2010 August Boston, MA Signature ANA World Coin Auction
| Sale Number: | 3010 |
| Location: | |
| Auction Date: | August 12th at 5 PM CT through August 16th |
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Session 1
Ancients
Britain, Trinovantes and Catuvellauni. Cunobelin. Ca. A.D. 10-43. AV 1/4 stater, (11 mm, 1.28 g, 11 h). Camulodunum. Inscription on central panel between pellet-in-annulets; around, open wreath / Two horses galloping left; above, leaf; below, wheel. Hobbs 1836; Van Arsdell 1913-1; SCBC 290. Good VF.
Cunobeline was a powerful Celtic chieftain of the Trinovantes and Catuvellauni in pre-Roman south-eastern England. He seems to have swept to power around A.D. 9, perhaps in the wake of the disastrous Roman defeat in Germany, but maintained friendly diplomatic and trade relations with Rome. Cunobeline styled himself as Rex Britannorum (King of the Britons) and is thought to have sent embassies to the Emperor Augustus. His coins also generally imitate Roman prototypes. When Cunobeline banished his son Adminius from Britain in A.D. 40, the latter sought refuge at the court of Caligula. This was considered a sign of the submission of the island to Rome. Caligula prepared an invasion force to bring Britain to heel, but the expedition devolved into a farce and the Roman conquest of Britain would not actually take place until the reign of Claudius. The memory of Cunobeline is immortalized in William Shakespeare's Cymbeline.
Cunobeline was a powerful Celtic chieftain of the Trinovantes and Catuvellauni in pre-Roman south-eastern England. He seems to have swept to power around A.D. 9, perhaps in the wake of the disastrous Roman defeat in Germany, but maintained friendly diplomatic and trade relations with Rome. Cunobeline styled himself as Rex Britannorum (King of the Britons) and is thought to have sent embassies to the Emperor Augustus. His coins also generally imitate Roman prototypes. When Cunobeline banished his son Adminius from Britain in A.D. 40, the latter sought refuge at the court of Caligula. This was considered a sign of the submission of the island to Rome. Caligula prepared an invasion force to bring Britain to heel, but the expedition devolved into a farce and the Roman conquest of Britain would not actually take place until the reign of Claudius. The memory of Cunobeline is immortalized in William Shakespeare's Cymbeline.
Middle Danube, Uncertain tribe. Ca. 100-50 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (23 mm, 12.74 g, 6 h). Kroisbach type variant. Celticized male head left / Crested rider on horseback left; below, ground line composed of twisted torques. Freeman & Sear FPL 11, 3 (same dies); CNG 72, 25 (same dies); Gorny & Mosch 141, 22 (same dies). Otherwise unpublished. Choice XF, good metal and sharp strike. Extremely rare.
This coin builds on a long-standing Celtic tradition of abstract imitation of the Zeus and horseman types issued by Philip II of Macedon and his successors. Here the head of Zeus has been transformed into a youthful male with a bouffant hairstyle while the horseman appears as a large-headed Celtic deity emerging from the back of the horse. The lore of the horse and its close affinity to mortal humans and gods is a strong theme running through Celtic art.
This coin builds on a long-standing Celtic tradition of abstract imitation of the Zeus and horseman types issued by Philip II of Macedon and his successors. Here the head of Zeus has been transformed into a youthful male with a bouffant hairstyle while the horseman appears as a large-headed Celtic deity emerging from the back of the horse. The lore of the horse and its close affinity to mortal humans and gods is a strong theme running through Celtic art.
Lucania, Herakleia. Ca. 281-278 B.C. AR nomos, (21 mm, 7.70 g, 2 h). Aris..., magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with Skylla hurling a stone; behind neck guard, E / Herakles standing facing, holding club, bow and lion's skin; in upper left field, owl standing right, head facing. Van Keuren 87; SNG ANS 77-9; HN Italy 1385. Nearly XF.
Lucania, Metapontion. Ca. 540-510 B.C. AR nomos, (27 mm, 8.15 g, 12 h). Barley ear with seven grains / Incuse barley ear with seven grains. Noe 140 = de Sartiges31 (same dies); SNG ANS -; HN Italy 1481. Extremely rare variety with long form of city ethnic (retrograde). XF, old collection toning.
A superb example of the archaic incuse coinage of Metapontion. The city was settled by colonists from Sybaris and Kroton in the seventh century B.C. and soon grew wealthy from the rich produce of the land. The archaic coinage of Metapontion advertises the rich grain yields of the city's territory and makes use of incuse reverse types mirroring the raised obverse type. Although extremely difficult to produce, incuse coinage was popular among several cities of Magna Graecia (i.e. Kroton, Sybaris, Poseidonia) in the fifth century B.C. Unlike most Metapontine nomoi, which are inscribed with only the first three letters of the city name, this rare variety carries a longer form of the city ethnic, "Metapont."
A superb example of the archaic incuse coinage of Metapontion. The city was settled by colonists from Sybaris and Kroton in the seventh century B.C. and soon grew wealthy from the rich produce of the land. The archaic coinage of Metapontion advertises the rich grain yields of the city's territory and makes use of incuse reverse types mirroring the raised obverse type. Although extremely difficult to produce, incuse coinage was popular among several cities of Magna Graecia (i.e. Kroton, Sybaris, Poseidonia) in the fifth century B.C. Unlike most Metapontine nomoi, which are inscribed with only the first three letters of the city name, this rare variety carries a longer form of the city ethnic, "Metapont."
Lucania, Metapontion. Ca. 340-330 B.C. AR double nomos, (25 mm, 15.71 g, 8 h). Head of Leukippos right, wearing Corinthian helmet; behind, forepart of lion right and A(Pi)H / Barley ear with seven grains and leaf to left; above leaf, club; below leaf, [A]MI below leaf. Johnston B1.6 (same dies); SNG ANS 430-1; HN Italy 1574. Choice XF NGC, flatness.
This double nomos of Metapontion is much rarer than the standard nomos, and continues the city's long tradition of advertising its agricultural wealth on the coinage. The obverse features the helmeted head of Leukippos, the city's Achaian founder, while the reverse carries the grain ear type that had been customary on Metapontine silver coins since the archaic period.
This double nomos of Metapontion is much rarer than the standard nomos, and continues the city's long tradition of advertising its agricultural wealth on the coinage. The obverse features the helmeted head of Leukippos, the city's Achaian founder, while the reverse carries the grain ear type that had been customary on Metapontine silver coins since the archaic period.
Lucania, Thourioi. Ca. 350-300 B.C. AR double nomos, (25 mm, 15.10 g, 10 h). Eupha[n...], magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with Skylla hurling a stone / Bull butting right; in exergue, two fish swimming right. SNG ANS -; SNG Lloyd -; BMC 39; HN Italy 1823. Good VF, lightly toned. Lovely style.
Bruttium, Rhegion. Ca. 415/0-387 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (22 mm, 16.46 g, 10 h). Facing lion's head / Laureate head of Apollo right; behind, olive spray. Herzfelder 75 (D43/R63); SNG ANS 660; HN Italy 2496; BMFA 204 (same dies). Choice XF, lovely toning. A magnificent specimen.
Ex Triton I (2 December 1997), 179.
Rhegion was a city of Magna Graecia at the toe of Italy founded by colonists from Euboian Chalkis, Peloponnesian Messenia, and Sicilian Zankle in the eighth century B.C. According to tradition, the Chalkidians provided the main impetus for the foundation, when, following a disastrous harvest they dedicated one tenth of their citizen body to Apollo at Delphi. Faced with this influx of starving people, the god reportedly advised the Chalkidians to seek their fortunes and found a new city in the rich farmlands of Italy. It is probably for this reason that Apollo appears so prominently on the coinage of Rhegion. The lion mask may refer to the Nemean lion slain by Herakles and therefore stands as a badge of the Messenian component of the Rhegian population.
The beauty of this coin is enhanced not only by the flawless execution of the types in a high classical style, but by the quality of preservation. This is especially noticeable with the ferocious facing lion's head on the obverse, a compositional masterpiece that creates an illusion of extreme depth. On the reverse, Apollo's expressive face gives the impression that he is just about to offer a cryptic message about the future through one of his several oracles.
Ex Triton I (2 December 1997), 179.
Rhegion was a city of Magna Graecia at the toe of Italy founded by colonists from Euboian Chalkis, Peloponnesian Messenia, and Sicilian Zankle in the eighth century B.C. According to tradition, the Chalkidians provided the main impetus for the foundation, when, following a disastrous harvest they dedicated one tenth of their citizen body to Apollo at Delphi. Faced with this influx of starving people, the god reportedly advised the Chalkidians to seek their fortunes and found a new city in the rich farmlands of Italy. It is probably for this reason that Apollo appears so prominently on the coinage of Rhegion. The lion mask may refer to the Nemean lion slain by Herakles and therefore stands as a badge of the Messenian component of the Rhegian population.
The beauty of this coin is enhanced not only by the flawless execution of the types in a high classical style, but by the quality of preservation. This is especially noticeable with the ferocious facing lion's head on the obverse, a compositional masterpiece that creates an illusion of extreme depth. On the reverse, Apollo's expressive face gives the impression that he is just about to offer a cryptic message about the future through one of his several oracles.
Bruttium, Terina. Ca. 420-400 B.C. AR nomos, (21 mm, 7.64 g, 6 h). Head of nymph right, hair bound in sphendone / Nike seated left on cippus decorated with a pomegranate and shown in perspective, holding wreath. Holloway & Jenkins 65 = BMC 24 (same dies); Regling 69 (same dies); SNG Lockett 674 (this coin); HN Italy 2618. Toned, good VF, minor roughness, hairline flan crack. Artistic dies.
Ex R. C. Lockett Collection (Glendining's, 6 June 1955), 557; Pozzi Collection (Naville I, 14 March 1921), 355.
The city of Terina was founded by colonists of Kroton, probably in the sixth century B.C. Around 444 B.C. the city went to war with Thourioi and in 356 B.C. Terina was captured and held by the Brettians. The types of this coin refer to the primary cults of the city, which involved the worship of the nymph Terina and Nike. The two deities became assimilated as Terina-Nike over time. The obverse depicts Terina while the reverse caries a popular genre scene of Nike at rest, all executed in the highest classical style. Coins of Terina are highly prized for their beauty and this example once graced two important collections, Lockett and Pozzi, whose catalogs are essential to any complete library on Greek coinage.
Ex R. C. Lockett Collection (Glendining's, 6 June 1955), 557; Pozzi Collection (Naville I, 14 March 1921), 355.
The city of Terina was founded by colonists of Kroton, probably in the sixth century B.C. Around 444 B.C. the city went to war with Thourioi and in 356 B.C. Terina was captured and held by the Brettians. The types of this coin refer to the primary cults of the city, which involved the worship of the nymph Terina and Nike. The two deities became assimilated as Terina-Nike over time. The obverse depicts Terina while the reverse caries a popular genre scene of Nike at rest, all executed in the highest classical style. Coins of Terina are highly prized for their beauty and this example once graced two important collections, Lockett and Pozzi, whose catalogs are essential to any complete library on Greek coinage.
Sicily, Akragas. Ca. 482-472 B.C. AR didrachm, (20 mm, 8.81 g, 5 h). Eagle with folded wings standing right / Crab; below, barley grain. Jenkins grp. IV, 15; SNG ANS 956 (same dies). XF, old collection toning.
Akragas was founded by sellers from Gela in the sixth century B.C. Thanks to its excellent location it quickly grew to become one of the most famous and wealthy cities of Greek Sicily. The city was ruled by a series of tyrants in the sixth and early fifth centuries B.C., including Phalaris, who was infamous for roasting his political enemies alive in a brazen bull. In the later fifth century B.C., Akragas established a democratic constitution, but in 406 B.C. the city was sacked by the Carthaginians. The coinage of Akragas prominently features the crab, commonly found on the beaches of southern Sicily, and the eagle, emblematic of the god Zeus.
Akragas was founded by sellers from Gela in the sixth century B.C. Thanks to its excellent location it quickly grew to become one of the most famous and wealthy cities of Greek Sicily. The city was ruled by a series of tyrants in the sixth and early fifth centuries B.C., including Phalaris, who was infamous for roasting his political enemies alive in a brazen bull. In the later fifth century B.C., Akragas established a democratic constitution, but in 406 B.C. the city was sacked by the Carthaginians. The coinage of Akragas prominently features the crab, commonly found on the beaches of southern Sicily, and the eagle, emblematic of the god Zeus.
Sicily, Gela. Ca. 490/85-480/75 B.C. AR didrachm, (22 mm, 8.78 g, 7 h). Horseman riding right, throwing spear / Forepart of man-headed bull right within circular incuse. Jenkins grp. Ib, 42 (O13'/R17); SNG ANS 2-21; SNG Klagenfurt 430 (same obv. die, but obv. die not yet recut). XF NGC, deposits.
Sicily, Gela. Ca. 425-420 B.C. AR didrachm, (21 mm, 8.04 g, 3 h). Warrior on horseback galloping right, raising spear to attack fallen hoplite holding shield / Head of the horned river god Gelas left, wearing tainia, within olive wreath tied at the right. Jenkins grp. VII, 464 (O88/R176'); cf. SNG ANS 87 (same dies, but rev. die not yet recut); cf. Jameson (same); SNG Copenhagen 280 (same dies); BMC 55-6 (same dies). Good Fine, toned, minor porosity. Extremely rare, and seldom offered.
Sicily, Messana. Ca. 425-421 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (27 mm, 16.71 g, 10 h). Charioteer, holding kentron and reins, driving slow biga of mules right; above, Nike flying right, crowning mules with wreath; in exergue, leaf with fruit / Hare springing right; below, cicada to right. Caltabiano 482 (D197/R193); SNG ANS 375; Weber 1422 (same dies). XF, a couple of spots of minor roughness.
Sicily, Syracuse. Second Democracy. 466-405 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (26 mm, 17.21 g, 8 h). Obverse die signed by Euth..., reverse die signed by Phrygillos. Ca. 415-406 B.C. Nike driving galloping quadriga right, holding reins; above, Nike flying left, crowning her; in exergue, Skylla swimming right, holding trident over shoulder; behind Skylla, dolphin leaping out of the sea; before Skylla, EY(Theta) and fish swimming right / Head of Arethusa left, wreathed with grain, wearing looped earring and necklace; around, four dolphins swimming; below neck, (Phi)PY(Gamma)I(LambdaLambda)[/O(Sigma)] in two lines. Tudeer 47 (V15/R29); SNG ANS 274 (same dies); Kraay & Hirmer 107 (same dies); Rizzo pl. XLII, 12. XF, well centered and struck.
Realizing the high artistic quality of their work, the engravers of dies for Syracusan decadrachms often signed their dies. Their pride in their artistry is justifiable, as evidenced by the great desire of the coins they created among modern collectors. The obverse of this tetradrachm carries the abbreviated signature Euth...(likely for Euthydemos), while the full name of Phrygillos appears on the reverse.
The iconic and highly influential types are skillfully rendered in high classical style. The quadriga carrying Nike on the obverse was widely copied and ultimately lies behind similar depictions on Classical and Hellenistic Greek coins of other cities and kings as well as related images on Roman coins. The sea monster Skylla, depicted in the exergue, was believed to live in the dangerous Strait of Messenia between Sicily and Italy. Arethusa-Persephone, the nymph-patron of Syracuse appears on the reverse, symbolizing the agricultural prosperity and maritime importance of Syracuse.
Realizing the high artistic quality of their work, the engravers of dies for Syracusan decadrachms often signed their dies. Their pride in their artistry is justifiable, as evidenced by the great desire of the coins they created among modern collectors. The obverse of this tetradrachm carries the abbreviated signature Euth...(likely for Euthydemos), while the full name of Phrygillos appears on the reverse.
The iconic and highly influential types are skillfully rendered in high classical style. The quadriga carrying Nike on the obverse was widely copied and ultimately lies behind similar depictions on Classical and Hellenistic Greek coins of other cities and kings as well as related images on Roman coins. The sea monster Skylla, depicted in the exergue, was believed to live in the dangerous Strait of Messenia between Sicily and Italy. Arethusa-Persephone, the nymph-patron of Syracuse appears on the reverse, symbolizing the agricultural prosperity and maritime importance of Syracuse.
Sicily, Syracuse. Dionysios I. 405-367 B.C. AE drachm, (29 mm, 34.46 g, 1 h). Ca. 380 B.C. Head of Athena left, wearing laureate Corinthian helmet / Sea-star between two dolphins. CNS II pp. 111ff, 62; SNG ANS 454-69. XF, green patina.
Syracuse was one of the first Greek cities of the west to experiment with coins struck in bronze, to create "small change" suitable for everyday commerce. The value of the bronze issues and their relation to silver and gold denominations is as yet poorly understood. This large bronze piece is believed to represent the same value as a silver drachm, a coin weighing just over 4 grams, which would suggest a roughly 9/1 ratio of relative value for bronze to silver at this early stage.
Syracuse was one of the first Greek cities of the west to experiment with coins struck in bronze, to create "small change" suitable for everyday commerce. The value of the bronze issues and their relation to silver and gold denominations is as yet poorly understood. This large bronze piece is believed to represent the same value as a silver drachm, a coin weighing just over 4 grams, which would suggest a roughly 9/1 ratio of relative value for bronze to silver at this early stage.
Sicily, Syracuse. Agathokles. 317-289 B.C. AV 50 litrai, (14 mm, 4.26 g, 1 h). ca. 317-310 B.C. Laureate head of Apollo left; grain ear behind / Charioteer driving biga right; triskeles below. D. Bérend, "De l'or d'Agothocle," Studies Price pl. 9, 1; SNG ANS 449. XF.
Macedon, Amphipolis. Ca. 356/5 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (23 mm, 13.28 g, 1 h). Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly right / Torch and grain within thick linear square border inscribed with ethnic; all within in incuse square. Lorber 45 (O25/R36); SNG ANS -; AMNG III/2, p. 31, 9, pl. VIII, 10 = Traité II 1101a, pl. CCCXXI, 1 (same dies); BMFA 540 = Warren 548 (same dies). Fine NGC, toned, some graininess. Very rare.
This great rarity was struck by the city of Amphipolis. Originally known as Ennia Hodoi - Nine Ways - the site on the Strymon River was fortified early. Xerxes I recognized its strategic location during the Persian invasion of Greece, when he buried nine young men and nine maidens alive as a sacrifice to the river god. In 437 B.C., the city was settled by Athenian colonists and received the name Amphipolis. This name, which literally means "around the city," has been variously explained by the flow of the Strymon around the city on two sides or because much of the population supposedly lived around the outside of the fortifications. The city was a major object of contention between Athens and Sparta during the Peloponnesian War.
This great rarity was struck by the city of Amphipolis. Originally known as Ennia Hodoi - Nine Ways - the site on the Strymon River was fortified early. Xerxes I recognized its strategic location during the Persian invasion of Greece, when he buried nine young men and nine maidens alive as a sacrifice to the river god. In 437 B.C., the city was settled by Athenian colonists and received the name Amphipolis. This name, which literally means "around the city," has been variously explained by the flow of the Strymon around the city on two sides or because much of the population supposedly lived around the outside of the fortifications. The city was a major object of contention between Athens and Sparta during the Peloponnesian War.
Macedonian Kingdom. Philip II. 359-336 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.57 g, 11 h). Pella, ca. 340/36-328 B.C. Laureate head of Apollo right / Nike driving galloping biga right; below, horses' forelegs, Nike. Le Rider 374 (D164/R280); SNG ANS 158 (same obv. die). XF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Philip II. 359-336 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (24 mm, 14.30 g, 3 h). Amphipolis, under Kassander, ca. 316-314 B.C. Laureate head of Zeus right / Youth on horseback right, crowning horse with palm; below, dolphin downward; below raised foreleg, monogram. Le Rider pl. 46, 19; Troxell grp. 9, 331-2; SNG ANS 749. Choice XF, lightly toned. A very nice specimen with great metal, perfect centering and sharp strike.
The popularity of Philip II's Zeus and horseman types in Macedonia and elsewhere caused them to be produced after his death and even after that of his son, Alexander the Great. This tetradrachm was struck during the chaotic aftermath of Alexander's death when Kassander and the general Polyperchon fought over the Macedonian throne.
The popularity of Philip II's Zeus and horseman types in Macedonia and elsewhere caused them to be produced after his death and even after that of his son, Alexander the Great. This tetradrachm was struck during the chaotic aftermath of Alexander's death when Kassander and the general Polyperchon fought over the Macedonian throne.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (26 mm, 17.21 g, 3 h). 'Amphipolis', ca. 322-320 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, Phrygian helmet. Price 112; Troxell grp. H2. Good VF, nice old collection toning.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.52 g, 6 h). Uncertain Macedonian mint, perhaps associated with Amphipolis, ca. 324-319 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, thunderbolt. Price 164. Choice XF NGC.
Based on analysis of hoard evidence, Troxell notes that Price's 'Amphipolis' staters with the kantharos, thunderbolt and trident controls could not have been struck at only one mint as he supposed, but rather must have been struck several smaller mints, perhaps associated with Amphipolis. Also, whereas Price had dated these issues to ca. 330-320, Troxell suggests that the date was slightly later, ca. 324-319.
Based on analysis of hoard evidence, Troxell notes that Price's 'Amphipolis' staters with the kantharos, thunderbolt and trident controls could not have been struck at only one mint as he supposed, but rather must have been struck several smaller mints, perhaps associated with Amphipolis. Also, whereas Price had dated these issues to ca. 330-320, Troxell suggests that the date was slightly later, ca. 324-319.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (17 mm, 8.58 g, 8 h). Uncertain Macedonian mint, perhaps associated with Amphipolis, ca. 324-319 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, thunderbolt. Price 164. XF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (17 mm, 8.58 g, 6 h). Uncertain Macedonian mint, perhaps associated with Amphipolis, ca. 324-319 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, kantharos. Price 168. Choice XF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.54 g, 6 h). Uncertain Macedonian mint, perhaps associated with Amphipolis, ca. 324-319 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, trident head downward. Price 172. Choice VF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (27 mm, 17.21 g, 7 h). 'Amphipolis', ca. 310-294 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, (Lambda) above torch; below throne, inverted crescent above star. Price 478. AU NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (29 mm, 17.12 g, 12 h). Kallatis, before ca. 240 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in inner left field, monogram above K; below throne, (Theta); in exergue, wheat ear left. Price 934. XF.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (29 mm, 16.73 g, 1 h). Mesembria, ca. 250-ca. 175 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in outer left field, crested Corinthian helmet to right above and monogram. Price 977; Karayotov 69-71. Choice XF, light die-shift on reverse. Nice portrait.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (17 mm, 8.55 g, 6 h). Lampsakos, ca. 328-323 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, conjoined foreparts of two horses; below left wing, monogram. Price 1358. XF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (17 mm, 8.58 g, 11 h). Lampsakos, ca. 328-323 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, two horse foreparts conjoined; below left wing, monogram. Price 1358. Choice XF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (20 mm, 8.53 g, 12 h). Abydos(?), ca. 323-317 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, monogram above pentagram; below left wing, cornucopiae. Price 1524. Choice XF NGC, light marks, lustrous surfaces.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (17 mm, 8.49 g, 11 h). Abydos(?), ca. 310-ca. 297 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, monogram; below right wing, cornucopiae. Price 1569A. Choice XF, lustrous.
The Herakles/Zeus tetradrachms and the Athena/Nike staters of Alexander the Great circulated widely during his lifetime thanks to the vast territories under his rule as well as the quality of production, internationally recognized types, and weight standard of the coins. Because of these factors, Alexander's types were imitated by his successors and by cities for more than two hundred years after his death.
The Herakles/Zeus tetradrachms and the Athena/Nike staters of Alexander the Great circulated widely during his lifetime thanks to the vast territories under his rule as well as the quality of production, internationally recognized types, and weight standard of the coins. Because of these factors, Alexander's types were imitated by his successors and by cities for more than two hundred years after his death.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (19 mm, 8.51 g, 6 h). Magnesia on the Maeander, ca. 325-323 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, facing ram's head above monogram. Price 1920. Choice XF NGC, some luster. Fine style.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.53 g, 12 h). Miletos, ca. 325-323 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, monogram. Price 2077. Choice XF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.51 g, 12 h). 'Teos', ca. 323-ca. 319 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; below left wing, griffin seated right. Price 2272. Choice VF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (17 mm, 8.53 g, 11 h). Sardes, ca. 325/4-323 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, coiled serpent with head left. Price 2532. Choice VF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (17 mm, 8.60 g, 12 h). Sardes, ca. 325/4-323 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, tripod. Price 2537. XF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (16 mm, 6 h). Sardes, ca. 325/4-323 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in left field, thunderbolt. Price 2537. XF45 ICG.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (17 mm, 8.54 g, 4 h). Side, ca. 325-ca. 320 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; below left wing, ΦI/ΛΣ. Price 2959. XF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (27 mm, 17.13 g, 11 h). Arados, ca. 324-320 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, caduceus; below throne, monogram. Price 3332; Duyrat grp. IV, series 11, 550-862. AU NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.51 g, 6 h). Sidon, 333-305 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is undecorated / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; below left wing, club. Cf. Price 3460 (position of club); cf. Newell 4 (same). Choice VF NGC.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.51 g, 9 h). 'Babylon', 317-311 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; below left wing, monogram in wreath; below right wing, monogram. Cf. Price 3716 (sphinx on helmet). Choice XF NGC. Fine style.
Macedonian Kingdom. Philip III Arrhidaios. 323-317 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.52 g, 12 h). 'Babylon'. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; in outer left field, wheel; below left wing, monogram. Price P193. Choice XF NGC.
Thraco-Macedonian Region, Uncertain mint. Mid-late 5th century B.C. AR tetradrachm, (27 mm, 13.80 g). Sphinx seated right / Quadripartite incuse square. Svoronos pl. XVII, 14 = Baldwin pl. VII, 2 = Traite II 1004, pl. VIII, 24 (uncertain Asia Minor); SNG ANS 1012. Toned, choice VF, minor porosity. Extremely rare, being one of possibly only three known specimens, and the finest known of the three.
This coin, originally attributed by Babelon to an uncertain mint in Asia Minor, is now recognized as belonging to an extremely rare issue of an uncertain Thraco-Macedonian mint. It is believed to be one of just three known examples, and it is much superior in preservation to both the examples plated in SNG ANS and Svoronos. The somewhat stylized treatment of the quadripartite incuse square may possibly suggest a later date of production than those specimens, however, which feature a simpler form of the device.
This coin, originally attributed by Babelon to an uncertain mint in Asia Minor, is now recognized as belonging to an extremely rare issue of an uncertain Thraco-Macedonian mint. It is believed to be one of just three known examples, and it is much superior in preservation to both the examples plated in SNG ANS and Svoronos. The somewhat stylized treatment of the quadripartite incuse square may possibly suggest a later date of production than those specimens, however, which feature a simpler form of the device.
Thracian Kingdom. Lysimachos. As King, 306-281 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (29 mm, 17.16 g, 12 h). Lampsakos, 297/6-282/1 B.C. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, with Ammon horn / Athena seated left, holding Nike, resting arm on shield, spear behind; in outer left field, herm; in inner left field, monogram. Thompson 58; SNG BN 2551. Nearly XF, a few light marks.
Moesia, Istros. 4th century B.C. AR drachm, (18 mm, 5.71 g, 12 h). Facing male heads, the left inverted / Sea-eagle standing left, grasping dolphin with talons; above tail feathers, H; in exergue, (Delta). SNG BM 245. Choice XF.
Skythia. Geto-Dacians. Koson. Ca. mid 1st century B.C. AV Stater, (18.5 mm, 8.47 g, 12 h). Roman consul walking left, accompanied by two lictors; in left field BR monogram / Eagle standing left on scepter, holding wreath in talon. RPC 1701; BMC p. 208, 2. MS NGC.
Skythia, Geto-Dacians. Koson. Ca. mid 1st century B.C. AV stater, (21 mm, 8.36 g, 12 h). Roman consul walking left, accompanied by two lictors; in left field, monogram / Eagle standing left on scepter, holding wreath. RPC 1701A. MS NGC, slight bend.
Skythia, Geto-Dacians. Koson. Ca. mid 1st century B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.60 g, 11 h). Roman consul walking left, accompanied by two lictors / Eagle standing left on scepter, holding wreath. RPC 1701B. Choice AU NGC.
Cimmerian Bosporos, Pantikapaion. Ca. 340-325 B.C. AV stater, (20 mm, 9.09 g, 2 h). Head of Pan to left, wreathed with ivy / Griffin prancing left, head facing, holding spear in his jaws, raising right forepaw raised; in exergue, grain ear. MacDonald 54; SNG BM 867. A well-struck and attractive XF, scattered light marks.
Ex CNG 82 (16 September 2009), 582.
Starting out as a Greek trading post on the northern Black Sea coast settled by Milesian pioneers in the 7th century BC, Pantikapaion soon grew into a thriving city and home to the Spartocid kings, dynastic Greek rulers of the Bosporus. The city's fabulous wealth is attested by its gold coins, which are typically larger than most Greek gold pieces and depict its patron god Pan. Here, Pan shown with a wild expression evoking his role in sowing discord and fear (hence the term "panic") in enemy armies. While thought of as a mythological creature today, the griffin depicted on the reverse was very real to the Greeks of the Thracian hinterland, where it was thought to live.
Ex CNG 82 (16 September 2009), 582.
Starting out as a Greek trading post on the northern Black Sea coast settled by Milesian pioneers in the 7th century BC, Pantikapaion soon grew into a thriving city and home to the Spartocid kings, dynastic Greek rulers of the Bosporus. The city's fabulous wealth is attested by its gold coins, which are typically larger than most Greek gold pieces and depict its patron god Pan. Here, Pan shown with a wild expression evoking his role in sowing discord and fear (hence the term "panic") in enemy armies. While thought of as a mythological creature today, the griffin depicted on the reverse was very real to the Greeks of the Thracian hinterland, where it was thought to live.
Thessaly, Thessalian League. Ca. 196-27 B.C. AR stater, (23 mm, 5.92 g, 12 h). Ca. 44-40 B.C. Polyxenos and Eukolos, magistrates. Head of Zeus right, wearing oak wreath / Athena Itonia advancing right, holding spear and shield. McClean -; SNG Copenhagen 291. Toned XF.
Attica, Athens. Ca. 454-404 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (23 mm, 17.14 g, 10 h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / Owl with wings folded standing right, head facing; behind, olive-spray and crescent; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31-40. AU NGC.
Attica, Athens. Ca. 454-404 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (23 mm, 17.13 g, 3 h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / Owl with wings folded standing right, head facing; behind, olive-spray and crescent; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31-40. AU NGC.
Attica, Athens. Ca. 454-404 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (23 mm, 17.17 g, 9 h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / Owl with wings folded standing right, head facing; behind, olive-spray and crescent; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31-40. AU NGC.
Attica, Athens. Ca. 454-404 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (21 mm, 17.12 g, 9 h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / Owl with wings folded standing right, head facing; behind, olive-spray and crescent; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31-40. XF.
Attica, Athens. Ca. 454-404 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (22 mm, 17.13 g, 8 h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / Owl with wings folded standing right, head facing; behind, olive-spray and crescent; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31-40. XF.
Attica, Athens. Ca. 454-404 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (21 mm, 17.13 g, 8 h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / Owl with wings folded standing right, head facing; behind, olive-spray and crescent; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31-40. XF, toned.
Attica, Athens. Ca. 454-404 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (22 mm, 17.19 g, 9 h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet / Owl with wings folded standing right, head facing; behind, olive-spray and crescent; all within incuse square. Kroll 8; Dewing 1591-8; SNG Copenhagen 31-40. Choice AU NGC.
Attica, Athens. Ca. 165-42 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (35 mm, 16.67 g, 12 h). New Style issue. Ca. 165-150/49 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with a vine tendril and pegasos / Owl with wings folded standing right, head facing, on overturned amphora; in left field, monogram; in right field, monogram above piloi of the Dioskouroi to right; all within wreath. Thompson 58b (same obv. die). Nearly XF, light toning. Rare early issue.
Attica, Athens. Ca. 165-42 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (31 mm, 16.83 g, 11 h). New Style issue. 134/3 B.C. Timarchos, Nikago... and Antiochos, magistrates. Head of Athena right, wearing crested helmet decorated with a vine tendril and pegasos / Owl with wings folded standing right, head facing, on overturned amphora; in left field, anchor and star; on amphora, K; in exergue, (Sigma Phi); all within wreath. Thompson 368f (same obv. die). XF, very light toning exhibiting golden hues around devices.
Sikyonia, Sikyon. Ca. 431-400 B.C. AR stater, (25 mm, 11.99 g, 5 h). Chimaera standing left on groundline; SE below / Dove flying left; A above tail feathers; all within wreath. BCD 199.1; SNG Copenhagen -. Good VF, lightly toned, minor cleaning marks. Ex BCD Collection (CNG 78, 14 May 2008), 677.
Pontic Kingdom. Mithradates VI. 120-63 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 12 h). First Mithradatic War issue. Kallatis, in the name of Lysimachos, ca. 88-86 B.C. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing horn of Ammon / Athena seated left on throne, holding Nike and spear, arm resting on grounded shield; in inner left field, HPO monogram; on throne, KA(Lambda); in exergue, ornate trident left. Callatay obv. die D6; AMNG I 258. AU55 ICG.
Pontic Kingdom. Mithradates VI. 120-63 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 1 h). First Mithradatic War issue. Tomis, in the name of Lysimachos, ca. 88-86 B.C. Diademed head of the deified Alexander right, wearing horn of Ammon / Athena seated left on throne, holding Nike and spear, arm resting on grounded shield; in inner left field, (Theta)EM; on throne, TO; in exergue, ornate trident left. Callatay obv. die D4; AMNG I 2480. AU58 ICG.
Aiolis, Myrina. Ca. 155-145 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (33 mm, 16.91 g, 12 h). Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding branch and phiale, omphalos and amphora at feet; in left field, monogram; all within laurel wreath. Kenneth S. Sacks, "The Wreathed Coins of Aeolian Myrina," MN 30 (1985), issue 35; SNG von Aulock 1662. Good VF.
Ionia, Herakleia on the Latmos. Ca. 150-142 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (34 mm, 16.58 g, 12 h). Head of Athena right, wearing crested Attic helmet decorated with a pegasos and five horses above visor / Club; below, two monograms flanking Nike standing left; all within oak wreath tied at the left. SNG von Aulock 1978; SNG Copenhagen 781. XF. Ex Gemini V (6 January 2009), 621.
Ionia, Lebedos. Ca. 160-140 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (30 mm, 16.77 g, 12 h). Athenaios, magistrate. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet / Owl standing right, head facing, on club between two crossed cornucopiae; all within wreath. M. Amandry, "Les tétradrachmes frappés à Lébédos," KME 6-8 (same obv. die); SNG Copenhagen -. Choice XF, light toning.
Ionia, Magnesia on the Maeander. Ca. 155-145 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (32 mm, 16.73 g, 12 h). Herognetos, son of Zopyrion, magistrate. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver at shoulder / Apollo Delphios standing left, elbow resting on tall tripod behind, holding filleted branch; below, meander pattern; all within laurel wreath. M. Jones, "The Autonomous Wreathed Tetradrachms of Magnesia on Maeander," MN 24 (1979), obv. die 32; SNG Copenhagen -. XF, reverse a little off center.
Ionia, Magnesia on the Maeander. Ca. 155-145 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (33 mm, 17.05 g, 12 h). Erasippos, son of Aristeos. magistrate. Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver at shoulder / Apollo Delphios standing left, elbow resting on tall tripod behind, holding filleted branch; below, meander pattern; all within laurel wreath. M. Jones, "The Autonomous Wreathed Tetradrachms of Magnesia on Maeander," MN 24 (1979), 26-34; SNG von Aulock 2042. XF, a few light marks.
Carian Satraps. Hidrieus. Ca. 351/0-344/3 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (22 mm, 15.19 g, 12 h). Laureate head of Apollo facing slightly right / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe and spear; between foot and spear, small E. SNG Keckman -; Traité II 100; SNG von Aulock 8046; SNG Copenhagen suppl. 340. Choice XF, toned, minor surface flaws. Ex David P. Herman Collection (Triton X, 8 January 2007), 345; NAC 23 (19 March 2002), 1265.
Few details are known about the career of Hidrieus as satrap of Caria, but he is reported to have assembled a fleet and 8000 mercenaries in support of a Persian invasion of Cyprus and to have expanded his territory to include the islands of Chios, Kos, and Rhodes. Hidrieus died of disease in 344 B.C. and left power to his sister-wife, Ada. The head of Apollo on this coin may reflect Rhodian typological influence, while the figure of Zeus Labraundos on the reverse represents the patron deity of Mylasa, the Carian capital of the Hekatomnid satrapal dynasty to which Hidrieus belonged.
Few details are known about the career of Hidrieus as satrap of Caria, but he is reported to have assembled a fleet and 8000 mercenaries in support of a Persian invasion of Cyprus and to have expanded his territory to include the islands of Chios, Kos, and Rhodes. Hidrieus died of disease in 344 B.C. and left power to his sister-wife, Ada. The head of Apollo on this coin may reflect Rhodian typological influence, while the figure of Zeus Labraundos on the reverse represents the patron deity of Mylasa, the Carian capital of the Hekatomnid satrapal dynasty to which Hidrieus belonged.
Carian Satraps. Pixodaros. Ca. 341/0-336/5 B.C. AR didrachm, (18 mm, 6.78 g, 12 h). Halikarnassos. Laureate and draped bust of Apollo facing slightly right / Zeus Labraundos standing right, holding double-axe and lotus scepter. Pixodarus Hoard 258b (A3/P14); SNG Keckman 280. Toned XF, find deposits. Fine style.
Lycia, Oinoanda. After 188 B.C. AR didrachm, (21 mm, 8.22 g, 12 h). Dated year 3 (186/5 B.C.?) Laureate head of Zeus right, lotus-tipped scepter over shoulder; behind, B (off flan) / Eagle with folded wings standing right on winged thunderbolt; in right field, (Gamma) and grape bunch. Cf. BMC 73 (unique). Good VF, toned.
Until about a decade ago, only a single coin of Oinoanda, the example in the British Museum, was known to exist. The discovery in the early 2000s of a significant group of didrachms brought many more examples to market and added significantly to our understanding of the coinage, revealing that at least three distinct issues, marked by a sequence of letters and symbols, were originally struck. The presence of the lotus-scepter over the shoulder of Zeus and the eagle-on-thunderbolt reverse motif both suggest a close affinity to the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
Until about a decade ago, only a single coin of Oinoanda, the example in the British Museum, was known to exist. The discovery in the early 2000s of a significant group of didrachms brought many more examples to market and added significantly to our understanding of the coinage, revealing that at least three distinct issues, marked by a sequence of letters and symbols, were originally struck. The presence of the lotus-scepter over the shoulder of Zeus and the eagle-on-thunderbolt reverse motif both suggest a close affinity to the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt.
Cilicia, Kelenderis. Ca. 410-375 B.C. AR stater, (22 mm, 10.73 g, 12 h). Nude youth, holding whip, dismounting from horse galloping right / Goat kneeling left, looking back; in exergue, T. O. Casabonne, "Conquete perse et phenomene monetaire: L'exemple cilicien," Varia Anatolica XII, type 4; SNG BN 74; SNG Levante -; SNG von Aulock -. AU NGC.
Kelenderis was a Greek colony in Cilicia founded by settlers from Samos in the eighth century B.C. The city was fortified and had use of a large natural harbor. Its silver staters with horseman and goat types, such as this magnificent example, appear to have been influential in trade with the southern Levantine coast. These types are imitated on some issues struck in Samaria.
