553. It stood within Suffolk Place, located near today’s Borough High Street and Marshalsea Road.

Originally part of a manor granted by Henry VIII to Jane Seymour, the site later declined. After demolition in 1557, the area transformed into a notorious district offering legal protection to debtors. By the 19th century, redevelopment erased it entirely.

Edward VI: Illness and Early Death

Edward’s health declined rapidly in 1553. He suffered persistent fevers, coughing, and breathing difficulties beginning in January. Although he experienced temporary recoveries, his condition worsened over time.

By June, reports described alarming symptoms, including discolored sputum and severe weakness. His legs swelled, preventing him from walking. Observers described him as “thin and wasted” in his final days.

Edward died on July 6, 1553, at Greenwich Palace.

Cause of Death: Tuberculosis Likely

While rumors of poisoning circulated, no evidence supports them. Instead, contemporary accounts and modern historians point to tuberculosis.

Earlier illness, including measles and smallpox in 1552, likely weakened his immune system. This vulnerability may have allowed latent tuberculosis to develop. Postmortem findings of lung damage and abscesses support this conclusion.

Ultimately, Edward’s death marked the end of a short but impactful reign. Despite his youth, he played a key role in advancing the English Reformation.

A Coin of Beauty and Tragedy

This half sovereign preserves Edward at the height of health and royal authority. Therefore, it stands as both a beautiful artifact and a poignant historical reminder.

The coin carries an estimate of £4,000 to £6,000, an accessible price for a rare and contemporary portrait of the last Tudor king.

Conclusion: A Landmark Auction for Historic British Gold

Baldwin’s March 30 auction brings together extraordinary pieces that tell powerful stories. Each lot connects collectors to defining moments in British history, from naval triumph and political ambition to royal fragility.

Importantly, these coins and medals do more than preserve the past. They reveal the personalities, struggles, and transformations that shaped a nation.

The post Rare Gold Treasures Headline Baldwin’s March 30 Auction: Cromwell, St. Vincent, and Tudor History Shine appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Even more compelling, bidding is already underway. Session 1 closes on March 24, while Session 2 concludes on March 25.

A Potential $1 Million Norwegian Rarity Headlines the Sale

At the center of the auction stands an extraordinary coin. The Norway (1661) 10 Ducat – Fort Aggershus, graded NGC AU Details (Session 2, lot 18103), carries an estimate of €600,000 to €800,000 (about $699,000 to $932,000).

However, its importance goes far beyond price.

Experts believe this coin is unique in private hands. Only two other examples exist. The Danish government holds one, while a Norwegian university preserves the other.

A Coin That Celebrates Royal Power

The design tells a powerful story.

On the obverse appears Frederik III, who ruled Denmark and Norway from 1648 to 1670. He gained widespread support after defending Copenhagen from a Swedish siege in 1659. As a result, he transformed Denmark’s monarchy from elective to absolute.

Meanwhile, the reverse depicts Akershus Fortress in Oslo. In 1661, this site hosted the ceremony that formalized Frederik III’s new authority.

Additional Frederik III Gold Rarities Expected to Shine

The sale also includes several major gold issues tied to Frederik III. Many carry six-figure estimates.

One standout is the Denmark 1664 10 Ducat, graded NGC AU Details (Session 1, lot 17074). It is estimated at €150,000 to €200,000 (about $175,000 to $233,000).

Notably, the coin weighs more than one ounce. At the time of issue, it represented immense wealth. Researchers believe the piece was struck for the king’s personal use.

Danish West Indies Coins Add Historical Depth

Because the auction takes place in New York City, Stack’s Bowers included coins from the Danish West Indies, now known as the U.S. Virgin Islands.

These selections add both historical and geographic relevance.

Highlights include:

• Danish West Indies 1904 10 Daler, graded NGC MS 68 (lot 18044), estimated at €35,000+ (about $40,000)
• Denmark 1749 VH West Indies Co. 2 Ducat, graded NGC MS 63 (lot 17126), estimated at €20,000+ (about $23,000)
• Danish West Indies (1850) 25 Cents counterstamped on a U.S. 1849 Quarter, graded NGC MS 63 (lot 18034), estimated at €35,000+ (about $17,000)

The Legacy of the L. E. Bruun Collection

This remarkable collection traces back to Lars Emil Bruun, a Danish entrepreneur who built his fortune in butter and real estate.

Over time, he assembled one of the most comprehensive Scandinavian numismatic holdings ever formed.

NGC certified the collection. Each coin features a special label that highlights the prestigious Bruun pedigree.

Importantly, this auction continues a landmark series.

In September 2024, the first sale achieved a record. A Denmark 1496 Noble, graded NGC AU 55, realized €1.2 million (about $1.33 million). That result set a new benchmark for any Scandinavian coin.

So far, more than 6,300 coins, medals, and tokens from the Bruun Collection have entered the market.

Collectors can also explore high-resolution images through NGC’s searchable online gallery.

Additional High-Value Highlights

Beyond the headline lots, the auction includes numerous elite rarities:

• Undated 2 Ducat, graded NGC MS 66★ (Session 1, lot 17085), €150,000–€200,000 ($175,000–$233,000)
• Norway 1678 PG 4 Speciedaler, graded NGC XF Details (Session 2, lot 18111), €150,000–€200,000 ($175,000–$233,000)
• Denmark 1653 5 Ducat, graded NGC MS 62 (Session 1, lot 17066), €100,000–€130,000 ($116,000–$151,000)
• Denmark 1663 10 Ducat, graded NGC AU Details (Session 1, lot 17072), €110,000–€130,000 ($128,000–$151,000)
• Denmark 1592 5 Ducat, graded NGC AU Details (Session 1, lot 17041), €90,000–€110,000 ($105,000–$128,000)
• Denmark 1659 5 Ducat, graded NGC AU 55 (Session 1, lot 17069), €80,000–€100,000 ($93,000–$116,000)
• Norway 1678 PG 3 Speciedaler, graded NGC AU Details (Session 2, lot 18112), €80,000–€120,000 ($93,000–$140,000)
• Denmark 1870 NC//CS 2 Christian d’Or, graded NGC MS 69 (lot 17227), €30,000–€40,000 ($35,000–$46,000)
• Denmark 1911 VBP GJ 20 Kroner, graded NGC MS 68+ (lot 17275), €6,000–€7,000 ($7,000–$8,000)

A Defining Moment for Scandinavian Numismatics

Taken together, this auction represents a defining moment.

Rare Scandinavian gold coins seldom appear in such depth. Even more, the Bruun pedigree adds historic weight. As a result, collectors and institutions alike are watching closely.

With a potentially unique Norwegian 10 Ducat leading the way, this sale could reshape the market once again.

The post Stack’s Bowers Offers $1 Million Norwegian Ultra-Rarity in L.E. Bruun Collection Auction appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

By Jeremy Bostwick – Senior Numismatist and Cataloger, Stack’s Bowers …… Updated by CoinWeek March 2026

At the January 2025 New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) Auction of ancient and world coins from Stack’s Bowers Galleries featured the third installment of the Richard Margolis Collection (part II of his extensive array of French material). Numerous once-in-a-lifetime treasures crossed the auction block, many of which have been off the market for decades.