Kelenderis was a Greek colony in Cilicia founded by settlers from Samos in the eighth century B.C. The city was fortified and had use of a large natural harbor. Its silver staters with horseman and goat types, such as this magnificent example, appear to have been influential in trade with the southern Levantine coast. These types are imitated on some issues struck in Samaria.
Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I Nikator. 312-281 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.54 g, 8 h). In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I, ca. 311-294/3 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; below left wing MI; below right wing, monogram within wreath. SC 81.2; Price 3748; Hoover 3. AU NGC, underlying luster.
Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I Nikator. 312-281 B.C. AV stater, (17 mm, 8.57 g, 12 h). In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Babylon I, ca. 311-294/3 B.C. Head of Athena right, wearing crested Corinthian helmet, the bowl of which is decorated with a coiled serpent / Nike standing left, holding wreath and stylis; below each wing, monogram. SC 81.5; Price 3775; Hoover 3. MS NGC. Fine style.
Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I Nikator. 312-281 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (25 mm, 17.10 g, 9 h). Seleukeia on the Tigris, after ca. 296/5 B.C. Laureate head of Zeus right / Athena Promachos, brandishing spear and holding shield, in quadriga drawn by elephants right; above, anchor; in exergue, (Gamma Sigma). SC 130.2a; ESM 30; Hoover 18a. Good VF.
This coin features the definitive personal typology of Seleukos I and illustrates his total break with the typology of Alexander the Great that had dominated the coinage of the early period of the Successors. The elephant chariot advertises his conquest of the East and the gift of 500 war elephants that he received from the Indian king, Chandragupta Maurya. These elephants were used to decisively defeat the forces of Antigonos Monophthalmos at the battle of Ipsos in 301 B.C. Zeus and Athena Promachos are traditional Macedonian deities and represent Seleukos' attempt to show his Greco-Macedonian subjects that despite being a ruler of eastern lands and many non-Greek peoples, he was still one of them.
This coin features the definitive personal typology of Seleukos I and illustrates his total break with the typology of Alexander the Great that had dominated the coinage of the early period of the Successors. The elephant chariot advertises his conquest of the East and the gift of 500 war elephants that he received from the Indian king, Chandragupta Maurya. These elephants were used to decisively defeat the forces of Antigonos Monophthalmos at the battle of Ipsos in 301 B.C. Zeus and Athena Promachos are traditional Macedonian deities and represent Seleukos' attempt to show his Greco-Macedonian subjects that despite being a ruler of eastern lands and many non-Greek peoples, he was still one of them.
Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I Nikator. 312-281 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (28 mm, 17.12 g, 8 h). Susa, ca. 305/4-295 B.C. Bust of Seleukos I right, wearing helmet covered with a panther's skin and adorned with a bull's ear and horns, panther's skin tied at neck / Nike standing right, crowning trophy with wreath; to left and right of Nike, monogram-(Delta)I. SC 173.11; cf. Kritt Tr. 50/54 (A37/P6; die combination not recorded); ESM 413; Hoover 20. Toned good XF, with an exceptionally well centered and struck reverse.
Although frequently described as a depiction of Alexander the Great or a hero, Oliver Hoover has argued that this portrait is likely to represent Seleukos himself in the guise of a deified conqueror of the East. The horned helmet serves to link him both to the Greek Dionysos, the mythical conqueror of India, as well as to earlier Near Eastern kings. The trophy on the reverse has been variously taken to represent the conquest of India, or far more likely, Seleukos' victory over Antigonos Monophthalmos at Ipsos in 301 B.C. The Nike-erecting-trophy motif, which first appeared almost simultaneously on coins issued by Seleukos and the Syracusan tyrant Agathokles, became popular on both Greek and Roman coins in the decades and centuries to come.
Although frequently described as a depiction of Alexander the Great or a hero, Oliver Hoover has argued that this portrait is likely to represent Seleukos himself in the guise of a deified conqueror of the East. The horned helmet serves to link him both to the Greek Dionysos, the mythical conqueror of India, as well as to earlier Near Eastern kings. The trophy on the reverse has been variously taken to represent the conquest of India, or far more likely, Seleukos' victory over Antigonos Monophthalmos at Ipsos in 301 B.C. The Nike-erecting-trophy motif, which first appeared almost simultaneously on coins issued by Seleukos and the Syracusan tyrant Agathokles, became popular on both Greek and Roman coins in the decades and centuries to come.
Seleukid Kingdom. Seleukos I Nikator. 312-281 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (26 mm, 16.93 g, 3 h). Susa, ca. 305/4-295 B.C. Bust of Seleukos I right, wearing helmet covered with a panther's skin and adorned with a bull's ear and horn, panther's skin tied at neck / Nike standing right, crowning trophy with wreath; to left and right of Nike, M-AX. SC 173.14; Kritt Tr. 98 (A59/P6); ESM 420; Hoover 20. XF, attractive dark find patina.
Seleukid Kingdom. Antiochos II Theos. 261-246 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (28 mm, 16.84 g, 11 h). Hellespontine mint, perhaps Lampsakos. Diademed head of Antiochos I right / Apollo seated left on omphalos, testing arrow and resting hand on grounded bow; in outer left field, [I] (Sigma); in exergue, monogram. Cf. SC 485 (controls); WSM -; Hoover 236b. XF, lightly toned, die-break on reverse. Apparently an unpublished variety.
Although the obverse die employed on this coin is not from the same die as SC 485, the similarity of style is so similar that it must have been engraved by the same hand.
Although the obverse die employed on this coin is not from the same die as SC 485, the similarity of style is so similar that it must have been engraved by the same hand.
Seleukid Kingdom. Antiochos II Theos. 261-246 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (29 mm, 17.03 g, 11 h). Hellespontine mint, perhaps Lampsakos. Diademed head of Antiochos II right / Apollo seated left on omphalos, testing arrow and resting hand on grounded bow; above knee, I (Sigma); in exergue, (Sigma Omega) A. SC 486.2b; WSM -; Hoover 238b. XF, thin die-break in obverse field. Rare.
Phoenicia, Byblos. Uzzibaal. Ca. 365-350 B.C. AR dishekel, (24 mm, 13.27 g, 9 h). War galley with lion's head prow ornament and three hoplites with small, round shields sailing left; below, zigzag row of waves, hippocamp swimming left and murex; between hippocamp and waves, Phoenician "NO" / Lion attacking bull to left. Cf. Betlyon 14 (lacking '"NO"); Dewing 2662. Toned XF.
Byblos was an important Phoenician trading center. Although the city was known to natives as Gebal ("the Mountain"), the Greeks called it Byblos because of its involvement in the papyrus (byblos in Greek) export trade. The word Bible, which was originally written on papyrus sheets, is derived from Byblos. The city enjoyed the height of its prosperity before the seventh century B.C., after which it began a slow decline while its neighbors, Sidon, Tyre, and Arados, rose to greater prominence. Nevertheless, Byblos appears to have been the first of the Phoenician cities to issue coinage in the fifth century B.C.
Byblos was an important Phoenician trading center. Although the city was known to natives as Gebal ("the Mountain"), the Greeks called it Byblos because of its involvement in the papyrus (byblos in Greek) export trade. The word Bible, which was originally written on papyrus sheets, is derived from Byblos. The city enjoyed the height of its prosperity before the seventh century B.C., after which it began a slow decline while its neighbors, Sidon, Tyre, and Arados, rose to greater prominence. Nevertheless, Byblos appears to have been the first of the Phoenician cities to issue coinage in the fifth century B.C.
Phoenicia, Sidon. Abdashtart I. Ca. 365-352 B.C. AR double shekel, (26 mm, 25.40 g, 12 h). Regnal year 14 (359/8 B.C.). War galley sailing left over two bands of waves below; above, date / King of Persia being driven in chariot left by driver; behind, the king of Sidon walking left, holding ritual objects. Elayi & Elayi 1345-8; Betlyon 21. Choice XF.
This double shekel carries the usual galley obverse used at Sidon to advertise its wealth through maritime trade and its naval power. Sidon was one of the primary contributors of ships to the navy of the Persian Empire in times of war. The reverse type is remarkable and a little controversial. It appears to depict the Persian king riding in a chariot while the king of Sidon follows behind holding ritual objects, symbolizing the vassal status of Sidon. Recently it has been suggested that the apparent Persian king is really some unknown local deity and that the scene represents a religious procession, although it is difficult to understand why a Sidonian god would appear in Persian royal regalia.
This double shekel carries the usual galley obverse used at Sidon to advertise its wealth through maritime trade and its naval power. Sidon was one of the primary contributors of ships to the navy of the Persian Empire in times of war. The reverse type is remarkable and a little controversial. It appears to depict the Persian king riding in a chariot while the king of Sidon follows behind holding ritual objects, symbolizing the vassal status of Sidon. Recently it has been suggested that the apparent Persian king is really some unknown local deity and that the scene represents a religious procession, although it is difficult to understand why a Sidonian god would appear in Persian royal regalia.
Judaea, Herodian Kingdom. Agrippa I. 37-44 C.E. AE, (23 mm, 8.85 g, 1 h). Caesarea Maritima, Regnal year 7 (42/3 C.E.). Diademed head of Agrippa I right / Tyche of Caesarea standing left, holding rudder and palm branch; in right field, date (L Z). RPC 4985; TJC 122; Hendin 555. Fine NGC, repatinated, dark black-brown patina with earthen highlights. Extremely rare.
This coin of Agrippa I from the city of Caesarea Maritima is notable, not only for the portrait of Agrippa as a diademed Roman client-king in defiance of Jewish custom, but for the early depiction of Caesarea's Tyche. This is the first appearance of the personification of the city. The reverse legend is also remarkable for giving the full title of the city as "Caesarea, which is near the Port of Sebaste."
This coin of Agrippa I from the city of Caesarea Maritima is notable, not only for the portrait of Agrippa as a diademed Roman client-king in defiance of Jewish custom, but for the early depiction of Caesarea's Tyche. This is the first appearance of the personification of the city. The reverse legend is also remarkable for giving the full title of the city as "Caesarea, which is near the Port of Sebaste."
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Arsinöe II, wife of Ptolemy II. Died 270 B.C. AR Decadrachm, (34 mm, 33.90 g, 12 h). Alexandria, ca. 261-252 B.C. Diademed and veiled bust of Arsinoê II right / ARSINOHS FILADELFOU, double cornucopiae with Φ behind, (cf. S.7770). Choice VF NGC, graininess.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Arsinöe II, wife of Ptolemy II. Died 270 B.C. AV octodrachm, (28 mm, 27.75 g, 12 h). Alexandria, ca. 253/2-246 B.C. Veiled head right, wearing stephane, lotus scepter behind, horn of Ammon below ear; K behind / Double cornucopia bound with fillet. H. A. Troxell, "Arsinoe's Non-Era," MN 28 (1983), group 3, pl. 7, 3; Svoronos 475; SNG Copenhagen -. AU NGC.
This massive gold coin celebrates the power of the queen in the Ptolemaic Egypt. In contrast to most other Hellenistic royal coins, which rarely depict queens without their husbands, Ptolemaic royal women appear on the coinage with relative frequency. The portrait of Arsinöe II on the gold octodrachm must be one of the more dramatic instances of this custom. Here the queen is assimilated to Isis-Aphrodite by the lotus scepter behind her head and to Ammon by the horn behind her ear. The double cornucopiae of the reverse is typical of Ptolemaic coinage and refers to the fecundity of the land as represented in the marriage of the king and the queen.
This massive gold coin celebrates the power of the queen in the Ptolemaic Egypt. In contrast to most other Hellenistic royal coins, which rarely depict queens without their husbands, Ptolemaic royal women appear on the coinage with relative frequency. The portrait of Arsinöe II on the gold octodrachm must be one of the more dramatic instances of this custom. Here the queen is assimilated to Isis-Aphrodite by the lotus scepter behind her head and to Ammon by the horn behind her ear. The double cornucopiae of the reverse is typical of Ptolemaic coinage and refers to the fecundity of the land as represented in the marriage of the king and the queen.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Arsinöe II, wife of Ptolemy II. Died 270 B.C. AV octodrachm, (28 mm, 27.74 g, 12 h). Alexandria, ca. 253/2-246 B.C. Veiled head right, wearing stephane, lotus scepter behind, horn of Ammon below ear; K behind / Double cornucopia bound with fillet. H. A. Troxell, "Arsinoe's Non-Era," MN 28 (1983), group 3, pl. 7, 3; Svoronos 475; SNG Copenhagen -. Choice XF NGC.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Arsinöe II, wife of Ptolemy II. Died 270 B.C. AV octodrachm, (28 mm, 27.72 g, 12 h). Alexandria, ca. 253/2-246 B.C. Veiled head right, wearing stephane, lotus scepter behind, horn of Ammon below ear; K behind / Double cornucopia bound with fillet. H. A. Troxell, "Arsinoe's Non-Era," MN 28 (1983), group 3, pl. 7, 3; Svoronos 475; SNG Copenhagen -. XF NGC.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Arsinöe II, wife of Ptolemy II. Died 270 B.C. AV octodrachm, (27 mm, 27.64 g, 12 h). Alexandria, ca. 253/2-246 B.C. Veiled head right, wearing stephane, lotus scepter behind, horn of Ammon below ear; K behind / Double cornucopia bound with fillet. H. A. Troxell, "Arsinoe's Non-Era," MN 28 (1983), group 3, pl. 7, 3; Svoronos 475; SNG Copenhagen -. Good VF, a few very faint scratches in fields.
Achaemenid Kingdom. Darios I to Xerxes II. Ca. 485-420 B.C. AV daric, (13 mm, 8.34 g). Persian king or hero right, in kneeling-running stance, holding spear and bow / Oblong incuse punch. Carradice IIIb, A/B; Winzer -. Choice XF NGC.
Achaemenid Kingdom. Darios I to Xerxes II. Ca. 485-420 B.C. AV daric, (12 mm, 8.34 g). Persian king or hero right, in kneeling-running stance, holding spear and bow / Oblong incuse punch. Carradice IIIb, A/B; Winzer -. Good VF, lustrous.
Achaemenid Kingdom. Darios I to Xerxes II. Ca. 485-420 B.C. AV daric, (15 mm, 8.30 g). Persian king or hero right, in kneeling-running stance, holding spear and bow / Oblong incuse punch. Carradice IIIb, A/B; Winzer -. Good VF, lustrous.
Achaemenid Kingdom. Xerxes II to Artaxerxes II. Ca. 420-375 B.C. AR 1/4 siglos, (8 mm, 1.28 g). Persian king or hero right, in kneeling-running stance, holding dagger and bow / Oblong incuse punch. Carradice IV, B; Winzer -; cf. Klein 755. Good VF, lightly toned, minor porosity. Well centered and struck. Rare.
This quarter siglos was struck during a turbulent period of Persian imperial history from the reign of Xerxes II to Artaxerxes II. Xerxes II reigned only briefly before he was murdered. His successor, Darius II Ochus is said to have been dominated by his wife and induced Sparta to make war on Athens. His son, Artaxerxes II, repelled the mercenary army of his brother as chronicled by Xenophon, and continued to incite conflict between Sparta and Athens as a means of restoring Persian control over western Asia Minor. Considering the period of issue, this coin is likely to have paid Greek mercenaries in Persian service or contributed to the funds placed at the disposal of Sparta for prosecuting the war with Athens.
This quarter siglos was struck during a turbulent period of Persian imperial history from the reign of Xerxes II to Artaxerxes II. Xerxes II reigned only briefly before he was murdered. His successor, Darius II Ochus is said to have been dominated by his wife and induced Sparta to make war on Athens. His son, Artaxerxes II, repelled the mercenary army of his brother as chronicled by Xenophon, and continued to incite conflict between Sparta and Athens as a means of restoring Persian control over western Asia Minor. Considering the period of issue, this coin is likely to have paid Greek mercenaries in Persian service or contributed to the funds placed at the disposal of Sparta for prosecuting the war with Athens.
Graeco-Baktrian Kingdom. Diodotos I. Ca. 255-235 B.C. AV stater, (18 mm, 8.28 g, 6 h). Mint A, near Aï Khanoum, in the name of Antiochos II of Syria. Diademed head of Diodotos I right / Zeus advancing left, wielding thunderbolt and holding aegis; in inner left field, N above eagle standing left. Cf. Holt series A, grp. 7 (tetradrachm); Bopearachchi -; SNG ANS -; SC 629. Choice XF, lustrous.
This gold stater belongs to a remarkable series illustrating the gradual secession of Baktria from the Seleukid Empire during the reign of Antiochos II. Although the coin is struck in the name of Antiochos II, the obverse bears the diademed portrait of Diodotos I, the satrap-turned-king of Baktria, and the reverse depicts his personal badge: thundering Zeus.
This gold stater belongs to a remarkable series illustrating the gradual secession of Baktria from the Seleukid Empire during the reign of Antiochos II. Although the coin is struck in the name of Antiochos II, the obverse bears the diademed portrait of Diodotos I, the satrap-turned-king of Baktria, and the reverse depicts his personal badge: thundering Zeus.
Graeco-Baktrian Kingdom. Eukratides I. Ca. 171-145 B.C. AR drachm, (19 mm, 4.06 g, 12 h). Scythian imitation. ca. 130-80 B.C. Diademed, helmeted and draped bust of Eukratides I right; bull's ear and horn on helmet / The Dioskouroi on horseback right, holding spears; below, monogram. Cf. Senior A19; cf. Bopearachchi series 7; cf. SNG ANS 475-483. Good VF, toned, good metal quality.
Eukratides I overthrew the Graeco-Bactrian Euthydemid dynasty and established himself as king in Baktria. He was famous in antiquity as a warlike ruler who expanded his territory south of the Hindu Kush, where he defeated the Indo-Greek king, Demetrios (I or II). Despite his power, he was deeply resented by one of his sons, who murdered him and reportedly drove his chariot through the king's spilled blood while proclaiming his death a service to the state. The helmeted portrait on this coin advertises Eukratides as a conqueror of India. Ironically, these types were favored for imitation by the later Yuezhi conquerors of Baktria.
Eukratides I overthrew the Graeco-Bactrian Euthydemid dynasty and established himself as king in Baktria. He was famous in antiquity as a warlike ruler who expanded his territory south of the Hindu Kush, where he defeated the Indo-Greek king, Demetrios (I or II). Despite his power, he was deeply resented by one of his sons, who murdered him and reportedly drove his chariot through the king's spilled blood while proclaiming his death a service to the state. The helmeted portrait on this coin advertises Eukratides as a conqueror of India. Ironically, these types were favored for imitation by the later Yuezhi conquerors of Baktria.
Parthian Kingdom. Arsakes II. Ca. 211-191 B.C. AR drachm, (16 mm, 3.97 g, 1 h). Rhagai-Arsakeia(?). Head of Arsakes II left, wearing bashlik / Archer seated right on backless throne, holding bow; below bow, eagle standing facing, head left. Sellwood 6.1; Shore 4. Choice XF, very high relief.
Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates I. Ca. 171-138 B.C. AR drachm, (21 mm, 3.83 g, 1 h). Hekatompylos. Head left of Mithradates I left, wearing bashlyk / Archer seated right on omphalos, holding bow. Sellwood 10.1; Shore 12-13. Nearly XF, toned. Ex Todd Ballen Collection (Triton XIII, 4 January 2010), 517; Peus 363 (26 April 2000), 5097.
Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates I. Ca. 171-138 B.C. AR drachm, (17 mm, 3.71 g, 12 h). Seleukeia on the Tigris, S.E. 174 (139/8 B.C.). Diademed bust right / Zeus enthroned left, holding eagle and scepter; in exergue, date. Sellwood 13.10; Shore 39. Toned, good VF, small flan crack at 2 h. Good metal. Rare. Ex Todd Ballen Collection (Triton XIII, 4 January 2010), 534; Bellaria Collection (CNG 66, 19 May 2004), 765; Sternberg XXVII (7-8 November 1994), 20.
Mithradates I is arguably one of the greatest of the Parthian kings. Under his leadership he expanded the Parthian Empire in all directions at the expense of the Baktrian Kingdom and especially the Seleukid Empire. By 144 B.C. he had seized Seleukid Babylonia with its capital at Seleukeia on the Tigris and, three years later, he even managed to capture the Seleukid king, Demetrios II, when he attempted to retake the region. This important drachm issue continues a Seleukid series struck at Seleukeia under Demetrios before he was captured by Mithradates. The high Hellenistic portrait style and the continuation of the Seleukid reverse type attempt to cast the Parthian king as a respectable successor to the Seleukids and make his rule palatable to the Greek population.
Mithradates I is arguably one of the greatest of the Parthian kings. Under his leadership he expanded the Parthian Empire in all directions at the expense of the Baktrian Kingdom and especially the Seleukid Empire. By 144 B.C. he had seized Seleukid Babylonia with its capital at Seleukeia on the Tigris and, three years later, he even managed to capture the Seleukid king, Demetrios II, when he attempted to retake the region. This important drachm issue continues a Seleukid series struck at Seleukeia under Demetrios before he was captured by Mithradates. The high Hellenistic portrait style and the continuation of the Seleukid reverse type attempt to cast the Parthian king as a respectable successor to the Seleukids and make his rule palatable to the Greek population.
Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates II. Ca. 123-88 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (29 mm, 15.54 g, 12 h). Seleukeia on the Tigris. Diademed bust of Mithradates II left / Archer seated right on throne, holding bow; in right field, palm branch; in exergue, TV. Sellwood 24.4; Shore 67. AU NGC, flaw on obverse.
Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates II. Ca. 123-88 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (30 mm, 15.67 g, 12 h). Seleukeia on the Tigris. Diademed bust of Mithradates II left / Archer seated right on throne, holding bow; in right field, palm branch; in exergue, TV. Cf. Sellwood 24; Shore -. Choice AU NGC.
Apparently unrecorded in both Sellwood and Shore in that it lacks the palm branch normally found in the right field of the reverse.
Apparently unrecorded in both Sellwood and Shore in that it lacks the palm branch normally found in the right field of the reverse.
Sasanian Kingdom. Ardashir I. A.D. 223/4-240. AR hemidrachm, (17 mm, 1.84 g, 10 h). Diademed facing bust of Ardashir I, wearing Parthian-style tiara decorated with pellet in crescent / Diademed head of Papak left, wearing Parthian-style tiara decorated with pellet in crescent. SNS type 1(1)/1(1); Göbl I/1. Toned, good VF, Flan crack at 8 h, otherwise nicely struck on a full flan.
This early issue of the founder of the Sasanian dynasty is notable for its debt to the numismatic iconography of the defeated Parthians. Here the Sasanian king wears a typically Parthian-style tiara rather than the elaborate crowns found on his later coinage and on that of his Sasanian successors. The Parthian influence here is not unexpected since Ardashir I began his career as a Parthian vassal in Pars, who raised the banner of revolt against Artabanos IV. In A.D. 226, Ardashir was victorious in battle at Hormizdeghan, supposedly killing Artabanos in person with an arrow shot through the heart. After this Ardashir went on to consolidate his territory and form the basis of the powerful Sasanian Empire, which would survive until it was at last overrun by the Islamic Arabs in the seventh century A.D.
This early issue of the founder of the Sasanian dynasty is notable for its debt to the numismatic iconography of the defeated Parthians. Here the Sasanian king wears a typically Parthian-style tiara rather than the elaborate crowns found on his later coinage and on that of his Sasanian successors. The Parthian influence here is not unexpected since Ardashir I began his career as a Parthian vassal in Pars, who raised the banner of revolt against Artabanos IV. In A.D. 226, Ardashir was victorious in battle at Hormizdeghan, supposedly killing Artabanos in person with an arrow shot through the heart. After this Ardashir went on to consolidate his territory and form the basis of the powerful Sasanian Empire, which would survive until it was at last overrun by the Islamic Arabs in the seventh century A.D.
Sasanian Kingdom. Peroz I. A.D. 457/9-484. AV dinar, (20 mm, 3.74 g, 4 h). 'BLH' (Balkh). Crowned bust of Peroz I right / Fire altar flanked by attendants. Göbl III/1. XF, well struck on a nice broad flan.
This gold issue of Peroz I features the usual Sasanian types of the ruler portrait paired with a Zoroastrian fire altar and attendants, but is notable for the troubled context in which it was produced. This denomination is likely to have been struck to make tribute payments to the Huns, who had defeated Peroz early in his reign. Alternatively, this coin may have been produced to meet the costs of raising the army of 100, 000 men that he used to invade Hephthalite territory in A.D. 484. Unfortunately, this great army was defeated by ambuscade and Peroz was killed, leaving Sasanian Persia open to further Hephthalite attacks.
This gold issue of Peroz I features the usual Sasanian types of the ruler portrait paired with a Zoroastrian fire altar and attendants, but is notable for the troubled context in which it was produced. This denomination is likely to have been struck to make tribute payments to the Huns, who had defeated Peroz early in his reign. Alternatively, this coin may have been produced to meet the costs of raising the army of 100, 000 men that he used to invade Hephthalite territory in A.D. 484. Unfortunately, this great army was defeated by ambuscade and Peroz was killed, leaving Sasanian Persia open to further Hephthalite attacks.
Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antiochia ad Orontem. Mark Antony and Cleopatra. 36 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (25 mm, 14.45 g, 12 h). Diademed and draped bust of Cleopatra right / Bare head of Mark Antony right. McAlee 174; Prieur 27; RPC 4094. Fine, light porosity. Rare.
Syria, Seleucis and Pieria. Antiochia ad Orontem. Trajan. A.D. 98-117. AR tetradrachm, (26 mm, 15.04 g, 6 h). Cos. III (A.D. 100). Laureate head of Trajan right, above eagle with folded wings standing right; in background, palm; in right field, club / Laureate head of Herakles-Melqart right, lion's skin tied around neck. McAlee 452; Prieur 1482. XF NGC, fine style. Rare issue.
Mesopotamia, Singara. Gordian III, with Tranquillina. A.D. 238-244. AE, (31 mm, 26.04 g, 12 h). A.D. 242-244. Laureate, draped and cuirassed of Gordian III right, vis-à-vis diademed and draped bust of Tranquillina left / Tyche seated left on rock, holding branch; above, the centaur Sagittarius, shooting arrow, left; below, river-god swimming left. SNG Copenhagen 257; BMC 13. Good VF, brown patina.
Man. Acilius Glabrio. 49 B.C. AR denarius, (18 mm, 4.02 g, 3 h). Rome. Laureate head of Salus right / Valetudo standing left, holding serpent and leaning on column. Crawford 442/1a; HCRI 16; Sydenham 922; Acilia 8. Toned XF, good metal.
Julius Caesar. 44 B.C. AR denarius, (18 mm, 3.86 g, 11 h). Rome. P. Sepullius Macer, moneyer. Laureate head of Julius Caesar right / Venus standing left, holding small Victory and scepter; on lower shaft if scepter, shield. Crawford 480/10; HCRI 107a; Sydenham 1073; RSC 38. MS NGC, slight flatness.
Probably the most famous portrait issue of Julius Caesar. This series illustrates the dictator's break with the Roman custom forbidding the depiction of living individuals on the coinage, which may have contributed to the mounting fears (perhaps justifiable in retrospect) that he wished to do away with republican institutions and establish a new personal monarchy in Rome. These fears, combined with jealousy of his success and power, led to Caesar's assassination on the Ides of March, 44 B.C. At the same time that the portrait subtly elevates Caesar's status to that of a king, it also reveals his human frailty: the laurel wreath that Caesar wears was awarded to him by the Senate, but he reportedly wore it in public at all times in order to hide a bald spot.
Probably the most famous portrait issue of Julius Caesar. This series illustrates the dictator's break with the Roman custom forbidding the depiction of living individuals on the coinage, which may have contributed to the mounting fears (perhaps justifiable in retrospect) that he wished to do away with republican institutions and establish a new personal monarchy in Rome. These fears, combined with jealousy of his success and power, led to Caesar's assassination on the Ides of March, 44 B.C. At the same time that the portrait subtly elevates Caesar's status to that of a king, it also reveals his human frailty: the laurel wreath that Caesar wears was awarded to him by the Senate, but he reportedly wore it in public at all times in order to hide a bald spot.
Brutus. 42 B.C. AR denarius, (18 mm, 3.40 g, 11 h). Military mint traveling with Brutus and Cassius, perhaps in Smyrna. P. Cornelius Lentulus Spinther, moneyer. Simpulum between sacrificial axe and knife / Jug and lituus. Crawford 500/7; HCRI 198; Sydenham 1310; RSC 6. Choice XF, minor die-rust as is normal for the issue.
This attractive denarius of M. Junius Brutus and his quaestor, P. Lentulus Spinther, was struck in Smyrna in 42 B.C. as part of the preparations for war with the second triumvirate of Mark Antony, Octavian, and Marcus Lepidus. After his involvement in the murder of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March, 44 B.C., Brutus fled to Crete and then to Asia Minor, where he assembled forces for the showdown at Philippi in 42 B.C. Brutus and his colleagues were defeated in the battle. Instead of fleeing, Brutus chose to fall on his own sword.
This attractive denarius of M. Junius Brutus and his quaestor, P. Lentulus Spinther, was struck in Smyrna in 42 B.C. as part of the preparations for war with the second triumvirate of Mark Antony, Octavian, and Marcus Lepidus. After his involvement in the murder of Julius Caesar on the Ides of March, 44 B.C., Brutus fled to Crete and then to Asia Minor, where he assembled forces for the showdown at Philippi in 42 B.C. Brutus and his colleagues were defeated in the battle. Instead of fleeing, Brutus chose to fall on his own sword.
Augustus. 27 B.C.-A.D. 14. AR denarius, (20 mm, 3.85 g, 6 h). Lugdunum, 2 B.C.-4 A.D. Laureate head of Augustus right / Gaius and Lucius Caesars standing facing, holding shields and spears; above, lituus and simpulum. RIC 210; BMC 540; RSC 43c. Choice XF NGC, brushed.
Tiberius. A.D. 14-37. AV aureus, (20 mm, 7.66 g, 10 h). Lugdunum, ca. A.D. 16-37. Laureate head of Tiberius right / Livia, as Pax, seated right, holding olive-branch and scepter; chair with ornate legs, feet resting on footstool. RIC 27; BMC 46; Calicó 305c; Cohen 15. Good VF, well centered and attractive.
In sharp contrast to the profusion of coin types issued by his predecessor Augustus, the coinage of Tiberius is immensely conservative, in gold and silver comprising only two different designs issued over the entirety of his 23-year reign. The types here-Tiberius' laureate portrait backed with a seated female holding a scepter and branch, usually described as Livia portraying Pax-are identical to the motifs found on the silver denarius commonly called the "Tribute Penny" for its supposed role in the famous "shall we pay tribute to Caesar" scene depicted in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Roman system, a gold aureus was worth 25 silver denarii, representing enormous purchasing power. During Tiberius' reign, a low-ranking Roman soldier's annual salary was only 225 denarii or nine gold aurei. In modern terms, a single aureus was thus the equivalent of a $500 to $1,000 bill.
In sharp contrast to the profusion of coin types issued by his predecessor Augustus, the coinage of Tiberius is immensely conservative, in gold and silver comprising only two different designs issued over the entirety of his 23-year reign. The types here-Tiberius' laureate portrait backed with a seated female holding a scepter and branch, usually described as Livia portraying Pax-are identical to the motifs found on the silver denarius commonly called the "Tribute Penny" for its supposed role in the famous "shall we pay tribute to Caesar" scene depicted in the Gospel of Matthew. In the Roman system, a gold aureus was worth 25 silver denarii, representing enormous purchasing power. During Tiberius' reign, a low-ranking Roman soldier's annual salary was only 225 denarii or nine gold aurei. In modern terms, a single aureus was thus the equivalent of a $500 to $1,000 bill.
Tiberius. A.D. 14-37. AV aureus, (20 mm, 7.54 g, 3 h). Lugdunum, ca. A.D. 16-37. Laureate head of Tiberius right / Livia, as Pax, seated right, holding olive-branch and scepter; chair with ornate legs, feet resting on footstool. RIC 27; BMC 46; Calicó 305c; Cohen 15. Good VF, scratches in field of obverse behind head.
Gaius Caligula, with Divus Augustus. A.D. 37-41. AR denarius, (18 mm, 3.77 g, 9 h). Lugdunum, A.D. 37/8. Laureate head of Gaius Caligula right / Radiate head of Divus Augustus right. RIC 16; BMC 17; RSC 2. Choice XF, wonderful old collection toning.
Ex NAC 33 (5 April 2006), 423.
This denarius is notable for the joint depiction of the emperor Gaius Caligula and Divus Augustus. In an attempt to win public approval, Caligula tried to distance himself from the memory of Tiberius, his uncle and despised predecessor. Instead, he emphasized his connection to the favorable memory of Augustus. In addition to this coin series, Caligula also associated himself with Augustus by burying the bones of his mother and sister in the Mausoleum of Augustus. Caligula, however, lacked the political acumen of the original Augustus and suffered from bouts of insanity. This led to his alienation of both the Senate and the Praetorian Guard, and finally his assassination in A.D. 41.
Ex NAC 33 (5 April 2006), 423.
This denarius is notable for the joint depiction of the emperor Gaius Caligula and Divus Augustus. In an attempt to win public approval, Caligula tried to distance himself from the memory of Tiberius, his uncle and despised predecessor. Instead, he emphasized his connection to the favorable memory of Augustus. In addition to this coin series, Caligula also associated himself with Augustus by burying the bones of his mother and sister in the Mausoleum of Augustus. Caligula, however, lacked the political acumen of the original Augustus and suffered from bouts of insanity. This led to his alienation of both the Senate and the Praetorian Guard, and finally his assassination in A.D. 41.
Gaius Caligula, with Divus Augustus. A.D. 37-41. AR denarius, (19 mm, 3.48 g, 3 h). Lugdunum, A.D. 37/8. Laureate head of Gaius Caligula right / Radiate head of Divus Augustus right. RIC 16; BMC 17; RSC 2. Choice VF, dark toning, some porosity.
Gaius Caligula, with Germanicus. A.D. 37-41. AV aureus, (19 mm, 7.66 g, 10 h). Rome, A.D. 40. Laureate head of Gaius Caligula right / Bare head of Germanicus right. RIC 25; BMC 26; Calicó 324; Cohen 6. Good VF, well centered and good portraits. Rare.
Germanicus, the father of Caligula, was the John F. Kennedy of his generation, enormously popular with the Roman masses for his good looks, impeccable genes, attractive family, and wartime heroics. His untimely death only added to his legend. The grandson of Augustus' wife Livia, Germanicus was so named for his father Drusus's spectacular conquests in Germany during the second decade of Augustus' reign. After the Varian disaster of A.D. 9 had undone most of these conquests, Germanicus took up leadership of a Roman army and rushed to the German frontier to prevent a general collapse. At the death of Augustus in AD 14, the Rhine legions attempted to acclaim Germanicus as Emperor, but he refused the honor and gave his support to his uncle Tiberius. By A.D. 15, Germanicus had built up a formidable army and crossed the Rhine to exact revenge on the traitorous chieftain Arminius, who had led Varus to his doom. Over the course of two excruciatingly difficult campaigns, Germanicus rebuilt Roman prestige and inflicted a seemingly decisive defeat on the Germans at Idistoviso in AD 16. Tiberius, however, recalled him to Rome, allowing eastern Germany to once again slip from Roman control. Germanicus received a rapturous welcome and seemed clearly marked out as heir apparent; however, during a diplomatic mission to the East in AD 19, Germanicus fell ill and died under highly suspicious circumstances. Wags blamed the jealous Tiberius, acting through his agent G. Calpurnius Piso, governor of Syria. A show trial of Piso, which ended in his suicide, failed to alleviate suspicion, and Germanicus' widow Agrippina became the locus of resistance to the regime. She and her sons Drusus and Nero accordingly suffered persecution and death; only the youngest son, Caligula, survived. He, alas, proved a most unworthy son to a great father, but that is another story.
Germanicus, the father of Caligula, was the John F. Kennedy of his generation, enormously popular with the Roman masses for his good looks, impeccable genes, attractive family, and wartime heroics. His untimely death only added to his legend. The grandson of Augustus' wife Livia, Germanicus was so named for his father Drusus's spectacular conquests in Germany during the second decade of Augustus' reign. After the Varian disaster of A.D. 9 had undone most of these conquests, Germanicus took up leadership of a Roman army and rushed to the German frontier to prevent a general collapse. At the death of Augustus in AD 14, the Rhine legions attempted to acclaim Germanicus as Emperor, but he refused the honor and gave his support to his uncle Tiberius. By A.D. 15, Germanicus had built up a formidable army and crossed the Rhine to exact revenge on the traitorous chieftain Arminius, who had led Varus to his doom. Over the course of two excruciatingly difficult campaigns, Germanicus rebuilt Roman prestige and inflicted a seemingly decisive defeat on the Germans at Idistoviso in AD 16. Tiberius, however, recalled him to Rome, allowing eastern Germany to once again slip from Roman control. Germanicus received a rapturous welcome and seemed clearly marked out as heir apparent; however, during a diplomatic mission to the East in AD 19, Germanicus fell ill and died under highly suspicious circumstances. Wags blamed the jealous Tiberius, acting through his agent G. Calpurnius Piso, governor of Syria. A show trial of Piso, which ended in his suicide, failed to alleviate suspicion, and Germanicus' widow Agrippina became the locus of resistance to the regime. She and her sons Drusus and Nero accordingly suffered persecution and death; only the youngest son, Caligula, survived. He, alas, proved a most unworthy son to a great father, but that is another story.
Claudius. A.D. 41-54. AE sestertius, (35 mm, 27.29 g, 6 h). Rome. Laureate head of Claudius right / Spes advancing left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt. RIC 115; BMC 192; Cohen 85. Good VF, brown patina, roughness on reverse. Of particularly fine style.
In addition to a superb portrait of the fourth Julio-Claudian emperor, this coin sports an extremely detailed depiction of Spes. The latter is almost archaizing in its style and reminiscent of sculptural terracottas known from Etruria. It is tempting to imagine that this style was chosen for the personification of Hope out of deference to Caludius' well-known taste for antiquarianism. In addition to a controversial history of Augustus' reign and a book on dice playing, Claudius is known to have written a history of Etruria as well as an Etruscan dictionary.
In addition to a superb portrait of the fourth Julio-Claudian emperor, this coin sports an extremely detailed depiction of Spes. The latter is almost archaizing in its style and reminiscent of sculptural terracottas known from Etruria. It is tempting to imagine that this style was chosen for the personification of Hope out of deference to Caludius' well-known taste for antiquarianism. In addition to a controversial history of Augustus' reign and a book on dice playing, Claudius is known to have written a history of Etruria as well as an Etruscan dictionary.
Nero. As Caesar, A.D. 50-54. AV aureus, (18 mm, 7.58 g, 7 h). Rome. Draped bust of Nero left, exhibiting adult features / Priestly implements: simpulum and lituus above tripod and patera. RIC -; BMC -; Calicó 441b; Cohen -. VF, a few scratches and edge marks.
Nero. A.D. 54-68. AE semis, (17 mm, 4.12 g, 6 h). Rome, ca. A.D. 64. Laureate head of Nero right / Roma seated left on cuirass, holding wreath and parazonium. RIC 223; WCN 315; BMC 280; Cohen -. Choice XF, dark brown patina.
Galba. A.D. 68-69. AR denarius, (18 mm, 3.56 g, 6 h). Rome, A.D. 68. Bare head of Galba right / Legend in three lines within oak-wreath. RIC 167; BMC 34 corr.; RSC 287. XF, light iridescent toning, small area of scratches in field on reverse.