One such item is a tremendously elusive (and potentially unique) gold 40 Francs in Proof from 1809. Bearing the left-facing laureate head of Napoleon, it offers stunning eye appeal and flair, with immense brilliance in the fields and frostiness on the sharply struck devices. The only proof striking of the type seen across both major grading services, this Gem NGC PROOF-65 specimen also hails from prestigious prior collections, having been owned previously by Mortimer Hammel and Virgil M. Brand. Visit here to view all lots in the Richard Margolis Collection Part III .

This exceptional, potencially Unique Proof sold for $144,000. To view more auction results and future offerings, please visit StacksBowers.com where you may register and participate in other forthcoming sales.

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Stack’s Bowers is always seeking coins, medals, and paper money for our future auctions.  We are currently accepting consignments for our Global Showcase auctions. Additionally, we are accepting consignments for our Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auctions. If you would like to learn more about consigning, whether a single item or an entire collection, please contact one of our consignment directors. They will assist you in achieving the best possible return on your material.

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The post Stack’s Bowers to Offer Potentially Unique Napoleonic 40 Francs Proof From Margolis Collection appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

In the crowded landscape of medieval English coinage, few pieces balance historical importance, rarity, and accessibility as well as the silver penny of Harold I Harefoot. Struck during one of England’s most unstable successions, this modest silver coin carries the weight of a kingdom caught between dynasties.

Harold ruled for just five years, yet his coinage survives as one of the clearest material records of a disputed crown. For collectors, the Harold I penny offers something increasingly rare in today’s market: a genuinely scarce English royal coin that remains attainable.

A King Who Was Never Meant to Rule

Harold, remembered by the nickname “Harefoot” for his supposed speed in the hunt, stood as the eldest son of Cnut the Great. Despite his age, Harold lacked the political legitimacy enjoyed by his younger half-brother Harthacnut, whose mother held higher status at court.

When Cnut died in 1035, England expected Harthacnut to succeed him. Scandinavian revolts kept Harthacnut away, and Harold moved quickly. He pressured English nobles, secured control of the treasury, and claimed authority as regent—then as king.

Within two years, Harold abandoned a power-sharing agreement and declared himself sole ruler of England.

Power Seized, Power Kept

Harold ruled with urgency and force. In 1036, the exiled sons of Æthelred II returned to challenge his authority. Harold crushed the rebellion and ordered the brutal execution of one claimant. The act sent a clear message: Harold would not surrender his crown.

Despite his tenuous legitimacy, Harold maintained England’s administrative systems, including its highly organized mint network. His coinage continued established Anglo-Danish standards, reinforcing royal authority through silver.

Harold’s sudden death in 1040 ended his reign without warning. His passing cleared the way for Harthacnut—and soon after, the Saxon restoration under Edward the Confessor.

The Silver Penny: Order in an Unstable Age

Harold I’s silver pennies reflect continuity amid chaos. England’s mints struck them with consistent weight and recognizable designs, projecting stability even as the throne remained contested.

Obverse

A crowned bust of Harold appears in traditional Anglo-Saxon style, accompanied by a royal inscription such as HAROLD REX ANG. The portrait asserts kingship without apology.

Reverse

The Jewel Cross design dominates the reverse, framed by the name of the moneyer and mint. These inscriptions connect each coin to England’s regional mint system, with known examples from Norwich, London, Lincoln, and York.

One notable example from the Norwich Mint, struck by the moneyer Æficc, displays deep metallic-blue toning and sharply preserved surfaces—visual proof that even brief reigns left lasting artistry.

Specifications at a Glance

• Denomination: Penny
• Metal: Silver
• Weight: Approximately 1.3–1.5 grams
• Diameter: Approximately 18–20 mm
• Strike: Hammered
• Date Range: c. 1036–1038
• Mints: Multiple, including Norwich and London

Why Collectors Should Pay Attention

Coins of Harold I survive in smaller numbers than those of longer-reigning kings, yet they remain undervalued relative to their historical importance. His five-year reign, wedged between Viking power and Saxon restoration, gives his pennies a transitional status that appeals to both Anglo-Saxon and Viking-era collectors.

Unlike later medieval English coins, Harold’s pennies still offer an entry point for collectors who want a true royal rarity without a five-figure price tag.

This balance of scarcity, story, and affordability makes the Harold I silver penny one of the most compelling sleepers in early English numismatics.

A Small Coin with a Large Legacy

The silver penny of Harold I Harefoot captures England at a crossroads. It reflects ambition seized, authority asserted, and power lost as quickly as it came. For collectors, it offers more than silver—it offers a tangible link to one of England’s most uncertain crowns.

In a market crowded with famous names, Harold I stands apart. His coins remind us that even brief reigns can leave enduring marks, struck forever in silver.

This Coin Is being sold in the Stack’s Bowers February 18th 2026 World Collectors Choice Online Auction –  from the L.E. Bruun Collection – Lot 15065

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The post Harold I Harefoot’s Silver Penny appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Live bidding begins January 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM EST, from the InterContinental New York Barclay, Barclay Salon I in New York City, NY

Among the elite offerings, five British coins stand apart. Each piece tells a decisive chapter in monetary history while offering collectors an opportunity to acquire true numismatic landmarks.

Edward III’s Gold Noble: A Medieval Power Statement

Lot 42012 | GREAT BRITAIN. Noble,(1369–77). Calais Mint. Edward III. NGC-66.

Few medieval coins carry the authority of the Gold Noble of Edward III. Struck during the turbulent post-Treaty period, this Calais-minted example reflects England’s renewed aggression during the Hundred Years’ War.

Most importantly, this Noble represents England’s first truly successful circulating gold coinage. Earlier gold experiments failed. The Noble succeeded, and reshaped English commerce.

Why This Noble Matters

The coin dates to 1369–1377, after the collapse of the Treaty of Brétigny.

Legends on post-Treaty Nobles reaffirm Edward’s claim to the French throne.

The Calais Mint served as England’s continental gold hub, supporting the Wool Staple trade.

Iconic Design with Symbolic Force

Edward III appears standing in a ship, sword raised, shield ready. The image celebrates England’s naval dominance following the Battle of Sluys (1340). On the reverse, a floriated cross surrounds a large “C” mintmark, confirming Calais origin.

The biblical legend, IHC AUTEM TRANSIENS PER MEDIUM ILLORUM IBAT, adds spiritual symbolism and medieval superstition to an already commanding design.

At NGC MS-66, this Noble occupies elite territory among hammered gold issues.

George II’s Five Guineas: Gold at Its Peak

Lot 42088  |  GREAT BRITAIN.    5 Guineas, 1741.   London Mint.    George II. PCGS AU-53.

The Five Guineas coin represents the summit of British gold denomination. By 1741, this massive piece functioned as a financial anchor rather than circulating currency.

George II’s reign marked the twilight of the denomination. Consequently, survivors remain scarce and highly prized.