Servius Sulpicius Galba had served in various capacities under Caligula and Claudius and was virtually retired through most of the reign of Nero until he received command of the province of Hispania Tarraconensis. With Nero's suicide in A.D. 68, Galba assumed the title of Caesar and marched on Rome in October of that year. There he became ensconced as the first emperor of the notorius Year of the Four Emperors (A.D. 69). However, his austere fiscal program, which included a refusal to pay the praetorian guard for their support, resulted in wide unpopularity. In January of A.D. 69, the guard refused to swear loyalty to Galba and supported a bid for power by M. Salvius Otho in his place. During a pitched battle in Rome between the forces of Otho and Galba, the latter was killed. Over one-hundred different individuals claimed to have struck Galba's death blow in attempts to gain the favor of Otho. Their names were placed on a list, which is said to have fallen into the hands of Vitellius after he overthrew Otho. All of Galba's supposed killers were executed.
Servius Sulpicius Galba had served in various capacities under Caligula and Claudius and was virtually retired through most of the reign of Nero until he received command of the province of Hispania Tarraconensis. With Nero's suicide in A.D. 68, Galba assumed the title of Caesar and marched on Rome in October of that year. There he became ensconced as the first emperor of the notorius Year of the Four Emperors (A.D. 69). However, his austere fiscal program, which included a refusal to pay the praetorian guard for their support, resulted in wide unpopularity. In January of A.D. 69, the guard refused to swear loyalty to Galba and supported a bid for power by M. Salvius Otho in his place. During a pitched battle in Rome between the forces of Otho and Galba, the latter was killed. Over one-hundred different individuals claimed to have struck Galba's death blow in attempts to gain the favor of Otho. Their names were placed on a list, which is said to have fallen into the hands of Vitellius after he overthrew Otho. All of Galba's supposed killers were executed.
Titus. A.D. 79-81. AR denarius, (18 mm, 3.35 g, 5 h). Rome, A.D. 79. Laureate head of Titus right / Slow quadriga carrying grain ears left. RIC 8; BMC p. 224, * (b); RSC 276. XF, minor roughness. Ex Freeman & Sear 8 (5 February 2003), 445.
The curious reverse type has been described by Laffranchi as depicting a quadriga carrying a modius of grain ears in a procession honoring the agricultural goddess Ceres, although the object in the car does look more like a flower (the lily of defeated Jerusalem?). The general type appears to be derived from issues of the Augustan moneyers L. Aquilius Florus and M. Durmius.
The curious reverse type has been described by Laffranchi as depicting a quadriga carrying a modius of grain ears in a procession honoring the agricultural goddess Ceres, although the object in the car does look more like a flower (the lily of defeated Jerusalem?). The general type appears to be derived from issues of the Augustan moneyers L. Aquilius Florus and M. Durmius.
Titus. A.D. 79-81. AR denarius, (18 mm, 3.53 g, 6 h). Rome, A.D. 80. Laureate head right / Filleted tripod surmounted by dolphin, wreath and two eagles. RIC 128; BMC 78; RSC 321. XF, perfect centering and good metal.
Trajan. A.D. 98-117. AR cistophorus, (26 mm, 10.95 g, 6 h). Rome, for use in Asia(?), A.D. 98. Laureate bust right, wearing aegis / Bundle of six wheat ears. Cf. RIC 717 (no aegis); cf. BMC 710 (same); RSC 607a. Toned XF. Ex CNG 57 (28 March 2001), 1202.
The cistophoric tetradrachm, or cistophorus, was a denomination inherited by the Romans from the Attalid kingdom, which included much of western Anatolia and was bequeathed to the Roman people in 133 B.C. It received its name from the usual depiction of a cista mystica, a type of ritual basket, on the obverse. The denomination continued to be issued by the Roman administrators of the province of Asia in the republican and imperial periods, but under the Empire the traditional typology had largely disappeared. In its stead appeared the imperial portrait on the obverse and various reverse types referring either to the agricultural wealth of the province (as here) or to local cults.
The cistophoric tetradrachm, or cistophorus, was a denomination inherited by the Romans from the Attalid kingdom, which included much of western Anatolia and was bequeathed to the Roman people in 133 B.C. It received its name from the usual depiction of a cista mystica, a type of ritual basket, on the obverse. The denomination continued to be issued by the Roman administrators of the province of Asia in the republican and imperial periods, but under the Empire the traditional typology had largely disappeared. In its stead appeared the imperial portrait on the obverse and various reverse types referring either to the agricultural wealth of the province (as here) or to local cults.
Trajan. A.D. 98-117. AR cistophorus, (24 mm, 10.79 g, 6 h). Rome, for use in Asia(?), A.D. 98. Laureate head of Trajan right / Legionary eagle between two standards. RIC 719; BMC p. 146, *; RSC 608. Good VF, light iridescent toning. Ex CNG 57 (28 March 2001), 1205.
Trajan. A.D. 98-117. AE sestertius, (31 mm, 22.96 g, 6 h). Rome, ca. A.D. 112-115. Laureate bust of Trajan right, slight drapery on far shoulder / Female (Via Traiana) reclining left, head turned to right, resting elbow on rock, supporting wheel balanced on knee and holding branch. RIC 636; BMC 986; cf. Cohen 649. Good VF, black patina. An historically important type.
This coin is remarkable for the reverse personification of a road. The Via Traiana Nova - not to be confused with the Via Traiana in Italy - leading from Syria to Egypt was constructed to replace the ancient King's Highway as part of the infrastructure necessary for Trajan's major offensive against the Parthian Empire. This new highway was critical for moving troops to the eastern front during later Roman wars with the Parthians and Sasanians, and for policing troubled areas like Judaea. In later times, the Via Traiana Nova became a major pilgrimage route for Christians traveling to Jerusalem and Moslems traveling to Mecca.
This coin is remarkable for the reverse personification of a road. The Via Traiana Nova - not to be confused with the Via Traiana in Italy - leading from Syria to Egypt was constructed to replace the ancient King's Highway as part of the infrastructure necessary for Trajan's major offensive against the Parthian Empire. This new highway was critical for moving troops to the eastern front during later Roman wars with the Parthians and Sasanians, and for policing troubled areas like Judaea. In later times, the Via Traiana Nova became a major pilgrimage route for Christians traveling to Jerusalem and Moslems traveling to Mecca.
Antoninus Pius. A.D. 138-161. AE as, (27 mm, 10.43 g, 12 h). Rome, A.D. 145-161. Laureate head of Antoninus Pius right / Legend in four lines within oak wreath. RIC 827a; BMC 1762; Cohen 791. Superb XF, dark green patina.
Diva Faustina I. Died A.D. 140/1. AV aureus, (20 mm, 6.99 g, 1 h). Rome, after ca. A.D. 146. Draped bust of Faustina I right / Fortuna standing left, holding patera and rudder on globe. RIC 349a; BMC 371-2; Calicó 1743c; Cohen 2. AU NGC, obverse scuff.
Diva Faustina I. Died A.D. 140/1. AV aureus, (20 mm, 7.21 g, 6 h). Rome, after ca. A.D. 146. Draped bust of Faustina I right / Ceres, veiled, standing left, holding torch and scepter. RIC 356a; BMC 395-7; Calicó 1763b; Cohen 95. Choice XF.
Faustina II. Augusta, A.D. 147-175. AV aureus, (19 mm, 7.12 g, 12 h). Rome, ca. A.D. 170-175/6. Draped bust of Faustina II right / Cybele seated right, resting arm on arm of throne and holding tympanum on knee; at side, lion seated right. RIC 704 (Aurelius); BMC 132; Calicó 2071; Cohen 168. XF45 ICG.
NOTE: The ICG holder has a crack on the reverse which is evident in the photo. The crack is not on the coin itself.
NOTE: The ICG holder has a crack on the reverse which is evident in the photo. The crack is not on the coin itself.
Pescennius Niger. A.D. 193-194. AR denarius, (18 mm, 2.53 g, 6 h). Antioch. Laureate head of Pescennius Niger right / Salus standing right, feeding serpent held in arms; at her feet, altar. Cf. RIC 77 (SALVTI); cf. BMC p. 80, note (same); cf. RSC 68. Toned, good VF.
Pescennius Niger served as governor of Syria during 193, the Year of the Five Emperors, which saw the Roman Empire torn by Civil War following the murder of Commodus. Following the death of Pertinax and the auctioning of the imperial title by Didius Julianus in Rome, the eastern legions proclaimed Niger emperor and began to march on Rome, while Clodius Albinus and Septimius Severus were similarly elevated by the legions in Britain and Germany. Severus reached Rome first and then moved against Niger, defeating his army first at Cyzicus and Nicaea (A.D. 193), and then decisively at Issus (A.D. 194). Realizing his hopes for the imperial purple had come to nothing, Niger attempted to flee to the Parthians, but was overtaken and executed.
Pescennius Niger served as governor of Syria during 193, the Year of the Five Emperors, which saw the Roman Empire torn by Civil War following the murder of Commodus. Following the death of Pertinax and the auctioning of the imperial title by Didius Julianus in Rome, the eastern legions proclaimed Niger emperor and began to march on Rome, while Clodius Albinus and Septimius Severus were similarly elevated by the legions in Britain and Germany. Severus reached Rome first and then moved against Niger, defeating his army first at Cyzicus and Nicaea (A.D. 193), and then decisively at Issus (A.D. 194). Realizing his hopes for the imperial purple had come to nothing, Niger attempted to flee to the Parthians, but was overtaken and executed.
Macrinus. A.D. 217-218. AR denarius, (20 mm, 3.00 g, 6 h). Rome. Laureate and draped bust of Macrinus right / Providentia standing left, holding wand over globe and cornucopiae. RIC 80; BMC 73; RSC 108. XF, light surface granularity. Ex Lanz 109 (27 May 2002), 657.
Macrinus served as a bureaucrat under Septimius Severus and became prefect of the praetorian guard under Caracalla. During the preparations for the latter's Parthian campaign, Macrinus engineered the murder of Caracalla and had himself proclaimed emperor. His son, Diadumenian was also made Caesar. Although Macrinus was accepted by the Senate, his military failure against the Parthians, lack of concern for Rome, and the plots of surviving members of the Severan family created discontent. After a reign of only fourteen months he was overthrown and killed by the legions loyal to Elagabalus, a cousin of Caracalla.
Macrinus served as a bureaucrat under Septimius Severus and became prefect of the praetorian guard under Caracalla. During the preparations for the latter's Parthian campaign, Macrinus engineered the murder of Caracalla and had himself proclaimed emperor. His son, Diadumenian was also made Caesar. Although Macrinus was accepted by the Senate, his military failure against the Parthians, lack of concern for Rome, and the plots of surviving members of the Severan family created discontent. After a reign of only fourteen months he was overthrown and killed by the legions loyal to Elagabalus, a cousin of Caracalla.
Severus Alexander. A.D. 222-235. AE sestertius, (31 mm, 24.47 g, 12 h). Rome. Laureate bust of Severus Alexander right, drapery on far shoulder / Mars advancing right, holding trophy over shoulder and carrying spear. RIC 626; BMC 524; Cohen 591. XF, mottled green patina with flecks of red-brown. Ex Freeman & Sear 5 (14 May 1999), 469.
Balbinus. A.D. 238. AR double denarius, (22 mm, 4.34 g, 6 h). Rome. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Balbinus right / Clasped hands. RIC 11; BMC 71; RSC 6. Nearly XF. Ex CNG 61 (25 September 2002), 2017.
Philip I. A.D. 244-249. AE sestertius, (29 mm, 21.27 g, 12 h). Rome, A.D. 246. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Philip I right / Annona standing left, holding grain ears over modius at feet, and cornucopiae. RIC 168a; Cohen 26. Superb XF, green patina. Wonderful portrait.
Philip I, nicknamed "the Arab" for the Arabian origin of his family, rose to prominence as a praetorian guard under the Syrian emperor Severus Alexander. In A.D. 243 he was the praetorian prefect during the disastrous campaign of Gordian III against the Sasanian Empire, and when Gordian was killed (either in battle or by assassination), Philip claimed the imperial purple. He was initially supported by the eastern legions and recognized by the Senate, but his reign was troubled by Germanic invasions and multiple rebellions by the Roman armies. At last, in A.D. 249, the discontented Danubian legions proclaimed Trajan Decius as emperor and pressed his claims in Italy. Philip was killed in battle near Verona. The Arab emperor is remembered in early Christian literature as tolerant and sometimes even considered a crypto-Christian.
Philip I, nicknamed "the Arab" for the Arabian origin of his family, rose to prominence as a praetorian guard under the Syrian emperor Severus Alexander. In A.D. 243 he was the praetorian prefect during the disastrous campaign of Gordian III against the Sasanian Empire, and when Gordian was killed (either in battle or by assassination), Philip claimed the imperial purple. He was initially supported by the eastern legions and recognized by the Senate, but his reign was troubled by Germanic invasions and multiple rebellions by the Roman armies. At last, in A.D. 249, the discontented Danubian legions proclaimed Trajan Decius as emperor and pressed his claims in Italy. Philip was killed in battle near Verona. The Arab emperor is remembered in early Christian literature as tolerant and sometimes even considered a crypto-Christian.
Trajan Decius. A.D. 249-251. AE double sestertius, (36 mm, 40.48 g, 12 h). Rome, A.D. 250. Radiate and cuirassed bust of Trajan Decius right / Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and cornucopiae. RIC 115a; Cohen 39. XF, dark green patina with flecks of red. Ex Sotheby's (July 1996), 149; MMAG 72 (6 October 1987), 754.
This stunning example of the double sestertius struck under Trajan Decius represents a dramatic, but ultimately doomed, attempt to deal with the spiraling inflation of the third century A.D. Under Decius, the double denarius had its silver content reduced to that of a Severan denarius so that he could restrike old denarii as double denarii. He similarly doubled the notational value of the gold aureus. In order to raise the value of circulating bronze asses, Decius issued double sestertii so that the value of the as could be raised to that of the sestertius.
This stunning example of the double sestertius struck under Trajan Decius represents a dramatic, but ultimately doomed, attempt to deal with the spiraling inflation of the third century A.D. Under Decius, the double denarius had its silver content reduced to that of a Severan denarius so that he could restrike old denarii as double denarii. He similarly doubled the notational value of the gold aureus. In order to raise the value of circulating bronze asses, Decius issued double sestertii so that the value of the as could be raised to that of the sestertius.
Carus. A.D. 282-283. AE double aurelianianus, (23 mm, 5.36 g, 6 h). Siscia, A.D. 282. DEO ET DOMINO CARO AVG, radiate and draped bust of Sol right, vis à vis radiate and cuirassed bust of Carus left / Felicitas standing facing, head left, holding branch and scepter, resting elbow on column beside her; XI. RIC 99. XF, dark green-brown patina, light porosity. Extremely rare.
This issue of Carus is notable for the use of the full obverse titulature referring to the emperor as Deus et Dominus ("God and Lord"). The first emperor to claim this title was Domitian in the first century A.D., and at the time it was seen as a sign of his increasing megalomania, but by the third century it was not uncommonly used to advertise the absolute authority and divinity of the emperor at a time when the emperor's godhead was being challenged by early Christianity. Recognition of the emperor's divinity through an act of sacrifice was a standard test of loyalty and a means of identifying Christians during the various persecutions of the third century.
This issue of Carus is notable for the use of the full obverse titulature referring to the emperor as Deus et Dominus ("God and Lord"). The first emperor to claim this title was Domitian in the first century A.D., and at the time it was seen as a sign of his increasing megalomania, but by the third century it was not uncommonly used to advertise the absolute authority and divinity of the emperor at a time when the emperor's godhead was being challenged by early Christianity. Recognition of the emperor's divinity through an act of sacrifice was a standard test of loyalty and a means of identifying Christians during the various persecutions of the third century.
Diocletian. A.D. 284-305. AV aureus, (19 mm, 5.36 g, 12 h). Nicomedia, A.D. 294. Laureate head of Diocletian right / Jupiter standing left, holding thunderbolt and scepter; SMN. RIC 5a; Lukanc p. 127, 15 corr.; Calicó 4506; Depeyrot 2/4. Superb XF, fully lustrous. A magnificent aureus!
Maximianus. First reign, A.D. 286-305. AR argenteus, (19 mm, 3.29 g, 12 h). Ticinum, ca. A.D. 294/5. Laureate head of Maximianus right / The four tetrarchs sacrificing over tripod before camp gate with six turrets. RIC 18b; Jelocnik 32; RSC 622d. XF, lustrous.
Constantius I. A.D. 305-306. AR argenteus, (19 mm, 3.15 g, 12 h). Serdica. Laureate head of Constantius I right / Camp gate with three turrets; ·SM·SD(Delta)·. RIC 11a; G. Gautier, "Le monnayage d'argent de Serdica après la réforme de Dioclétien," RN XXXIII (1991), 25; RSC 304A. XF, small die breaks on reverse, lustrous. Rare issue struck after Constantius I became senior emperor.
Constantine I. A.D. 307/10-337. AV solidus, (17 mm, 4.09 g, 6 h). Rome, A.D. 312. Laureate head of Constantine I right / Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm; at her feet to left, bound captive seated left, head turned to look back; PR. RIC 285a, pl. 7 (same rev. die); Depeyrot 17/9. XF, lustrous, a few scattered marks. Extremely rare - Depeyrot records just two specimens.
This piece, struck at Rome almost immediately after Constantine's defeat of Maxentius at Milvian Bridge in AD 312, celebrates that signal event with its depiction of Victory with an enemy captive at her feet. As one of the earliest issues of the new denomination termed the solidus, the dies were likely engraved by the same master celator Maxentius had employed for his magnificent aurei and medallions. The powerful profile of Constantine, while somewhat idealized, shows a sharp reversion to realism after the almost generic portraits of the Tetrarchs.
This piece, struck at Rome almost immediately after Constantine's defeat of Maxentius at Milvian Bridge in AD 312, celebrates that signal event with its depiction of Victory with an enemy captive at her feet. As one of the earliest issues of the new denomination termed the solidus, the dies were likely engraved by the same master celator Maxentius had employed for his magnificent aurei and medallions. The powerful profile of Constantine, while somewhat idealized, shows a sharp reversion to realism after the almost generic portraits of the Tetrarchs.
Valentinian I. A.D. 364-375. AV Solidus, (20 mm, 11 h). Rome. Diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right / Emperor standing right, holding labarum and Victory on globe, in exergue ANTΘ. Extremely Fine NGC. Ex Eliasberg.
Theodosius II. A.D. 402-450. AV solidus, (22 mm, 4.48 g, 5 h). Constantinople, A.D. 443-450. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Theodosius II facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / Constantinopolis enthroned left, resting left foot on prow, holding globus cruciger and scepter; in left field, star; COMOB. RIC 313; Depeyrot 84/1. Choice AU NGC.
Marcian. A.D. 450-457. AV solidus, (21 mm, 6 h). Constantinople. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Marcian facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross; in right field, star; Z//CONOB. RIC 510; Depeyrot 87/1. Choice UNC NGC.
Leo I. A.D. 457-474. AV solidus, (20 mm, 4.48 g, 6 h). Constantinople, A.D. 462-466. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Leo I facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross; in right field, star; A//CONOB. RIC 605; Depeyrot 93/1. Choice AU NGC.
Leo I. A.D. 457-474. AV solidus, (21 mm, 4.48 g, 6 h). Constantinople, A.D. 462-466. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Leo I facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross; in right field, star; (Delta)//CONOB. RIC 605; Depeyrot 93/1. Choice MS NGC.
Leo I. A.D. 457-474. AV solidus, (20 mm, 4.48 g, 6 h). Constantinople, A.D. 462-466. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Leo I facing slightly right, holding spear and shield with horseman motif / Victory standing left, holding long jeweled cross; in right field, star; (Delta)//CONOB. RIC 605; Depeyrot 93/1. MS NGC.
Vandals. Hilderic. 523-530. AR 50 denarii, (15 mm, 1.30 g, 11 h). Carthage. Diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of Hilderic right / Carthage standing facing, holding grain ears in each hand. MEC 21-2; BMC Vandals 3. Toned, nearly XF, short flan crack and a couple of small spots of porosity, otherwise very nice for the issue.
Hilderic ruled as the penultimate king of the Vandals and Alans in North Africa and provided the pretext for the Byzantine invasion under Justinian I that brought the Vandal kingdom crashing down. Perhaps influenced by his mother, Eudocia, a daughter of the Western Roman Emperor Valentinian III, Hilderic broke with the religious policies of his Vandal predecessors and promoted Catholicism in opposition to the Arian form of Christianity traditionally embraced by his people. Offended by these developments, the Arian nobility revolted and replaced Hilderic with a certain Gelimer, who placed the former king in chains. Upon learning of Hilderic's fate, the Catholic Justinian I demanded his reinstatement, but was rebuffed and Gelimer ordered the execution of Hilderic. In response, in 534, Justinian dispatched his able general Belisarius to crush Gelimer and restore the territory of Vandal North Africa to the Byzantine Empire.
Hilderic ruled as the penultimate king of the Vandals and Alans in North Africa and provided the pretext for the Byzantine invasion under Justinian I that brought the Vandal kingdom crashing down. Perhaps influenced by his mother, Eudocia, a daughter of the Western Roman Emperor Valentinian III, Hilderic broke with the religious policies of his Vandal predecessors and promoted Catholicism in opposition to the Arian form of Christianity traditionally embraced by his people. Offended by these developments, the Arian nobility revolted and replaced Hilderic with a certain Gelimer, who placed the former king in chains. Upon learning of Hilderic's fate, the Catholic Justinian I demanded his reinstatement, but was rebuffed and Gelimer ordered the execution of Hilderic. In response, in 534, Justinian dispatched his able general Belisarius to crush Gelimer and restore the territory of Vandal North Africa to the Byzantine Empire.
Justin I. 518-527. AV solidus, (21 mm, 4.45 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 519-527. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justin I facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / Angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; in right field, star; Z//CONOB. DOC 2g; SB 56. Choice MS NGC.
Justin I. 518-527. AV solidus, (20 mm, 4.49 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 519-527. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justin I facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / Angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; in right field, star; I//CONOB. DOC 2i; SB 56. MS NGC.
Justinian I. 527-565. AV solidus, (22 mm, 4.39 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 527-538. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / Victory standing facing, holding long jewelled cross and globus cruciger; in right field, star; I//CONOB. DOC 3i; SB 137. Choice AU NGC, mark in obverse field.
Justinian I. 527-565. AV solidus, (21 mm, 4.45 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 527-538. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / Victory standing facing, holding long jewelled cross and globus cruciger; in right field, star; I//CONOB. DOC 3i; SB 137. Choice XF NGC.
Justinian I. 527-565. AV solidus, (22 mm, 4.41 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 538-545. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing slightly right, holding globus cruciger and shield with horseman motif / Victory standing facing, holding long jewelled cross and globus cruciger; in right field, star; (Theta)//CONOB. DOC 8g; SB 139. MS NGC, die shift.
Justinian I. 527-565. AV solidus, (21 mm, 4.45 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 538-545. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justinian I facing slightly right, holding globus cruciger and shield with horseman motif / Victory standing facing, holding long jewelled cross and globus cruciger; in right field, star; I//CONOB. DOC 8h; SB 139. MS NGC, deposits.
Heraclius. 610-641. AV solidus, (19 mm, 4.46 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 639(?)-641. Heraclius, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas standing facing, each holding globus cruciger / Cross potent on three steps; in left field, monogram; in right field, E; (Delta)//CONOB. DOC 44c; SB 770. AU NGC.
Justinian II. First reign, 685-695. AV solidus, (19 mm, 4.29 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 692-695. Facing bust of Christ, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels; behind, cross / Justinian II standing facing, holding cross potent on three steps; at end of legend, vertical (Delta); CO-NO-P. DOC 7d; SB 1248. Good VF, clipped.
The portrait of Christ on the obverse of this solidus is the first numismatic representation of Jesus, and immediately followed the ruling of the Trullan Synod of 692 that Christ should be depicted in human form.
The portrait of Christ on the obverse of this solidus is the first numismatic representation of Jesus, and immediately followed the ruling of the Trullan Synod of 692 that Christ should be depicted in human form.
Justinian II. First reign, 685-695. AV solidus, (19 mm, 4.37 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 692-695. Facing bust of Christ, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels; behind, cross / Justinian II standing facing, holding cross potent on three steps; [CO-NO-P](?). Cf. DOC 7; SB 1248. Good VF, lightly clipped.
Romanus I Lecapenus and Constantine VII Porphyrogenitus. 920-959. AV solidus, (22 mm, 4.45 g, 5 h). Constantinople, 921. Nimbate Christ enthroned facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Facing busts of Romanus I, on left, and Constantine VII, on right, holding patriarchal cross between them. DOC 4.1; SB 1746. Good VF, a hint of toning around the lettering and devices. Very rare. Ex Christov Family Collection; CNG 54 (14 June 2000), 1928.
This rare and extremely attractive solidus was struck during the co-rule of Constantine VII and his regent Romanus I. In order to save the young Constantine from the domination of the Bulgarian Tsar Symeon, Romanus I, commander of the Byzantine fleet, was appointed his regent in a palace revolution in Constantinople. Romanus skillfully defended against repeated Bulgarian attacks, but once Symeon died in 927 and the Bulgarian Empire began to collapse, he attempted to advance his own sons at the expense of Constantine. In 944, the children of Romanus deposed their own father, but were in turn dethroned by Constantine VII, who then ruled alone and with his son, Romanus II, until 959. This coin is likely to have been struck in connection with the Bulgarian wars of Romanus I.
This rare and extremely attractive solidus was struck during the co-rule of Constantine VII and his regent Romanus I. In order to save the young Constantine from the domination of the Bulgarian Tsar Symeon, Romanus I, commander of the Byzantine fleet, was appointed his regent in a palace revolution in Constantinople. Romanus skillfully defended against repeated Bulgarian attacks, but once Symeon died in 927 and the Bulgarian Empire began to collapse, he attempted to advance his own sons at the expense of Constantine. In 944, the children of Romanus deposed their own father, but were in turn dethroned by Constantine VII, who then ruled alone and with his son, Romanus II, until 959. This coin is likely to have been struck in connection with the Bulgarian wars of Romanus I.
Constantine IX Monomachus. 1042-1055. AV histamenon nomisma, (28 mm, 4.40 g, 6 h). Constantinople. Nimbate bust of Christ facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Crowned facing bust of Constantine IX, holding long cross and globus cruciger. DOC 3; SB 1830. Choice AU NGC.
Constantine IX Monomachus. 1042-1055. AR miliaresion, (29 mm, 2.86 g, 6 h). Constantinople. The Virgin standing facing on footstool, orans / Constantine IX standing facing, holding long cross and resting hand on hilt of sheathed sword. DOC 7a; SB 1834. Choice AU NGC.
Constantine X Ducas. 1059-1067. AV histamenon nomisma, (25 mm, 4.45 g, 6 h). Constantinople. Nimbate Christ enthroned facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Constantine X standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger. DOC 1a; SB 1847. AU NGC, scratches.
Empire of Trebizond. Andronicus I Gidon. 1222-1235. AR aspron trachy, (24 mm, 2.48 g, 6 h). The Virgin standing facing, placing hand on chest and extending the other in a gesture of benediction / Christ Chalkites, nimbate, standing facing, placing hand on chest and holding Gospels. Cf. S. Bendall, "An Early Coinage of the 'Empire' of Trebizond?" NCirc CX.3 (June 2002), 1 = DOC IV pl. XXXVII, El. 1; SB 2148 (uncertain of Nicaea). Good VF, small spot of encrustation on edge. Very rare.
Although traditionally attributed to Andronicus I Comnenus, the work of Simon Bendall has shown that this aspron trachy was struck by Andronicus I Gidon, the Emperor of Trebizond. The Empire of Trebizond was established by Alexius I Comnenus after the Crusaders seized Constantinople and much of Greece in 1204. However, Andronicus I Gidon appears to have been the first ruler of Trebizond to strike coins.
Although traditionally attributed to Andronicus I Comnenus, the work of Simon Bendall has shown that this aspron trachy was struck by Andronicus I Gidon, the Emperor of Trebizond. The Empire of Trebizond was established by Alexius I Comnenus after the Crusaders seized Constantinople and much of Greece in 1204. However, Andronicus I Gidon appears to have been the first ruler of Trebizond to strike coins.
India, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Ca. A.D. 100-127/8. AV double dinar, (24 mm, 15.93 g, 12 h). Mint A. Diademed and crowned half-length bust of Vima Kadphises left, arising from on clouds, holding mace-scepter; in left field, tamgha / Ithyphallic Siva, nimbate, standing facing, head left, holding trident and resting arm on the Nandi bull standing to right behind, head facing; in left field, Buddhist Triratana. Göbl 12 (O-/R12A, obv. die not recorded). Superb XF, well centered and struck. Extremely rare.
Most of the gold for Kushan coins is thought to have come from the Silk Road trade, which saw a flow of Roman gold aurei to Central Asia and India to buy luxury goods. These Roman gold coins were then melted down and restruck with Kushan types. At one point the movement of gold coinage out of the Roman Empire to the east was so great that it contributed to a financial crisis during the reign of Tiberius. It is from denarius aureus, the Roman term for a gold coin that the term dinara enters into Central Asian and Indian literature as a term for a gold coin in the Kushan period. This massive double dinar carries similar types to those of the dinar, but is notable for the addition of flames to the shoulders of the king as an outward sign of his divinity and the presence of the Nandi bull behind Siva.
Most of the gold for Kushan coins is thought to have come from the Silk Road trade, which saw a flow of Roman gold aurei to Central Asia and India to buy luxury goods. These Roman gold coins were then melted down and restruck with Kushan types. At one point the movement of gold coinage out of the Roman Empire to the east was so great that it contributed to a financial crisis during the reign of Tiberius. It is from denarius aureus, the Roman term for a gold coin that the term dinara enters into Central Asian and Indian literature as a term for a gold coin in the Kushan period. This massive double dinar carries similar types to those of the dinar, but is notable for the addition of flames to the shoulders of the king as an outward sign of his divinity and the presence of the Nandi bull behind Siva.
India, Kushan Empire. Vima Kadphises. Ca. A.D. 100-127/8. AV dinar, (20 mm, 8.03 g, 12 h). Mint A. Diademed and crowned half-length bust of Vima Kadphises left, arising from on clouds, holding mace-scepter and eagle-headed hilt; in right field, tamgha / Ithyphallic Siva, nimbate, standing facing, head left, holding trident and he-goat skin; in left field, tamgha; in right field, Buddhist Triratana. Göbl 19 (O-/R27, obv. die not recorded). Superb XF, well centered and sharply struck. Very rare.
This gold dinar of Vima Kadphises illustrates the intermingling of Central Asian and Indian cultural traditions on Kushan coinage. On the obverse, Vima Kadphises appears wearing a diadem and tiara or helmet similar to those worn by contemporary Parthian and sub-Parthian rulers and carrying a club. His name and royal title are given in Greek. However, on the reverse, the Indian deity Siva appears as does an inscription in the Kharoshthi script used in northern India. The multicultural and bilingual quality of the coinage follows a custom of the early Kushans ultimately derived from their Indo-Scythian and Indo-Greek predecessors.
This gold dinar of Vima Kadphises illustrates the intermingling of Central Asian and Indian cultural traditions on Kushan coinage. On the obverse, Vima Kadphises appears wearing a diadem and tiara or helmet similar to those worn by contemporary Parthian and sub-Parthian rulers and carrying a club. His name and royal title are given in Greek. However, on the reverse, the Indian deity Siva appears as does an inscription in the Kharoshthi script used in northern India. The multicultural and bilingual quality of the coinage follows a custom of the early Kushans ultimately derived from their Indo-Scythian and Indo-Greek predecessors.
India, Kushan Empire. Vasudeva I. Ca. A.D. 192-225. AV dinar, (20 mm, .7.91 g, 12 h). Mint A. Vasudeva I standing facing, head left, sacrificing over altar to left and holding filleted standard; to left, filleted trident behind / Ithyphallic Siva with three heads standing facing, holding lotus, filleted investiture garland and trident, resting arm on the Nandi bull standing to right behind, head facing; in right field, tamgha; to left of Siva's right leg, three pellets. Göbl 506. Good VF, minor die shift and light deposits.
India, Kushan Empire. Vasishka (as Vaskushana). Ca. A.D. 240-250. AV dinar, (21 mm, 7.91 g, 12 h). Vasishka standing facing, head left, sacrificing over altar to left and holding filleted standard; to left, filleted trident behind; in fields, control marks / Siva, nimbate, standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the Nandi bull standing left; tamgha to upper left. Göbl 630. Good VF.
Kushano-Sasanian Kingdom. Bahram III (Kidara). Ca. A.D. 350-370. AV dinar, (36 mm, 7.73 g, 11 h). Bahram III standing left, flames at shoulders, sacrificing over altar at feet and holding trident; in left field, trident; in right field, tamgha / Siva standing facing, holding diadem and trident; behind, the bull Nandi standing left. Carter 35-6; cf. Cribb 13. Good VF, early obverse die state, roughness on reverse.
Albania
Zog 5 Franga Ari 1926R, KM8.1, MS63 NGC, attractively toned with silvery-gray patina. Scarce and popular world crown. Variety without the star below the bust.
Zog 5 Franga Ari 1926R No Star Below Bust, KM8.1, MS64 NGC, a lovely original coin with subtle champagne patina in the legends, worth a premium.
Zog 5 Franga Ari 1926R No Star Below Bust, KM8.1, MS65 NGC, satiny surfaces with just a hint of golden patina. A premium coin in all respects.
Zog gold 20 Franga Ari 1927V, KM12, MS65 NGC, lightly toned and superior to most examples seen in the market. Obverse with a bust of Prince Skanderbeg.
Zog gold 20 Franga Ari 1927V, KM12, MS65 NGC, lightly toned with fully lustrous surfaces, scarce in this designation.
Zog gold 100 Franga Ari 1927R No Star Below Bust, KM11a.1, MS62 NGC, lightly toned and original, typical small contact marks. Scarce and in demand.
Five-piece gold Proof Set 1968, KM-PS1, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 Leke, all with cornucopia countermark on the right side of LEKE, all are Choice Proof in the original case of issue. AGW 4.9710 oz.
Annam
Minh Mang gold 7 Tien Year 15 (1834), KM228, Schr-206, toned XF, small rim bruise at 8 o'clock on the obverse and a bit of superficial verdigris to the right of the dragon's head. Very rare type and a most pleasing example. 27.66 grams.
Tu Duc 1/4 Lang ND (1848-83), KM429, Schr-350.2, MS62 NGC, lightly toned and original with well-struck design features. Very scarce type in mint state.
Tu Duc silver 5 Tien ND (1848-83), KM463, Sch-408A, AU58 NGC (jumbo holder), choice old-time patina, highly attractive and very elusive in this quality.
Tu Duc gold Tien ND (1848-83), KM515, Schr-353B, AU50 NGC, light original patina, very rare type with excellent eye appeal.
Argentina
Rio de la Plata 4 Reales 1813J Potosi, KM4, XF45 NGC, boldly detailed including a strong sunface, lightly double-struck on the reverse, most notably on the 3 of the date. Very scarce type in this pleasing grade.
Rio de la Plata 4 Reales 1815F Potosi, KM4, choice toned XF, small sunface, highly attractive example. Very scarce type and date in this superior quality.
Rio de la Plata 8 Reales 1813J Potosi, KM5, AU55 NGC, well-struck and attractive with a bold sunface and considerable mint luster in the legends and sun rays.
Rio de la Plata 8 Reales 1813J Potosi, KM5, AU58 NGC, choice original patina with bold details on both sides and just a bit of wear on the sunface. Very scarce type in this quality.
Rio de la Plata 8 Soles 1815FL Potosi, KM15, AU53 NGC, a pleasing example with sharply defined features and toned mint luster. Variety with the S for Soles punched over the old R for Reales. (Incorrectly described as 8R and F assayer on the holder.)
La Rioja. Gold 2 Escudos 1842R, KM13, VF30 NGC, lightly toned and original, a very presentable example of this type featuring the bust of General Rosas. Very scarce.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
La Rioja. Gold 2 Escudos 1843B, KM17, AU53 PCGS, nicely toned with strong details, small dig in the right obverse field at 4 o'clock. Scarce type and grade.
La Rioja. Gold 8 Escudos 1838R, KM9, XF Details NGC (Mount Removed), an attractive example with just an old mount mark on the top rim. The surfaces are quite nice. Rare type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
La Rioja. Gold 8 Escudos 1838R, KM9, XF40 PCGS, lightly toned with well-struck details on both sides, some tiny surface marks. Rare provincial coinage for region in northwest Argentina.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
La Rioja. Gold 8 Escudos 1840R, KM11, Fr-9, AU50 NGC. Mountain peak over crossed cannons with date below/Radiant sun over coat of arms. Ex: Millennia Collection, sharply struck on both sides, lightly toned and attractive. Rare type and grade for this provisional coinage. The very rare one-year type with REPUBLICA instead of REPUB, and among the finest known of this type.
La Rioja. Gold 8 Escudos 1845B, KM19, VF35 PCGS, a nice original coin with light patina and evenly worn details. Rare one-year type with the revised coat of arms for the province. This was the final gold type struck during the provincial period until the united Republic coinage appeared in 1881. Only the second example we have offered at auction, and the first since 2004.
Tierra Del Fuego. Gold Gramo 1889, KM-Tn5, MS61 NGC, lightly toned with lustrous surfaces, second issue with large letters on both sides. Classic token struck by Julius Popper, a Romanian born Jew who secured gold mining rights on the Argentinian side of the island.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Tierra Del Fuego. Gold Gramo 1889, KM-Tn5, MS62 PCGS, sharply struck with lovely old-time patina. Very scarce issue in mint state.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Australia
Victoria gold Sovereign 1861 Sydney, KM4, AU58 NGC, a lustrous piece with typical small contact marks. Scarce early date in this designation.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1866 Sydney, KM4, MS63 NGC, lightly toned, a choice mint state example with minimal contact marks. Rare this nice.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1867 Sydney, KM4, MS60 NGC, fully lustrous and bright, numerous small contact marks define the grade on this piece.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1867 Sydney, KM4, MS61 NGC, full mint brilliance, the typical surface marks are present, but are unusually light.
Edward VII gold 1/2 Sovereign 1906M, KM14, AU55 NGC Reserve Bank of Australia, lightly toned with luster in the legends, very scarce date in this quality.
George V Proof Halfpenny & Penny 1935, KM22 and 23, certified by NGC as follows: Halfpenny Proof 66 BN, pristine surfaces with rich deep brown gloss and iridescent luster in the legends, an incredible coin in all respects, and Penny Proof 65 BN, exquisite mahogany with blue-green highlights and fully reflective fields. A rare pair, each with an original mintage of 100.
George V gold 1/2 Sovereign 1918P, KM28, AU Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), sharply detailed with an interesting die break across the bust, lightly cleaned long ago. Rare date/mint.
George V gold Sovereign 1926P, KM29, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous, very scarce date and mint, especially in this designation.
George V gold Sovereign 1929M, KM32, AU55 NGC, full mint brilliance, just a slight rub on the beard of the King. Rare date and mint.
Elizabeth II gold $25 - 1/4 Ounce Nugget 1989 Mint Error, KM90, MS69 NGC, struck with two reverse dies, the first such mint error that we have noted, and presumably quite rare.
Elizabeth II Proof silver Kilo $30 Year of the Dog 2006-P, Portrait of Queen Elizabeth right/A Golden Retriever standing left with the date and the Chinese character for dog above, .999 fine, 100 mm, unlisted in Krause, Gem Proof Perth Mint issue in the original case with certificate number 64. A tiny mintage of no more than 100 pieces. ASW 32.151 oz.