Financial Muscle in Gold

• Weighs approximately 41.75–42.0 grams of .917 fine gold.
• Intended for large transactions and institutional accounting.
• Precedes Britain’s formal adoption of the gold standard.

Classic Design and Security

The obverse features a youthful laureate bust of George II. Meanwhile, the reverse displays a crowned shield uniting England, Scotland, France, Ireland, and Hanover, an unmistakable statement of imperial reach.

The raised edge inscription, DECVS ET TVTAMEN, protected the coin from clipping while reinforcing royal authority.

Unlike some years, the 1741 Five Guineas lacks bullion source marks, adding a layer of intrigue for specialists.

The Ultimate Countermarked Dollar: British Authority on French Silver

Lot 42108 | GREAT BRITAIN–FRANCE. Dollar (4s 9d), ND (1797–99). George III. NGC AU-50; Countermark AU Strong.

This coin stands among the rarest British emergency issues of the late 18th century. During Britain’s silver crisis, the Bank of England authorized countermarks on foreign coins to stabilize circulation.

This example transcends rarity.

• Extreme Rarity, Documented Importance
• S-3765B, KM-628, ESC-1861 (R6).
• The only straight-graded example of its type by NGC or PCGS.
• Countermarked on a 1784-M French Ecu of Louis XVI.

The bold George III oval punch dominates the obverse. Even more impressively, the coin retains deeply toned, problem-free surfaces, nearly unheard of for this issue.

Only two comparable examples surfaced publicly in the past 25 years. None match this coin’s preservation or clarity.

Victoria’s 1841 Sovereign: The Chief Coin of the World

Lot 42136  |  GREAT BRITAIN. Sovereign, 1841.  London Mint. NGC MS-65.

By the early Victorian era, the Sovereign ruled global commerce. The 1841 issue, however, remains one of the series’ true condition rarities.

• Scarcity Backed by Numbers
• Mintage: only 124,054 pieces.
• Many examples melted over time.
• High-grade survivors command serious premiums.

Young Head Elegance

William Wyon’s “First Head” portrait presents Queen Victoria in refined relief. The reverse shield, designed by Jean Baptiste Merlen, blends heraldry with balance and symmetry.

At NGC MS-65, this Sovereign approaches the pinnacle for the date.

The Gothic Crown: Victorian Art at Its Absolute Finest

Lot 42144  |  GREAT BRITAIN. “Gothic” Crown, 1847. Year UNDECIMO. London Mint.  Victoria. PCGS Proof-64 Cameo.

Few coins rival the Gothic Crown for artistic impact. Issued during the height of the Gothic Revival, this masterpiece rejects Neoclassicism in favor of medieval grandeur.

A Deliberate Artistic Statement

• Designed by William Dyce, engraved by William Wyon.
• Produced primarily as proofs for collectors.
• Approximately 8,000 pieces struck.

The obverse presents Victoria crowned, richly dressed, and framed by Blackletter legend.

The reverse unites cruciform shields around a Garter star, dense with symbolism and national pride.

The edge inscription, ANNO REGNI UNDECIMO, completes the composition.

Graded PCGS Proof-64 Cameo, this example delivers sharp frost, mirrored fields, and undeniable visual power.

Final Thoughts: British Numismatics at Its Best

Session 3 of the NYINC World Coin Showcase demonstrates why Stack’s Bowers Galleries continues to lead the global market. These five British coins span medieval ambition, Georgian financial might, wartime necessity, and Victorian artistry.

Each lot tells a story. Together, they form a masterclass in British numismatic history.

Live bidding begins January 17, 2026, at 6:30 PM EST.

The post Five British Coin Highlights from Stack’s Bowers NYINC World Coin Showcase appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

With an estimate of $350,000 to $700,000, the top lot in this auction is a China YR15(1926) Chang Tso Lin Silver Dollar – Copper Nickel graded NGC MS 62  (lot 0140).

This coin is a New Discovery. The copper-nickel variety, which is pedigreed to the Nelson Chang Collection, was previously unknown.

Chang Tso Lin was a warlord who gained control of Beijing in 1926 but was forced to flee two years later and was subsequently assassinated. Genuine Chang Tso Lin pieces are exceptionally scarce, with many purported examples proving to be early fantasy issues or modern counterfeits, making NGC’s certification of any authentic example a major numismatic event.

How NGC authenticated this fascinating coin.

Following extensive examination, testing and research, specialists confirmed that the submitted coin was an undocumented major rarity: a Chang Tso Lin dollar of type L&M-868 struck not in silver, but in copper-nickel.

This discovery is extraordinary because authentic Chang Tso Lin issues are among the rarest early Republican Chinese coins. Even experts at major auction houses or grading services may encounter a genuine example only once in a decade — and nearly all pieces submitted today turn out to be modern counterfeits.

Counterfeit versions typically reveal themselves through incorrect texture, luster or collar shape, or through repeating depressions that match known forgeries. Many counterfeits are also fabricated from “fantasy” dies that do not perfectly reproduce details from original Tientsin Mint dies.

When this copper-nickel specimen first arrived in the NGC grading room, graders initially believed it to be a silver coin. They immediately noticed several unusual characteristics, particularly on the reverse. Despite correct die work and overall proper texture, the coin displayed streaking inconsistent with commemorative Chinese silver dollars of the period.

These anomalies prompted further investigation.

A metallurgical analysis provided the crucial breakthrough: the piece contained approximately 83% copper and 16% nickel. This composition was entirely unexpected for this type, but it explained all the observed irregularities, confirming the coin was not a counterfeit but a genuine off-metal example.

Additional support came from its long-standing pedigree. Collector Nelson Chang purchased the coin from a respected Hong Kong dealer in the early 1980s. A provenance of more than 40 years places the piece well before the widespread emergence of high-quality die-transfer counterfeits that began appearing in the market decades later.

Although the precise purpose of this copper-nickel striking remains unknown, it may represent a pattern, an experimental off-metal strike, or an unofficial mint product (“mint sport”). Because its true intent cannot be definitively determined, NGC certified the coin as L&M-868 VAR and noted its copper-nickel alloy on the label without assigning a specific classification.

Considerations:

• Coin identified as an undocumented Chang Tso Lin L&M-868 dollar struck in copper-nickel.
• Genuine Chang Tso Lin dollars are extremely rare; most submissions are counterfeit.
• Early examination revealed unusual reverse streaking despite correct die work.
• Metallurgical testing showed 83% copper, 16% nickel, explaining anomalies.
  Long pedigree tracing back to early 1980s supports authenticity.
• Exact origin unclear: possibly a pattern, off-metal strike, or mint sport.
• NGC certified it as L&M-868 VAR with its alloy noted on the label.

Read NGC Article on this Discovery

Back to the  Champion Macau Auction:

Also available is a China YR3(1911) Silver Dollar – Raised Veins on Leaves graded NGC AU 58 (lot 0143), with an estimate of $200,000 to $400,000.

This Silver Dollar is a prized variety from the final year of the Qing Dynasty, struck during a turbulent transitional period in Chinese history. Only 17 examples are recorded in the NGC Census.

Other NGC-certified coins in this auction include:

• China YR24(1898) Anhwei Silver Dollar – Small Rosette graded NGC MS 66★ and pedigreed to Hsi/NC Collection (lot 0120), with an estimate of $100,000 to $200,000
• China 1898 Kiangnan Silver Dollar – Circlet Scale Dragon graded NGC MS 61 and pedigreed to the YIF Collection (lot 0156), with an estimate of $80,000 to $160,000
• China (1912) Li Yuan Hung Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 64 and pedigreed to the NC Collection (lot 0139), with an estimate of $10,000 to $20,000
• China YR24(1898) Fengtien Silver Dollar graded NGC AU 58 and pedigreed to the NC Collection (lot 0123), with an estimate of $8,000 to $16,000
• China YR24(1898) Fengtien Silver Dollar – Large Mouth Dragon graded NGC AU 55 and pedigreed to the NC Collection (lot 0124), with an estimate of $8,000 to $16,000
• China 2021 2 Ounce Gold Macau Numismatic Society Annual Expo Panda Medal graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo (lot 0240), with an estimate of $8,000 to $16,000
• China 2024 Gold Berlin World Money Fair Panda Medal graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo (lot 0251), with an estimate of $7,000 to $14,000
• China 2023 50 Gram Gold Berlin World Money Fair Panda Medal graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo (lot 0244), with an estimate of $7,000 to $14,000
• China 2015 2 Ounce Gold Macau Numismatic Society Annual Expo Panda Medal graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo (lot 0232), with an estimate of $7,000 to $14,000
• Niue 2023 Legend of Chu 55th Anniversary Gold Dollar graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo (lot 0249), with an estimate of $6,500 to $13,000

The post New Discovery – Copper-Nickel Variety Among Rare Chinese Coins Certified by NGC appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Sedwick Auctions is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of Treasure Auction 38, held November 13–15 at our new headquarters, with total results hitting $5 million.

Bidding shattered previous records across every major category: shipwreck coins and artifacts, gold and silver cobs, colonial coins, world coins, and rare Latin American issues.

We invite collectors and consignors to join us for our next flagship event. Consignments will be open from the beginning of December 2025 through the first week of March 2026.

Mark your calendars: Our next live floor auction will take place May 6–9, 2026 at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Winter Park, Florida.

Check our travel schedule to consign in person or contact us to arrange a private visit at your location.

We look forward to showcasing your collection in our next auction!

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

www.sedwickcoins.com

The post Sedwick Auctions Announces Record-Breaking Close of Auction 38 appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

The centerpiece of the sale, and its top NGC-certified highlight, carries an opening bid of CHF 2,000,000 (roughly USD $2.5 million).

 Spain 1609 C Segovia 100 Escudos graded NGC AU 58 (lot 314)

Struck in 1609, this historic issue represents the first 100 Escudos ever minted, marking the highest gold denomination produced in Spain during the early 17th century. It is Unique!  Weighing just over one-third of a kilogram, it is the only vintage Spanish 100 Escudos recorded in the NGC Census, underscoring its immense rarity.

The obverse bears the distinctive Segovia mintmark, depicting the city’s famed Roman aqueduct—an iconic symbol of the royal mint situated roughly 30 miles north of Madrid. NGC Chief Grader and Senior Vice President for World Coins, Ben Wengel, explores the coin’s history and significance in an NGC video presentation.

“In addition to this being a unique item, there’s also a personal tie-in with Spanish royalty that really elevates this coin’s status as a true trophy piece,” Wengel noted. “This is going to be a very highly anticipated coin when it crosses the auction block.”

With its unmatched pedigree, exceptional preservation, and monumental historical importance, the 1609 Segovia 100 Escudos stands as one of the most important Spanish gold coins ever to appear at public auction.

Another NGC-certified highlight of the auction is a Spain 1611/0 C Segovia 8 Escudos graded NGC AU 58 (lot 315), with a starting price of CHF 300,000 (about $376,000). Another Spanish rarity connected to King Philip III’s reign, which lasted from 1598 until his death in 1621, this is the first 8 Escudos piece (also known as an”onza”) ever struck at the Royal Mint of Segovia. According to the auction house, this particular coin is also the only example of its issue known to exist today.

The auction also includes a rare England (1492) Sovereign – Henry VII graded NGC AU 50 (lot 231), with a starting price of CHF 500,000 (about $627,000). This is among the earliest gold Sovereigns available to collectors, representing not only the beginning of the Tudor dynasty but also the establishment of England as a major world power.

The obverse depicts Henry VII seated on a wooden throne, in robes, and holding an orb and scepter, while the reverse features the quartered shield of England upon a Tudor rose. With a weight of 15.23 grams, this example represents the largest hammered gold coin of the Tudor period.

Another NGC-certified coin expected to realize a price well into the six figures is a Mexico 1729/7MO R/D 8 Escudos – Royal Coinage graded NGC MS 65 (lot 300), with a starting price of CHF 500,000 (about $627,000).

Known as a “Royal” for the superb attention involved in the planchet and strike, this coin is the epitome of Spanish colonial numismatics. According to the auction house, only about 40 struck between 1695 and 1732 are known today, with the 1729 issue being among the rarest.

Other NGC-certified coins in this auction include:

• Poland 1618 Lithuania 10 Ducats graded NGC AU 55 (lot 304), with a starting price of CHF 200,000 (about $251,000)
• England 1662 Gold Crown – Off-Metal Strike graded NGC PF 62 (lot 238), with a starting price of CHF 200,000 (about $251,000)
• England 1662 Gold Crown – Off-Metal Strike graded NGC PF 61 (lot 239), with a starting price of CHF 150,000 (about $188,000)
• Spain 1637/6 R Segovia 8 Escudos graded NGC MS 64 (lot 317), with a starting price of CHF 75,000 (about $94,000)
• England 1643 Oxford Triple Unite – Charles I graded NGC AU 55 (lot 236), with a starting price of CHF 75,000 (about $94,000)
• England 1642 Oxford Triple Unite – Charles I graded NGC AU 55 (lot 234), with a starting price of CHF 50,000 (about $63,000)
• Austria 1686 Salzburg 10 Ducats graded NGC AU 58 (lot 204), with a starting price of CHF 50,000 (about $63,000)

NGSA is also presenting a sale on November 25 titled Auction 23 – Modern Coins – The Half Crown Collection Part II.

Some of the NGC-certified coins in this auction include:

• Sarawak 1906H 50 Cents graded NGC SP 66 (lot 1166), with a starting price of CHF 3,000 (about $3,700)
• Burma CS1214(1852) Kyat graded NGC MS 64 (lot 1002), with a starting price of CHF 1,000 (about $1,200)
• US 1882 Half Dollar graded NGC MS 66 (lot 1430), with a starting price of CHF 500 (about $600)

The post Unique 1609 Segovia 100 Escudos, Certified by NGC, Poised to Realize Millions appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

This 100 Ducat, minted in Prague, weighs an extraordinary 348.5g of fine gold, making it the largest denomination of European gold coins ever minted in historical times. Initially, the coin would have been minted as a donation from the young king to German princes who were to be won over to the Habsburg cause during the Thirty Years’ War. This auction result makes it the most expensive post-antique European gold coin ever sold at auction.