Elizabeth II silver $300 Lunar 10 Kilos 2006, Year of the Dog, Perth Mint, Head of Queen Elizabeth II right, by Ian Rank-Broadley/German Shepherd, Chinese character for dog, 10 kilos (321.507 troy ounces) of .999 silver, 221 mm, Choice UNC with an attractive antique matte finish. Possibly the largest silver coin ever struck, and housed in a large lucite holder. Included is the Perth Mint certificate showing that this piece is number 16 of a total mintage of 78 pieces.
Elizabeth II silver $300 Lunar 10 Kilos 2006, Year of the Dog, Perth Mint, Head of Queen Elizabeth II right, by Ian Rank-Broadley/German Shepherd, Chinese character for dog, 10 kilos (321.507 troy ounces) of .999 silver, 221 mm, Choice UNC with an attractive antique matte finish. Possibly the largest silver coin ever struck, and housed in a large lucite holder. Included is the Perth Mint certificate showing that this piece is number 15 of a total mintage of 78 pieces.
Elizabeth II Proof silver Kilo $30 Year of the Pig 2007-P, Portrait of Queen Elizabeth right/A Golden Pig standing left with the date and the Chinese character for dog above, .999 fine, 100 mm, unlisted in Krause, Gem Proof Perth Mint issue in the original case with certificate number 64. A tiny mintage of no more than 100 pieces. ASW 32.151 oz.
Australia Mint Set lot including: Mint Sets 1953-1964 in the mint issued blue holders, all coins are UNC, many of the Pennys and Halfpennys are toned. The very scarce 1953 sixpence is Choice, as are many of the other silver coins. All six denominations are present, except those denominations not minted in a particular year, such as the Penny which, for some reason, was not minted in 1954. These are all government issued, and sealed Mint sets.
Austria
Archduke Ferdinand Taler ND (1564-95) Hall, Davenport 8097, MS63 NGC, incredibly fresh and lustrous surfaces, a coin with instant eye appeal.
Rudolph II 2 Taler 1604 Hall, Dav-3004, KM57.1, toned XF, excellent design features. Sold with an auction tag from Coin Galleries April 21, 1958, Lot 344.
Leopold the Hogmouth Taler 1698 Hall, KM1303.4, Dav-3245, MS64 NGC, razor sharp design details and full mint luster, a very attractive example of this ever popular Taler. Probable 8/7 overdate.
Leopold the Hogmouth Taler 1704 Hall, KM1303.4, Dav-3245, MS64 NGC, gorgeous old-time cabinet patina with typcially sharp design features. Very scarce in this designation. Possibly an overdate, 4/3.
Charles VI gold Medal 1736, AU55 NGC (France), conjoined busts of Frances III of Lothringen and Maria Theresa, celebrating their wedding with two burning hearts on a pedestal on the reverse. Dies by M. Donner. Very scarce.
Franz Joseph I 2 Taler 1857A, KM2246.1, Proof 64 Cameo PCGS, laurel tips point to KA, appealing magenta and gray patina. Struck to mark the opening of the Vienna to Trieste railway. Rare type with a total mintage of 1,644 and few have survived in this select quality.
Franz Joseph I gold Ducat 1854A, KM2263, Proof 64 Ultra Cameo NGC, flashy mirror surfaces with a deep cameo effect on the bust. Highly attractive and very rare as a Proof, the only piece graded as such by NGC or PCGS.
Franz Joseph I gold 100 Corona 1908, KM2812, AU58 NGC, prooflike luster, the fields on both sides show heavy contact marks, not unusual for this heavy denomination. 60th anniversary of reign commemorative.
Franz Joseph I gold 100 Corona 1908, KM2812, MS62 NGC, prooflike surfaces with light handling in the obverse fields. The bust displays an appealing cameo effect. 60th anniversary of reign.
Franz Joseph I gold 100 Corona 1908, KM2812, Proof 64 Cameo NGC, a gorgeous example of this commemorative marking the 60th anniversary of Franz Joseph's reign. The surfaces are fully reflective and the raised design features display a heavy cameo frost. A delight to behold!
Crown Prince Rudolf gold Marriage Medal 1881, a massive medal featuring Crown Prince Rudolf and Princess Stephanie of Belgium and celebrating their marriage. Choice Proof with frosted details and only slight hairlines in the fields. Rare and extremely impressive issue. 55 mm, 103.8 grams.
Republic gold 20 Kronen 1923, KM2830, MS64 PL NGC, sparkling reflective surfaces, a very scarce type coin.
Republic gold 100 Schilling 1928, KM2842, PL63 NGC, lightly toned, scattered tiny contact marks. AGW 0.6807 oz.
Republic gold 100 Schilling 1933, KM2842, PL65 NGC, flashy reflective surfaces, very scarce date and grade.
Republic gold 100 Schilling 1937 Mariazell, KM2853, MS62 NGC, prooflike surfaces with a cameo bust of the Madonna of Mariazell, typical contact marks in the obverse fields. Very scarce type and date.
Breslau. Leopold the Hogmouth gold 1/12 Ducat 1690, Friedberg 300 (Austria), MS63 NGC, boldly struck, a charming little gold coin. The 0 in the date is engraved over another numeral, perhaps a 9.
Khevenhuller-Metsch. Prince Joseph Taler 1771AW, KM2, Dav-1189, AU58 PCGS, a choice lustrous example with flashy prooflike surfaces and meticulously sharp details. One of the rarer Austrian States, and a most appealing coin with a mintage of 200.
Salzburg. Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau Klippe 2 Taler 1593, Davenport 8198, cleaned XF with a mount trace on one corner. An attractive piece featuring St. Rudbertus on the obverse and a tower on the reverse buffeted by the four winds. 56.41 grams.
Salzburg. Wolf Dietrich von Raitenau gold 2 Ducats 1590, Friedberg 689, MS64 NGC, a gorgeous specimen with full mint brilliance and bold design features. Just an incredible coin from this early series.
Belgium
Flanders. Louis de Male gold Cavalier d'Or ND (1346-1384), Friedberg 156, MS61 NGC, a choice piece with full mint brilliance and excellent details, a premium coin for this designation. The obverse features Louis on horseback brandishing a long sword.
Flanders. Louis de Male gold Chaise d'Or ND (1346-84), Friedberg 163, MS64 PCGS, a virtually perfect coin with full mint brilliance and every detail boldly expressed. As nice an example as you will ever see!
Brabant. Philippe le Bon gold Lion d'Or ND (1430-67), Friedberg 29, toned VF-XF, bold details and very attractive. 4.24 grams.
Liege. Maximilian Henry Patagon 1664, KM80, Dav-4294, MS62 NGC, a well-struck piece with bold details and light silvery mint luster. There are no adjustment marks, but there is a noticeable flan flaw to the left of the 16 of the date, as made.
Liege. Sede Vacante gold Ducat 1771, KM172, Friedberg 336, MS62 PCGS, a choice example with razor sharp features and full mint brilliance. There is some light handling in the exposed fields, barely noticeable. Very rare type with a mintage of 150.
Anvers (Antwerp). Louis XVIII of France 10 Centimes 1814, KM6.2, MS63 BN NGC, full name on the ribbon, an incredible example of this siege coinage with glossy brown surfaces and original mint red in the legends. The strike is truly remarkable and the flan is free of the usual flaws. We doubt that a finer piece could exist.
Leopold I Restrike 2 Francs 1856 Flemish, KMX-M7.2, Bogaert 574B2, Proof 67 NGC, plain edge silver, medal alignment. Extremely rare mint restrike issued in the 1950's, with only 10 pieces coined. A superb example with magenta and amber patina, and sold with the original Brussels Mint envelope. Commemorative marking the 25th year of independence.
Leopold I gold 10 Francs 1849, KM18, MS63 NGC, lightly toned and original with excellent surfaces and full mint bloom. Rare two year type.
Leopold III 5 Francs 1939 French, KM116.2, MS63 PCGS Position A, fully lustrous, rare variety with milled edge and lettering with star.
Leopold III 5 Francs 1939 French, KM116.2, MS64 PCGS Position B, a choice example of this rare variety with milled edge, lettering with star.
Bermuda
George III Penny 1793, KM5a, Proof 63 BN NGC Bronzed, lovely deep brown surfaces. Variety with a rope from the bowsprit to the foremast. One of the classic British colonial issues for the Caribbean possessions.
George III Penny 1793, KM6, Proof 63 BN NGC, variety with the rope removed from the bowsprit to the foremast. Bronzed with DROZ F on the truncation of the bust. Very scarce variety. Deep brown reflective surfaces.
George III Penny 1793, KM6, Proof 64 BN NGC Murdoch Collection, scarcer variety without the rope from the foremast to the bowsprit. Deep brown surfaces with an attractive sheen to the surfaces.
Bolivia
8 Reales Clump with Transitional 1652-E McLean III, a two coin clump, both Potosi 8 Reales, in a coral-incrusted clump, the other coin appears to be a normal cob 8 Real, not a transitional issue. For the transitional piece, only the 16 of the date is visible, but the 8, and the Dot below the 8, are bold. The only known example of a transitional 8 Reales in a clump.
Felipe IV cob Royal 8 Reales 1653P-E, KM-R21, Lazaro 135 (R2), toned VF, compact nearly round flan with bold details including most of three dates visible. Skillfully repaired through the dot to the right of the PH above the pillars. Variety with full four digit date below the coat of arms on the reverse. Rare presentation issue. 27.28 grams.
Carlos II Royal 8 Reales 1687VR Potosi, KM-R26, Lazaro 222, toned VF with some light doubling, holed near the edge. Possibly shaved around the edges to make the coin nearly perfectly round and leaving the weight at 23.97 grams. Reverse legend ends in HISPANIA.
Carlos III Pillar 4 Reales 1767JR, KM49, sharp AU, exceptionally bold and attractive, lightly toned with some underlying faint hairlines. Very rare grade for this date.
Carlos III 8 Reales 1774JR, KM55, MS62 NGC, with exceptionally bold features, noticeable planchet flaws on the bust and a scrape on the reverse rim at 9 o'clock. From a small hoard dispersed in the 1970's.
Carlos III 8 Reales 1774-JR, KM55, MS64 NGC, incredibly sharp details with full mint brilliance and light gray patina. A superb piece from a small cache dispersed in the early 1970's.
Carlos III gold 4 Escudos 1784/3-PR, KM58, XF Details, mount removed at the top with burnished surfaces. Very scarce denomination for Potosi. The overdate is quite clear.
Carlos III gold 4 Escudos 1786PR, KM58, toned VF, planchet flaw on the reverse to the left of the assayer's initials. Very scarce type.
Carlos IIII gold 4 Escudos 1796PP, KM80, toned VF-XF, a very nice example with bold details and no obvious flaws. Elusive denomination for Potosi gold.
Carlos IIII gold 4 Escudos 1808PJ, KM80, nearly VF, no adjustment marks, evenly worn details. The SCWC lists the mintage for this date as a minuscule 323!
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1793-PR, KM81, XF45 NGC, lightly toned and original, quite attractive.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1797-PP, KM81, AU55 NGC, a nice lustrous example with sharp details.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1799-PP, KM81, XF Details NGC (Excessive Surface Hairlines), lightly cleaned but quite lustrous, small laminations on the obverse.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800-PP, KM81, AU58 NGC, lustrous with light original patina, very scarce grade.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-PP, KM81, AU58 NGC, abundant mint luster on both sides, small surface marks on the obverse.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1803-PJ, KM81, XF40 NGC, a pleasing piece with even wear and no adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1803PJ, KM81, XF45 NGC, light original toning with traces of luster in the legends.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805PJ, KM81, XF Details, heavy hairlines in the obverse fields and numerous small flan flaws.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-PJ, KM81, XF45 NGC, a very pleasant example with no adjustment marks or flan flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805PJ, KM81, AU50 NGC, boldly struck with attractive mint luster, a nice example of the type. The S in HISP is clearly punched over a P, and there is a tiny flan flaw just above on the rim.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-PJ, KM81, AU53 NGC, lightly toned and original.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-PJ, KM81, AU55 ANACS, lustrous and very bold, tiny planchet flake on the obverse.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1806-PJ, KM81, XF45 NGC, boldly detailed with no adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1807-PJ, KM81, AU50 NGC, toned and original, a nice type example for this series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1808-PJ, KM81, XF45 NGC, sharply struck, one adjustment mark on the obverse.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1808-PJ, KM81, XF45 NGC, lightly toned and original, one faint obverse adjustment mark.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic silver Proclamation Medal 1825, Fonrobert 9466, toned AU, planchet crack extending from 1 to 11 o'clock with associated stain over the SU on the reverse. A handsome medal weighing 52.57 grams and featuring Simon Bolivar on the obverse and the Cerro de Potosi on the reverse.
Republic Simon Bolivar silver Proclamation Medal 1825, Fonr-9740, Burnett 6A, AU58 NGC, attractive original patina, struck to mark the liberation of the city of Chuquisaca.
Republic gold 4 Scudos 1841-LR, KM107, VF35 NGC, lightly toned and original, very rare one year type with the laureate bust of Bolivar.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Scudos 1837LM, KM99, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with excellent design details and a problem-free planchet. Rare and appealing grade for this series.
Republic gold 8 Scudos 1840LR, KM99, MS63 PCGS, superb mint brilliance with attractive surfaces and bold details, far superior to most seen in the market. Rare grade for this era at Potosi.
Republic gold 8 Scudos 1841LR, KM108.1, MS61 NGC Millennia Collection, prooflike surfaces with bright mint luster, struck on a problem-free planchet. Rare type in this select grade and certified with an important pedigree.
Republic gold 8 Scudos 1851MF, KM110, VF35 NGC, original patina with bold details, light adjustment marks on the bust. Very scarce one-year type with plain bust left.
Republic gold 8 Scudos 1854M, KM116, MS62 NGC, an attractive example with fully lustrous surfaces and just a few scattered surface marks. The strike is crisp on both sides and the flan is free of any laminations or other flaws which typically plague this series. Rare type in mint state.
Republic gold 1/2 Scudo 1868-FE, KM140, AU58 NGC, a superb example of this very scarce one-year type with sharp details and aged mint luster.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold Scudo 1868-FE, KM141, MS63 NGC Caballero de las Yndias, soft original patina over full mint brilliance.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold Scudo 1868-FE, KM141, MS63 NGC, sharp details with abundant mint luster, very scarce type in mint state.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold Set 1952, the four coin Revolution commemorative set, bullion issues as follows: KMX-15, 3.5 Gramos; KMX-11, 7 Gramos; KMX-12, 14 Gramos; and KMX-13, 35 Gramos. All four pieces are brilliant UNC with the 14 Gramos showing noticeable contact marks. Scarce series. AGW 1.9135 oz.
Republic gold 35 Gramos 1952, KMX-13, MS63 NGC, revolution commemorative. 2,857 mintage. AGW 1.1256 oz.
Brazil
Pedro II gold 2000 Reis 1699(R), KM97, XF40 NGC, attractive original patina, scarce grade for this early type.
Pedro II gold 4000 Reis 1700, KM98, XF Details, polished surfaces with a mount trace on the top rim.
Joao V gold 4000 Reis 1715B, KM106, Russo 61, choice AU-UNC, an exceptionally attractive example of this key date with subtle original patina and full underlying luster. The details are bold on both sides and the overall eye appeal is excellent.
Joao V gold 4000 Reis 1724B, KM106, MS63 NGC Eliasberg, exceptionally bold design features with appealing old-time patina, rare type in this premium quality.
Joao V gold 4000 Reis 1716R, KM102, MS63 NGC Eliasberg, aged patina with highly lustrous surfaces, a choice example of this early date.
Joao V gold 4000 Reis 1717R, KM102, nice XF with bold design features, an appealing example of this early series.
Joao V gold 4000 Reis 1722R, KM102, AU58 NGC, meticulously sharp details with glowing mint luster, a superior example with splendid eye appeal.
Joao V gold 6400 Reis 1750B, KM151, AU58 NGC, light original patina with very sharp details, rare in this elite quality.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Joao V gold 6400 Reis 1750R, KM149, AU55 NGC, highly lustrous and attractive, a superior example of this scarce final date for Joao V.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Joao V gold 10000 Reis 1725M, KM116, AU58 NGC, superbly struck details with light original patina in the legends and abundant mint luster. A very appealing example which is nearly mint state.
Joao V gold 10000 Reis 1727M, KM116, AU55 NGC, extremely bold and attractive, luster in the legends. Scarce date and grade.
Joao V gold 10000 Reis 1727M, KM139, MS62 NGC Eliasberg Collection, lightly toned with considerable underlying mint luster. Rare grade for this scarce last year of issue out of the Minas mint.
Joao V gold 12800 Reis (Dobra) 1727B, KM138, AU53 NGC, type 2 Shield type. A most appealing specimen with a perfect blend of luster and patina, very rare Bahia Mint issue. Although the more common shield type, any dobra from the Bahia mint are exceptionally difficult to find. It is a great opportunity to be able to offer both shield types of the 1727-B 12800 Reis in the same auction.
Joao V gold 12800 Reis (Dobra) 1727B, KM141, AU55 NGC, very sharp details with luster in the legends, exceptionally attractive. Dobras struck at the Bahia mint were often poorly struck and are rarely found better than about XF. The specimen presented here is of the first shield type and scarcer than type two. This coin qualifies as both a general rarity as well as a condition rarity. An outstanding piece!
Joao V gold 12800 Reis (Dobra) 1732M, KM139, MS63 NGC, superb mint brilliance with razor sharp details, a most appealing example of this large gold type. Brazilian Dobras are extremely elusive in choice mint state, and this piece is tied with one other as the finest known in the population report of both grading services. A truly outstanding specimen!
Joao V gold 12800 (Dobra) Reis 1733M, KM139, AU Details, ex-jewelry with heavily polished surfaces and broach marks repaired on the reverse. Despite the damage this is a very collectible example.
Joao V gold 12800 Reis (Dobra) 1729R, KM140, AU58 NGC, superb details on both sides, lightly toned and lustrous. A truly choice example with instant eye appeal. A 12800 Reis specimen from Rio is rarely found this nice.
Joao V gold 20000 Reis (Dobrao) 1724M, KM117, AU58 NGC, a choice example, with well-struck details on both sides and fully lustrous surfaces. 1724 is the key date for the Dobrao series. The mint in Minas Gerais did not begin the striking of these beautiful large gold coins until late in 1724 and very few pieces remain today. A great Brazilian rarity!
Joao V gold 20000 Reis (Dobrao) 1725M, KM117, bold AU, very sharp details, lightly cleaned with some surface hairlines. An attractive example of this massive gold type.
Jose I gold 3200 Reis 1766R, KM183.2, VF-XF, nicely toned with evenly worn features. The edges have been lightly shaved leaving the coin lightweight at 6.33 grams. Very rare type and quite attractive despite the rim damage.
Jose I gold 4000 Reis 1756, KM171.2, AU55 NGC, bold design features and quite attractive, struck at Lisbon without mintmark.
Jose I gold 4000 Reis 1776(L), KM171.4, MS62 NGC Large Crown, struck at the Lisbon mint for circulation in Brazil. An outstanding coin with prooflike surfaces, very scarce this nice.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1759B, KM172.1, AU Details Surface Hairlines NGC, very bright surfaces and bold details, cleaned long ago.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1761B, KM172.1, AU53 NGC, lightly toned with well-struck features, a handsome example from the Bahia Mint.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1767B, KM172.1, AU58 NGC, an attractive coin with well defined features on both sides and considerable original mint brilliance. Very scarce in this pleasing condition.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1768B, KM172.1, AU53 NGC, evenly struck details with a nice clear date and mintmark.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1769B, KM172.1, XF45 NGC, aged patina with flashes of luster in the recessed areas.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1770B, KM172.1, XF45 NGC, nicely toned with bold features, light handling in the fields.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1773B, KM172.1, AU50 NGC, toned luster, few light scratches on the bust. Scarce Bahia Mint.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1774B, KM172.1, AU55 NGC, a lovely coin with glowing mint brilliance in the legends and deep old-time patina. Very scarce in this pleasing quality.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1776B, KM172.1, AU55 NGC, unusually bold details on the bust with flashy mint luster. Very attractive, especially for the Bahia Mint issues.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1751R, KM172.2, UNC Details, surfaces lightly dulled from salt immersion, minor obverse contact marks.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1753R, KM172.2, AU-UNC Details, surfaces dulled from salt water oxidation, probably a treasure piece from The Clive of India or similar shipwreck.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1753R, KM172.2, AU Details NGC (Sea Salvaged), certified from the wreck of the Clive of India. Slightly dull surfaces, bold design features.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1753R, KM172.2, MS60 Details ANACS (Sea Salvaged), wreck not specified on the holder but presumably from the Clive.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1755R, KM172.2, XF Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), cleaned at one time, but a decent coin with well-struck features.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1757R, KM172.2, MS63 NGC, lightly toned and very attractive, decidedly scarce in this designation.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1758R, KM172.2, AU50 NGC, nicely toned with strong design features.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1758R, KM172.2, AU55 NGC, a very attractive example with abundant mint luster and sharply defined features.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1759R, KM172.2, AU55 NGC, lightly toned and original with plenty of mint luster.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1759R, KM172.2, AU55 NGC, fully lustrous and attractive, light handling in the right obverse field.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1760R, KM172.2, AU Details NGC (Scratches), very little wear evident, light scratches on the obverse.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1762R, KM172.2, AU55 NGC, a choice lustrous specimen with attractive original patina.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1764R, KM172.2, XF Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), aged patina in the legends, noticeable hairlines primarily on the obverse.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1765R, KM172.2, AU55 NGC, a choice specimen with highly lustrous surfaces.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1769R, KM172.2, AU53 NGC, a very appealing piece with plenty of mint luster.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1771R, KM172.2, AU50 NGC, light original patina with considerable mint luster.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1771R, KM172.2, AU53 NGC, nicely toned with appealing mint luster in the legends.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1772R, KM172.2, AU55 NGC, very sharp features on both sides, virtually no wear evident.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1772R, KM172.2, AU58 NGC, fully lustrous and attractive, very close to mint state.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1773R, KM172.2, XF45 NGC, nicely detailed, minor handling on the obverse.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1773R, KM172.2, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with appealing old-time toning, few tiny marks in the obverse fields.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1774R, KM172.2, AU50 NGC, quite nice with luster in the legends.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1774R, KM172.2, AU58 NGC, a lustrous piece with a small stain on the obverse.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1776R, KM172.2, AU55 NGC, very bright with considerable mint brilliance.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1776R, KM172.2, AU55 NGC, a nice lustrous example.
Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1776R, KM172.2, AU58 NGC, original patina with well-struck features, faint obverse adjustment marks.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 2000 Reis 1778, KM209, AU58 NGC, very sharp except at the base of the crown, scarce type struck at Lisbon and Rio de Janeiro without mintmark.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1779B, KM199.1, XF45 NGC, a nice lustrous example, scarce Bahia Mint.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1779B, KM199.1, AU55 NGC, virtually full mint brilliance, just a few tiny contact marks, very attractive.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1783B, KM199.1, AU Details NGC (Scratches), lightly toned and lustrous, old gouge in the left obverse field.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1778R, KM199.2, AU58 NGC, very attractive with lustrous surfaces and well-struck features.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1779R, KM199.2, AU55 NGC, light original patina with luster in the legends, very nice.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1779R, KM199.2, AU55 NGC, a choice lustrous piece with excellent eye appeal.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1779R, KM199.2, AU58 NGC, virtually full mint brilliance, scarce in this pleasing grade.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1780R, KM199.2, AU Details NGC (Scratches), luster in the legends, very fine scratches in the obverse fields, not that distracting.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1781R, KM199.2, XF Details NGC (Bent), a nice lustrous coin and the damage noted by NGC is not readily evident in the holder.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1782R, KM199.2, AU53 NGC, a nice lustrous piece with minimal contact marks, well above average for this series.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1783R, KM199.2, AU Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), unusually sharp details, cleaned long ago but an attractive piece nevertheless.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1783R, KM199.2, AU Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), an attractive lustrous example with minor hairlines in the right obverse field, barely noticeable.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1784R, KM199.2, AU58 NGC, an exceptionally appealing coin with full mint brilliance. The 4 in the date is crudely formed and appears to have been re-engraved from a 1.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1785R, KM199.2, AU55 NGC, sharply detailed with only a few tiny contact marks, well above average for this series.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1786R, KM199.2, AU50 NGC, lustrous surfaces with minor surface marks.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 6400 Reis 1786R, KM199.2, AU58 NGC, very attractive with toned luster and excellent details.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1788B, KM218.2, fully lustrous UNC, slightly crude Bahia strike, light obverse scuffing. First veiled bust.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1787R, KM218.1, XF Details, polished surfaces and mount trace on the rim.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1787R, KM218.1, AU50 NGC, lightly toned with lustrous surfaces, minor handling in the right obverse field. Veiled bust of Maria.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1788R, KM218.1, AU50 NGC, veiled bust, lightly toned, faint hairlines in the obverse fields.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1789R, KM218.1, AU55 NGC, first veiled bust, highly lustrous and appealing.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1793B, KM226.2, AU55 NGC, lightly toned with very bold features, minor handling in the obverse fields, scarce mint.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1793B, KM226.2, MS63 NGC Eliasberg, well-defined strike and highly lustrous, a superior coin with an important pedigree.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1794B, KM226.2, AU53 NGC, lightly toned and original, bold design features.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1799B, KM226.2, AU50 NGC, well-struck details, soft original patina.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1789R, KM236.1, MS63 NGC, a superb coin with blazing mint luster and fully struck details, just gorgeous! First date of the bejeweled headdress series.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1790R, KM226.1, AU Details NGC (Scratches), a nice lustrous coin with a small scratch on the Queen's hair.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1790R, KM226.1, AU50 NGC, light original toning, a pleasing example.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1791R, KM226.1, AU58 NGC, fully lustrous, faint hairlines in the right obverse field.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1793R, KM226.1, AU58 NGC, fully lustrous and appealing, close to mint state.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1794R, KM226.1, AU50 NGC, a nice lustrous example with well-struck features.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1794R, KM226.1, AU55 NGC, a pleasing example with lustrous surfaces and strong eye appeal.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1795R, KM226.1, nice XF-AU, lustrous surfaces.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1795R, KM226.1, AU Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), sharply struck and lustrous, light hairlines on both sides.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1795R, KM226.1, AU55 NGC, a handsome coin with balanced luster and old-time toning.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1796R, KM226.1, AU53 NGC, highly lustrous and attractive.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1796R, KM226.1, MS61 NGC, a choice coin with full mint brilliance and excellent eye appeal, a premium coin for the grade.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1796R, KM226.1, MS63 NGC, bright surfaces and very attractive, full mint brilliance. Scarce when graded mint state.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1797R, KM226.1, AU55 NGC, lightly toned, two tiny surface marks on the obverse.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1797R, KM226.1, AU58 NGC, a nice lustrous coin with virtually no wear evident.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1798R, KM226.1, AU55 NGC, toned and quite attractive, luster in the legends.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1798R, KM226.1, AU55 NGC, nicely toned with bold design features.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1800R, KM226.1, AU58 NGC, a choice lustrous coin with exceptional eye appeal.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1801R, KM226.1, AU55 NGC, exceptionally sharp and lustrous, a very appealing coin.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1801R, KM226.1, AU55 NGC, a choice lustrous piece with strong eye appeal, superior to most seen in the market.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1802R, KM226.1, AU Details NGC, (Surface Hairlines), a nice lustrous coin with obverse hairlines in the right field.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1803R, KM226.1, AU50 NGC, light original patina, few minor flan flaws.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1803R, KM226.1, AU58 NGC, a very attractive coin with full mint brilliance and lightly toned surfaces. The strike is uniformly sharp throughout.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1804R, KM226.1, AU Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), considerable original mint luster, light hairlines.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1804R, KM226.1, AU55 NGC, a very nice example with bold design features.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1805R, KM226.1, XF Details NGC (Scratches), luster in the legends, light x-shaped scratch in the right obverse field.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 4000 Reis 1808(B), KM235.1, AU55 NGC, an attractive piece with soft original patina and considerable underlying mint luster. Large crown for the Bahia Mint.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 4000 Reis 1808(R), KM235.2, MS63 NGC Eliasberg, a choice example with aged patina and bold details. Struck at Rio de Janeiro without mintmark.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 4000 Reis 1813(R), KM235.2, AU55 NGC, a nice lustrous coin struck at Rio de Janeiro without mintmark.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 4000 Reis 1813(R), KM235.2, MS65 NGC Eliasberg, aged deep gold patina, rarely seen in this premium condition. Narrow crown for the Rio de Janeiro Mint.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1806R, KM236.1, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with small contact marks on the obverse. Very scarce in mint state.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1806R, KM236.1, MS63 NGC, gorgeous surfaces with full mint brilliance and subtle old-time patina. A choice original coin and very elusive in this select quality.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1807R, KM236.1, AU58 NGC, fully lustrous and very close to mint state.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1808R, KM236.1, AU Details, heavily polished and presumably ex-jewelry.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1808R, KM236.1, AU58 NGC, full mint brilliance, a very attractive example.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1810/09R, KM236.1, MS61 NGC, lightly toned and original, very bold overdate details. Scarce grade and variety.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
From the Recife Collection of 6400 Reis.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1810/09R, KM236.1, MS62 NGC, subtle golden patina, a nice mint state piece.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1811R, KM236.1, nice UNC, fully lustrous with exceptionally sharp details, some very faint hairlines in the exposed fields.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1812R, KM236.1, AU Details, burnished surfaces and presumably ex-jewelry.
Joao VI Prince Regent gold 6400 Reis 1814R, KM236.1, MS63 NGC, lightly toned and very appealing, exceptionally sharp details on both sides. Scarce date and quality.
Joao VI gold 4000 Reis 1818, KM327.1, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous with bold features and excellent eye appeal. Struck at Rio de Janeiro without mintmark.
Joao VI gold 4000 Reis 1820, KM327.1, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous, scarce type in mint state. Struck at Rio de Janeiro without mintmark.
Joao VI gold 4000 Reis 1822, KM327.1, AU Details, lightly tooled with a possible mount trace on the rim. Struck at Rio de Janeiro without mint mark.
Pedro I 960 Reis 1827R, KM368.1, lightly cleaned about XF, struck over a Minas counterstamp. Very rare date and incredibly elusive.
Pedro I gold 4000 Reis 1823R, KM369.1, AU Details, burnished surfaces and ex-jewelry.
Pedro I gold 4000 Reis 1824/3R, KM369.1, MS62 NGC, sharply struck bust and lustrous, a nice example of this scarce issue for the newly created Brazilian empire.
Pedro II 400 Reis 1843, KM453, Russo 541, toned choice XF, small rim nick at 1 o'clock on the reverse, extremely rare date and grade with a mintage of 161. Of the extremely difficult Cruzado series, this coin is the rarest of the 400 Reis and the 4th rarest issue of the entire series. The Paulistana specimen realized $29,900 in our most recent auction in Chicago (#3009 - lot# 20561).
Pedro II 1200 Reis 1840 4/3, KM454, AVF, cleaned with numerous small surface marks, scarce low mintage date.
Pedro II gold 5000 Reis 1859, KM470, AU-UNC, fully lustrous and attractive with sharply defined details, very minor handling in the exposed fields. Rare date with a mintage of 493.
Pedro II 6400 Reis 1832R, KM387.1, AU, polished surfaces with a trace of repair at the top. First variety without the designer's name below the bust.
Pedro II gold 6400 Reis 1833R, KM387.1, MS61 NGC, full mint brilliance with remarkably sharp design details, very appealing and a premium coin for this designation. First bust with Pedro's mouth slightly open.
Pedro II gold 10000 Reis 1835, KM451, AU Details NGC (Rim Damage), lightly toned with a rim bump on the reverse.
Pedro II gold 10000 Reis 1847, KM457, XF Details, burnished surfaces and presumably ex-jewelry. In 1847 the value of this denomination was raised to 16000 Reis.
Pedro II gold 20000 Reis 1856, KM468, MS63 NGC, a nice lustrous example, double-punched 5 and 6 in the date.
Pedro II gold 20000 Reis 1857, KM468, AU, tiny scratch in the right obverse field and a few tiny rim faults. AGW 0.5286 oz.
Pedro II gold 20000 Reis 1889, KM468, MS61 NGC, lightly toned and original, very nice for this designation.
Republic Discovery Set 1900, KM499-502.2, the four coin set featuring: 400 Reis toned AU, 1000 Reis toned AU; 2000 Reis toned XF-AU, minor contact marks, and 4000 Reis 20 Rays, toned XF-AU with somewhat prooflike surfaces, all presented in the original blue box of issue with the paper covering torn by tape removal. A popular set of silver commemoratives.
Republic gold 10000 Reis 1901, KM496, AU Details with numerous small surface marks and some edge cuts on the reverse. The reported mintage for this date is 111.
Republic gold 20000 Reis 1889, KM497, AU Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), lightly cleaned long ago, now nicely toned.
Republic gold 20000 Reis 1897, KM497, MS62 NGC, lustrous surfaces with some typical contact marks.
Republic gold 20000 Reis 1907, KM497, AU58 NGC, lustrous surfaces with typical small contact marks on the obverse.
Republic gold 20000 Reis 1910, KM497, ex-jewelry, removed from a bezel, cleaned AU with light surface marks.
Republic gold 20000 Reis 1910, KM497, AU58 Details ANACS (Cleaned), a lustrous specimen with noticeable hairlines in the fields.
Republic gold medal honoring Elihu Root 1906, Arms of Brazil and the United States on branch between scrolls with date/Inscription in wreath, "America to the Americans," 78.05gm, 46 mm, prooflike UNC with minor hairlines. Housed in the original leather case. Very rare and the first example we have seen.
British Guiana
Essequibo & Demerary. George III Stiver 1813, KM10, Proof 64 BN NGC, glassy surfaces with excellent eye appeal, deep brown and most attractive. Rare type in Proof.
Bulgaria
Ferdinand I gold 20 Leva 1912, KM33, Proof 68 NGC National Bank Hoard, fabulous cameo details with fully mirrored surfaces.
Ferdinand I gold 100 Leva 1912, KM34, Proof 67 NGC National Bank Hoard, a gorgeous coin with an impressive contrast between the reflective surfaces and cameo bust.
Cambodia
Norodom I 4 Francs 1860, KM-X8 (previously KM48.1), Proof 64 NGC, flashy mirror surfaces and light original patina, a very handsome example of this classic Southeast Asian type. The NGC Proof 64 in the Goldberg's Millenia Sale brought $13,000.
Canada
Victoria Cent 1858, KM1, MS64 RB PCGS, a choice example of this key first date with glossy brown surfaces and lovely red-orange mint luster. Rare and highly desirable in this superior quality.
Victoria Specimen Cent 1859 N9 DP Type II, KM1, Specimen 65 RB PCGS Belzberg, toned mahogany brown surfaces with luster in the legends. Very rare as a Specimen and with an impressive pedigree.
Victoria Cent 1859/8 Wide 9, KM1, MS63RB PCGS, medal alignment, highly lustrous with superb details and virtually blemish-free surfaces.
Victoria Cent 1891 Large Leaves Large Date, KM7, MS65RB PCGS, nicely toned with traces of luster in the legends. Elusive date in this designation.
Victoria Cent 1891 Small Date Large Leaves, KM7, MS64BN PCGS, glossy surfaces with considerable mint luster in the legends, an attractive example of this key variety.
Victoria Cent 1891 Small Date Small Leaves, KM7, MS64RB PCGS, an appealing coin with flashy mint brilliance, very scarce variety in this select quality.
Edward VII Cent 1907H, KM8, MS65RB PCGS, glossy surfaces with abundant mint brilliance, rare date in this premium quality.
George V Cent 1914, KM21, MS66 RB PCGS, lightly toned with fiery underlying mint luster. Scarcer date and very elusive in this designation.
George V Cent 1915, KM21, MS66 RB PCGS, highly lustrous and attractive, scarce when graded this high.
George V Cent 1922, KM28, MS64RB PCGS, nice original toning with considerable mint red. Very scarce date in mint state.
George V Cent 1923, KM28, MS64RB PCGS, appealing purple patina with deep orange mint luster, rare grade for this key date.
George V Cent 1930, KM28, MS66 BN PCGS, nicely struck with brown and purple sheen to the flan and considerable mint red in the legends. Very scarce when graded this high.
Elizabeth II Cent 1955 No Strap, KM49, MS64RB PCGS, an attractive example of this highly elusive variety, especially in mint state. Graded the same as the Belzberg piece, which brought $4600.
George V 5 Cents 1925, KM29, AU58 PCGS, a choice example of this rare date with full luster and very few contact marks. Very close to mint state.
George VI 5 Cents 1951 High Relief, KM42a, MS67 PCGS, Ex: Lafortune. A brilliant prooflike representative, this chrome-steel piece has ice-blue surfaces. It is a Superb Gem coin with amazing eye appeal. These coins were struck in steel during the Korean War, when nickel was needed for the war effort. Few of the more than 4.3 million 1951 5 Cents pieces ended up as the High Relief variety. This example is the single finest Mint State coin that PCGS has certified (7/09). Ex: Canadiana Collection.
George V 10 Cents 1912, KM23, MS66 PCGS, purple and reddish-gold patina encircles the bright silver-gray centers while dazzling satiny luster shimmers throughout the fields. The details are exquisite. PCGS has certified just six pieces in MS66, with none finer (7/09).
George V 10 Cents 1917, KM23, MS67 PCGS, splashes of teal, cobalt-blue, and red accent the obverse rim, while the center is bright silver-gray. The reverse is nearly brilliant, with a touch of gold and purple near the border. Appealing satiny luster highlights needle-sharp design elements, and no marks are visible to the unaided eye. Although available in most grades, the 1917 is rare in MS67. PCGS reports just two such examples, with one finer (7/09).
George V 10 Cents 1931, KM23a, MS66 PCGS, deeply toned with magenta and russet highlights, very scarce in this select designation.
Elizabeth II 10 Cents 2000P, KM183b, MS67 PCGS, a flawless example of this rare test coinage, highly elusive in this select designation.
Victoria 25 Cents 1880-H Wide 0, KM5, AU55 PCGS. There are three significant varieties of 1880-H 25 Cents: Wide 0, Narrow 0, and Narrow 0 over Wide 0. The last is rare, but not as popular as the other two. The Wide 0, of which PCGS has encapsulated only 23 examples in all grades, is very scarce, and nearly impossible to find in Mint State. PCGS has certified only three Uncirculated pieces, including a tantalizing MS68 example (7/09).
Light reddish-purple and hazel patina accents the margins, while the surfaces are otherwise pale gray. Victoria's hair shows typical minor weakness. Pleasing field luster is unaffected by scattered, grade-defining abrasions. A remarkable example of the highly desirable and seldom-seen variety. Ex: Canadiana Collection.
Light reddish-purple and hazel patina accents the margins, while the surfaces are otherwise pale gray. Victoria's hair shows typical minor weakness. Pleasing field luster is unaffected by scattered, grade-defining abrasions. A remarkable example of the highly desirable and seldom-seen variety. Ex: Canadiana Collection.
Edward VII 25 Cents 1907, KM11, MS63 PCGS, appealing gold and russet patina with full underlying luster, one small mark on the neck of the King.
George V 25 Cents 1913, KM24, MS64 PCGS, fully brilliant surfaces with highly attractive light amber patina in the legends, very scarce in this select quality.
George VI 25 Cents 1948, KM44, MS67 PCGS, a spectacular coin with satiny frost to the raised details and pristine surfaces. Very scarce in this superior grade.
Victoria Specimen 50 Cents 1870 LCW, KM6, Specimen 63 PCGS Secure, lovely blue-green patina with reflective surfaces, reeded edge. An appealing example and rare as a Specimen.
Victoria 50 Cents 1890H, KM6, nice VG, an evenly worn example of this key date.
George VI 50 Cents 1947 Curled Left Maple Leaf, KM36, MS66 PCGS, Charlton (2009) calls this the Straight 7 variety. The bottom of the 7 in the date is curved slightly to the left. A small maple leaf was added to the right of the date to indicate that these pieces were struck using outdated dies, which still had ET IND: IMP: (and Emperor of India) in the legend. Only 38,433 examples of both Maple Leaf varieties were struck, compared to 424,885 pieces for the regular 1947 halves.
Mottled gold, light blue, and lavender toning drapes both sides of this prooflike Premium Gem. The surfaces appear remarkably pristine to the unaided eye, and a loupe locates only a couple of wispy luster grazes. A sharply struck and attractive piece, the single finest certified by PCGS (7/09).
Mottled gold, light blue, and lavender toning drapes both sides of this prooflike Premium Gem. The surfaces appear remarkably pristine to the unaided eye, and a loupe locates only a couple of wispy luster grazes. A sharply struck and attractive piece, the single finest certified by PCGS (7/09).
George V Dollar 1936, KM31, MS66 PCGS, handsome old-time silvery gray patina with full underlying mint brilliance. Rare and desirable in this superior designation.
George VI Specimen Dollar 1945, KM37, Specimen 65 PCGS Secure, bright mirror surfaces with a light cameo on the bust. Rare in this select quality.
George VI Dollar 1946, KM37, MS65 PCGS, superb russet and magenta toning, very rare date in this quality - the first that we have brought to auction.
George VI Dollar 1947 Blunt 7, KM37, MS65 PCGS, colorful blue-green and magenta toning, very rare date in this lofty designation.
George VI Dollar 1947 Pointed 7, KM37, MS64 PCGS, brilliant surfaces with a few tiny obverse contact marks. Rare date in this premium grade.
George VI Dollar 1947 Maple Leaf, Double HP, KM37, MS64 ICCS. Brilliant white, with a hint of golden color in the legends. The strike is bold and the surfaces free of detracting flaws.
George VI Dollar 1948, KM37, AU55 PCGS. Gray toning with moderate abrasions.
George VI Dollar 1948, KM46, AU55 ICCS, fully lustrous, light hairlines in the obverse fields. Despite the small blemishes, this is a very decent example of the key date to the Dollar series.
George VI Dollar 1948, KM46, MS63 PCGS, nice frosty bust with minimal surface marks, a choice example of this ever-popular date.
George VI Dollar 1948, KM46, MS63 PCGS, fully brilliant with moderate contact marks on the obverse. Very scarce grade for this key date Dollar.
George VI Specimen Dollar 1948, KM46, Specimen 65 PCGS Secure, fully mirrored surfaces with a light cameo on the bust. Very rare date as a Specimen.
George VI Specimen Dollar 1949, KM47, Specimen 64 PCGS, fully reflective surfaces with light original patina. Very scarce as a Specimen.
George VI Specimen Dollar 1950, KM46, Specimen 65 PCGS, reflective surfaces with a few toning spots emerging on the obverse edges. Very scarce as a Specimen.
George VI Specimen Dollar 1950, KM46, Specimen 65 PCGS Secure, fully brilliant surfaces, a superb example and quite scarce as a Specimen.
George VI Specimen Dollar 1951 FWL, KM46, Specimen 67 PCGS, light amber and russet toning over prooflike surfaces. Very rare as a Specimen in this phenomenal quality.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1958, KM55, MS66 PCGS, russet and gold patina, scarce type in this superior grade. British Columbia commemorative.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1962, KM54, MS66 PCGS, deep silvery gray patina, scarce in this select condition.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1963, KM54, MS65 PCGS, original gray toning, very scarce in this designation.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1963, KM54, MS66 ANACS, pretty russet and gold patina, rare in this select quality.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1964, KM58, Charlottetown commemorative, MS65 PCGS. Russet and gold patina over reflective surfaces. Scarce in this condition.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1967 Mint Error, KM70, MS64 NGC, bright and attractive, popular mint error featuring a double strike rotated in the collar.
George V gold Sovereign 1910C, KM14, MS63 PCGS, well struck and lustrous with moderate abrasions. Very scarce in this condition.
George V gold Sovereign 1913C, KM20, MS63 PCGS, full mint brilliance with just a few tiny contact marks, very scarce grade for this date.
George V gold Sovereign 1913C, KM20, MS63 PCGS, full mint brilliance, very bright and attractive. Rare date in this select grade.
George V gold Sovereign 1913C, KM20, MS64 NGC, full mint brilliance with minimal contact marks. Rare grade for this date.
George V gold Sovereign 1914C, KM20, MS62 PCGS, lightly toned, scarce date.
George V gold Sovereign 1914C, KM20, MS64 PCGS, nice original patina with full mint bloom, scarce grade for this date.
George V gold Sovereign 1916C, KM20, MS64 PCGS, a choice example of this rare date with subtle original patina and full underlying mint brilliance. One of the classic rarities of the 20th century Canada series. We sold an MS65 PCGS in our Canadiana Collection in January, 2010, for $86,250 including the buyer's fee.
George V gold Sovereign 1919C, KM20, MS64 PCGS, very scarce this choice.
George V gold Sovereign 1919C, KM20, MS64 PCGS, lightly toned and original, scarce grade.
George V gold 5 Dollars 1912, KM26, MS66 PCGS. Superbly struck, with reddish-gold patina and full mint brilliance. The surfaces are free of detracting flaws, and after examining this exquisite piece, one might easily consider the stated grade only a starting point. None have been certified finer by PCGS, with only one other certified in MS66 (2/0). ICCS the other major service grading Canadian coins, has graded none higher than MS65. In point of fact, this is one of only two pieces of 5 Dollars, of any date, certified in MS66 by PCGS or ICCS.
This amazing example, and the 1912 $10 in lot 20481, have been together since the time of their mintage in 1912. They were purchased, in the year of issue, by a woman in Fredericton, New Brunswick, as a birth present for her daughter. In 1985, the granddaughter of the original purchaser (the daughter of the original recipient) sold the pieces to noted Canadian numismatist Sandy Campbell. Campbell placed them in the collection of Jack Alston, a connoisseur of high-grade Canadian coinage whose collection has taken on legendary proportions for it's quality. In 1989, these superb pieces were acquired privately by our present consignor as a set. He hopes they will remain as a set.
This amazing example, and the 1912 $10 in lot 20481, have been together since the time of their mintage in 1912. They were purchased, in the year of issue, by a woman in Fredericton, New Brunswick, as a birth present for her daughter. In 1985, the granddaughter of the original purchaser (the daughter of the original recipient) sold the pieces to noted Canadian numismatist Sandy Campbell. Campbell placed them in the collection of Jack Alston, a connoisseur of high-grade Canadian coinage whose collection has taken on legendary proportions for it's quality. In 1989, these superb pieces were acquired privately by our present consignor as a set. He hopes they will remain as a set.
George V gold 5 Dollars 1914, KM26, MS62 PCGS. Bright, and lustrous, with light obverse contact marks. The scarcest of the three 5 Dollar issues.
George V gold 5 Dollars 1914, KM26, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with minimal contact marks, scarce date in mint state.
George V gold 10 Dollars 1912, KM27, MS66 PCGS. Brilliant golden-orange patina with flawless definition and surfaces free of all but the most minute marks. One is so used to seeing this type with obverse normally dotted with abrasions, that it is difficult to comprehend how an example could survive for almost 100 years in such spectacular state of preservation. None have been certified finer by PCGS, with only one other at this level (2/0). ICCS has certified none finer then MS65. As with the 5 Dollars, neither service has certified a 10 Dollars of any date other than 1912 MS66.
George V gold 10 Dollars 1914, KM27, MS62 NGC, lightly toned and fully lustrous, minimal contact marks. Scarce date.
George V gold 10 Dollars 1914, KM27, MS64 PCGS, full mint brilliance with nice definition and a few minor marks, very scarce grade for this date.
Elizabeth II gold 350 Dollars 2001, KM433, Proof 67 Deep Cameo PCGS, the Canada Mayflower. AGW 1.2232 oz.
George VI Brass Pattern Cent 1937, DC-19, Specimen 64 NGC, struck on a thick plain edge flan at the Paris Mint, a superb example of this classic rarity with original light toning and virtually no spotting.
George VI Brass Pattern 5 Cents 1937, DC-20, Specimen 63 NGC, plain edge with a slightly thicker flan, struck at the Paris Mint. Lightly toned mirror surfaces with just a few tiny spots. Very rare.
George VI Brass Pattern 10 Cents 1937, DC-21, Specimen 64 NGC, lightly toned with prooflike surfaces, a choice original example of this rare pattern struck at the Paris Mint. Reeded edge, slightly thicker flan.
George VI Brass Pattern 25 Cents 1937, DC-22, Specimen NGC (Environmental Damage with no grade assigned), struck on a thick reeded edge planchet. The surfaces are mottled with patchy spots, but this is a very rare pattern struck in Paris while the British Mint was occupied with other projects.
George VI Mint Set 1947, the six coin set in a lucite holder with a Pointed 7 Dollar and Curved 7 Wide Date 50 Cents. All the coins are brilliant UNC.
A pair of six-piece prooflike sets 1954 SF, KM-PL3, both sets with Shoulder Fold Cent, in the original government cardboard holder with cellophane wrapper, some toning, the silver coins with some cameo. The Cents with minor spotting.
Elizabeth II six-piece Prooflike Set 1954 NSF, KM-PL4, No Shoulder Fold Cent, in the original government cardboard holder with cellophane wrapper, some toning with heavy cameo on the 50 Cents and Dollar. The Cent with minor spotting. Very scarce.
Elizabeth II six-piece Prooflike Set 1954 NSF, KM-PL4, No Shoulder Fold Cent, in the original government cardboard holder with cellophane wrapper, some toning, all the silver coins nice cameo. The Cent with minor spotting. Very scarce.
Elizabeth II six-piece Prooflike Set 1954 NSF, KM-PL4, No Shoulder Fold Cent, in the original government cardboard holder with cellophane wrapper, some toning, all the silver coins nice cameo. The Cent with minor spotting. Very scarce.
Elizabeth II six-piece Prooflike Set 1954 NSF, KM-PL4, No Shoulder Fold Cent, in the original government cardboard holder with cellophane wrapper, some toning, all the silver coins nice cameo. The Cent with minor spotting and deeper reverse toning. Very scarce.
A pair of 1955 Arnprior Prooflike sets, KM-PL6, both are housed in the original government cardboard holders with cellophane wrappers.
A pair of 1955 Arnprior Prooflike sets, KM-PL6, both are housed in the original government cardboard holders with cellophane wrappers.
A pair of 1955 Arnprior Prooflike sets, KM-PL6, both are housed in the original government cardboard holders with cellophane wrappers.
A pair of 1955 Arnprior Prooflike sets, KM-PL6, both are housed in the original government cardboard holders with cellophane wrappers.
A lot of 1956 six-piece Prooflike sets as follows: (6) 1956 Prooflike sets, all are housed in the original government cardboard holders with cellophane wrappers. Some with toning and quite a few with varying degrees of cameo.
A lot of six-piece Prooflike sets 1957, (5) sets, KM-PL8, all are housed in the original government cardboard holders with cellophane wrappers. Some with toning, and some with varying degrees of cameo.
A thirteen piece lot of 1958 and 1959 six-piece Prooflike sets as follows: (5) 1958 Prooflike sets, and (8) 1959 Prooflike sets, all are housed in the original government cardboard holders with cellophane wrappers. Some with toning and quite a few with varying degrees of cameo.
A large lot of 1960 six-piece Prooflike sets as follows: (23) 1960 Prooflike sets, KM-PL11, all are housed in the original government cardboard holders with cellophane wrappers. Some with toning and quite a few with varying degrees of cameo.
A nine-piece date set of Prooflike sets from 1954-1960 including: 1954 NSF, 1955, 1955 Arnprior, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, and 1960, all are in the original government cardboard holders with cellophane wrappers. The 1954 set is a Gem set with several Heavy Cameo coins. Many coins are Cameo, some with toning. A superior group of sets. The 1954 set has the very scarce No Shoulder Fold Cent, lightly spotted.
Elizabeth II five-piece gold Maple Leaf Hologram Set 1999, 20th Anniversary issue, $1 (1/20 oz), SP69 NGC; $5 (1/10 oz), SP69 NGC; $10 (1/4 oz), SP69 NGC; $20 (1/2 oz), SP68 NGC; and $50 (1 oz), SP68 NGC; all are .9999 fine. The mintage is a small total of 500 pieces for this set. Included is the original polished hardwood case, with box and certificate. AGW 1.9000 oz.
Elizabeth II five-piece gold Maple Leaf Hologram Set 1999, 20th Anniversary issue, $1 (1/20 oz), MS67 PCGS; $5 (1/10 oz), MS69 PCGS; $10 (1/4 oz), MS67 PCGS; $20 (1/2 oz), MS68 PCGS; and $50 (1 oz), MS67 PCGS; all are .9999 fine. The mintage is a small total of 500 pieces for this set. Included is the original polished hardwood case, with box and certificate. AGW 1.9000 oz.
Elizabeth II five-piece gold Maple Leaf Hologram Set 2001, $1 (1/20 oz), SP67 NGC; $5 (1/10 oz), SP68 NGC; $10 (1/4 oz), SP69 NGC; $20 (1/2 oz), SP69 NGC; and $50 (1 oz), SP69 NGC; all are .9999 fine. The mintage is a small total of 600 pieces for this set. Included is the original polished hardwood case, with box and certificate. AGW 1.9000 oz.
George V Unusual Pair, KM23 10 Cents 1913 Broad Leaves, XF40 ICCS Cleaned, very sharp crown band details, lightly toned; and KM27 10 Dollars gold 1913, XF with surface marks and a rim nick at 5 o'clock on the obverse. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Newfoundland. George VI Specimen Cent 1938, KM18, Specimen 67 RD PCGS, flawless details with gorgeous reflective surfaces, a virtually perfect coin and the finest Newfoundland Specimen bronze coin in existence of any size or monarch.
Newfoundland. Victoria Specimen 5 Cents 1881, KM2, Specimen 66 PCGS, fabulous mirror surfaces, a most impressive example and very rare as a Specimen.
Newfoundland. Victoria 5 Cents 1882H, KM2, MS66 PCGS, incredibly sharp details with subtle silvery-gray patina. A splendid example with instant eye appeal.
Newfoundland. Victoria 5 Cents 1896, KM2, MS64 PCGS, full frosty white mint brilliance, a superior example and rare in this quality.
Newfoundland. George V 5 Cents 1917C, KM13, MS65 PCGS, a gorgeous coin with white surfaces and delicate golden patina in the legends. Very rare date in this premium condition.
Newfoundland. Pair of Certified 50 Cents, KM11 1909 MS63 ICCS and KM12 1917C MS64 ICCS. Both are nice fully lustrous coins.
Newfoundland. George V 50 Cents 1919-C, KM12, MS63 PCGS, a choice original piece with attractive patina. Scarce date in mint state.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1870 Dot, KM5, AU58 PCGS, a choice example with lustrous surfaces and aged deep gold patina.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1880, KM5, AU Details NGC (Obverse Damage), a lustrous example of this rare date with an unusual flaw on the bust of the Queen. The mark extends from the chin line to the neck and is either a gouge or the result of foreign material on the flan or die when the coin was struck.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1880, KM5, AU50 PCGS, sharp details on both sides, luster in the legends. A very nice example of this rare date.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1880, KM5, MS61 NGC, an attractive coin with unusually sharp design features and full mint brilliance. Rare grade for this key date.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1882H, KM5, MS64 PCGS, a highly lustrous example with sharp features and very light original toning. Rare in this premium quality.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1885, KM5, MS62 PCGS, very bold and attractive, light original patina.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1885, KM5, MS63 PCGS, a choice original piece, rare in this select quality.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1888, KM5, MS63 NGC, sharp design features with full mint brilliance, very scarce quality.
Nova Scotia. Victoria Specimen Cent 1861, Charlton Ns-4, Specimen 66 RD PCGS, very rare pattern issue with the date below the wreath on the reverse. Superb surfaces with flashy mint brilliance.
Central American Union
Banco Centroamericano de Integracion Economica gold 50 Pesos 1970, KMX-1, choice Proof in the original wallet of issue, celebrating their 10th anniversary. AGW 0.5787 oz.
Chile
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1755/1-J, KM5, AU55 NGC, deep gray patina with underlying mint luster. The design features on both sides are fully struck and attractive. One of the classic rarities of the entire Latin American series and the Holy Grail for collectors of Chile. This example has been hidden away for more than 60 years but is now being made available to the numismatic public.
Ferdinand VI gold 8 Escudos 1751-J, KM3, MS61 NGC Luz Shipwreck, an attractive piece with virtually no contact marks in the obverse fields. From the Nuestra Senora de la Luz shipwreck.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VI gold 8 Escudos 1751-J, KM3, MS61 NGC, exceptionally well-struck with full details on the bust. The surfaces display some light hairlines which probably limits the grade, but are free of any flaws or encrustation. A premium coin for this designation.
Ferdinand VI gold 8 Escudos 1751-J, KM3, MS62 PCGS, very bright and attractive with full mint brilliance, minor obverse flan flaw.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VI gold 8 Escudos 1751-J, KM3, MS62 NGC, an exceptionally choice example with full flashy mint brilliance, razor sharp strike and blemish free surfaces. A premium coin for this designation, presumably from the treasure of the Nuestra Senora de la Luz shipwreck. Very few coins from this legendary cache can equal this coin for overall eye appeal, including items certified at a higher number.
Ferdinand VI gold 8 Escudos 1751-J, KM3, choice brilliant UNC with superbly struck details and superior surfaces. A premium coin presumably from the Nuestra Senora de la Luz wreck.
Ferdinand VI gold 8 Escudos 1751-J, KM3, MS64 NGC La Luz, nicely struck with prooflike mint luster and satiny surfaces, a superb example from the wreck of The Nuestra Senora de la Luz and the finest we have encountered. Certainly one of the top specimens in existence. Other than the coins recovered from this shipwreck, pieces of this quality from this era simply do not exist.
Ferdinand VI gold 8 Escudos 1760-J, KM13, XF-AU Details, lightly polished and possibly once in a ring mount, but there is no trace of repair on the rim or surfaces. Very scarce type and the final year (posthumous) for this reign. The N in FERDIND is clearly punched over a P!
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1774-DA, KM27, XF Details NGC (Reverse Planchet Flaw), lustrous with no adjustment marks, large flaws on the reverse. Scarce early date for Carlos III.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1776-DA, KM27, AU58 PCGS, a gorgeous coin with fully lustrous surfaces and well-struck details. A premium coin for this designation with superior eye appeal and deserving of an enthusiastic bid! 8 Escudos of Carlos III are rarely encountered with with such pristine surfaces.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1777/6-DA, KM27, AU55 NGC, unusually sharply struck with toned mint luster and no adjustment marks or other flaws. Very scarce type in this quality.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1781/79-DA, KM27, AU53 NGC, lustrous and very appealing, bold overdate.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1782/71-DA, KM27, VF35 NGC, original patina and a clear overdate.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1787-DA, KM27, XF45 NGC, bold features with luster in the legends, quite nice for this series.
Carlos IV gold 8 Escudos 1790-DA, KM42, AU53 NGC, scarce transitional type with the legend as CAROL IV, bust of Carlos III. Lustrous and highly attractive.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1791-DA, KM54, VF30 NGC, aged patina, few minor flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1794-DA, KM54, AU50 NGC, quite nice with luster in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1795-DA, KM54, AU58 NGC, nicely struck details, original patina. Scarce grade for this era.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1795-DA, KM54, AU58 PCGS, full mint brilliance, minor handling in the right obverse field. A superior example of the type with strong eye appeal.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1799-DA, KM54, XF-AU, highly lustrous with a few tiny marks on the obverse.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1799-DA, KM54, AU50 NGC, a very attractive piece with bold details and abundant mint luster.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800-JA, KM54, AU50 PCGS, a lustrous coin with old-time rose gold patina in the legends. The obverse has a couple of tiny flan flaws, barely noticeable, and there are no adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800-JA, KM54, AU50 NGC, original patina with strong design features.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-AJ, KM54, AU Details NGC (Excessive Surface Hairlines), lightly cleaned with some strong adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-AJ, KM54, AU50 NGC, softly struck on the bust, luster in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-AJ, KM54, MS61 PCGS, full luster with light original patina, very scarce in mint state.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1803-FJ, KM54, MS65 NGC, dazzling golden mint brilliance with near-flawless surfaces and sharply detailed features, an incredible example of a Spanish colonial 8 Escudos and the finest we have seen in the market - a glittering trophy for the ultra quality conscious collector. Neither the Millennia Collection, the Eliasberg Collection, or the Caballero de las Yndias Collection (among the finer collections of Latin gold recently auctioned) contained a Charles IIII Chile 8 Escudos in condition even approaching this spectacular example. It is difficult to imagine that a finer specimen of the type exists.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1803/2-FJ, KM54, AU55 NGC, sharply detailed and lustrous, overdate details faint but visible.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-FJ, KM54, AU55 NGC, light original toning with considerable mint luster, scarce in this designation.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1809-FJ, KM68, AU55 NGC, imaginary bust, handsome cabinet toning with fully struck features on both sides, a most appealing coin which has the look of a mint state piece. Rare and desirable in this superior condition.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1810-FJ, KM75, XF40 NGC, Imaginary laureate bust, an original example with nicely toned surfaces and bold features, scarce type in this pleasing grade.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1811-FJ, KM75, MS64 NGC, imaginary laureate bust, incredibly sharp design details with superb bluish gray patina and original lustrous surfaces. A magnificent coin which will undoubtedly draw enthusiastic interest from collectors of Chile and world crowns.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1813-FJ, KM80, MS63 NGC, a superb and fully original piece with silvery gray patina and flashy underlying mint luster. Just a wonderful coin and very rare in this select quality.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1814-FJ, KM80, MS63 NGC, gold and bluish gray old-time cabinet patina with superbly lustrous surfaces and fully struck details on both sides. There are some faint stretch marks in the flan, noticeable on the bust of Ferdinand.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1815-FJ, KM80, MS61 NGC, a choice example with pleasing deep gray patina over fully lustrous surfaces, a premium coin for this designation with sharp features and no adjustment marks.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1816-FJ, KM80, AU58 NGC, lovely blue and gold toning with highly lustrous surfaces, a most attractive coin with bold details and excellent eye appeal.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1809-FJ, Large, imaginary military bust right with date below/Crowned arms in order chain, KM72, MS62 NGC Millennia Collection, brilliant mint luster with meticulously sharp design features, a most attractive example of this series for the new King. Rarely seen in this premium quality.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1811-FJ, KM72, AU55 NGC, very bold bust details with original patina in the legends. An attractive example of the imaginary military bust type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1811-FJ, KM72, AU58 NGC, imaginary military bust. Fully lustrous and sharp, a most appealing piece and highly elusive in this select grade.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1811-FJ, KM72, MS61 NGC, imaginary military bust, sharply struck on a problem-free flan with abundant mint luster and excellent eye appeal. Rare type in mint state. The imaginary bust was first utilized in 1808 while the mint awaited a portrait of the new King. For some reason the Santiago Mint eventually utilized the bust of Carlos IIII for the 8 Escudos of Ferdinand VII, just as they used the bust of Carlos III for the issues of Carlos IIII.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1812-FJ, KM78, AU55 NGC, a lovely coin with aged mint luster and deep rose gold and purple toning in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1813/2-FJ, KM78, MS60 PCGS, well-struck and lustrous, light scratches in the left obverse field. Bold overdate details.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1814-FJ, KM78, AU55 NGC, a lustrous coin with well-defined details on the bust. The reverse is equally sharp and displays one faint adjustment mark.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1814-FJ, KM78, MS63 PCGS, a choice and fully original coin with toned luster and just a tiny planchet lamination on the obverse below the chin of the King. Very scarce grade!
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1816-FJ, KM78, AU58 NGC, incredibly sharp details with glowing golden surfaces, a premium coin with excellent eye appeal.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817-FJ, KM78, VF35 NGC, a nice original coin with no obvious flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817-FJ, KM78, XF40 NGC, a nice coin for the grade, well-struck with considerable mint luster. Clearly not one of the overdate varieties.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817-FJ, KM78, XF40 NGC, lightly toned with traces of luster in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817/8-FJ, KM78, MS61 NGC, a gorgeous mint state coin with full original brilliance. Nicer than the MS61 designation except for some faint hairlines in the right obverse field.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817/8-FJ, KM78, MS62 PCGS, fully lustrous surfaces, small flan lamination on the King's chin. Scarce type in mint state.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817/8-FJ, KM78, MS62 NGC, full original mint brilliance, mint state 8 Escudos are becoming increasingly scarce.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817/8-FJ, KM78, MS62 NGC, a superb coin with full mint brilliance and an excellent strike.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817/8-FJ, KM78, MS64 NGC, a splendid coin with glowing mint brilliance, near mark-free surfaces, and sharp details. Spanish colonial 8 Escudos in MS64 are few and far between and this is the first of this date in this exceptional condition. If you are a quality minded collector this coin is for you!
Republic Volcano Peso 1817-FJ, KM82.2, AU58 NGC, second variety with Y to the left of the column, an impressive piece with silky surfaces and gorgeous old-time patina, one of the nicest we have seen.
Republic 8 Reales 1839-IJ, KM96.1, AU55 NGC, a choice example of this beautiful type featuring a condor breaking the chains of Spanish colonial rule. The design features on both sides are exceptionally sharp and the old-time patina is most attractive. Rare grade for this series.
Republic 8 Reales 1848-JM, KM96.2, AU50 NGC, nice original toning, scarce type in this condition.
Republic 8 Reales 1848-JM, KM96.2, AU55 NGC, an attractive and fully original piece with boldly struck features and luster in the legends. Very scarce type in this premium grade.
Republic 8 Reales 1849-ML, KM96.2, XF40 NGC, light original toning with very little wear evident. An attractive and premium coin for this designation.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1834-IJ, KM84, XF40 NGC, lightly toned and original, a nice balanced piece.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1837-IJ, KM93, XF40 NGC, original patina, small die cud at 12 o'clock.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1842-IJ, KM104.1, AU55 NGC, unusually bold details with abundant mint luster.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1843/2-IJ, KM104.1, reeded edge, fully lustrous AU with light scrapes in the reverse fields. The overdate is very clear.
Republic gold 10 Pesos 1872, KM145, nice brilliant UNC, satiny mint luster, scarce grade for the type.
Valdivia. Provisional 8 Reales 1822, KM3, lightly toned VF for this crude issue, evenly worn details. Very scarce denomination, first type without counterstamp. Sold with an old dealer's tag noting this coin as ex-Mather Collection, Sept 7th, (19)26.
China
Empire. 10 Cents Year 3 (1911), KM-Y28, L&M-41, MS65 PCGS, splendid bluish gray patina, a most appealing example.
Empire. Dollar Year 3 (1911), KM-Y31, L&M-37, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with minimal handling in the fields, scarce type in mint state.
Fengtien. Dollar 1903, KM-Y92, L&M-483, MS63 NGC, reversed Manchu letters, incredibly sharp details on both sides with aged gray and russet patina. Very rare type in this exquisite quality.
Hupeh. 5 Cents ND (1895-1905), KM-Y123, L&M-186, MS65 PCGS, intense mint luster, very rare grade for this elusive little type.
Kiangnan. Dollar 1904 HAH-CH, KM-Y145a.12, L&M-257, MS62 NGC, frosty white mint brilliance with a slight stain along the obverse rim from 3 to 5 o'clock. An attractive coin with flashy luster.
Kirin. Dollar 1902 Yin-Yang, KM-Y183a.1, L&M-542, MS61 NGC, old-time amber and gold patina with sharp details on the dragon. Rare series in mint state.
Kirin. Dollar 1905, KM-Y183a.3, L&M-557, UNC Details Scratches NGC. A superb example with full frosty white mint brilliance and remarkably sharp details on the dragon. The obverse (dragon side) is the finest we have seen for a Kirin Dollar. The reverse is also fully lustrous, but has a few small spots. The damage mentioned on the NGC holder is a pair of circular scratches positioned to the lower right of the central device.
Kwangtung. Dollar ND (1909-11), KM-Y206, L&M-138, MS61 NGC, a nice lustrous coin, getting increasingly scarce.
Kweichow. Auto Dollar Year 17 (1928), KM-Y428, L&M-609, VF35 NGC, bold details with a pleasing sheen to the surfaces. Struck to commemorate the first road in the province.
Kweichow. Auto Dollar Year 17 (1928), KM-Y428, L&M-610, AU50 NGC, three blades of grass, a handsome example of this popular commemorative with toned luster and bold design features. Rare and highly desirable in this superior grade.
Szechuan. 50 Cents ND (1901-1908), KM-Y237.3, L&M-348, PCGS Genuine (not graded), lightly toned AU, sharp scales on the dragon, possibly cleaned long ago. Scarce in this grade.
Yunnan. Copper Pattern Dollar ND (1911-15), Type of KM-Y258 and L&M-421, AU50 BN NGC, sharp details with a few small surface marks. Very rare as a pattern, the first we have noted.
Republic. Dollar ND (1912), KM-Y321, L&M-45, MS64 NGC, a choice piece with gorgeous toning and fully lustrous surfaces. The obverse features Li Yuan-Hung. Very scarce and popular in this select designation.
Republic. Dollar 1916, KM-Y332, L&M-942, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous and attractive with light handling in the exposed fields and a few tiny contact marks. Popular type featuring a bust of Hung Hsien on the obverse and a flying dragon on the reverse.
Republic. Dollar Year 12 (1923), KM-Y336, L&M-81, MS62 NGC, lightly toned with full underlying mint luster and sharp details. Although Kann attributed this issue as a commemorative for Pu Yi's wedding, they were in fact pattern types utilizing an unadopted version of the national emblem (according to L&M.) Very scarce and in demand.
Republic. Gold 10 Dollars 1916, KM-Y333, L&M-1027, Kann 1515, AU58 NGC, nicely toned, light lamination across the bust. Very rare type featuring a bust of Hung-hsien on the obverse and the flying dragon reverse.
Republic. Commemorative Gold Dollar 1916, issued on the installation of Yuan Shih-kai as the Emperor Hung Hsien, 3/4 facing bust in military dress/Flying dragon, Kann-1560, L&M-1114, MS64 NGC, an extremely attractive example of this rare striking of the Hung Hsien Dollar in gold with aged patina and near-flawless satiny surfaces. One of the most popular Chinese commemorative issues with a traditional flying dragon on the reverse.
People's Republic of China Year of the Horse Proof Lunar gold Kilo 10,000 Yuan 2002, The obverse features the Da Zheng Hall of the Imperial Palace in Shenyang, while the reverse depicts two horses running left and the value, 100 mm, 32.146 oz., KM1427, Gem Ultra Cameo Proof, in the original hard plastic holder, sealed soft plastic mint package, and original polished hardwood case and box. Only 15 pieces were struck, all for export, of this amazing issue, and the example offered here is lucky number 8 of the 15. The number 8 is prominently displayed on the certificate, and also stamped in the edge of the coin (No 008) by the Shanghai Mint.
The number 8 is widely regarded as a universally lucky number in Chinese culture. We are currently in a 20 Year cycle of the number 8, which began in the lunar year of 2004 and will run through 2024. All 15 of the Kilo Lunar issues are rare, but there is only one number 8 for each issue.
The number 8 is widely regarded as a universally lucky number in Chinese culture. We are currently in a 20 Year cycle of the number 8, which began in the lunar year of 2004 and will run through 2024. All 15 of the Kilo Lunar issues are rare, but there is only one number 8 for each issue.
People's Republic of China Year of the Rooster Proof Lunar gold Kilo 10,000 Yuan 2005, The obverse features the title of People's Republic of China and the Rooster image pictured on ancient Chinese bronze ware, while the reverse depicts a Rooster and the value, 100 mm, 32.146 oz., unlisted in Krause for some unexplainable reason, Gem Ultra Cameo Proof, in the original hard plastic holder, sealed soft plastic mint package, and original polished hardwood case and box. Only 15 pieces were struck, all for export, of this amazing issue, and the example offered here is lucky number 8 of the 15. The number 8 is prominently displayed on the certificate, and also stamped in the edge of the coin (No 008) by the Shanghai Mint. The same information about the lucky number 8 applies to this piece as was stated in the description of the previous lot.
People's Republic of China Year of the Dog Proof Lunar gold Kilo 10,000 Yuan 2006, The obverse features the dog-shaped belt-hook pictured on ancient Chinese bronze ware, while the reverse depicts two dogs and the value, 100 mm, 32.146 oz., unlisted in Krause for some unexplainable reason, Gem Ultra Cameo Proof, in the original hard plastic holder, sealed soft plastic mint package, and original polished hardwood case and box. Only 15 pieces were struck, all for export, of this amazing issue, and the example offered here is lucky number 8 of the 15. The number 8 is prominently displayed on the certificate, and also stamped in the edge of the coin (No 008) by the Shenyang Mint.
People's Republic of China Ten-piece set of 1/10 oz. gold Pandas 1982-1988, included are both the 1988 S and Y, all are either Choice UNC or Proof, Housed in a custom wooden case. AGW 0.8000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 12 ounce 1,000 Yuan Panda 1984, Panda seated left, holding bamboo branch/Temple of Heaven, KM92, 70 mm, .999 fineness gold, Proof, with a few minor hairlines, without case, but with certificate number 108. Only 250 pieces total mintage of this first year 12 ounce gold issue. AGW 12.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 12 oz. 1,000 Yuan Panda 1986, KM136.1, Gem Proof in the original case with certificate. Mintage of 2,550 pieces. AGW 12.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 12 oz. 1,000 Yuan Panda 1986, KM136.1, Gem Proof in a custom wooden case, identical to the original case, but we can not be certain it is the original case. There is no certificate. Mintage of 2,550 pieces. AGW 12.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 12 oz. 1,000 Yuan Panda 1986, KM136.1, Gem Proof in the original case with certificate. Mintage of 2,550 pieces. AGW 12.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China 12 oz. 1,000 Yuan Panda 1986, KM136.1, Gem Proof in the original case. Mintage of 2,550 pieces. AGW 12.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 12 oz. 1,000 Yuan Panda 1986, KM136.1, Gem Proof in the original case with no certificate. Mintage of 2,550 pieces. AGW 12.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold Panda 1 oz. San Francisco International Coin Expo. 1987, KM-XMB7, Choice Proof in the original case with certificate. Mintage of only 3,000 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 12 oz 1,000 Yuan Panda 1987, KM165, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original case with certificate number 1275. Mintage of 2,445 pieces. AGW 12.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold New Orleans Sino-American Friendship Panda 1 oz. 1988, American Numismatic Convention-New Orleans Commemorative issue, KM-XMB31, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original case with certificate. Mintage of only 3,000 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China platinum Year of the Dragon 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1988, KM196, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially flawless. APW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 1,000 Yuan 12 ounce Dragon 1988, KM200, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original case with certificate number 232. A small mintage of only 518 pieces. AGW 12.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China five-piece gold Panda Proof Set 1988, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 Yuan, 1/20, 1/10, 1/4. 1/2, and 1 oz., .999 fine, in the original case with certificate. AGW 1.8500 oz.
People's Republic of China platinum Year of the Snake 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1989, KM235, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially flawless. APW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China five-piece gold Panda Proof Set 1989-P, 5, 10, 25, 50, and 100 Yuan, 1/20, 1/10, 1/4. 1/2, and 1 oz., .999 fine, in the original case with certificate. AGW 1.8500 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Unicorn 150 Yuan (20 oz.) 1994, KM683, Gem Proof in the original wooden case of issue, with certificate. Mintage of only 500 pieces.
People's Republic of China gold Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1994, KM682, Child riding Eastern Unicorn/Unicorn, value at left, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially flawless. Mintage of only 1,100 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1994, KM682, Child riding Eastern Unicorn/Unicorn, value at left, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially flawless. Mintage of only 1,100 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1994, KM682, Child riding Eastern Unicorn/Unicorn, value at left, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially flawless. Mintage of only 1,100 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1994, KM682, Child riding Eastern Unicorn/Unicorn, value at left, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially flawless. Mintage of only 1,100 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1995, Eastern Unicorn/Western Unicorn with offspring, KM803, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially Flawless. Mintage of only 504 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1995, Eastern Unicorn/Western Unicorn with offspring, KM803, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially Flawless. Mintage of only 504 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1996, Eastern Unicorn/Western Unicorn in wreath, KM947, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially Flawless. Mintage of 1,250 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1996, Eastern Unicorn/Western Unicorn in wreath, KM947, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially Flawless. Mintage of 1,250 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1996, Eastern Unicorn/Western Unicorn in wreath, KM947, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially Flawless. Mintage of 1,250 pieces. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China platinum Unicorn 100 Yuan (1 oz) 1996, KM948, Gem Cameo Proof. Mintage of only 500 pieces. APW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China bi-metallic 500 Yuan 1996, KM897, Temple of Heaven/Panda and cub, Gem Proof in the original sealed mint soft plastic with mint tag showing that this is number 188 of the mintage of 199 pieces. AGW 5.0000 oz. ASW 2.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China 10-piece lot of palladium Panda 100 Yuan (1/2 oz.) 2004, all are Gem Proof and sealed in a 10-piece soft plastic mint-strip with certificates. Actual palladium weight of the 10 coins 5.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China 10-piece lot of palladium Panda 100 Yuan (1/2 oz.) 2004, all are Gem Proof and sealed in a 10-piece soft plastic mint-strip with certificates. Actual palladium weight of the 10 coins 5.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China 10-piece lot of palladium Panda 100 Yuan (1/2 oz.) 2005, KM1590, all are Gem Proof and sealed in a 10-piece soft plastic mint-strip, no certificates. Actual palladium weight of the 10 coins 5.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China 10-piece lot of palladium Panda 100 Yuan (1/2 oz.) 2005, KM1590, all are Gem Proof and sealed in a 10-piece soft plastic mint-strip, no certificates. Actual palladium weight of the 10 coins 5.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China 10-piece lot of palladium Panda 100 Yuan (1/2 oz.) 2005, KM1590, all are Gem Proof and sealed in a 10-piece soft plastic mint-strip, no certificates. Actual palladium weight of the 10 coins 5.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China 10-piece lot of palladium Panda 100 Yuan (1/2 oz.) 2005, KM1590, all are Gem Proof and sealed in a 10-piece soft plastic mint-strip, no certificates. Actual palladium weight of the 10 coins 5.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China 10-piece lot of palladium Panda 100 Yuan (1/2 oz.) 2005, KM1590, all are Gem Proof and sealed in a 10-piece soft plastic mint-strip, no certificates. Actual palladium weight of the 10 coins 5.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China silver Panda 300 Yuan (Kilo) 2005, KM1587, Gem Proof in the original box and case, and sealed mint plastic, with certificate. ASW 32.117 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 1 kilo, 10,000 Yuan Panda 2006, Mother Panda, baby Panda and value/Temple of Heaven with the date below, KM1655, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original custom wooden case with certificate number 12. Minted at the Shenyang Mint. Mintage of only 200 pieces. AGW 32.1170 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and housed in lucite holders, in a beautiful polished hardwood case, with certificate, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 15 Yuan (1/25 oz.) Panda set 2007, issued to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Issuance of the Chinese Panda Coins, each with the design of the original Panda coins for years 1982-2007, all are Gem Proof and all in NGC holders certified Proof 70 Ultra Cameo, all are .999 fineness. AGW 1.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 1 kilo, 10,000 Yuan Panda 2008, Mother Panda, baby Panda and value/Temple of Heaven with the date below, KM1823, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original custom wooden case with certificate number 76. Minted at the Shenyang Mint. Mintage of only 200 pieces. AGW 32.1170 oz.