Other highlights from the auction included:

10 ducat ‘Portugalöser’ coin minted in Hamburg between 1553 and 1566 sold for CHF 367,500 (€394,687). This coin marks a turning point in German coinage as one of the first large coins produced in Germany, and only a few examples are known.

Transylvanian 10 Ducat coin from the city of Sibiu sold for CHF 490,000 (€526,002), tripling its initial auction estimate of CHF 150,000. This coin is a testimony of the Transylvanian civil war at the beginning of the 17th century and one of the greatest rarities in Transylvanian numismatics, having not appeared at auction for over 80 years.

5 ducat coin minted in 1937 in Kremnica, Slovakia, with only four specimens struck, was the second most expensive coin of the auction, sold for CHF 673,750 (€723,648).

20 ducat coin from Dresden, Germany —the only known specimen minted in 1663 —sold for CHF 171,500 (€184,222), more than double the initial auction estimate of CHF 75,000.

Polish 10 ducat coin minted in CieszynA  (Teschen) in 1650 sold for 7 times the initial auction estimate of CHF 20,000, fetching CHF 183,750 (€197,369). This extremely rare coin portrays the bust of the Duchess Elisabeth Lukretia of Teschen, who fought a 13-year-long legal battle to obtain back her property rights of the Duchy of Teschen from the Crown of Bohemia after the death of her brother Frederick Willian, the last male heir of the Teschen line of the Silesian Piasts.

The post 100 Ducat ‘Gold Giant’ sells for record €2.5 million in second Traveller Collection auction appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

A magnificent Elizabeth I (1558-1603) gold “Ship” Ryal of 15 Shillings ND (1584-1586) MS63 NGC from The Cara Collection of Highly Provenanced British Rarities, Part II sold for $372,000, setting a world record for an Elizabeth Ship Ryal and leading Heritage’s Nov. 6-7 World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction to $5,725,535.

“This is an incredible coin from an incredible collection, and it’s only appropriate that it produced a record result,” says Kyle Johnson, Heritage’s Managing Director of World & Ancient Coins. “It is one of the most coveted and eagerly pursued pieces among British numismatic collectors and among the last coins struck in this medieval design style. These types are noticeably rare, one of the greatest numismatic rarities of the Elizabethan era.”

More than a dozen bids came in for a Victoria gold Proof “Una and the Lion” 5 Pounds 1839, PR62 Deep Cameo, PCGS, before it closed at $234,000. One of engraver William Wyon’s most celebrated and arguably most famous designs, this Deep Cameo beauty is a stellar example of a coin that enjoys widespread popularity among collectors. Reinforcing the coin’s popularity, another Victoria gold Proof “Una and the Lion” 5 Pounds 1839 UNC Details (Repaired) PCGS brought $81,000.

Another world record was set when a British Colony. George II gold Counterstamped 1/2 Pistole (12 Shilling 6 Pence) ND (1758) VF30 NGC sold for $60,000 — a total that briefly set a world record for any Jamaican coin. The coin is a prized rarity, offered at Heritage Auctions for the first time and either unlisted completely or listed as “Unknown” in the major references. This type has flown under the radar despite such high demand for this Jamaican counterstamped series.

That result stood as the world record for three lots, until a British Colony. George II gold Counterstamped 8 Escudos (Doubloon) ND (c. 1773) XF45 NGC more than doubled it and nearly tripled its high pre-auction estimate at $144,000, the new world record for any Jamaican coin.

Once a part of the Virgil Brand Collection, this plugged piece is one of four incredibly rare counterstamped Jamaican gold coins and one of the most sought-after types in the Jamaican counterstamped series, referred to across references as a Private Token, Doubloon or 8 Escudos.

Cryptocurrency

A wide array of offerings were presented, including a Casascius brass “Double Error” Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2011 MS66 NGC that drew a winning bid of $114,000.

The first “error” refers to the well-known misspelling on the hologram, where “CASACIOUS” leaves out the second “s” in an error that was corrected in later releases.

The second “error” involves the unusual placement of the firstbits, printed approximately 3mm higher than normal.

Other top cryptocurrency lots included, but were not limited to:

• A Casascius gold-plated brass “Storage Bar” Bearer Bar Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2011 Genuine PCGS: $105,000
• A Casascius brass Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2013 MS65 PCGS: $105,000
• A Casascius brass Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2013 MS64 NGC: $103,200

Ancient Coins

Among the exceptional results among ancients in this auction was a MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). AV distater NGC AU★ 5/5 – 5/5, Fine Style that more than tripled its high pre-auction estimate when it achieved $156,000.

It features one of the most renowned military leaders and conquerors in history, who ascended to the throne after the assassination of his father, Philip II, in 336 BC.

His kingdom brought about significant cultural and political change, spreading Greek culture throughout the known world.

Other examples of the Alexander III the Great AV distater also generated major interest among collectors: one ended at $96,000 after soaring past its pre-auction estimates, while another brought $50,400.

Nineteen bids came in for a Claudius I (AD 41-54). AV aureus NGC Choice AU★ 5/5 – 4/5, light marks to drive it up to $78,000. The reverse features Pax-Nemesis walking to the right, pointing at a coiled serpent and lifting a fold of drapery to spit on her chest — an apotropaic gesture in Ancient Rome to ward off Nemesis and the ill fortunes she brings.

The auction featured treasures for collectors at all levels, including a JUDAEA. Jewish War (AD 66-70). AR shekel NGC XF 4/5 – 3/5 that more than tripled its high pre-auction estimate when it sold for $26,400.

The post Multiple Records Set in Heritage’s $5.7 Million World & Ancient Coins Auction appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio is proud to announce the stunning results of their October 2025 Hong Kong (SAR) Auction. Spanning eight days, this sale comprised roughly 8,500 lots of paper money and coinage and realized over $18 million (all prices include the buyer’s premium). The results once again highlighted Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio’s position as a market leader, while also indicating continued growth in the Asian market.

Rarities Night (Session 1) offered 233 lots of exceptional Chinese treasures, and many items delivered remarkable prices, bringing a total of $6,206,000. Leading the session was a Gold Dollar Pattern, or “Flying Dragon” Dollar, in lot 40161 that realized $504,000.

Other highlights included a Kiangnan 7 Mace 2 Candareens (L&M-210A) graded PCGS MS-62 in lot 4005, which brought $240,000, and an impressive Gold Presentation “Pavilion” Dollar in lot 40173 that garnered $240,000.

Another strong result was a Foochow Arsenal Silver Award Medal in lot 40229 that sold for $168,000, tripling the low estimate.

Highlights in other sessions included lot 41039, an early Gold 10 Tael Ingot from ca. 1750, that sold for $78,000, and lot 43527, a Russian Gold Medallic 10 Rubles, that achieved $168,000, surpassing its high estimate. From the Philippines, lot 43496, a rare 1828 Manila overstrike on a Peru 8 Reales realized $114,000, far outpacing the high estimate. And from the Netherlands, lot 43397, a Gold Gulden of 5 Ducats from 1701, brought $31,200.

The World Paper Money offerings shone as 2,384 lots resulted in $2,783,640 of total prices realized. A phenomenal People’s Bank of China 10 Yuan in lot 31075 realized $114,000, while a 25 Kuping Taels in lot 30372 sold for $60,000. A note from Hong Kong in lot 31101 brought $55,000 and an example from the Russo-Asiatic Bank in lot 30367 reached $43,200.

Other Coin Highlights Include:

• Lot 40040: CHINA. Hupeh. Tael, Year 30 (1904). Wuchang Mint. Kuang-hsu (Guangxu). PCGS MS-61. Realized $144,000.
• Lot 41013: CHINA. Qing Dynasty. 5 Cash Mother Coin, ND (ca. 1854-57). Board of Works Mint, New Branch. Emperor Wen Zong (Xian Feng). Graded 92 by GBCA Grading Company. Realized $52,000.
• Lot 42317: CHINA. Gold 1000 Yuan (12 Ounces), 1993. Lunar Series, Year of the Cock. NGC PROOF-69 Ultra Cameo. Realized $66,000.
• Lot 42360: CHINA. Brass 350 Yuan Pattern, 1981. Bronze Age Discoveries. NGC PROOF-69 Ultra Cameo. Realized $28,800.
• Lot 43292: JAPAN. Oban (10 Ryo), ND (ca. 1860-62). Kyoto Mint. Man'en Era. PCGS MS-64. Realized $90,000.
• Lot 43220: INDIA. British East India Company. Mohur, 1841-.(B&C). Bombay or Calcutta Mint. Victoria. NGC MS-63+. Realized $32,400.

Other Paper Money Highlights Include:

• Lot 30370: CHINA–FOREIGN BANKS. Russo-Chinese Bank. 100 Cash, 1898. P-S503. PCGS Banknote Very Fine 25. Realized $31,200.
• Lot 31489: PHILIPPINES. Treasury of the Philippine Islands. 500 Pesos, 1924. P-72a. PMG Very Fine 25. Realized $43,200.
• Lot 33315: INDIA. Government of India. 1 Rupee 8 Annas, ND (1917-30). P-Unlisted. Face Proof. Specimen. PCGS Banknote Choice Uncirculated 64. Realized $3,600.

Complete results for the October 2025 Hong Kong (SAR) Auction are available at StacksBowers.com. To consign to a Stack’s Bowers Galleries auction call 800-458-4646 or email Consign@StacksBowers.com.

View previous Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong Auctions Posted on CoinWeek

The post Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio’s October 2025 Hong Kong (SAR) Auction Achieves Remarkable Results appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

On May 13, 2025, it is time for Heidelberger Münzhandlung’s biannual auction sale. Once again, Herbert Grün has put together a fascinating mix of interesting coins and medals from various fields and, most importantly, from multiple price segments. Collectors with a small budget will find their dream coins here, as will investors looking to spend tens of thousands of euros on numismatic items.

Special highlights of the sale include an extensive collection of ancient gold with many aurei, a large run of French pieces (including peripheral areas such as Luxembourg and Monaco), Chinese rarities, and magnificent gold medals – especially from the House of Nassau.

As always, the section with German coins is the richest and most comprehensive chapter of this auction sale. Collectors will find some great rarities in gold and silver, as well as an extensive collection of pieces from the Palatinate. Of course, the German Empire and the Weimar Republic are also well represented -cafter all, Heidelberger Münzhandlung specializes in this area.

The paper money section of the auction as become increasingly important in recent years. This time, it presents, among other things, a small series of U.S. banknotes, including rare specimens.

((No. 4 – Treveri. Gold stater. Very rare. Very fine / Extremely fine. Estimate: 4,500 euros.))

((No. 79 – Ptolemaic dynasty. Ptolemy IV, 221-204 BC. Octodrachm / Mnaieion, Alexandria. Extremely fine. Estimate: 13,000 euros.))

Ancient Gold Coins

As always, the auction begins with ancient coins. Some 350 lots are on offer, including many multiple lots. They present what true collectors love: gold, silver, and bronze coins with reasonable estimates in conditions ranging from very fine to extremely fine + from the Celtic, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Particularly noteworthy is the collection of gold coins, items of which can be found across the entire chapter presenting ancient specimens. Here you can see a gold stater of the Treveri modelled on Philippian staters. The reverse, in particular, shows how creatively Celtic artists re-interpreted the Greek model. An octodrachm of Ptolemy IV serves as an example from the Greek section.

Aurei are the crown jewels of Roman coinage. A great deal of effort and skill went into their creation, which is why imperial portraits on aurei are often of exquisite quality. Those who appreciate this artistry can choose between many different pieces featured in Auction 90. Their quality ranges from very fine to extremely fine. Estimates start at 1,000 euros. Some pieces have excellent provenances, coming from holdings of Münzen & Medaillen AG in Basel or from Auctiones auctions managed by MMAG.

Coins of Antoninus Pius

For those who can only dream of purchasing Roman gold coins, Auction 90 also offers a rich selection of exquisitely preserved Roman denarii, some of whose portraits are just as excellent as those of the aurei. The era of the adoptive emperors is particularly well represented. There are 43 lots from Peace Emperor Antoninus Pius, including coins for him, his wife and Caesar Marcus Aurelius.

Large Section from France, Luxembourg, Monaco

Let us move on to the next chapter. Among the 500 lots with world coins, there are many fascinating pieces from all over the globe. France and the neighbouring countries of Monaco and Luxembourg are particularly well represented with 150 lots.

The House of Nassau, whose origins can be tracked back to the 11th century, still rules Luxembourg today. This is just the last remnant of the many territories that were once under the control of a member of the House of Nassau. This time-honoured dynasty is represented in Auction 90 of Heidelberger Münzhandlung with some spectacular gold medals, which can be found in several sections: the Netherlands and Nassau-Weilburg, i.e., the house that took over the rule of Luxembourg after the extinction of the House of Orange-Nassau.

Heidelberger Münzhandlung offers two medals of William IV Friso, the first hereditary governor of the United Provinces of the Netherlands. He held this high office from 1747 until 1751. His two excellent medals are impressive – they have a weight of seven and 11 ducats respectively.

Chinese Rarities

Two coins of great rarity commemorate the last years of the Chinese Empire. They were struck at a time when the central government was attempting to introduce a single currency throughout the Empire. The bear the inscription “Hsuan Tung”, which roughly translates as “tradition obliges”. This was the government motto of the child emperor known as Puyi, who ascended the throne in 1908 at the age of two. A 20-cent piece dates from the first year of his reign, a 10-cent piece from the last. The reign of six-year-old Puyi came to an end when the Wuchang Uprising broke out on 10 October 1911 and escalated into a revolution.

Heidelberger Münzhandlung can also offer some very rare silver dollars from the early years of the People’s Republic. The first coin shown here commemorates the rise to power of Sun Yat-sen, a second commemorates the second man in the state, Vice-President Li Yuanhong, who later became President of China himself.