People's Republic of China. Six-piece Beijing Olympic gold and silver 2008 Proof set Series III, (2) gold 150 Yuan (1/3 oz.), Cuju (football) and Wrestling; (4) silver 10 Yuan (1 oz.), Peking Opera, Yangge, Lion Dance, Beijing Teahouse, all are Gem Cameo Proof in the original wooden case with COA.
People's Republic of China gold Panda 2,000 Yuan (5 oz.) 2009, KM1873, 60 mm, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Essentially flawless with superb cameo contrast. This piece is housed in an NGC holder, but included is the original polished hardwood case, and box, and certificate number 583. AGW 5.0000 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 1 kilo, 10,000 Yuan Panda 2009, A pair of Pandas and value/Temple of Heaven with the date below, KM1874, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original custom wooden case with certificate number 27. Minted at the Shenyang Mint. Mintage of only 200 pieces. AGW 32.1170 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 1 kilo, 10,000 Yuan Panda 2009, A pair of Pandas and value/Temple of Heaven with the date below, KM1874, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original custom wooden case with certificate number 42. Minted at the Shenyang Mint. Mintage of only 200 pieces. AGW 32.1170 oz.
People's Republic of China gold 1 kilo, 10,000 Yuan Panda 2009, A pair of Pandas and value/Temple of Heaven with the date below, KM1874, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original custom wooden case with certificate number 41. Minted at the Shenyang Mint. Mintage of only 200 pieces. AGW 32.1170 oz.
Session 2
Colombia
Felipe IV cob Real 1651-NR (Bogota), KM9, Cayon type 71, toned VF, a choice example with well-centered details. The date is partially readable at 11 o'clock on the obverse and the N mintmark is boldly expressed between the columns. On the reverse, the denomination I is clear to the left of the coat of arms and much of the King's title including the ordinal IIII is readable. Very rare type in this superb state of preservation. 3.25 grams.
Felipe IV gold Cob 2 Escudos ND (1628-1665), KM4.1, MS62 NGC Maravillas Wreck, crudely struck but appears to have the denomination (II) showing to the left of the shield.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe IV gold Cob 2 Escudos ND (1628-1665), KM4.1, MS63 NGC Maravillas Wreck, full bold NR mintmark to the right of the shield, thus very desirable.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold Cob 2 Escudos ND (1701-1711), KM14.2, AU50 NGC Feversham, portions not struck up but with a nearly full reverse cross.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold cob 2 Escudos ND (1717-46), KM17.2, VF-XF, lightly polished, no mint or assayer letters visible but with a full cross on the reverse. Santa Fe de Bogota Mint. 6.72 grams. Sold with a tag for the 1715 Fleet treasure, coin number NCB3462M0.
Felipe V gold cob 2 Escudos ND (1717-46), KM17.2, crudely struck XF with a planchet crack on the edge. No mint or assayer letters visible, but Santa Fe de Bogota Mint. 6.74 grams, sold with a tag noted as North Colored Beach and coin number NCB3462M0.
Ferdinand VI gold 4 Escudos 1758J Popayan, KM31.2, XF45 PCGS, very scarce type featuring the King with peruke, small surface marks primarily on the obverse. The reverse is sharp with traces of original luster in the legends.
Carlos III gold 2 Escudos 1766JV Nuevo Reino, KM40, XF45 NGC, nicely struck with no adjustment marks, very scarce type. The final 6 in the date is punched over a 5.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1763JV Nuevo Reino, KM41, MS62 NGC Millennia Collection, an absolutely spectacular piece with rich mint luster and superbly struck details. Very rare and desirable type in this superior grade.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1774-JS Popayan, KM50.2, XF Details NGC (Mount Removed), a decent coin with no obvious flaws, small mount trace on the rim at 12 o'clock.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1777-SF Popayan, KM50.2, XF40 NGC, a nice original coin with soft patina and some underlying luster.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1777SF Popayan, KM50.2, MS62 NGC, remarkably sharp design features with flashy mint luster. A superior example with instant eye appeal and easily one of the finer Carlos III 8 Escudos we have offered at auction.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1778-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM50.1, VF35 NGC, no adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1781JJ Nuevo Reino, KM50.1, MS62 NGC, superb mint brilliance with well-struck details, natural flan crack extending inward from the rim. Very scarce type in mint state.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1781/0-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM50.1, AU55 NGC, a nice lustrous example with small obverse contact marks. Scarce type and grade.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1782-SF Popayan, KM50.2, AU53 NGC, nicely struck with luster in the legends and no adjustment marks. Scarcer early date for this series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1785JJ Nuevo Reino, KM50.1a, XF Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), cleaned long ago and now lightly toned, well-struck details.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1786-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM50.1a, AU50 NGC, old-time patina with strong features and no adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1786SF Popayan, KM50.2a, AU50 NGC, an attractive piece with toned luster in the legends.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1786-SF Popayan, KM50.2a, AU55 NGC, very bold and attractive, an ideal type coin for this ruler.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1788/7-SF Popayan, KM50.2a, AU53 NGC, lightly toned and original, an attractive example. The overdate is very bold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IV gold 8 Escudos 1789JJ Nuevo Reino, KM53.1, AU55 PCGS, CAROL IV, with the IV clearly punched over III, bust of Carlos III. This fully lustrous example is very attractive and is completely free of any adjustment marks or laminations.
Carlos IV gold 8 Escudos 1789JJ Nuevo Reino, KM53.1, MS62 NGC, lightly toned with full original mint luster, scarce transitional type featuring the bust of Carlos III, tiny natural flan flaw in the right obverse field. Rare grade for this series.
Carlos IV gold 8 Escudos 1789-SF Popayan, KM53.2, AU53 NGC, scarce transitional type with the bust of Carlos III and title as CAROL IV. A choice piece with bright and lustrous surfaces and exceptionally sharp details.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IV gold 8 Escudos 1790-SF Popayan, KM53.2, AU50 NGC, light original toning, a nicely struck example. Bust of Carlos III with title as CAROL IV.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1791-SF Popayan, KM62.2, VF30 NGC, no adjustment marks and considerable luster in the legends. Scarce first date of the proper bust series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1792-JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU55 NGC, superbly struck details with no flan flaws or adjustment marks, a premium coin for this type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1792JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU55 NGC, well-struck and lustrous, one tiny obverse flan flaw.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1793-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, XF40 PCGS, scattered small surface marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1793-JF Popayan, KM62.2, XF45 NGC, an attractive coin with abundant mint luster.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1794-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, AU55 NGC, lustrous and fully original, scarce in this superior quality.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1794-JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU55 NGC, very sharply struck with appealing patina in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1795-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, VF35 NGC, evenly worn with original rose gold patina in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1795JF Popayan, KM62.2, MS61 PCGS, fully lustrous and quite appealing, a sharply struck coin with the look of a higher grade.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1796-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, VF25 NGC, a decent undamaged gold doubloon.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1796JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, MS63 NGC, a superb and fully original example with toned luster and extremely sharp design details. Rarely seen this nice.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1797-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, MS63 NGC, an exceptionally appealing coin with full mint brilliance and bold details. Rare and desirable in this lofty designation.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1797-JF Popayan, KM62.2, XF Details NGC (Excessive Surface Hairlines), bright surfaces with obvious cleaning.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1798-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, AU53 NGC, lightly toned with considerable mint luster.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1798-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, AU55 NGC, crisply struck with nice original toning and no flan flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1798-JF Popayan, KM62.2, VF35 NGC, nice original patina.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1799-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, XF40 NGC, nicely struck with pleasing original toning.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800/799-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, AU58 NGC, very sharply struck with toned surfaces and luster in the legends. Scarce in this premium grade.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, MS63 NGC, light original patina with full underlying mint brilliance, a most handsome example of a colonial 8 Escudos.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU50 NGC, boldly struck and attractive with original patina and considerable mint luster.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, AU58 NGC, appealing blend of luster and original patina, elusive grade.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, AU58 NGC, a lustrous example with virtually no wear evident. Very scarce grade.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, MS63 PCGS, a choice piece with full mint bloom and unusually bold design features. Very scarce type in this superior grade.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-JF Popayan, KM62.2, VF35 NGC, nice original toning, slightly weak on the bust.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-JF Popayan, KM62.2, XF45 ICG, attractive old-time rose gold and purple toning.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU55 NGC, sharply struck with virtually full mint luster, a premium coin for this era.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1802-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, XF45 NGC, traces of luster in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1802JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, MS62 PCGS, highly attractive with full mint brilliance and crisp details. (The holder describes this coin as an overdate 2/1, but we can't detect any repunching.)
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1802JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU55 PCGS, remarkably bold design features with no adjustment marks or other flan flaws. The surfaces are highly lustrous and retain a slight prooflike quality. A most attractive example.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1802JF Popayan, KM62.2, MS61 NGC, flashy luster in the legends and a very nice strike. The obverse displays some faint adjustment marks.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1803JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, MS63 NGC, a choice specimen with glowing mint brilliance and excellent details. Very scarce when graded this high.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1804JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU53 NGC, a very attractive example with sharply defined details and toned mint luster.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1804JF Popayan, KM62.2, MS61 NGC, very sharply struck with appealing mint brilliance. Quite a nice coin for this designation with superior surfaces.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, AU53 NGC, lightly toned with luster in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, AU55 NGC, a choice piece with glowing mint brilliance and crisp details.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, MS62 NGC, an excellent strike with strong eye appeal and full toned mint luster. Free of any adjustment marks or other flaws, a perfect type example.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-JT Popayan, KM62.2, AU53 NGC, very appealing with toned luster and sharply struck details, no flan flaws or adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-JT Popayan, KM62.2, AU55 NGC, exceptionally bold details with brilliant mint luster, very appealing.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805JT Popayan, KM62.2, MS62 NGC, deep old-time patina with full mint brilliance, an original item and very attractive.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805JT Popayan, KM62.2, MS64 NGC Millennia Collection, a fabulous coin with eye-popping mint luster and highly reflective surfaces, easily one of the finest 8 Escudos we have seen and a coin with an impressive pedigree.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1806-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, XF45 NGC, lightly toned with a few tiny flan flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1806/5-JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU55 NGC, very bright and lustrous, well-defined strike and no adjustment marks. There is extra metal around the 6 in the date, but we are unconvinced that this is an actual overdate.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1807-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, VF30 NGC, a toned specimen with no obvious flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1807-JJ Nuevo Reino, KM62.1, nice lustrous AU-UNC, very bold features, several short scratches on the obverse including three on the cheek.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1807JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU53 NGC, lovely old-time patina with bold features and no adjustment marks or other flan flaws.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1807JF Popayan, KM62.2, AU58 NGC, lightly toned in the peripheral legends, few tiny flaws on the bust.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1809/8-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, AU55 NGC, nicely struck with no adjustment marks and a clear overdate. Bust of Carlos IIII.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1810JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, AU53 NGC, luster in the legends, edge bump on the obverse at 7 o'clock.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1810-JF Popayan, KM66.2, XF40 NGC, lustrous surfaces with a couple of tiny flan flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1810-JF Popayan, KM66.2, XF45 NGC, quite attractive with light toning and noticeable luster.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1811/0-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, AU55 NGC, a lustrous example with sharply defined details and a very bold overdate.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1811/0-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, MS63 NGC, very lightly toned with full mint luster and bold details, a most attractive mint state piece.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1813JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, XF45 NGC, luster in the legends with typical small contact marks, double-punched 3 in the date and with the reverse slightly off-center.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1813JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, MS61 NGC, lightly toned with appealing mint luster and bold design features. Mint state 8 Escudos are very popular and increasingly scarce in the market.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1813-JF Popayan, KM66.2, XF40 NGC, evenly worn with pleasing toning.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1814JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, MS62 NGC, appealing original toning over fully lustrous surfaces, a bit nicer than usually seen.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1814-JF Popayan, KM66.2, AU53 NGC, crisp details on a problem-free flan, quite attractive.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1815JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, AU55 NGC, very nice patina with underlying luster, quite appealing.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1815-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, AU55 NGC, soft original patina, nice details.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1815-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, AU58 ANACS, lustrous surfaces, one planchet lamination on the center of the bust.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1816-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, VF35 NGC, original toning.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1816-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, MS62 NGC, full frosty mint luster with just a few surface marks. Very scarce and desirable when graded mint state.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, XF45 NGC, original toning.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, AU53 NGC, nicely struck with considerable mint luster.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, AU55 NGC, sharply detailed with abundant mint luster, few tiny surface marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817-FM Popayan, KM66.2, AU55 NGC, nicely toned and bold, struck on a broad flan.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1818-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, VF20 NGC, evenly worn, no obvious flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1819-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, XF40 NGC, nicely toned and original.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1819-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, XF45 NGC, lightly toned with a couple of tiny flan flaws and a short scratch near the N of FERDND.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1819JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, AU Details NGC (Obverse Scratched), fully lustrous and attractive, one long scratch across the obverse, possibly an adjustment mark.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1819JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, MS60 PCGS, a nice lustrous coin with bold details, clearly a premium coin for this designation.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1819-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, MS62 NGC, a superb coin with full mint luster and appealing aged patina. Very scarce and desirable in this superior quality.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1819-FM Popayan, KM66.2, XF45 NGC, very clean and attractive surfaces.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1820-JF Nuevo Reino, KM66.1, XF40 NGC, lightly toned and quite attractive.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1820-FM Popayan, KM66.2, XF40 NGC, rose gold patina in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1820FM Popayan, KM66.2, AU55 NGC, very bright and appealing, nearly fully lustrous.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1820-FM Popayan, KM66.2, AU58 NGC, sharply detailed and lustrous, a handsome example of this late date Spanish colonial 8 Escudos.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1825FM Popayan, KM82.2, MS61 NGC, a nice lustrous example of this early date with light handling in the obverse fields. Very scarce type in mint state.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1833/22-UR Popayan, KM82.2, AU50 ANACS, an attractive piece struck on a problem-free planchet, scarce overdate variety.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1836RS Bogota, KM82.1, MS62 NGC, a very attractive example with full mint brilliance and well-struck details, a premium coin for this designation.
Nueva Granada gold 16 Pesos 1838RS Bogota, KM94.1, MS62 NGC Millennia Collection, fully lustrous with typical small contact marks, scarce in mint state.
Nueva Granada gold 16 Pesos 1838RS Bogota, KM94.1, MS63 NGC, full mint brilliance, very scarce type in mint state.
Republic - Nueva Granada gold 16 Pesos 1846-UE Popayan, KM94.2, VF20 NGC, indicated as a scarce assayer in the SCWC, typical small flan flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Nueva Granada gold 16 Pesos 1846UE Popayan, KM94.2, MS64 NGC Millennia Collection, full glowing mint luster with flashy surfaces, slightly crude but quite appealing and a scarce assayer according to the SCWC. Rarely seen in this superior grade and certainly the finest we've seen.
Republic gold Medal 1846 Simon Bolivar, choice prooflike AU with minimal handling in the exposed fields and a faint test mark on the rim. Struck to commemorate the inauguration of the statue of Simon Bolivar in the Plaza Mayor in Bogota and honoring him as the Liberator of South America. 68.03 grams, 49 mm. Very rare and important medal.
Granadine Confederation gold 10 Pesos 1860 Bogota, KM129.1, fully lustrous AU-UNC, slightly weak centers with a small flan flaw on the cheek of Libertad. Scarce type and grade.
Republic gold 2 Pesos 1863 Medellin, KM147, MS63 NGC Damon Collection, lightly toned and very well-struck for this series. Rare one-year type.
Republic - Estados Unidos gold 10 Pesos 1869 Popayan, KM141.3, AU50 NGC, lightly toned and very appealing, faint adjustment marks on the cheek.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1872 Popayan, KM142.3, AU-UNC, full mint brilliance, crudely struck with several letters in the legends repunched and extra metal in the fields and raised details, typical for the Popayan Mint. A charming high-grade example of this heavy gold type. Light edge scrape on the reverse at 10 o'clock.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1873 Popayan, KM142.3, MS64 NGC, a choice example with full mint brilliance and well-struck details, and just a few small edge flaws, probably as made. Coins struck at the Popayan Mint during this period are notoriously crude, but this example is bold and attractive.
Battle of Boyaca five-piece gold set 1969, KM-PS2, Choice cameo Proofs in the original case of issue. This landmark battle is credited as giving Colombia (New Granada at the time), Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama their Independence from Spain. Some of South America's most legendary military figures (i.e. Simon Bolivar and Francisco de Paula Santander) led the Republican armies which defeated Royalist forces in the Andes Mountains. AGW 3.2349 oz.
Costa Rica
Central American Republic gold 4 Escudos 1837E, KM16, XF40 NGC Mayer Collection, nicely struck with no adjustment marks, light wear on the tree and sunface. Rare denomination in this pleasing quality.
Central American Republic gold 8 Escudos 1828F, KM17, XF Details NGC (Reverse Spot Removed), lightly toned and original, weakly struck centers effacing the sunface. The surfaces display some mild scrapes and there is a noticeable gouge or flan flaw on the reverse at 12 o'clock. Despite the blemishes, this is a very collectible example of a rare gold type.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1873-GW, KM117, AU58 NGC, variety with denomination as "CINCO." A nice lustrous example with just a hint of rub on the mountains. Very scarce type and grade.
Republic gold 20 Colones 1899, KM141, MS62 PCGS, fully brilliant, scarce type in mint state.
Republic gold 200 Colones 1970, KM197, Proof 62 Ultra Cameo NGC, light handling in the fields. Struck to honor Juan Santamaria, national hero. AGW 0.8622 oz.
Republic gold Proof Set 1970, KM195-199, the 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 Colones struck for various commemorative occasions, deep cameo Proofs with very slight handling. A massive set and seldom offered in the market. AGW 7.9775 oz.
Cuba
Republic gold Peso 1915, KM16, Proof 64 Cameo PCGS, lightly toned with deep mirrored surfaces. Only 140 pieces were minted in Proof, and most are now impaired.
Republic gold 10 Pesos 1916, KM20, MS63 NGC, lightly toned with full mint bloom, scarce grade.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1915, KM21, AU55 NGC, lustrous with nice rims, typical contact marks. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1915, KM21, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with typical small contact marks.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1915, KM21, MS62 PCGS, a highly lustrous coin with typical marks in the obverse fields.
Cyprus
Victoria 1/4 Piastre 1887, KM1.1, MS65 RB NGC, a superior example with virtually full mint red, very scarce in this designation.
Czechoslovakia
Republic gold 4 Dukaten 1928, KMX-M4, MS62 NGC, a nice lustrous example, struck to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Republic. (Incorrectly noted as KM-M3 on the holder.)
Republic gold 5 Dukatu 1929, KM13, MS63 NGC, a choice brilliant piece with minimal contact marks.
Danish West Indies
Frederik VII 20 Cents 1859, KM67, Prooflike 64 NGC, incredibly sharp design features with lovely old-time cabinet patina. Very scarce in this special quality.
Christian IX gold 4 Daler - 20 Francs 1905, KM72, MS64 NGC, a choice example with full mint brilliance and exceptionally nice surfaces. Very scarce in this premium quality.
Danzig
Free City gold 25 Gulden 1930, KM150, MS65 NGC, fully brilliant with excellent surfaces. Scarce type which was not released to circulation, and was virtually impossible to obtain until a cache was discovered in Europe several years ago.
Denmark
Valdemar II Penning ND (1202-1241), Hbg-42b, 1.129gr, Fine or perhaps slightly better, off center but very readable, light gray surfaces with encrustations, a scarce piece from the Viking Age.
Christian V gold Ducat 1671/69, KM340.1, MS63 NGC, a magnificent example of this rare gold coinage with full mint brilliance and reflective surfaces. The strike is also exceptional with every detail sharp and clear. Rare and highly desirable in this superior quality.
Frederick VI Speciedaler 1819-FF, Dav-72, KM-693, F-VF, some tiny flan flaws present. The last Danish coin containing the Norwegian lion in the coat of arms. Denmark lost its Norwegian territory to Sweden in 1814, and by rights should not have left Norway in its coat of arms. Sweden protested this coin's design, and it was recalled. This is easily the rarest Danish crown of the 19th century.
Dominican Rep.
Republic gold 500 Pesos 1988, KM68, Proof. Issued to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Columbus discovering the island. Comes in original case of issue with certificate of authenticity. AGW 0.9988 oz.
Ecuador
Republic Real 1834GJ, KM13, AU55 NGC, handsome deep pewter gray toning with lustrous surfaces and mostly bold details on both sides. Rare grade for this era from Ecuador.
Republic 5 Francos 1858GJ, KM39, AU58 NGC, nicely struck features with just a hint of rub on the cheek of Libertad, lovely old-time cabinet patina, a superior example of this popular Latin crown.
Republic gold 2 Escudos 1834GJ, KM16, nearly XF with original luster in the legends, well-struck details on a problem-free flan. Scarce date and an attractive example.
Republic gold 4 Escudos 1836FP, KM19, AVF, light original toning, small mount trace on the rim, evenly worn with no other obvious flaws, quite appealing for the grade.
Republic gold 4 Escudos 1837-FP, KM19, VF35 NGC, a nice evenly worn example of this highly popular series.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1843MV-S, KM23.2, MS62 NGC, a splendid example of this popular type with meticulously sharp design details, full rich mint luster and old-time patina ranging from bright yellow to harvest orange in the legends. Very rare and desirable in this appealing quality.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1855/2-GJ, KM34.1, Nearly XF, softly struck centers but with bold peripheral legends and some light traces of luster. The surfaces are free of any noticeable marks.
Republic gold Condor 1928, KM74, MS65 PCGS, lightly toned and original, very scarce type in this superior quality.
Egypt
Selim III 20 Para AH1203 Year 13 Napoleonic Occupation, KM148, lightly toned XF with original mint luster, minor stain to the right of the tughra. Very rare type struck during the French occupation of Egypt from 1798-1801AD. One of the nicest examples of this fascinating coinage that we have seen with well-struck details on both sides.
Farouk gold 500 Piastres 1938 - AH1357, KM373, Proof 64 PCGS, deeply mirrored surfaces with an appealing cameo effect on the bust of Farouk. Highly popular type and a superior example.
Farouk gold 500 Piastres 1938, KM373, Proof 65 NGC, superb mirror surfaces with a pleasing cameo frost to the bust. One of the most popular Egyptian coins ever minted, and increasingly scarce in this splendid quality. Struck for the Royal Wedding.
Republic gold 5 Pounds 1979, KM495, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC, virtually perfect mirror surfaces, struck to mark the 100th annniversary of the Bank of Land Reform. Only 250 pieces minted in Proof. AGW 0.7314 oz.
El Salvador
Republic gold 2 1/2 Pesos 1892, KM116, MS62 ANACS, fully lustrous with minimal contact marks, a very scarce one-year type with a mintage of 597.
Republic gold 10 Pesos 1892, KM118, XF-AU with a nice deep strike, surfaces lightly polished with some contact marks and a few tiny rim nicks. Rare type with a mintage of 321.
Republic gold 200 Colones 1971, KM146, Proof 68 Ultra Cameo NGC, Independence commemorative, mintage of 2,245. AGW 0.6829 oz.
Eritrea
Italian Colonial Tallero 1918R, KM5, MS64 PCGS, gorgeous gray and gold patina with full underlying mint bloom. Very rare type in this superior grade. Interesting trade coin struck to compete with the Maria Theresa Taler in East Africa and Yemen.
Ethiopia
Menelik II Birr (Talari) EE1892, KM19, Proof 64 NGC, gorgeous gold and gray patina, a beautiful type featuring the defiant Lion of Judah designed by Chaplain.
Falkland Islands
Elizabeth II gold 50 Pence 1983, KM19b, struck for the 150th anniversary of the islands under British rule, showing the ship "Desire" captained by John Davis in 1592, when the island was first sighted by the Royal Navy. Mintage of 150 pieces, one for each year of the anniversary. Gem cameo Proof, toning a lovely gold inside the RM capsule, housed in the official issue case, with COA. AGW 1.4015 oz.
Finland
Alexander II of Russia 5 Pennia 1870, KM4.1, MS65 BN NGC, a choice example of this scarce date with glossy brown surfaces and abundant mint red. Rare quality and very close to a Red and Brown designation.
France
Cambrai. Pierre de Andre gold Franc a Cheval ND (1349-68), Friedberg 104, lightly toned XF, virtually fully struck, legends with JOHANNES ... Very scarce type.
Provence. Jeanne de Naples gold Franc a Pied ND (1343-52), Friedberg 208, XF45 NGC, attractive type with the Count standing below a Gothic portal, decent strike with all details clear, nice round flan with no creases.
Philippe VI gold Ecu d'Or ND (1328-50), Friedberg 270, AU55 NGC, the King seated with sword, excellent strike, very attractive example.
Jean II le Bon gold Mouton d'Or ND (1350-64), Friedberg 280, MS61 NGC, quite attractive with bold design features. (Incorrectly dated as 1340-64 on the holder.)
Jean II le Bon gold Mouton d'Or ND (1350-64), Friedberg 280, MS62 NGC, lightly toned and exceptionally attractive, a magnificent example of a medieval gold coin.
Charles V gold Franc a Pied ND (1364-80), Friedberg 284, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous and sharp, very appealing piece.
Charles V gold Franc a Pied ND (1364-80), Friedberg 284, MS63 NGC, a wonderful coin, as fresh as the day it was minted, full mint bloom and well-struck details.
Charles VI gold Agnel d'Or ND (1380-1422), Friedberg 290, MS62 NGC, lightly toned and a true mint state example of this type featuring The Lamb of God.
Charles VI gold Ecu d'Or ND (1380-1422), Friedberg 291, AU53 NGC, extremely bold and attractive, essentially a mint state coin.
Charles VI gold Ecu d'Or ND (1380-1422), Friedberg 291, AU55 NGC, nicely struck with fully readable legends on both sides.
Aquitaine. Henry VI of England gold Salut d'or ND (1422-53), Friedberg 18, XF, superb details with every bit of the legends struck up, popular type depicting the Madonna receiving a parchment from the Angel Gabriel inscribed AVE.
Aquitaine. Henry VI gold Salut d'Or ND (1422-53), Friedberg 301 and 18, MS63 NGC, lightly toned, a classic medieval type featuring the arms of England and France, and the Madonna receiving a parchment from the Archangel Gabriel.
Aquitaine. Henry VI of England gold Salut d'Or ND (1422-53), Friedberg 18 and 301, MS64 PCGS, a splendid piece with light original patina and fully struck details throughout. Rarely seen graded this high.
Charles VII gold Royal D'Or ND (1422-1461), Ciani 624, Fr-303, about XF, possible mount, very seldom offered type. King holding two sceptres and standing against a tpestry of fleur de lis. Reverse has a floriated cross in quadrilobe. Strong legends and overall, most pleasing.
Charles VII gold Ecu d'Or ND (1422-61), Friedberg 307, MS61 NGC, light original patina, very attractive. Crowned fleur du lis flank the coat of arms.
Charles VII gold Ecu d'Or ND (1422-61), Friedberg 309, MS61 NGC, crowned fleur du lis flank the coat of arms, both the obverse and reverse legends begin with a crown and there is a crown in each angle on the reverse. Similar to Friedberg 307. A very nice coin for this designation, and an elusive type.
Charles VIII gold Ecu d'Or ND (1483-98), Friedberg 318, MS62 NGC, very lustrous example of the type, crowned arms of France, reverse floriated cross, most attractive.
Francois I gold Ecu d'Or ND (1515-47)-D, Friedberg 351, MS62 NGC, Lyon, fully struck from rim to rim with bold legends.
Francois I gold Ecu d'Or Dauphine ND (1515-47), Friedberg 354, XF45 NGC, lightly toned, scarce type.
Charles VIIII gold Ecu d'Or 1568A, Friedberg 378, AU58 NGC, a lovely example with sharp details and virtually blemish-free surfaces, essentially a mint state coin. Date in Roman numerals.
Henry III gold Ecu d'Or 1578-Y, Friedberg 386, nice XF with original toning, the date is slightly weak but readable and the flan is a bit out of round.
Louis XIII 1/4 Ecu 1643A Rose, KM134.1, MS63 NGC, remarkably bold details with full mint brilliance, few minor surface marks. Rare quality for this early silver series.
Louis XIII gold 1/2 Louis d'Or 1641A, KM101, MS64 NGC, a choice example with remarkably bold details and pleasing original patina. Very scarce and desirable in this condition.
Louis XIII gold 1/2 Louis d'Or 1642A, KM101, Fr-411, AU Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), an attractive coin with abundant mint luster and only minor hairlines. The strike is bold on both sides.
Louis XIII gold Louis d'Or 1641A, KM104, AU55 NGC, well-struck and attractive, light original patina. Very scarce type in this pleasing quality.
Louis XIIII Ecu 1652A, KM155.1, Dav-3799, AU55 NGC, rich pewter gray and gold patina, a most attractive piece with well-struck design features. Youthful bust of the King.
Louis XIIII Ecu 1702W, KM329.20, Dav-1316, AU58 NGC, Lille, nicely struck details despite being minted over an earlier Ecu with a bold date and mintmark. Lightly toned with virtually full mint bloom, particularly on the reverse.
Louis XIIII Ecu 1709D, KM386.4, Dav-1324, MS64 NGC, Lyon, glacier white mint brilliance with well-struck features on a fresh flan, most attractive and decidedly rare in this superior grade.
Louis XIII gold Louis d'Or 1643A, KM149.1, VF Details, ex-jewelry with burnished surfaces, old repaired mount mark at the top.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1648A, KM157.1, MS63 NGC, a choice fully lustrous example of this popular type with well-struck details on both sides. Rarely seen in this elevated designation.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1649A, KM157.1, MS64 NGC, bust with long curl, lovely old-time patina over full mint brilliance, an excellent mint state example of a Louis XIIII gold type.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1668L, KM200.6, MS61 NGC, Bayonne, highly lustrous with some superficial verdigris in the obverse legends at 5 o'clock. Laureate bust.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1669A, KM219.1, MS63 NGC, non-laureate bust with flowing peruke, a choice specimen with sharp details and full mint brilliance - exceptional eye appeal. Rare and highly desirable in this superior quality.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1669D, KM200.3, Friedberg 421, MS63 NGC, laureate bust, crisp strike with full mint brilliance, very rare grade for this series.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1690A, KM278.1, MS62 NGC, older laureate bust, superb details despite being struck over an earlier coin, fully lustrous and an excellent example of the type.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1690N, KM278.11, MS64 PCGS, an amazing coin with full mint brilliance and boldly struck details despite having been struck over an earlier coin. Rare and most attractive in this superior quality.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1691D, KM278.3, MS61 NGC, Lyon, fully lustrous and crisply struck, an attractive coin which could easier have been graded higher.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1691I, KM278.7, MS62 PCGS, lovely golden mint luster, an appealing coin with no adjustment marks or other flaws.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1692L, KM278.9, MS61 ANACS, Bayonne, date listed as RARE in the SCWC. Fully lustrous and attractive, struck over an earlier gold Louis, but with bold details nevertheless.
Louis XIIII gold Louis d'Or 1703H, KM334.9, AU58 NGC, lightly toned with well-struck central details. Minted over an earlier coin with some of the underlying features showing through. An attractive example of this late coinage for Louis XIIII.
Louis XV Ecu 1716S, KM414.18, Dav-1326, MS62 NGC, Reims, struck over an earlier Ecu of La Rochelle with the H mintmark showing on the King's cheek. Rich pewter gray and gold patina, very appealing and scarce in mint state.
Louis XV gold Louis d'Or 1718S, KM438.15, MS63 NGC, Reims, full mint bloom, slightly softly struck. Rare and desirable in mint state.
Louis XV gold Louis d'Or 1718 Besancon, KM438.24, AU58 NGC, mintmark back-to-back C's with moor's head privy mark. An incredible strike with every curl on the head of the King fully expressed. Lightly toned and original, could easily have been certified as mint state.
Louis XV gold Louis d'Or 1725D, KM470.5, MS63 NGC, Lyon Mint, the SCWC only lists 1724 for this type and prices it well above other mints. Full mint brilliance with just a few tiny flaws.
Louis XV gold Louis d'Or 1732V, KM489.21, Troyes, nice sharp AU, scarce mint and a very pleasing example.
Louis XV gold Louis d'Or 1742A, KM513.1, MS65 NGC, lightly toned and highly attractive, far superior to most seen in the market.
Louis XV gold Louis d'Or 1743G, KM513.8, MS61 NGC, scarce Poitiers mint, older portrait of the king. A difficult coin to locate in any grade, (mintage of just 6,019), and bordering on rare in mint state. Extremely lustrous example.
Louis XV gold 2 Louis d'Or 1773W, KM557.8, AU58 NGC, Lille, lovely old-time patina with abundant mint luster. A choice example of this rare laureate bust type with no adjustment marks.
Louis XVI Ecu 1789A, KM564.1, Dav-1333, MS64 NGC, fully lustrous and bold with magenta patina emerging in the legends. Rare and desirable when graded this high.
Louis XVI gold Louis d'Or 1786D, KM591.5, MS64 NGC, intensely lustrous, a superb coin in all respects.
Louis XVI gold Louis d'Or 1786D, KM591.5, MS64 NGC, full glittering mint luster with superb frost to the cheek of the King.
Louis XVI gold Louis d'Or 1786T, KM591.14, MS64 NGC, flashy mint brilliance with no adjustment marks.
Louis XVI gold 2 Louis d'Or 1775I, KM575.7, MS62 NGC, Limoges, a choice mint state example with full mint brilliance and boldly defined features. Rare type and grade, a premium coin for this designation.
Louis XVI gold 2 Louis d'Or 1777K, KM575.8, MS61 NGC, lightly toned and original, very attractive with crisply struck details. Rare type and grade.
Louis XVI gold 2 Louis d'Or 1786A, KM592.1, AU55 NGC, a nice lustrous piece with no adjustment marks.
Louis XVI gold 2 Louis d'Or 1786D, KM592.5, MS64 NGC, Dot below D of LUD noting second semester coinage, a choice specimen in all respects and increasingly scarce in this premium quality.
Louis XVI gold 2 Louis d'Or 1786K, KM592.8, MS62 NGC, Bordeaux, bright and lustrous with no adjustment marks.
Louis XVI gold 2 Louis d'Or 1786N, KM592.11 Montpellier, AU58 NGC, lightly toned and original with no adjustment marks.
Louis XVI gold 2 Louis d'Or 1786T, KM592.14, lustrous AU, few tiny surface marks.
Napoleon Empereur 1/4 Franc (Quart) 1807A, KM677, MS64 NGC, plain bust, superb old-time toning with excellent design details, a charming little coin and rare in this designation. (The NGC holder incorrectly describes this coin as Laureate Head.)
Napoleon Empereur 2 Francs 1811A, KM693.1, MS63 NGC, attractively toned with silvery-gray and amber highlights. Very scarce denomination in mint state.
Napoleon Empereur 5 Francs 1807B, KM673.2, AU58 NGC, magnificent cabinet patina over fully lustrous surfaces with no striking weaknesses or adjustment marks. A very pleasing coin and oh so close to mint state.
Napoleon Empereur gold 20 Francs 1806A, KM674.1, MS62 NGC, bare head, attractively toned with considerable mint luster, scarce type in mint state.
Napoleon Empereur gold 20 Francs 1812A, KM695.1, MS65 NGC, full glowing mint brilliance, very scarce in this select quality.
Napoleon Empereur gold 20 Francs 1813A, KM695.1, MS64 NGC, fully lustrous with subtle original toning, very scarce in this select quality.
Napoleon Premier Consul gold 40 Francs An XI-A, KM652, MS61 NGC, lightly toned and lustrous, very scarce type in mint state.
Napoleon Empereur gold 40 Francs 1811A, KM696.1, MS62 NGC, full mint brilliance with a few small contact marks. Very scarce grade for this heavily circulated type.
Louis XVIII gold 20 Francs 1814A, KM706.1, MS64 NGC, first restoration, appealing gold and orange patina, full mint bloom. Highly elusive in this superior grade.
Napoleon II silver Essai 2 Francs 1816, Mazard 638, KMX-E13, AU58 NGC, toned with prooflike surfaces, very scarce pretender coinage.
Napoleon II silver Essai 5 Francs 1816, Mazard 637, KMX-E14, MS63 NGC, handsome old-time silvery gray and gold patina, rare type for the pretender to the throne.
Louis XVIII gold 40 Francs 1818W, KM713.6, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous and very attractive, a premium coin for this designation. Scarce denomination when certified as mint state.
Charles X gold 20 Francs 1825A, KM726.1, MS64 NGC, full original mint bloom, surprisingly scarce type in this select quality.
Charles X gold 20 Francs 1830A Lettered Edge, KM726.1, MS63 NGC, full mint brilliance, light handling in the obverse fields. Very scarce type in mint state.
Charles X gold 40 Francs 1830A Incuse Edge, KM721.1, Gad-1105, MS63 PCGS, fully lustrous surfaces with just a hint of original patina. The strike is very sharp on both sides. Scarce type in this choice condition.
Louis Philippe I gold 20 Francs 1831A Incuse Letters, KM739.1, MS63 NGC, lustrous surfaces with very light original toning.
Second Republic 2 Francs 1849A, KM760.1, MS65 PCGS, Ceres head type, Paris mint. Lightly toned with strong underlying luster. Scarce in any grade, bordering on rare this choice.
Republic 2 Francs 1850A, KM760.1, MS63 NGC, fabulous deep silvery-gray and violet patina with full underlying mint luster. A truly superior piece which old-time numismatists in Europe might have called "FDC."
Louis Napoleon 5 Francs 1852A, KM773.1, MS61 NGC, rare variety with the designer's name as J.J. BARRE. Lightly toned and attractive, seldom seen in the market.
Napoleon III 2 Francs 1853A, KM780.1, MS64 NGC, steel gray patina with flashy underlying luster, just a couple of contact marks on the bust. Rare grade for this low-mintage date and a very attractive example.
Napoleon III gold 50 Francs 1858BB, KM785.2, MS63 NGC, full mint bloom with a light scattering of tiny contact marks, scarce date.
Napoleon III gold 50 Francs 1859BB, KM785.2, MS63 NGC, exceptionally nice with satiny surfaces and strong eye appeal.
Napoleon III gold 50 Francs 1862BB, KM804.2, MS63 NGC, bright and lustrous surfaces with just a few tiny contact marks, scarcer date for this mint.
Napoleon III gold 50 Francs 1868A, KM804.1, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous with minimal obverse contact marks.
Napoleon III gold 50 Francs 1868BB, KM804.2, MS63 NGC, nicely toned and fully original, scarce date and grade.
Napoleon III gold 100 Francs 1856A, KM786.1, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous and attractive, few small obverse contact marks. Scarce denomination in mint state. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Napoleon III gold 100 Francs 1857A, KM786.1, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous, very scarce in this designation.
Napoleon III gold 100 Francs 1859A, KM786.1, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with well-struck details, scarce type in mint state.
Napoleon III gold 100 Francs 1855BB, KM786.2, MS64 PL NGC, flashy reflective surfaces with minimal contact marks, lovely frost to the bust. Rare grade for this heavy gold type.
Republic gold Essai 100 Francs 1929, Mazard 2542, MS64 NGC, dies executed by Jean Vernon, fully brilliant, the reverse features an impressive oak tree.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1936, KM880, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous, scarce type, dies by Bazor.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1936, KM880, Proof 65 Ultra Cameo NGC, dies by Bazor, flashy mirror surfaces with frosty cameo details. Very rare as a Proof.
Republic Aluminum-Bronze ESSAI 100 Francs 1929 Set, eight versions of this pattern for the gold 100 Francs 1929, all different concepts by different designers and certified by NGC as follows: Mazard 2535A MS63; Maz-2537A MS62; Maz-2538A MS63; Maz-2539A MS63; Maz-2540A MS63; Maz-2541A MS63; Maz-2542A MS63 and Maz-2543A MS63.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1885A, KM832, MS63 NGC, rare date with a mintage of 2,894, seldom seen in the market.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1885A, KM832, MS64 NGC, fully brilliant with minimal contact marks, very scarce date with a mintage of 2,894.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1886A, KM832, MS62 PCGS, light original patina. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1886A, KM832, MS63 PCGS, full mint luster, very nice. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1886A, KM832, MS63 PCGS, light original toning, full underlying luster. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1904A, KM832, MS62 PCGS, full original mint bloom, light surface marks. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1904A, KM832, MS63 PL NGC, exceptionally nice surfaces for this heavy gold type and quite scarce in this designation. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1906A, KM832, MS62 NGC, lightly toned with small contact marks on both sides. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1906A, KM832, MS62 PCGS, full mint luster, scattered contact marks. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1906A, KM832, MS63 NGC, brilliant surfaces with minimal contact marks. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1907A, KM858, MS65 PCGS, full glowing mint brilliance with a few tiny obverse contact marks. Rare in this select designation.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1909A, KM858, MS62 NGC, full mint luster, tiny surface marks. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1911A, KM858, MS62 NGC, lightly toned, nicer surfaces than usual. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1911A, KM858, MS63 PCGS, lightly toned with full mint brilliance. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1913A, KM858, MS62 PCGS, very bright, typical surface marks. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1913A, KM858, MS64 NGC, full mint brilliance, noticeably nicer than the usual example. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Francs 1913A, KM858, MS64 NGC, lightly toned with unusually blemish free surfaces, very scarce in this superior grade. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold Piefort 5 Francs 1960, KM-PE332, MS67 NGC, pristine surfaces, only 50 minted. Although the SCWC lists this as a Piefort with Essai, there is no mention of "Essai" on the coin.
Republic gold Piefort 5 Francs 1971, KM-P432, Proof 65 NGC, superb satiny surfaces, type without Essai.
German East Africa
German Colonial gold 15 Rupien 1916T, KM16.1, AU55 NGC, very bold details with original mint luster, rare type struck at Tabora with the familiar elephant motif. First variety with the arabesque ending below the T.
German Colonial gold 15 Rupien 1916T, KM16.1, AU55 NGC, nicely struck and attractive, arabesque ending below the T.
German States
Anhalt-Dessau. Friedrich II 5 Mark 1914A, KM31, Proof 64 NGC, pristine mirror surfaces with a pleasing cameo effect on the busts. Very scarce in Proof. Silver wedding anniversary.
Augsburg. Free City Taler 1641, Dav-5039, KM77, MS62 NGC. Beautifully toned city view Taler. Portrait and title of the Holy Roman Emperor, Ferdinand III. Common in lower grades not at all common this choice.
Baden. Leopold Taler 1834, KM202, MS65 NGC, aged silvery-gray and gold patina over fully original lustrous surfaces, a most impressive example of this commemorative struck for the future success of the Baden mines.
Baden. Friedrich II gold 20 Mark 1912G, KM284, Proof 64 Ultra Cameo NGC, glittering mint brilliance with a nice cameo bust, some tiny obverse contact marks.
Bavaria. Carl Theodore Taler 1793, KM260.3, Davenport 1965, MS62 NGC, a nice lustrous coin, modest adjustment marks on the reverse. Scarce type in mint state.
Bavaria. Ludwig I Taler 1828, KM734, MS65 NGC, a magnificent example of the Bavarian Family Taler with frosty white mint luster and light grayish-gold patina. The surfaces are virtually pristine and the overall eye appeal is undeniable. Very scarce and popular type in this elevated condition.
Bavaria. Ludwig I gold Gulden 1826, Friedberg 287, Witt-2706, Divo/Schramm 243 (under Wurzburg), MS61 NGC. Lustrous and prooflike with light adjustment marks. One of 65 pieces issued as the first New Year's harvest tax for Ludwig I. Extremely rare.
Berg. Joachim Murat Cassa Taler 1807-TS, KM12, Davenport 625, toned AU with superb details and lovely surfaces, a very rare Napoleonic issue. Variety with Cassa Thaler on the right side of the coat of arms on the reverse. There are some very faint hairlines on the reverse, barely visible.
Brunswick-Luneburg. Ernst August 2 Taler 1681-RB, DavLS-239, KM282.1, choice XF. "2" stamped on obverse. Prancing horse above mining scene, reverse has crowned "EA" monogram within circle. Lovely toning, just the most minimal of flaws, and clearly a superior example of the type. 64 mm. in diameter, 56.17 gm.
Brunswick-Luneburg-Calenburg-Hannover. Georg Ludwig Taler 1700HB, KM19, Davenport 6654, choice toned AU-UNC, blemish free surfaces and superb eye appeal. Popular type with a prancing horse on the obverse.
Eichstatt. Sede Vacante Taler 1757MF, KM75, Davenport 2208, MS64 NGC, a splendid example with intricate design features and rich old-time cabinet patina, a coin with immediate eye appeal.
Frankfurt. Free City Taler 1796-HGBH, KM288, Davenport 2229, MS65 NGC, full frosty mint brilliance with light peripheral toning and no adjustment marks or other flan flaws. An exceptionally nice example with considerable "flash."
Fulda. Adalbert III Taler 1795VH, KM151, Davenport 2265, MS63 PCGS, light gray patina, few tiny flan flaws. Very scarce type when certified as mint state.
Hamburg. Free City 5 Mark 1907J, KM293, Proof 65 NGC, a superb coin with fabulous blue-green and russet patina and a nice cameo effect on the raised details. Worth a premium bid.
Hamburg. Free City gold 10 Mark 1912J, KM292, MS65 NGC, fully lustrous and attractive, scarce date and grade.
Hannover. George IV of England gold 10 Taler 1829B, KM133, MS64 NGC, brilliant surfaces with faint die lines, rare type in this choice designation.
Harz. Baptismal 1 1/2 Taler 1711, VF-XF, nicely toned and sharply struck. St. John is shown baptizing Christ, the reverse has a Biblical nine line inscription. 51 mm. in diameter, 29.18 gm.
Harz. Baptismal 2 Taler 1616, VF. St John is depicted baptizing Christ, reverse has a biblical inscription of nine lines. "2" stamped below. A problem free example. 62 mm. in diameter, 52.36 gm.
Hesse-Darmstadt. Ludwig III gold 20 Mark 1873H, KM351, AU58 NGC, a choice lustrous example, very attractive.
Hesse-Darmstadt. Ludwig IV 5 Mark 1888A, KM360, lightly toned VF+ with some luster traces in the legends. An attractive example of this rare one-year type with a mintage of 8,940.
Hesse-Darmstadt. Ernst Ludwig 2 Mark 1900A, KM368, Proof 65 Cameo NGC, a handsome example with mirror surfaces and an appealing cameo effect on the bust. Rare with a tiny mintage of 200 in Proof.
Hesse-Darmstadt. Ernst Ludwig gold 20 Mark 1908A, KM374, Proof 63 NGC, scattered contact marks and faint hairlines in the obverse fields. Rare type in Proof.
Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. Carl Anton Gulden 1849, KM25, MS64 NGC, full frosty white mint luster with rich gray and gold patina combining to create a wonderful cameo effect on the bust. An incredibly handsome example of this one-year type with Balbach added below the portrait.
Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. Carl Anton 2 Gulden 1849, KM26, MS64 PCGS, superb blue-green and magenta patina over reflective surfaces, a gorgeous coin with exceptional eye appeal. Very scarce one-year type with Balbach added below the bust.
Isenburg. Carl Taler 1811, KM48, AU58 PCGS, lovely pewter gray and gold patina, rare type with a mintage of 100 and the only Taler of this tiny Principality.
Lubeck. Free City - Franz II of Austria gold Ducat 1793-HDF, KM198, Friedberg 1500, MS61 NGC, a nice lustrous piece, very scarce type and grade.
Lubeck. Free City gold 10 Mark 1901A, KM211, Proof 64 PCGS, full glittering mint brilliance, minor handling in the obverse fields. The reverse is gem. Rare type and date in Proof, mintage 200.
Mecklenburg-Schwerin Decorations, Order of the Griffin, gold rimmed, eight pointed, red enamel cross with golden griffin in center and suspension ring, 67 mm, also an eight pointed silver breast star with a gold griffin in the center surrounded by red enamel with the lettering ALTIOR ADVERSIS (Against All Odds), 77 mm, the back is stamped M. ROSE-SCHWERIN. Both are in exceptional condition, with flawless enamel.
Munster. Friedrich Christian Taler 1706, KM135, Davenport 2464, AU58 NGC, handsome deep gray and gold patina with sharply struck details, very scarce commemorative marking the death of the Bishop. A pleasing coin with that old-time cabinet feel.
Munster. Sede Vacante Taler 1761, KM199, Davenport 2470, MS63 NGC, lightly toned with silvery mint luster, obverse with Charlemagne standing with sword and imperial orb. Very scarce and popular type, especially in mint state.
Nurnberg. Free City Ducat 1640, Friedberg 1826, KM135, MS63 NGC, lightly toned and attractive, date in chronogram. Rare type and an exceptional specimen. Obverse: Eagle, Reverse: two shields topped by an angel. Friedberg list this coin at US$4000 in Unc.
Nurnberg. Free City gold 3 Ducats 1703-GFN, KM262, Friedberg 1880, AU58 NGC, lightly toned, rare type and a popular series featuring the Lamb of God. Date in Roman numerals.
Nurnberg. Karl VII Taler 1742-PGN, KM305, Davenport 2482, AU58 NGC, rich old-time patina with superb details, a most impressive type featuring a bust of this pretender to the Habsburg throne and the city view on the reverse. Very scarce type and a superior example.
Prussia. Friedrich II gold Friedrichs d'Or 1770A, KM309, Friedberg 2406, MS61 NGC, extremely sharp details with abundant original mint luster on both sides. Rare type and a most attractive example.
Prussia. Friedrich Wilhelm IV gold Friedrich d'Or 1841A, KM442, MS65 NGC, superb prooflike surfaces with glittering mint brilliance, a dazzling coin in all respects and decidedly rare in this superior quality.
Prussia. Wilhelm II 2 Mark 1888A, KM511, MS65 NGC, appealing original patina, scarce one-year type.
Prussia. Wilhelm II 3 Mark 1915A, KM539, MS65 NGC, a choice example of this very scarce commemorative on the absorption of Mansfeld. The surfaces are fully lustrous with somewhat mottled patina.
Reuss-Obergreiz. Heinrich XXIV 3 Mark 1909A, KM130, MS65 NGC, splendid deep harvest gold and russet patina, an unusually appealing example of this scarce one-year type.
Saxe-Gotha-Altenburg. Friedrich III Taler 1764, Davenport 2722, KM-C31, MS65 PCGS, a marvelous example with perfectly blended patina and underlying mint brilliance. The surfaces are prooflike and virtually pristine.
Saxony. Moritz Taler 1552, Dav-9787, MS61 NGC. Early Taler from the Albertine line. Moritz only ruled six years as Elector for Saxony. His coins are scarce and bordering on rare in mint state. Beautifully toned with strong remaining underlying luster.
Saxony. Johann George I Taler 1656, Dav-7614, KM451, MS63 NGC. Struck upon his death. Outstanding appearance with gray toning, and strong underlying luster. The Duke is facing front on obverse, reverse has ten line inscription.
Saxony. Johann Georg I gold 2 Ducat 1630, Fr-2701, KM421, VF, slightly crinkled, yet with an excellent depiction of the two Saxon rulers. An important Reformation coin, struck to celebrate the centennial of the Augsburg Confession.
Saxony. Friedrich August II Taler 1757-IDB, Dav-2674, KM934, MS62 NGC. Wonderful old time cabinet toning with very detailed portrait of Friedrich, who was Duke of Saxony and king of Poland. Strong detail and an issue sought after from Dresden to Warsaw.
Saxony. Friedrich Christian Taler 1763-EDC, Dav-2677, KM962, AU55 PCGS. A scarce type was issued only during 1763 when Friedrich served as Elector for Saxony. This example has virtually full original luster Hard to find in this state of preservation.
Saxony. Friedrich August II gold Ducat 1741, Fr-2865, KM908, MS61 NGC. Friedrich was Duke of Saxony and king of Poland, so his coins are collected in both areas. This example was struck for the Vicariate and depicts the king on horseback. Impressive original luster, and an important coin.
Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. Gunther Victor 2 Mark 1898-A, KM186, PF63 NGC. Berlinmint. Very scarce in Proof with a mintage of 300 pieces. Much cameo present, and a superb example.
Wurttemberg. Wilhelm gold 4 Ducats 1841, Friedberg 3615, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with some light handling in the fields, struck to celebrate the 25th anniversary of reign. Obverse: Bust, Reverse: Allegorical figures with fasces and cornucopia.
Germany
Weimar Republic 3 Mark 1928D Dinkelsbuhl, KM59, Proof 65 NGC, soft silvery gray and amber toning, especially scarce in Proof.
Weimar Republic 5 Mark 1930F Zeppelin, KM68, Proof 66 Ultra Cameo NGC, flashy mirror surfaces, rare and highly popular type in this superior quality.
Weimar Republic silver Pattern 5 Reichsmark 1929A, Schaaf 343/G3, MS63 NGC, toned and very appealing, rare pattern depicting a modernistic Zeppelin.
Weimar Republic silver Pattern 5 Reichsmark 1930A, Schaaf 343/G6, MS64 NGC, appealing golden patina, rare pattern for the ever popular Zeppelin series.
Weimar Republic gold 5 Mark 1927-D, Kienast 386, AU58 NGC. Struck for Hindenburg's 80th birthday. Bust of the Field Marshall right, reverse has dual helmeted family crest. 36 mm. diameter, 22.55 gm. .900 fine gold.
Gold Coast
George III 1/2 Ackey 1818, KM8, AU55 NGC, sharply detailed, very scarce type and an ever-popular British colonial issue promoting free trade to Africa.
George III Ackey 1818, KM9, MS62 NGC, razor sharp details, possibly struck from Proof dies, faint hairlines in the obverse fields and a tiny nick below the 1750 on the reverse. Very scarce and popular type struck during the height of British colonial influence in western Africa.
Great Britain
Cnut (1016-35) Penny, S1158, N787, Pointed Helmet type, Choice AU, or virtually as struck, a super-nice example with silvery surfaces, sharp detail, a broad flan, and essentially full rims. Moneyer: Aethelwine of York. The obverse legend is charmingly simple on this coin, made by a Viking invader, son of a Danish king: it simply reads CNVT REX ANG, "Cnut, King of the English."
Edward the Confessor (1042-66) Penny, S1182, Hammer Cross type, Winchester, AU55 NGC, a striking late Anglo-Saxon coin, classic in style, well struck and sharp in all details, on a broad flan of good metal, no cracks, full raised rim on obverse, nearly complete reverse rim, choice surfaces with rich deep bluish gray toning and glints of gold iridescence. Moneyer Brihtmaer, who worked at the Winchester Mint. This is not the finest known or anything like that, but it is an exceptional coin, and very desirable.
Edward III (1327-77) gold Quarter Noble, S1510, London, Lis in center of reverse, XF40 NGC, mostly clear legend but some typical blunders, very slightly struck off center, old-gold toning. Struck 1361-69.
Edward III (1327-77) gold Noble, S1504, Treaty Period of 1361-69, flag on stern for Calais Mint, "C" at center of reverse, MS64 NGC, heavy die breaks on obverse and struck from pebbly dies but deeply struck too, and lustrous, on a full broad flan with outer rim intact on reverse, an impressive example. Mis-attributed on grading insert as S1490.
Edward III (1327-77) gold Noble, S1520, Post-Treaty Period of 1369-77, French and Aquitaine titles, flag at stern for Calais mint, Cross 6, uncertified, highly lustrous AU, sharp and extremely appealing except that it was mounted at 12 o'clock obverse, a real shame, but on the other hand the price will now be reasonable and if you are not bothered too much by the remnants of mounting you will be getting an incredibly sharp example of the first ruler to issue this denomination.
Henry VI (1422-61) gold Noble, S1799, First Reign, Annulet Issue of 1422-30, London, Lis mm (#105 gold), uncertified, Choice UNC, a beautiful and softly lustrous piece, satiny in texture, full roundish flan without cracks of good metal and only slightly wavy, even strike with excellent small details in the king's face and throughout the design on each side, legends all there and sharp so easily readable, no noticeable abrasions or scuffs (very unusual). The annulets, by which this issue is called, are all clear. The lis mint or initial mark appears at the top of the reverse, and shortly after it the mullet, which is a carry-over from the reign of Henry V. Not a rare type but an exceptional noble.
Edward IV (1461-70) "Flemish" gold Noble, Fr-133, Light Coinage, Flemish imitation from the period of 1464-70, MS64 PCGS, a beautiful example with frosty luster, scarce and popular.
Henry VIII (1509-47) gold Angel, S2265, 1st Coinage of 1509-26, Portcullis Crowned mm (#108), uncertified, somewhat lustrous XF, delightfully free of marks, full flan only slightly wavy, some design elements unevenly struck but overall the image of St Michael is clear, the dragon crudely drawn and therefore a bit vague as so often seen on this issue, ship soft in upper areas, legends certainly easy to read, in all a rather charming angel. UK cataloguers like to grade by strike, not accounting for surface qualities or actual wear, so in England this coin would likely grade VF, but it's finer than that. This one grows on you as you study it.
Henry VIII (1509-47) gold Angel, S2299, 3rd Coinage, Lis mm (1544-47), annulet by angel's head and on ship, XF45 NGC, remnant luster toned to a medium gold color, St Michael and the dragon irregularly struck, most of ship sharply struck, legends good and sharp so easily readable, flan roundish but ragged at bottom of obverse. Mis-labeled as S2268 on the grading insert.
Mary Tudor gold "Fine" Sovereign 1553, S2488, Schneider-704, dated in roman numerals MDLIII, pomegranate mm, XF40 NGC, a charming piece; the cataloguer cannot find faults under magnification save perhaps for the tiniest of flan cracks on the right side of the portcullis and another nearly invisible one on the right up to the center, but these shrink to meaninglessness when the eye takes in the good qualities of this rare piece: sound flan of good metal with hardly any waviness, a delightfully even strike producing details for the eye to enjoy throughout the coin, a charming seated portrait with some facial details, and most of all perhaps a lovely golden cast to the precious metal, toning that took centuries to form.
Mary ruled alone from 19 July 1553 to 25 July 1554, after which she joined with Philip of Spain, a union that produced no children, for poor Mary died of stomach cancer only two years into her monarchy. When this coin was minted, she was fairly benevolent. After she married the Catholic Spaniard, he brought over ideas of the Inquisition, and Mary's unhappiness caused her to persecute other Christians, Protestants, burning some of them at the stake in what is now central London, as heretics. When she passed away, the greatest reign of the English Renaissance began with her half-sister, Elizabeth, under whom the old gloom of this reign faded away and the nation became wealthy through foreign trade and its own industry. Gold coins under Mary Tudor were in the 1550s, and remain, very rare. Hers was an inheritance of a poverty-stricken land thanks to the excesses of her famous father. Thus, this short reign was one of tremendous transition, and it produced few coins in all, several types being rare enough that most collections of English coins lack any. The gold Sovereign was a relatively new coin in 1553, most pieces made then having long since perished. Modern milled gold sovereigns are all the rage these days, and rightfully so, but this is a sovereign to behold, to enjoy studying, and to cherish owning.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Mary ruled alone from 19 July 1553 to 25 July 1554, after which she joined with Philip of Spain, a union that produced no children, for poor Mary died of stomach cancer only two years into her monarchy. When this coin was minted, she was fairly benevolent. After she married the Catholic Spaniard, he brought over ideas of the Inquisition, and Mary's unhappiness caused her to persecute other Christians, Protestants, burning some of them at the stake in what is now central London, as heretics. When she passed away, the greatest reign of the English Renaissance began with her half-sister, Elizabeth, under whom the old gloom of this reign faded away and the nation became wealthy through foreign trade and its own industry. Gold coins under Mary Tudor were in the 1550s, and remain, very rare. Hers was an inheritance of a poverty-stricken land thanks to the excesses of her famous father. Thus, this short reign was one of tremendous transition, and it produced few coins in all, several types being rare enough that most collections of English coins lack any. The gold Sovereign was a relatively new coin in 1553, most pieces made then having long since perished. Modern milled gold sovereigns are all the rage these days, and rightfully so, but this is a sovereign to behold, to enjoy studying, and to cherish owning.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth I Shilling ND (1560-61), S2555A, 2nd Issue, cross-crosslet mm, VF35 NGC, a handsome coin for the grade with loads of detail on a good flan and appealing dark gray toning. Scarce so nice.
Elizabeth I gold Half Pound ND (1560-61), S2520, 2nd Issue, cross-crosslet mm (1560-61), XF Details, Mount Removed, Damaged, NGC, noticeable dent top of the queen's head, a few scattered old scuffs and some fine old scratches, but the flan is large and roundish, portrait and shield fairly sharp, legends bold, and the overall appearance without magnification is quite appealing.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth I gold Half Pound ND (Milled, 1561-68/70), S2543, Schneider-757, made of crown gold, star mm (struck 1561-64), AU55 NGC, a coin having exceptional eye appeal for a lot of reasons: the barest hint of wear, an almost perfectly round flan with incredibly smooth and lustrous surfaces, and only slight waviness to it, splendid detail of the queen in her bejeweled dress with long locks flowing out of her crown and down her back, on the reverse the royal shield showing marvelous and even detail, the crown above splendidly engraved and struck, legends entirely sharp, triangle-shaped border teeth remarkably even in strike and uniformly present, surfaces not perfect but still exceptionally pleasing despite a single long fine and ancient hairline scratch from one point of the obverse star mm into the field above the queen's face, and the whole made simply beautiful by its rich reddish gold toning. Wow! The cataloguer has both written about and handled slightly finer pieces, but not in years, and this coin is so impressive that it would make anyone beam with ownership. It has an historical presence that in a way is priceless, except that it is presently for sale to the highest bidder. Our estimate deserves to be exceeded.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth I gold Pound ND (1594-96), S2534, 6th Issue of 1583-1600, woolpack mm (1594-96), AU50 NGC, an excellent piece, almost as fine as may be located, with a beautiful portrait intricately detailed and struck up showing the queen crowned in her elaborate dress with jewels and fancy ruff, her name fully written out, each letter of the obverse legend crystal clear as are the annulet stops, the fields immaculate and lustrous, the reverse equally impressive with a really great crowned royal crest, and remarkably each letter of this side's legend is bold, as is the "E - R" on the sides of the shield (normally something is softly struck but not here), and again the luster is evident and the fields nearly immaculate. As well, the rims and edge are excellent. In short, this is one of the finest coins of this portrait type that might be found, anywhere. It is so close to Mint State that the numerical grade assigned seems modest. Based on values given (only up to VF) in the SCBC, this coin should be worth about £8,500, or maybe more if you really want to own it. Whatever it sells for, once sold it will be incredibly hard to replicate it with this much sharpness and eye appeal. A jewel of a hammered gold coin in every possible way!
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth I gold "Fine" Sovereign ND (1584-86), S2529, 6th Issue of 1583-1600, escallop mm (used 1584-86), VF35 NGC, a solidly graded coin by anyone's standard, and just a really pleasant example of this large issue, the flan nice and round with only a couple of very small cracks barely touching the tops of some of the legend (just through the outer beading, in other words), not much waviness to the flan which is unusual, a remarkably even strike, portrait with the usual softness yet distinct and you can make out the queen's facial features to some extent, all the legends clear and the letters all struck up, and the color an excellent old-gold or well-set medium gold. You could not want much more in one of these at this grade level; a very affordable piece for this rarity, made of almost pure gold (.995 in fineness), which is why the coin has come to be called a "fine" Sovereign. All in all, an excellent example of this historic issue.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
James I gold Unite ND (1604-19), S2618, Schneider-22, 2nd Coinage of 1604-19, rose mm (1605-06), AU50 NGC, lustrous and most pleasing because of its excellent flan which is almost perfectly round without cracks, its excellent strike which shows the portrait in great detail and most of the reverse crowned shield, its clear legends and mm making it enjoyable to study, and what are really quite exceptional surfaces. Yes, a few light abrasions, faint scuffs, and a short deeper scratch before the king's nose, but Unites do not generally come as nice as this one. The unusual portrait aligns the king's beard with his armor, a distinguishing feature of the Second Bust. The reverse legend was changed from that used on the First Coinage, which was taken from Psalm 68 and originally chosen for the coinage by the king himself (translated to "Let God arise and let His enemies be scattered"), to a new and shorter motto, in Latin, meaning "I will make them one nation" (from the biblical book of Ezekiel), reflecting the great social change also stated as "MAG BRIT" in the obverse legend, the unification of the land formerly "of the English" to one nation called "Great Britain." Not only is this a lovely coin, it's also historic.
Charles I gold Triple Unite 1643, S2727 type without scarf, Schneider-299, plume mm with lower bands (#103), Oxford mint, AU50 PCGS, large roundish flan and centered dies for a nice sharp appearance, although this coin was once gently cleaned and shows some minor digs, also a faint crack and a small file mark (V-shaped) above the obverse mm. While these are technically detriments, they are also very typical of large gold coins of this era, which after all were struck essentially for the king to pay his many expenses and his army during the horrific Civil War, which began in earnest in 1643-44, so small faults such as are visible here should really be both expected and to some extent excused, and perhaps should be best reflected by the price of a piece, not its technical grade. If you are interested in a high-value representative coin right out of this troubled period (used to pay the king's own military needs), want a good, large portrait of King Charles, and value a fairly well-detailed "Declaration" legend which scrolls across the reverse of this issue, perhaps this coin is for you. It's an impressive piece of early British numismatic gold. This coin has it all, fascinating history and real value! One of only two pieces certified by PCGS, this being the higher certified of the two.
Charles I gold Triple Unite 1644 Oxon, S2729, Schneider-303, plumelet mm on obverse only, Oxford mint, XF Details, Mount Removed NGC, lustrous but lightly cleaned, details certainly at least those of an XF coin, beautifully detailed and compelling portrait, the surrounding legend as well as the entire reverse crisp in detail (as is the mm Plume above the king's head), surfaces almost entirely free of abrasions, a few pits before the sword that are annealing flaws in the gold metal, excellent rims with most of the denticles or "teeth" in evidence, and a super nice roundish flan. A mount may have been removed but you cannot see it in the slab. Not perfect by any means, but this is in fact a very nice Triple Unite, especially of the smaller flan variety, made "late in the day" as the Civil War was heating up in 1644 and poor King Charles was literally on the run from fortress to fortress, his principal hold-out being at Oxford, where this historic coin was minted. A classic gold coin.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Commonwealth gold Unite 1653, S3208, sun mm, AU53 NGC, highly lustrous, roundish flan, strike sharp throughout the design elements, a few minor and old marks and tiny flan flaws. The flan is not wavy and the coin is made more eye-appealing because of its lovely color. All in all, an exceptional unite.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Cromwell Sixpence by Tanner 1658, ESC1506, MS63 NGC, light silvery golden gray surfaces, a few tiny abrasions; old-style slab so you cannot see the edge very well, but it will be striated, and "plain," and this was struck in a proofing press, so the correct designation should be "PF63," but it's a trifling error. Surfaces are essentially intact and very choice, and this is nearly as fine as this piece exists, in the experience of the cataloguer, who has handled and catalogued perhaps a dozen of the 35 coins struck in 1738. See description in the other lot, same coin, for further information. We list the ESC designation given on the grading insert, but do so with some hesitation, not because NGC has erred but because ESC is not accurate. This is not the "Dutch copy" at all.
Johann Sigismund Tanner, talented engraver for the Royal Mint, a few years before he was appointed Chief Engraver took on the job of re-creating dies using Thomas Simon's stored punches, and he turned out copies of the Crown, Halfcrown, Shilling, and Sixpence. He also created the gold Half Broad, which Simon never styled. All are very rare today, but most keenly sought, perhaps, is the sixpence. Why? The original is so rare that it is essentially non-collectible. The famous Norweb piece, sold in the middle 1980s, was graded Fine. Contemporary collectors found it impossible to get a Simon piece just eight decades after they were made, so evidently most were melted during the scare that followed the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Only a handful of these Tanner copies were coined, a few with milled or reeded edges, most with striated "plain edges." All seem to have a "coin rotation" die orientation. The Norweb specimen (sold in the Terner 2 Collection auction some years ago for about $12,000) was a touch finer than this example, but this is nonetheless among the finest extant, and therefore it should be hotly contested as the rarity it is.
Johann Sigismund Tanner, talented engraver for the Royal Mint, a few years before he was appointed Chief Engraver took on the job of re-creating dies using Thomas Simon's stored punches, and he turned out copies of the Crown, Halfcrown, Shilling, and Sixpence. He also created the gold Half Broad, which Simon never styled. All are very rare today, but most keenly sought, perhaps, is the sixpence. Why? The original is so rare that it is essentially non-collectible. The famous Norweb piece, sold in the middle 1980s, was graded Fine. Contemporary collectors found it impossible to get a Simon piece just eight decades after they were made, so evidently most were melted during the scare that followed the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660. Only a handful of these Tanner copies were coined, a few with milled or reeded edges, most with striated "plain edges." All seem to have a "coin rotation" die orientation. The Norweb specimen (sold in the Terner 2 Collection auction some years ago for about $12,000) was a touch finer than this example, but this is nonetheless among the finest extant, and therefore it should be hotly contested as the rarity it is.
Cromwell Sixpence by Tanner 1658, ESC1506, Plain Edge, AU58 NGC, light gray toning; another example! This issue is not in the SCBC but it should be. Very rare. The great student of Cromwell's coinage and seals, Henfrey, in 1877 believed that the mintage was 35 pieces, all struck in 1738 within the Royal Mint, from dies by J.S. Tanner. All were made in order to meet demand by collectors, who found the original sixpences (those actually coined in 1658) to be impossible to locate for their cabinets, a mere 80 years after they were made! The grading designation of "AU"58 given to this example is not quite accurate. Tanner assembled Thomas Simon's stored puncheons, as used to make the original sixpence coins, into new dies and produced pieces such as seen in this lot. The blanks were struck in a proofing press, using striated fillet bands to create the odd edge. Most "plain edges" on coins of any sort are polished-looking and indeed "plain." Here, they are striated. The grade of this one, showing light disturbance to the surfaces, is typical of how almost all known pieces look today. Full sharpness of detail remains intact.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Cromwell Shilling 1658, S3228, AU58 NGC, very light wear on the high points, surfaces really nice and somewhat reflective, remaining luster glittering beneath premium silvery golden gray toning with iridescent highlights, one faint ancient pin-scratch on each side but these fade away under the coin's considerable eye appeal. Advanced die-flaws. Scarce!
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Cromwell Halfcrown 1658, S3227A, AU58 NGC, a few tiny marks including one on the Lord Protector's jaw, but this is a very attractive example, having very sharp details and handsome, medium silvery golden gray toning, scarce so fine.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Cromwell Halfcrown 1658, S3227A, MS62 NGC, an attractive piece on which the deep bluish gray toning captivates the eye. High points lighter in color. Scarce and always popular as one of the affordable coins engraved by Thomas Simon, England's finest practitioner of the metal arts.
Cromwell Crown 1658/7, S3226, AU55 NGC, advanced diebreak across the lower neck of the Lord Protector, medium gray toning with hues of bluish gold, a number of scattered abrasions but none is serious; a nice mid-level example of this classic first milled crown, dies by Thomas Simon.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Cromwell "Dutch Copy" Crown 1658, S3226A, AU55 NGC, medium to dark gray toning, a few marks, sharp design details. The classic Dutch version of Simon's work is easily distinguishable from the English original, as the portrait is longer, the face more "drawn," the work clever but hardly of the quality of Thomas Simon's, and the date is a clear "1658" rather than the overdate seen on the originals. Much scarcer than the standard piece, and here is indeed quite a nice example.
Cromwell Pattern or Trial Half Broad in copper 1658, VF30 NGC, a coin which seems to have circulated for years mistaken for a farthing, now light brown in color, showing more or less just even wear, no abuse, soft ancient scuff on Cromwell's jaw (serving to identify this specimen), ever so slightly porous, uneven details due to strike (half of rim denticles show, others missing). Called "Dutch Copy" on the grading insert. In fact, this is not Dutch at all, or a copy of anything, but a die-trial for the gold Half Broad, created in 1738 by J.S. Tanner, then assistant to the chief engraver at the Royal Mint. A very clear "dropped 8" slightly below the digit "8" in the date proves its connection to the gold piece, which shows the identical blundered version of the date. This curious and truly rare piece is struck in what was then called "soft metal," copper, which is what was used to test the dies, to see what the product created by reassembling Thomas Simon's punches from 1658 would look like. After this was made (and possibly a few others, no one knows for certain), it was probably put aside casually, and then a small number of pieces were struck from the same dies, in gold. That created a gold denomination, the Half Broad, previously unknown, and nonexistent in Cromwell's day. How the present specimen came down to us nobody can say, but more than likely it was just spent as a farthing. It is highly collectible as a memento of the event that created some of the most elusive of all milled English coins, Tanner's versions of the coinage of Oliver Cromwell.
Cromwell gold Broad 1656, S3225, AU58 NGC, straight grained edge; nicely centered dies make for an appealing presentation, as do the sharp devices. Even light wear, ancient hairlines and tiny abrasions under the aged, attractive golden amber toning; faint die-rust, and therefore a late strike. The contemporary denomination was 20 Shillings (immediate predecessor of the Guinea), a lot of money in 1656, and so these were mainly the property of wealthy merchants and bankers. The mintage, however, was small, and only four years passed while these coins were the money of the land. When Oliver Cromwell passed away and the Commonwealth ended, it became dangerous to use and even own Oliver's coins, or anything showing his image, as the King's judiciary pursued traitors. Even though Charles II was greatly lenient towards the majority of Cromwell's former supporters, he did nevertheless conduct a flushing-out of his worst enemies, trying and executing a fair number of them. This prompted a quiet panic among the populace as a whole, who hid Cromwell's image even if they had been his supporters during his life. Some of his coins remained in use only as pocket mementoes, but it is clear that most of the coinage of the Commonwealth and of the Lord Protector was not preserved during the later 17th century. More precious pieces, such as this gold Broad, either went into deep hiding or served as "passes" among remaining anti-royalists. Most of the gold and silver issues of the former regime surely were melted and the specie re-coined, showing the new King's face. The gold Broad was rarely seen in 1656-1660, was seldom encountered during the Restoration, and is a prime Cromwell rarity for today's collectors.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Charles II Pattern Halfpenny ND (1665), P404, copper, PR58 BN NGC, smooth and pleasing chocolate-brown surfaces, a most attractive portrait of Charles, ditto the reverse motif, tiny rim cut just above Britannia's head and a little mark on the king's cheek, otherwise this piece is all but blemish free. This is an excellent way to obtain a large copper portrait, created at the beginning of the milled coinage period and quite lifelike, as the regular issue halfpennies seldom come with such excellent detail, nor so pleasing. The reverse legend translates as "I claim the four seas," and it was replaced on the coming currency coinage with a simple "Britannia" because a fear grew that it might offend foreign monarchies, and at this point in time Britain was weary of war. The legend was intended simply to reflect the king's pride in the Royal Navy. The NGC insert notes the approximate minting date as 1670, which is sensible as it immediately preceded the currency issue which commenced in 1672, but Peck suggests (2nd edition, page 107) that the coinage of this pattern more likely occurred in 1665 or just shortly thereafter. Here then is a charming example of this historic coin, and its value is really "for nothing" as the British are fond of saying when something is a bargain; a currency example at this grade level would cost three times as much.
Charles II Halfcrown 1679, S3367, 4th bust, "T. Primo" edge, AU53 NGC, an excellent coin, in fact one of the nicest halfcrowns of this reign we have offered for sale, every bit as sharp as most of the illustrations of halfcrowns of this reign in the Spink standard catalog. In fact, sharpness of detail is perhaps this coin's finest feature, with a great portrait, wonderfully detailed reverse shield, crisp legends with its bifurcated letter-forms, and broad denticles creating high rims to offset the designs. Surfaces are remarkably unblemished and consist of the pebbly luster that distinguishes much of the coinage of Charles II, and a gleam certainly remains. Obverse has an appealing reddish blue toning, while the reverse is essentially brilliant gray. Finer halfcrowns of this reign exist, but not by much are they finer. The 2010 SCBC value for this date is £2,250 in "EF," a price this coin should certainly command. If it goes to some lucky winning bidder for any less, it will be quite a deal.
Charles II Crown 1676 Octavo, Spink 3358, ESC-51, KM435, AU55 NGC, sharply struck and very appealing with old-time cabinet patina. The planchet displays some light haymarking, which is typical for the era. Rare and highly desirable in this select quality.
Charles II Crown 1679, S3359, XF45 PCGS, dark gray toning, uneven strike, hardly any marks.
Charles II gold 5 Guineas 1670, S3328, 1st bust, "V. Secundo" edge, AU55 NGC, fairly sharp strike on the portrait but the reverse shield is really crisp in all details, even on the four interlinked C's at the center, not many abrasions and all small, rims really clean, not real lustrous but some luster is certainly evident, and the whole has a pleasing golden tone. Fabulous fivers exist of this king, but they are really expensive. Here is an affordable and quite handsome piece, made just a scant three years after the milled 5-Guinea coinage began. The ordinary person in 1670 never saw one of these in his lifetime; they were sort of the "gold credit cards" of their day, used at Court and for banking transactions. Can you imagine some Duke walking down Whitehall, perhaps to the Admiralty to conduct some statesmanship, his purse bulging with coins like this? Well, for the right bid, now it can be yours!
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Charles II gold 5 Guineas 1682, S3331, 2nd bust, "T. Quarto" edge, AU55 NGC, glassy luster and really good eye appeal, slight softness of strike yet all details of the shield are quite clear and the portrait impressive, a few ancient soft scuffs and marks but these are not very noticeable, rims a little inconsistent mostly from strike, small flan fracture on edge and just intruding into rim atop the crown at 3 o'clock reverse. Minor faults, for this is a really good fiver, with appealing golden toning, and nicer than most seen in any given year on the worldwide market.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
James II Shilling 1686, S3410, variety with "G" over "A" in MAG, also dropped second "S" in king's name, XF40 NGC, old gray toning with some golden iridescent hues, quite a nice piece! Very scarce. In fact, one of the most difficult shillings to find in nicer condition.
James II Halfcrown 1686, S3408, XF40 NGC, light gray surfaces, nothing unusual about the dies so just a nice example of this type.
James II Crown 1687, S3407, AU58 PCGS, normally weak areas are weak, from strike, brilliant luster, very nice surfaces, silvery golden gray. Quite a nice coin!
James II gold 5 Guineas 1686, S3396, 1st bust, "Secundo" edge, AU55 NGC, a rare coin, most fivers of this reign being other dates; here the early portrait is well detailed, boldly struck through the entire design except for the small end of the flowing locks at the tip of the neck, on the reverse the crowned cruciform shield is equally sharp, surfaces showing only a few small abrasions and minute tin flecks in the alloy, rims mostly uniform, a few marks on the edge, the luster enhanced by lovely gold toning. While certainly not perfect, this coin exhibits considerable eye appeal and should, in theory, be worth close to the 2010 SCBC value given to the highest grade listed therein, £15,000. British grading may be conservative, and slab grading has its critics in the UK and elsewhere, but this is no "Good VF" or even "About EF" coin, not with this kind of detail, not with these attractive surfaces. Perhaps more luster is desired to attain that price level, but how many 1686 5-Guinea coins exist that are fully lustrous? Bidding should be very active when this lot comes up for sale at the ANA convention. This is among the rarer pieces in our British section; this date and S-number isn't even illustrated in the standard catalog, and the famed Herbert Schneider collection contained just a single example, which does not seem to be any finer than this specimen. That says a lot. An important coin.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William & Mary Halfcrown 1689, S3434, 1st busts, AU50 NGC, medium gray toning.