Even rarer is this 1907 Xinjiang gold coin, produced at the Shuimogou arms factory. It was minted with the machines that were available there. But due to the inappropriate equipment, the coin were usually of poor quality. People in China joked that the relief was so faint, it could almost be rubbed off by hand. But there was another problem with the coins. They were supposed to be worth three taels of silver. But since the silver price was tumbling on the international market, local businessmen took advantage of this to buy gold coins with cheap silver. They would then go on to melt down the gold coins and sell the metal abroad at a much higher price. As a result, these gold coins are extremely rare today.

They were created under Puyi’s predecessor, Guangxu. He was only a de jure ruler at this point; in reality, Empress Dowager Cixi controlled the empire. She forced Guangxu to adopt the two-year-old Puyi and is said to have ordered progressive Guangxu to be poisoned the day before she died. In fact, when his body was examined in 2008, it was found to contain an excessive amount of arsenic, more than 2,000 times the expected level. Scientists believe that he was given this dose at once, supporting the poison theory.

German States: A Speciality of Heidelberger Münzhandlung

It goes without saying that German coins are the speciality of Heidelberger Münzhandlung. They make up the largest part of the auction and represent the entire spectrum from “A” for Anhalt to “W” for Würzburg. Particularly noteworthy are the many well-assembled multiple lots at reasonable prices.

We have put together a selection of special pieces that are characterised by their excellent condition and great rarity.

Collectors of pieces from the Palatinate and all the branches of this house will be spoilt for choice at Auction 90 of Heidelberger Münzhandlung. It contains a rich selection of Palatinate coins and medals from the High Middle Ages to the end of the 18th century. It is a real collection, put together with great passion. As a result, there are many great rarities among the 240 or so lots.

The German Empire: Another Speciality of Heidelberger Münzhandlung

Anyone familiar with Heidelberger Münzhandlung will have been waiting for this: Auction 90 will also feature an extensive selection of coins from the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, the FRG and the GDR, as well as colonies and other territories.

Paper Money

Do you collect paper money? Then you should definitely take a look at the about 300 lots with paper money on offer at Heidelberger Münzhandlung. There are plenty of rarities to discover!

Let us begin with U.S. issues. There is an extensive series of US banknotes, starting in 1886 and going up to the 1930s. There are dollar notes from the Fed as well as issues from various banks in Indiana, New York, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. In addition, there are military payment certificates and gold certificates.

But there are also other world rarities in the catalogue, such as a very rare and extremely fine 2-karbovanet note from Ukraine, issued under German occupation in 1942.

Always wanted to be a trillionaire? You can make this dream come true with lot No. 2385 of Auction 90. It is an unopened pack of the Reichsbankkasse with 10 bundles of 100 notes each, with the 1,000-mark banknotes of 15 December 1922 overprinted with 1 billion marks. The pack is extremely rare in this unopened form and would look wonderful in a museum display case.

Fourteen lots with banknotes from German East Africa are another exciting highlight of the paper money auction, including many rarities such as a 200-rupee banknote from Tabora dated 15 June 1915. Even rarer is the so-called bush note (“Buschnote”). This is the extremely rare 50-rupee note – the highest face value of the series – dated 1 October 1917. If you are puzzled by the strange printing, you should know that the banknotes were produced during the First World War using the printing plates of a children’s printing press discovered on a farm. They were intended to compensate for a shortage of banknotes until real money could be imported from Germany again.

The auction catalogue can be purchased for the nominal fee of 12.50 euros at Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün, Gaisbergstr. 40, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany; phone: +49 / 6221 / 65 2970; fax: +49 / 6221 / 65 297-29; email: kontakt@hdmhg.de. Of course, the catalogue is also available online at Sixbid, biddr.com, and Numisbids.

All pictures for this auction preview were created by Lübke + Wiedemann KG (please note as the source for the image material).

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By Henrik Berndt – Senior Numismatist, Stack’s Bowers Galleries ……
 

Christian VIII of Denmark, of great interest to numismatists for several reasons, ascended the throne in 1839 on the death of his cousin, Frederik VI, who did not sire a male heir.

On May 17, 1814, when Christian was 27 and Governor-General of Norway, the Norwegians ratified their first constitution and elected him their king. While his Norwegian reign only lasted three months, May 17 is a public holiday, Constitution Day, and immensely important still. From the Norwegian yearning for independence sprung the idea of the ‘17. Mai‘ medal, which is collected with much enthusiasm by Norwegians and collectors of medals all over the world.

As prince (again) and later king of Denmark, Christian (VIII) was himself an eager collector of conch shells, antique vases, minerals, and of coins. His focus was on ancient coins, both Greek and Roman, and his collection of more than 10,000 pieces was sold to the Coin Cabinet upon his death in 1848.

Coins were struck with his portrait and/or cypher in Denmark and with his cypher on the coins of the Indian trade settlement of Tranquebar. While 20-, 10-, and 2-Skilling coins from the Danish West Indies from his reign exist, none bears his name or cypher.

In the upcoming L.E. Bruun Collectors Choice Online (CCO) Auction from Stack’s Bowers, hammering on June 15, a beautiful copper skilling of 1842 is offered, graded MS64 BN. This “common man’s coin” is by no means a rarity; it’s quite common but very rarely seen in Mint State as it was used for everyday purposes and frequently changed hands.

When L.E. Bruun started his collection in 1859 this coin was only 17 years old, and one can imagine him finding this pristine example and saving it, even though it was at the time neither old nor prestigious.

Like Christian VIII, L.E. Bruun had many unique, rare and extremely expensive coins in his collection, but he never neglected the smaller denominations or the “common man’s coins.” It is a testament to the broadness of his numismatic interests and his sense of history (and perhaps also to the poverty he experienced growing up) that his collection holds so many coins like the skilling in the current auction that weren’t prestigious when he purchased them, but were part of a numismatic whole.

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The post A Mint State Skilling From Christian VIII of Denmark in Stack’s Bowers Bruun Collection Auction, Part II appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.

Tucked in among the more than 500 lots in the CSNS World and Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature Auction May 1-2 from Heritage Auctions will be The Cara Collection of highly provenanced British Rarities, an assortment of nine British coins with outstanding lineage.

“This is a remarkable collection, small in number but exceptional in quality,” says Cris Bierrenbach, Executive Vice President of International Numismatics at Heritage Auctions. “Several of the coins in this selection would be undeniable highlights of any collection, and those focusing on British coins often seek out elite pedigrees, as well. Those collectors will be very pleased with what they find in this collection.”

Among the top highlights in the collection is an Oliver Cromwell gold Proof Pattern Broad of 20 Shillings 1656 PR63 PCGS that is one of the most sought-after British gold types — in part because of its inarguable rarity, and also because of the historical implications from its time of origin, during one of the most tumultuous eras in English history. Once a part of the Selig Collection, the example offered in this auction is exceedingly rare, and is among the upper echelons of certified specimens.

Also from the Cara Collection of highly provenanced British Rarities is a Charles I gold Triple Unite 1642 AU53 PCGS, a trophy from the English Civil War that proclaims the king’s allegiance to Protestantism, the laws of England and the liberty of Parliament. Further legitimizing Charles’s claim to the throne was the sheer heft of the coin, then the largest gold type to date issued in England. The provenance of this coin is remarkable: It can be traced to one of the most famous English collections started in the 1600s, almost contemporary to its minting, and was assimilated later in the 17th century into John Egerton’s famous Bridgewater House Collection, which he largely completed in 1740. It remained in Egerton’s family through successive Earls of Bridgewater. The collection was auctioned in 1972, and again in 2013.

An Anne gold Pattern Guinea 1702 AU55 NGC is a treasure of English numismatics that once held a spot in the H.W. Collection, the Virgil Brand Collection, and the J.G. Murdock Collection. It also is the first Guinea Pattern ever struck by the Royal Mint, and one of fewer than five known examples and the finer of just two on the NGC census. Part of the intrigue of this design stems from the fact that it was minted under the management of physicist and then-Mint Master Sir Isaac Newton.

Another fascinating coin in the auction is an Edward VIII bronze Matte Proof Pattern 1/2 Penny 1937 PR64 Brown NGC that is presumed to be unique and is just the fourth example of any Edward VIII coinage that has come through Heritage in the last half decade. The controversial behavior for which Edward VIII was known extended to his proposed coinage, which broke centuries of convention, such as when he emulated his father by facing to the left. This coin is believed to be unique, in part because no other Matte Proofs of this denomination have surfaced, eluding even the British Museum and Royal Mint collections, where only brilliant Proofs reside.

Information about the outstanding Cara Collection and all other lots in the auction can be found at HA.com/3123.

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Numismatica Ars Classica (NAC) announces the sale of The Traveller Collection, a unique collection of coins with extraordinary provenance, which is coming to the market 85 years after the last coin was purchased.

The Traveller Collection, comprising rare and highly sought-after pieces from around the world, will be auctioned over the next three years in what is believed to be the most significant ever sale of a single numismatic collection. The estimated insurance value of the collection exceeds $100 million, making this by far the most prized collection of coins to be sold at auction in the history of numismatics.

Buried underground in aluminum boxes at the collector’s property for over five decades, the coins had been carefully packed and stored in cigar boxes. The collection spans all geographical areas and contains exceptionally rare coins often in a state of preservation never seen in modern times. Several types have never been offered in a public auction, highlighting their considerable rarity.

The collection was assembled in the 1930s and is made up of around 15,000 coins, including numerous examples which can be considered the finest specimen in private hands. The collector began to purchase gold coins after the Wall Street Crash in 1929, soon developing a taste for coins with great historical interest, beauty, and rarity. No longer directly involved in the day-to-day running of his family business, the collector and his new wife spent the next decade traveling extensively across Europe, North and South America, acquiring rare and historically significant coins as they went and carefully documenting each purchase in a detailed archive.

At the end of this extended honeymoon, the collector settled in a European location. When the threat of Nazi invasion became imminent, he chose to stay rather than flee the country, likely in part due to the difficulty of transporting his collection. Instead, the collector buried the coins on his property, but tragically died shortly after the Nazis invaded. The coins remained buried for over 50 years before finally being retrieved by his heirs and placed in a bank vault and later presented to Numismatica Ars Classica.

Thanks to the meticulous records kept by the collector as well as the research by the team of experts assembled by NAC for this monumental cataloguing endeavour, many of the coins can be traced back to the auctions of some of the greatest collections of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Highlights from the collection include some of the rarest and most prized coins by numismatic collectors. Examples include:

● A remarkable 100 Ducat gold coin of Ferdinand III of Habsburg, minted in 1629 when he was Archduke of Austria, King of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia. This 100 Ducat weighs an extraordinary 348.5g of fine gold, making it one of the largest denominations of European gold coins ever minted. Unseen at auction after World War II, the coin has an auction estimate of CHF 1,200,000 (GBP £1,048,854).

● A 70 Ducat coin of the Polish king Sigismund III, minted in 1621 and weighing around 243g of gold. A similar example of this coin is notable for achieving the highest auction price for a Polish coin of all time. This example has an auction estimate of CHF 450,000 (GBP £394,260).

● An Australian 1 Ounce Port Philip coin, a pattern coin from a series minted to commemorate the 1854 Melbourne Exhibition and later exhibited at the Paris Exhibition of 1855. Minted by the ‘Kangaroo Office’, one of the earliest mints created to establish an Australian currency, the coin fittingly features a depiction of a kangaroo. As one of the rarest and most significant coins in Australian history, this coin has an auction estimate of CHF 250,000 (GBP £218,511).

● An exceedingly rare set of 5 Tomans, minted in Tehran and Isfahan in the late 18th and early 19th century by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar. These coins were used to store wealth and were later transferred to the Russian Tsar following Persia’s defeat by Russia in 1828. Only five complete sets are known, one of which is in the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford. The series consists of a 50 Toman, weighing just over 400g of gold, three 20 Toman and two 10 Toman. Last seen at auction 30 years ago, the estimate of this series of Persian coins is 1.5 -2 million CHF (GBP £1,314,180 – £1,752,260).

● An Athens gold stater, struck in 296 BC by the tyrant Lachares. Lachares tore off the gold from the famous chryselephantine statue of Athena Parthenos in the Parthenon in Athens in order to pay his troops during the siege of the city by Demetrius, King of Macedonia. This coin has an estimate of 125,000 CHF (GBP £109,515).

● Pattern Five Guinea piece of George III dated 1777. No large gold coins were struck for currency during the reign of Britain’s longest ruling king, and this pattern was created for a proposed Five Guinea piece which never came to fruition. This is the last possible date for collectors of Five Guinea pieces to own and one of only seven specimens believed to exist. The coin has an estimate of 300,000 CHF (GBP £262,900).

The first auction in this remarkable series will feature the British machine-struck coins and medallions from the Traveller Collection, dating from Charles II all the way to a specimen set created for George VI in 1937. Another key example from this auction, one of the highlights of the entire Traveller collection, is a high grade Una and the Lion £5 by William Wyon, considered to be one of the most beautiful coins ever made. The £5 has an auction estimate of 250,000 CHF (GBP 218,921). Other highlights from this first auction will be announced in due course. Coins from the first auction will be on display at Numismatica Ars Classica’s London office throughout April.

Arturo Russo, Director of Numismatica Ars Classica, said:

“We are incredibly proud to offer the extraordinary Traveller Collection at auction. The vast range and superb quality of the coins offered, the sheer number of great rarities and the fascinating story of the collection’s formation will make these sales a landmark in the history of numismatics. The catalogues of the Traveller Collection will serve as an important reference for the future collectors and scholars.”

David Guest, Director of David Guest Numismatics, and consultant to the collection, said:

“When it came to cataloguing the British coins from the Traveller Collection I had to keep pinching myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Not only was the quality exceptional but many of the coins before me were of types not known to have been offered for sale in over 80 years and, in some cases, completely unrecorded.”

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