William & Mary Halfcrown 1693, S-3436, with 3 struck over an inverted 3, MS64 NGC, lustrous with rich gray toning.
William & Mary Crown 1691, S3433, "I/E" vague, XF45 PCGS, medium to dark gray toning, even wear on the portrait of William, overall a pleasing example of this scarce issue.
William & Mary gold 5 Guineas 1692, S3422, "Quarto" edge, uncertified, lustrous XF or perhaps a bit better, some old marks and scuffs mostly in the obverse field, the portraits quite nice, the reverse shield impressive (and an engraving triumph), no problems on the rims or edge, and more than slightly lustrous. Rare so fine. The styling on this denomination and on the 2-Guineas, during this reign, is unique: its scallops adorning the royal shield appear on no other coins, and likely were inspired by Renaissance art. The Schneider collection did not contain a 5-Guineas of 1692.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William III Sixpence 1696, S3520, 1st bust, early small harp, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, shimmering with luster, clashed dies showing a shield in the left obverse field, premium bluish mauve and golden gray iridescent toning. A great piece!
William III Sixpence 1696, S3520, 1st bust, small early harp, MS65 PCGS, bold strike from fresh dies (hence none of the usual rusted-die or mushy look), immaculate surfaces, all but perfect, luminous luster, exquisite deep bluish gold iridescent toning. Mint-made "pimple" center of the king's face. The single finest sixpence of this ruler seen by the cataloguer over some 35 years. If this isn't in fact what a 67 should be, what is?
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
William III Sixpence 1700, S3538, 3rd bust, MS64 NGC, a beautiful coin, Gem UNC, some streaky tin flecks (oxidized alloy component) may account for the "64" grade given but this is a seriously nice coin, well struck from fresh dies, with premium lilac gray toning. Ex Slaney Collection, noted on grading insert.
William III Sixpence 1700, S3538, 3rd bust, later large harp, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, a gorgeous coin that sparkles "originality" with its bright silvery luster, an incredibly bold strike (probably the best seen on any sixpence of this type) showing all details, and excellent frosty surfaces, all enhanced by delicate golden iridescent toning. One of the finest 3rd Bust sixpence coins in existence, not rare in and of itself but of rare quality.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
William III Shilling 1699, S3518, 5th bust, Roses reverse, AU55 NGC, a wonderful example of this rare type, made near the end of the reign, bearing four Roses on reverse among the shields (to designate it was made from silver mined in the West Country of England), the portrait exceptionally pleasing (small ancient mark in front of nose), legends crisp, reverse among the best ever seen with even sharpness in all features (faint adjustments under the color, as made), broad rims, sharp curved reeding on the engrailed edge, and premium very old iridescent gray toning. Wow! The cataloguer has never seen a better shilling of this variety in 35 years of handling and writing about the finest English coins. Appears to be the Spink reference (2010 SCBC) plate coin.
William III Shilling 1700, S3516, 5th bust, MS64 NGC, exceptionally choice, dark golden gray surfaces, nearly flawless, some luster peeking out around the letters.
William III Halfcrown 1696, S3487, 1st bust, AU50 NGC, light silvery gray iridescent toning. Looks exactly like the reverse shown in the Spink reference as the plate coin.
William III Halfcrown 1697-C, S3489, XF45 NGC, attractive dark gray surfaces and generally a good strike with even and sharp definition in the shield. A nice example of the Chester Mint issue.
William III Halfcrown 1698, S3494, 1st bust, MS64 PCGS, Gem UNC, a gorgeous coin with bright golden blue iridescent toning, intensely lustrous with a fairly sharp and even strike, and (obviously) exceptional surfaces. Struck from aging dies but with a marvelous, fresh look! Very scarce so fine. Earlier milled coins seldom come this nice, almost never with such vibrant color, and so this is truly an exceptional coin which deserves to sell for considerably higher than the normal, gray toned type of specimen. There are records of sales of this type at much higher prices than our estimate, but time will tell how enthusiastic the bids will be.
William III Crown 1695, S3470, cannot see edge in slab, AU55 PCGS, handsome dark gray toning, lustrous under the color, dies beautifully centered, portrait strong, reverse generally sharp with a peculiar small date, very few marks, a nice coin.
William III gold Guinea 1695, S3458, 1st bust, in ANACS slab called "genuine, sea salvaged," a pleasant VF that shows what a couple of hundred years immersed in the ocean does to a coin. Nonetheless, a scarce piece well worth owning.
William III gold "Fine Work" 5 Guineas 1701, S3456, MS62 NGC, a gorgeous and very choice example of this 1-year type with the deeply engraved portrait in high relief, and here it is about as fine as can be, the reverse crowned cruciform shield equally impressive and well detailed, legends huge and bold too, dies beautifully centered, rims nearly perfect, fields showing only tiny abrasions, luster intense but slightly disturbed (hence the "62" grade), and all enhanced by well-set, golden toning. Only occasionally does an exceptional example of this exotic style come onto the market. Several pieces in American sales in particular have brought gigantic prices, and this one may well be worth such a level, but we will be conservative and estimate it at around the SCBC value set for the highest grade given there, an "EF," which is £12,500 in the newest edition. But if you really want this, it may take more. A classic in gold, literally a coiner's masterpiece!
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Anne Sixpence 1707, S3623, Plumes, MS64 PCGS, an elegant and exceptionally choice UNC coin, sharp except for some elements in the bottom of the reverse design, glimmering luster beneath premium golden gray toning, the surfaces fully original. A wonderful coin!
Anne Shilling 1702, S3583, MS62 NGC, a handsome example featuring arms on reverse arranged as was done Before Union with Scotland, the first and less often seen type; this piece a pleasing medium gray having bluish hues, with a sharp portrait and shield, dies centered, high rims, and remarkably unblemished really. Pre-Union shillings seldom come this fine, and almost never any better, so this is very scarce.
Anne Shilling 1703-VIGO, S3586, 2nd bust, AU55 NGC, black tin-flaw in obverse field behind portrait but still a very nice example, well struck overall, pleasing silvery golden gray toning with hues of blue, a classic.
Anne Crown 1703-VIGO, S3576, Tertio edge, XF40 NGC, Pre-Union type with the famous hallmark, a sort of stab-in-the-eye to the Spanish, from whom a huge fortune in specie was taken by a naval triumph at Vigo Bay, and this coin was one of those minted from this source. The technical grade seems quite accurate, as this is a pleasing example, with just some honest wear, sharply struck, the surfaces toned to a lovely deep gray patina. Under magnification, a few wispy pin-lines or whatever may be found, but overall this is an exceptional example, with all important features nice and sharp.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Anne Crown 1707, S3601, AU50 PCGS, a beautiful coin with a most pleasing portrait, sharp reverse, nicely centered dies, only light wear under attractive gray toning. Overall, an excellent and balanced look, making for a very desirable crown.
George I Crown 1723-SSC, S3640, AU55 PCGS, a sharp and appealing example of this scarce crown, minted from silver supplied by the South Sea Company, light old wear on the portrait, dies perfectly centered, bold strike with even details and a particularly nice reverse, remnant luster under rich silvery dark gray toning with bluish hues. A few old scuffs and some small adjustments under the color.
George I gold 1/4 Guinea 1718, S3638, MS64 PCGS, clearly an exceptional example of this precious little gold piece, the first one made in hopes of circulating this size gold, a failure that was repeated half a century later: again it failed to take with the public. It was just too small and easily lost! Most were melted in later years, made into other gold coins, and relatively few have survived; those that have, are mostly in VF and XF grades, clear proof that some use did occur; better ones are lustrous but have slight wear. Not here! A dandy coin, boldly struck with nice surfaces, and a fine old-gold patina. Could sell for under our estimate but it should not, if judged by its scarcity in the grade represented here.
George I gold Guinea 1726, S3633, 5th Older Bust, AU53 NGC, new slab, lustrous, well struck, dies centered producing a fine appearance, some interesting small blunders among the legends, struck from worn dies with a large break or die-flaw between the shields of the 3rd and 4th quadrants of the shield, scarce and an especially nice example.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George I gold Guinea 1726, S3633, 5th Older Bust, AU55 NGC, even wear, pleasant gold color; interesting die with a smaller "R" in the king's name. Scarce.
George I gold 2 Guineas 1726, S3627, AU58 NGC, light rub, highly lustrous, sharp details from a nice strike using centered dies, no defects or sizable marks, only tiny abrasions and almost all in the fields, so all in all a glittering and very desirable example of the first Hanoverian king's second largest gold coin, made for just four years, this being the final date.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George I gold 2 Guineas 1726, S3627, MS62 NGC, a gorgeous specimen, virtually as struck in 1726, the fields glowing with semi-prooflike or "hard" luster, strike something to behold with full details in most of the smallest features of the design, legends all crisp, the portrait charming, reverse shield exceptional too, the entire coin made jewel-like by premium amber-gold patina. So, why "only" a "62," why not given a higher grade? Difficult to say really but perhaps the faint hay-marks on reverse (streaks of black tin-flecks, which are only oxidized tin in the gold alloy, totally natural and to be expected on coins of this period), perhaps some wispy hairlines but these would be from the coin being rotated on a velvet pad, as was the method of displaying the finest coins at coin shows or fairs until very recently (and many displayers in the UK still do this).
Decidedly, this is a Choice UNC coin, no mean thing for any gold piece struck in 1726, much less for a large coin such as this. Only a few other 2-Guineas in the world measure up to this wonderful coin. The coin market is strong, but the economy the world over is iffy. English gold coins have advanced steadily in price in the past decade yet still seem inexpensive compared to lots of other coins, some not so rare. Our top estimate deserves to be exceeded. Bidders will decide. If you want something special, a real chunk of gold in a time when paper money seems to be losing value, and a beautiful thing, this might be the perfect coin to buy--a treasure for the ages.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Decidedly, this is a Choice UNC coin, no mean thing for any gold piece struck in 1726, much less for a large coin such as this. Only a few other 2-Guineas in the world measure up to this wonderful coin. The coin market is strong, but the economy the world over is iffy. English gold coins have advanced steadily in price in the past decade yet still seem inexpensive compared to lots of other coins, some not so rare. Our top estimate deserves to be exceeded. Bidders will decide. If you want something special, a real chunk of gold in a time when paper money seems to be losing value, and a beautiful thing, this might be the perfect coin to buy--a treasure for the ages.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George II Proof Sixpence 1746, S3711, PF63 NGC, a fine example of the Old Laureate and Draped Bust type, this piece taken from one of the 100 sets struck this year, the first time Proof Sets were made specifically for collectors in Great Britain, this piece having beautiful dark bluish gray reflective surfaces, reverse legend curiously double struck, first time we have seen this on one of these proofs. Engrailed edge.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George II Shilling 1739, S3701, Roses reverse, MS64 NGC, original light silvery gold surfaces, good details on all design elements, very scarce so fine.
George II Proof Shilling 1746, S3704, PF63 NGC, dark gray reflective surfaces with hues of greenish blue iridescence, a sharp and appealing example of this very early proof shilling. One hundred were struck for sets this year. Engrailed edge.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George II Halfcrown 1743, S3694, Roses reverse, AU55 NGC, bold strike, choice surfaces, well-set toning, silvery in centers and becoming darker at the rims with greenish iridescent hues, a lovely and original example of this coinage type.
George II Halfcrown 1745-LIMA, S3695, AU55 NGC, virtually MS, bold strike, premium golden gray toning.
George II Proof Halfcrown 1746, S3696, PF62 NGC, close to choice technically and good looking, bold details of course, coupled with pleasing surfaces richly toned medium gray with iridescent hues. Raised lettered edge.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George II Halfcrown 1751, S3696, MS61 NGC, lovely clean portrait and excellent strike on both sides, surfaces almost free of abrasions, silvery gray with subdued luster, very scarce and a better date within the Old Laureate Head type. 2010 SCBC value in EF is £1,850.
George II Crown 1743, S3688, Old Laureate and Draped Bust, Roses reverse, AU58 PCGS, almost fully lustrous, sharp strike with great eye appeal because of the smooth surfaces and beautiful golden gray toning. Marvelous die-work by engraver J.S. Tanner, including the chevron with the lion's face on the king's shoulder, a classic if ever there was one.
George II Crown 1746-LIMA, S3689, AU55 NGC, a lovely example, stylish and quite well preserved, nicely struck but not perfect, lightly worn, almost perfect rims, surfaces blessed with medium silvery golden gray iridescent toning. Faint old pin-scratch vertically along the face in front of the hair but still you really couldn't ask for much more quality at this grade level. Engraved by Tanner, showing the classic bifurcated letters in the legend that are one of the distinguishing features of English coinage during this period.
George II Crown 1746-LIMA, S3689, AU58 NGC, dark gray surfaces but the underlying luster is more than slightly evident, strike crisp with a delightful portrait and reverse shield, a pair of long parallel adjustments through the bottom of the portrait as done at the mint, premium toning, so all in all quite a handsome example of the largest silver coin struck from specie seized by Admiral Anson off the Philippines, the silver mined in Peru by the Spanish and headed for home when the British warships interceded. Placing "LIMA" beneath the king's portrait was yet another snub of the Spanish by her old enemy. An historic piece, particularly well preserved.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George II Proof Crown 1746, S3690, PF63 NGC, Choice Proof, a premium specimen from the rare sets struck in this year, the first full silver Proof Set ever made by the Royal Mint. Mintage: reputedly 100 pieces. This lovely piece sports deep and rich, premium gray toning with a subtle cast of bluish hues, indicative of originality. Surfaces are still nicely reflective. Of course the strike is a deep impression from the proofing dies. Raised lettered edge (not visible in the present slab.) One of the nicest examples seen by this cataloguer in many years. Should be worth close to 2010 SCBC value of £4,500 or perhaps full value as virtually no perfect or "FDC" examples exist. A classic from the middle of the 18th century.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George II gold Half Guinea 1731, S3681A, Young Laureate Head, AU58 NGC, actually a fabulous coin with no apparent wear, fully struck and glittering with semi-prooflike or "hard" luster, the surfaces all but flawless, great rims and edge, only the stray tin fleck, and the dies almost perfectly centered. This lovely coin is actually sharper than the coin (same date) used to illustrate the type in the Spink reference, the 2010 SCBC book. Rare so fine. A coin of this caliber shows up only once every few years.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George II gold Guinea 1735, S3674, 2nd Young Laureate Head, uncertified, About VF, a charming coin for the grade, pleasing surfaces amazingly free of abuse, light yellow gold in color.
George II gold 5 Guineas 1746-LIMA, S3665, AU55 NGC, ancient abrasions and scuffs but the remaining strong luster captures the eye, both obverse and reverse well centered and struck. Most of the specie captured by Admiral Anson was silver; relatively few gold coins were minted featuring the LIMA hallmark, so this is a fairly rare piece, not perfect but certainly far nicer than most encountered on the worldwide market, and we expect active bidding and a price realized in the area of the £11,500 SCBC value given for an "English EF," which this coin should surely equal in almost everyone's estimation. A treasure then and a treasure now!
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George II gold 5 Guineas 1748, S3666, Old Laureate Bust, AU55 NGC, nicely struck and balanced in appearance, old abrasions and a partially worn-off long arcing mark on the king's face, but any such detriments are offset by the eye appeal of this attractive example, sporting reddish gold toning on the obverse (mostly) and generally bold details of the design.
George II gold 5 Guineas 1753, S3666, XF45 NGC, stray abrasions, very faint adjustments near the rims on reverse, well detailed and nicely centered motifs, old amber-gold patina. Scarce thus.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III Proof Penny 1806, S3780, copper, PF65 BN ANACS, a solid Gem Proof and a beauty, too, with the customary perfect Soho Mint strike, squared-off rims, and excellent surfaces toned chocolate-brown with blue iridescence.
George III Proof Twopence 1805, P1313, PF66 BN NGC, bronzed restrike, a gorgeous Gem Proof with surfaces the color of a perfect Hershey's milk chocolate bar, long considered the ideal color (after full red) by copper collectors; this piece does not exist with any red color as it was bronzed when it was struck to take on this appearance. Most known examples are not superb, as this one assuredly is. The story behind this coin is intriguing. No contemporary twopence pieces were struck bearing this date, the denomination having been abandoned as too unwieldy to strike with ease after the issue of 1797, which bore the earlier style. Of course, 1806-07 pennies and fractions were made, including a host of proofs. Thus, this is what is often termed a Restrike Pattern, in fact a fantasy piece conceived and struck by William Joseph Taylor, a talented English die-sinker of the 19th century.
Taylor purchased a pile of what was then called metal scraps at the sale of the assets of the former Soho Mint, in 1848; among the scraps were numerous dies and punches used to make dies for an array of coinages struck by Boulton and Watt half a century earlier. Taylor polished up a number of the dies, paired them willy-nilly, and produced all sorts of minor coins of great variety for collectors, some years after he bought the "scrap." Taylor's commercial coin and medal business had by then failed, after he produced a fascinating but small variety of pieces during the 1850s, including the now-famed Port Philip gold issues. When his contract-minting business ended, he turned to producing coins for collectors of the day, working on this enterprise from about 1862 to 1880, which is the period during which the current coin was made. Peck called all his works "bogus productions" but collectors have long embraced them for the beautiful mementoes of a bygone age which they certainly are, and in the past two decades their popularity has increased measurably. Taylor made this coin either by using punches or parts of old Soho Mint dies to construct the coin we see here, or as Peck believes by drastically altering old dies, the portrait being taken from a Bank of England 1804 Dollar, burnishing off the original engraver's initials "C.H.K" from the king's bust and substituting a simple "K" in their place. Britannia was possibly lifted from a proof die of the 1797 twopence, the style then changed during the die-sinking process to reflect the type of 1805-07 penny without the former raised, broad rim as seen on the 1797 coins. Taylor probably had no idea whether or not Soho had ever struck an 1805 twopence. Peck likes to call them "concoctions," but the terminology has little affected collectors' passion to obtain and own them, much as the famous USA 1913 Liberty nickel is adored and dreamed about by countless coin collectors.
Whatever the facts really were surrounding how and when this lovely coin was created, it's still wonderful in execution, in size, and even in its mysterious elements. Its style originated at a time when the former American colonies were making their first large cents, and this must surely be a draw for America's collectors today as they widen their scopes and see what the "mother country" was using for money, and saving as collectibles, while the early states sought unity and true independence. If you want a great 1805 twopence, this is certainly it!
Taylor purchased a pile of what was then called metal scraps at the sale of the assets of the former Soho Mint, in 1848; among the scraps were numerous dies and punches used to make dies for an array of coinages struck by Boulton and Watt half a century earlier. Taylor polished up a number of the dies, paired them willy-nilly, and produced all sorts of minor coins of great variety for collectors, some years after he bought the "scrap." Taylor's commercial coin and medal business had by then failed, after he produced a fascinating but small variety of pieces during the 1850s, including the now-famed Port Philip gold issues. When his contract-minting business ended, he turned to producing coins for collectors of the day, working on this enterprise from about 1862 to 1880, which is the period during which the current coin was made. Peck called all his works "bogus productions" but collectors have long embraced them for the beautiful mementoes of a bygone age which they certainly are, and in the past two decades their popularity has increased measurably. Taylor made this coin either by using punches or parts of old Soho Mint dies to construct the coin we see here, or as Peck believes by drastically altering old dies, the portrait being taken from a Bank of England 1804 Dollar, burnishing off the original engraver's initials "C.H.K" from the king's bust and substituting a simple "K" in their place. Britannia was possibly lifted from a proof die of the 1797 twopence, the style then changed during the die-sinking process to reflect the type of 1805-07 penny without the former raised, broad rim as seen on the 1797 coins. Taylor probably had no idea whether or not Soho had ever struck an 1805 twopence. Peck likes to call them "concoctions," but the terminology has little affected collectors' passion to obtain and own them, much as the famous USA 1913 Liberty nickel is adored and dreamed about by countless coin collectors.
Whatever the facts really were surrounding how and when this lovely coin was created, it's still wonderful in execution, in size, and even in its mysterious elements. Its style originated at a time when the former American colonies were making their first large cents, and this must surely be a draw for America's collectors today as they widen their scopes and see what the "mother country" was using for money, and saving as collectibles, while the early states sought unity and true independence. If you want a great 1805 twopence, this is certainly it!
George III Proof Sixpence 1787, S3749, semee of hearts, Plain Edge, PF64 NGC, a bold piece with dark gray toning and bluish iridescence, a premium specimen, quite rare and choice. Not listed in proof in the SCBC although an example without hearts is listed. Noted as ESC-1627 on the grading insert (but that has no hearts). Not to be confused with ESC-1640, a pattern having a border of dots on each rim. This proof has borders of squared teeth. There is no question that this is a proof. While the standard references include notice of most varieties, some are missing; the Royal Mint produced an astonishing array of patterns and proofs over the centuries.
George III Pattern Shilling by Milton 1798, ESC1243 (R6), in silver, Plain Edge, PF62 NGC, a stunning and extremely rare piece featuring a very large laureate bust facing right of King George, looking every bit the Roman emperor, deeply engraved, the date below (one of the few British coins dated 1798), normal titles surrounding the portrait; reverse features an extraordinary, also large, royal shield, crowned; the Hanover arms are far more beautifully detailed and drawn here than on any ordinary coin, and all this is surrounded by large block-capital style letters, this legend consisting of Latin abbreviations of all the royal titles. The numerical grade assigned to this gorgeous coin seems overly stringent, as the surfaces are all original even if dark gray in tone, the only noticeable "detriments" (they do not bother the cataloguer at all) being tiny marks on the plain rims, which are beveled. This is a wonderful coin, deliciously rare, which every serious pattern or George III collector should see and study or examine closely. Only one lucky bidder will secure it. Most of the other of the few known examples are in museum collections. The cataloguer has seen just one or two other examples in some 35 years, and last described this specimen for a sale in London some five years ago. It's one of the highlights of the British section of this sale.
George III Pattern or Trial Crown 1818, ESC235, AU55 NGC, presumably struck in lead although it has a coppery cast, also no wear per se as this is a pattern but it does present a number of handling marks. An interesting piece, one of a number of trials made for the first new crown, by the then-new Royal Mint at Tower Hill. Seaby and Rayner (ESC) give a rarity rating on this piece of R7, which means only a couple are known.
George III Crown 1818, S3787, LVIII edge, first year minted, MS63 NGC, a Choice UNC coin with especially pretty eye appeal, well struck as always, lovely light silvery cartwheel luster blessed by a blush of pale gold iridescence, date recut as often seen. Edge not visible in the plastic holder. Ex: Grundy Collection.
George III Crown 1820, S3787, LX edge, AU55 PCGS, virtually no wear, net-graded down about five points because of large marks, all of them apparently contemporary, made about 1820. Sharp strike, original iridescent golden silvery gray surfaces, a very nice coin in many ways, minted close to the last moments King George spent alive.
George III gold 1/4 Guinea 1762, S3741, MS61 NGC, a 1-year type normally seen in XF or AU grade, this one lustrous and sharp, a few tiny pin-scratches but these are all but invisible. Nicer than most.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III gold 1/4 Guinea 1762, S3741, MS62 NGC, another charming and inexpensive little gold piece, well centered and nicer than most seen.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III Pattern 1/3 Guinea 1776, WR137, by Richard Yeo, Lion reverse, PF64 NGC, brilliant surfaces with some hazy areas, buckled obverse die, inconsistent raised and flat rim (normal for this issue), rated R3. Nicer strike and flan than most, but this issue never comes with perfect detail or on a stunning flan. Always popular in America for its date.
George III gold Half Guinea 1793, S3735, Spade style, AU58 NGC, a handsome example, almost fully lustrous, with hardly any abrasions at all, and a sharp strike for this issue, known for its shallow engraving style. In fact, the spade-shaped shield is crisp in detail. Scarcer than the full-size version, the Guinea, but unappreciated as it is not as popular. This one would seem fairly valued at full 2010 SCBC value for UNC grade at £500.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III gold Half Guinea 1813, S3737, KM651, MS60 NGC, prooflike luster, bold strike for this issue, only moderate handling in the obverse field and little abrasions on the portrait. Clearly nicer than most available in sales or from dealers.
George III gold Rose Guinea 1776, S3728, MS62 NGC, a pleasing and technically almost choice example of the 4th Laureate Head issue, popularly called the Rose Guinea because of the shape of the royal shield on reverse. Of course 1776 is a date that attracts countless American collectors of these coins, as well it might. This coin is sharply struck and almost fully lustrous, toned down a bit so not blazing by any means, but very desirable. Patches of raised dots from die-rust are evident especially in the obverse field.
George III gold Guinea 1786, S3728, KM604, AU58 NGC, fully lustrous with an exceptionally nice reverse.
George III gold Guinea 1787, S3729, KM609, AU58 NGC, a choice lustrous piece with very few surface marks.
George III gold Guinea 1791, S3729, KM609, MS63 NGC, superb mint brilliance with minimal contact marks, rare grade for this heavily circulated type.
George III gold Guinea 1793, S3729, KM609, AU58 NGC, a lustrous coin with nice surfaces, particularly on the obverse.
George III gold Guinea 1793, S3729, KM609, MS61 NGC, full mint brilliance with sharply defined features, a premium coin for this designation.
George III gold Guinea 1798, S3729, KM609, AU58 NGC, even slight wear, a few scuffs on reverse.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III gold Guinea 1798, S3729, KM609, MS61 NGC, exceptionally bold features with light original amber-gold patina.
George III gold Guinea 1798, S3729, KM609, MS62 NGC, fully brilliant, an excellent type example.
George III gold Guinea 1798, S3729, KM609, MS62 NGC, Choice UNC, sharp strike, an exceptional coin.
George III gold Guinea 1798, S3729, KM609, MS63 NGC, a choice example of the "Spade Guinea" type, fifth bust with spade-shaped shield reverse.
George III gold Guinea 1798, S3729, KM609, MS63 PCGS, Choice UNC, a really outstanding example of the Spade Guinea.
George III gold Guinea 1798, S3729, KM609, MS64 NGC, stunning appearance for this type with extremely sharp details and full glowing mint bloom. Whenever we have offered a really choice Spade Guinea within the past few years, the price realized has generally been close to $3,000.
George III gold Half Sovereign 1817, S3786, MS62 NGC, satiny luster and a sharp strike with great detail on the shield, which is often weakly struck.
George III gold Half Sovereign 1818, S3786, MS63 NGC, quite a good strike, and the luster is pleasing, soft and satiny. Scarce so nice, and a better date.
George III gold Half Sovereign 1820, S3786, MS62 NGC, sharp strike, "hard" or slightly prooflike luster, evidence of die clashing around and on the portrait, scarce so fine.
George III gold Sovereign 1820, S3785C, uncertified, Choice VF, an honest coin that circulated, did not pick up any signs of abuse (a couple of small marks on the edge are all), and still retains a nice golden look. This is the scarcer, final date of this short-lived lovely series, so look at the photos online to check the variety, of which there are several. This one is listed at £650 in this grade.
George III gold Sovereign 1820, S3785C, AU58 NGC, fully lustrous, just minor disturbance to the luster, no sizable marks or problems, an excellent coin for the grade; very few of this date exist nicer. As well, this is the Closed 2, the rarest variety, valued at £2,000 in EF in the 2010 SCBC reference--and here is one of the finest of this variety to be found.
George III Bank of England Dollar 1804, S3768, MS62 NGC, lustrous beneath medium golden gray toning, no real indication of the undertype coin.
George III Pattern 5 Shillings & 6 Pence 1811, ESC199 (rated R2), L&S112, Bank of England issue, bronzed copper, PF64 BN NGC, a choice example, patches of tiny oxidation mixed with die-rust on both sides, and faint hairlines, accounting for the "64" grade, but despite these minor faults this is still an impressive example with its chocolate-brown reflective surfaces, bold strike, and broad toothed borders around the two beautiful images, one of the king facing left in Roman-style toga and wearing a laurel wreath, on the reverse Britannia looking large, deeply detailed to an extent never seen on commercial or even on most proof coppers, on which this image mostly appears. This is a fairly rare piece, an experimental denomination evidently meant to stand in for the Crown, which at the time of the Napoleonic War was fluctuating in its specie value as silver moved up and down according to the dictates of a wartime economy. The experiment for this "5 and 6" never got off the ground, and so no commercial pieces were ever minted, leaving collectors today with charming patterns such as this mammoth and very interesting piece.
George III counterstamped Bank of England Dollar (1797), S3965A, ESC129, XF40 NGC, quite attractive, the host coin (1794-Mo FM of Carlos IV) medium gray and pleasing, c/s nice and sharp and centered right on the Spanish king's throat, in a "choke hold," not that it was intended as a message of course.
George III counterstamped Bank of England Dollar (1797), S3965A, ESC129, AU50 NGC, both the host coin (1794-Mo FM 8 Reales, Carlos IV) and the c/s are sharp, with appealing russet gray toning and remaining luster. Some patches of caked, dry jeweler's rouge can be seen on the reverse shield and a bit of it within the c/s oval, but these are ancient and the coin itself has a fine look to it.
George III counterstamped Bank of England Dollar (1797), S3765A, ESC134, F15 NGC, well worn but not damaged, in fact quite appealing as an historical piece: the Royal Mint took a 1789-So DA 8 Reales of Carlos IV, stamped the British king's head in miniature within an oval right smack on the Spanish king's throat (symbolic or just centering?), and put this out in circulation in Britain during the Napoleonic War, when silver specie at home was in short supply. These emergency crowns were used for some years, judging by the state of this example, even after the mint issued its 1804 Bank Dollars. This coin is two-tone gray in color with the little portrait quite sharp and the large portrait looking almost disturbed at the situation! Rare, too.
George III Pattern "Hercules" Crown in copper 1820, ESC244, L&S212, Plain Edge, PF65 BN NGC, a beautiful Gem bronzed Proof example of this curious non-portrait piece by Droz after or inspired by the French company Monneron Freres's 1792 pattern by Augustin Dupre, featuring the image of the ancient mythical Hercules seated on a lion's skin, bending or breaking a bundle of sticks (the "fasces," long a symbol for authority) over one knee, his back near a crumbling column, club under his right ankle, facing a sea full of ships. Interpret the imagery as you will. Reverse features a large crowned Hanoverian shield surrounded by a Latin legend used for centuries on large milled silver coins as an edge device (meaning "An Ornament and a Safeguard," originally from the Roman poet Virgil), also suggestive of defiance or power. A stunning example of this classic, which was probably intended to demonstrate Boulton and Watt's (and Droz's) insistence that they could make machinery and could produce dies to mint coins that would be superior in every way to the older style of milled coinage.
George III/IV Pattern "Fullerton" Halfcrown 1799, by John Milton, Plain Edge, MS63 NGC, a choice proof despite the grade assigned, deeply impressed by the dies, with dark gray toning and lovely blue iridescent hues, the mirrors of the proofing process still quite evident beneath the color. Remarkable qualities of this piece are the elegant, left-facing "Scottish" portrait in armor (of the Prince of Wales), and large Welsh plumes on the reverse in the angles between the crowned cruciform shields. This coin was struck during the Regency Period, when King George III was suffering from what was mistermed his insanity (he suffered from a blood disease called porpheria), and the future King George IV was still Prince of Wales.
The prince himself agreed to the commission to have this private pattern struck for Colonel Fullerton, an avid Scots supporter who led a checkered business career. Fullerton's hope was to create a series of coins for use in Scotland and he wanted the prince's effigy on them because the prince was also Seneschal of Scotland, its titular judicial head. No doubt he also chose the prince because the king was not accessible. Not many examples were struck of this and a couple of other denominations, in copper and silver, because the king's great friend and confidant, Sir Joseph Banks, interceded, objecting to the king's ministers that it was little short of treason to mint a coin showing the prince, not the king, while the king was still alive. Contemporary coins, all patterns, were all made of copper; restrikes for collectors in proof state were created decades later by Matthew Young, mainly in silver, as seen here. Almost all pieces on the numismatic marketplace ever since have been those restrikes, which were made in very small quantities for several denominations, halfcrowns being the largest. Rarities were thus created, and they are indeed charming!
The prince himself agreed to the commission to have this private pattern struck for Colonel Fullerton, an avid Scots supporter who led a checkered business career. Fullerton's hope was to create a series of coins for use in Scotland and he wanted the prince's effigy on them because the prince was also Seneschal of Scotland, its titular judicial head. No doubt he also chose the prince because the king was not accessible. Not many examples were struck of this and a couple of other denominations, in copper and silver, because the king's great friend and confidant, Sir Joseph Banks, interceded, objecting to the king's ministers that it was little short of treason to mint a coin showing the prince, not the king, while the king was still alive. Contemporary coins, all patterns, were all made of copper; restrikes for collectors in proof state were created decades later by Matthew Young, mainly in silver, as seen here. Almost all pieces on the numismatic marketplace ever since have been those restrikes, which were made in very small quantities for several denominations, halfcrowns being the largest. Rarities were thus created, and they are indeed charming!
William IV bronzed Proof trio 1826, Bare Head, from the set of this year, each coin carefully graded by NGC as follows: Farthing, S3825, PF63 BN; Halfpenny, S3824, PF63 BN; and Penny, S3823, PF62 BN. Overall, a choice set with pleasing surfaces and good, mahogany-brown color. Penny has some faint pin-scratches in the bronzing at the reverse lower right.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV Sixpence 1821, S3813, Laureate Head, Crowned Garnished Shield reverse, MS65 PCGS, a drop-dead gorgeous Gem UNC example of this 1-year type, the surfaces just superb, strike slightly soft only in very center of shield in tiniest details but otherwise the dies were well impressed and the designs are sharp, with the portrait crisp, the surfaces just about immaculate, eye appeal made strong by delicate silvery gold iridescent toning with bluish hues. Overall a stunning coin, truly pristine. The cataloguer would not be surprised to see it in a higher graded slab some day. Rare in this condition, and among the best we have encountered.
George IV Proof Sixpence 1821, S3813, Laureate Head, Crowned Garnished shield, PF65 PCGS, a very rare piece, especially in proof and in this outstanding quality, a beautiful gem from one of the very rare sets of this Coronation year, portrait delicately offset from the surrounding mirrored field, full bold proof impression of the dies, surfaces nearly perfect and gleaming, eye appeal made strong by premium blue toning with a grayish cast and light amber-gold iridescence. The 1821 proof set is among the rarest of sets. Few coins from those elusive sets remain in gem state such as this.
George IV Sixpence 1824, S3814, MS65 PCGS, Laureate Head, Crowned Shield in Garter reverse, second version of this type, produced for just four years during the height of this king's "eastern decadence" (at the same time he had the Royal Pavillion at Brighton, on the seacoast, built in the style of a sheikh's palace). No one writes about it but 1824 is rarer as a date in all denominations than 1825 and 1826. Here is an elegant coin, one of the best of this type we have seen (and the nicest 1824 for sure), tightly graded and Gem UNC, portrait crisp, tiny center of shield not quite fully struck but the overall impression of this coin is bold, the luster intense, cartwheel like, and the toning gorgeous, a vibrant golden blue iridescence. A common coin? Not in this condition. Top of the pop, in PCGS parlance.
George IV Shilling 1821, S3810, Laureate Head, Crowned Garnished Shield reverse, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, a gorgeous example of this very scarce 1-year type, bold strike showing all the tiny design details, surfaces just about immaculate and fully original, light silvery gray with brilliant luster showing through and delicate hues of iridescence, one of only a few given this lofty numerical or technical grade by either grading service, and here the eye appeal is also excellent. It is difficult to put a really close, accurate estimate on many English milled coins in really high grades, because so few exist. Probably 90% of all "graded" English coins fall under the MS65 or PF65 level, and hardly any exist finer. The grading here is tight; a solid "65" coin.
George IV Shilling 1825, S3811, Laureate Head, Crowned Shield in Garter reverse, MS67 PCGS, a Superb Gem, possibly the finest graded by PCGS, an awesome coin with fully original surfaces, nearly immaculate, strike bold right down to the tiniest details on each side (even the eyes on all six leopards of the shield and all leaf veins in the laurel of the king's portrait), flashy golden gray toning with splashes of gold and blue iridescence and showing the strong luster underneath. All in all, a splendid coin.
George IV Shilling 1825, S3812, Bare Head, Lion reverse, MS67 PCGS, Superb gem UNC, fully struck and so wonderfully detailed that the curly-haired portrait seems "marble-like," and of course it was based on a famous marble bust admired by the king, the lion's face on reverse also fully detailed, luster cascading in a cartwheel flash under exquisite golden blue iridescent toning. This is just a magnificent coin and "top of the pop" in PCGS parlance, possibly the highest graded of this type and date. In this and future sales, we will be featuring a number of English coins from an old collection that are among the finest known examples of various types. Here is one of them.
George IV Crown 1821, S3805, Secundo edge, MS63 PCGS, a choice coin with handsome, medium gray toning over "hard" luster, and a crisp strike. Scarce so nice.
George IV Crown 1822, S3805, Tertio edge, MS61 NGC, heavy but very old mark (toned over) right on the king's cheek by his nose, but get past this and you see a pleasing coin, sharp in strike, with old-time iridescent bluish gray toning. Rarer of the two dates struck.
George IV Crown 1822, S3805, Laureate Head, "Tertio" edge (not visible in the plastic holder), scarcer year than 1821, MS63 NGC, "hard" or semi-prooflike beneath even gray toning, normal sharp strike. Ex: Grundy Collection.
George IV trial strike Crown 1822, in lead, S3805 style, reverse only, MS63 NGC, particularly pleasing light gray surfaces, the St. George motif bold in detail. Not known to L&S or listed in ESC. An enchanting and very rare item.
George IV silver Proof trio 1826, Bare Head style, from the set of this year, carefully graded by NGC as follows: Sixpence, S3815, PF62, vivid bluish gray toning and deep mirror fields, nearly choice and quite handsome; Shilling, S3812, PF61, hairlines and normal light gray color; Halfcrown, S3809, PF60, brilliant gray color, glittering and nicer than it sounds. If you are mainly interested in the design, these coins are all boldly struck and fine representatives of the engraving.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV Proof Crown 1826, S3806, Bare Head, PF62 NGC, SEPTIMO, 1-year type and quite rare, issued only in the sets of this year, of which few intact and perfect examples exist, and most single crowns from those sets have been mishandled to one degree or another, this example pleasing in color and having sparkling if somewhat subdued mirrored fields, some light abrasions from normal handling over the years, the details of course bold.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV Proof Crown 1826, S3806, Bare Head, PF62 NGC, very close to choice, almost no handling marks, probably light hairlines but the toning is heavy enough to conceal most, mirrors no longer sparkling but again that's the toning, quite evidently original, the color a medium gray with delicate iridescence. Rare. Each of these of course is struck with a raised lettered edge bearing the date Septimo. This is quite a desirable coin, and should be reasonable value at the top of our estimate.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV gold Proof Half Sovereign 1826, S3804, Bare Head, PF63 Cameo NGC, bold impression, only a few tiny ticks, faint hairlines, brightly mirrored fields, delicately contrasted portrait, old-gold color, so all in all a choice and pleasing example from the sets of this year, fairly rare.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV Half Sovereign 1828, S3804A, Bare Head, MS61 NGC, light abrasions, lustrous with a bold strike, but lacking in eye appeal.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV gold Sovereign 1821, S3800, Laureate head, MS62 NGC, fairly sharp strike, light yellow gold, lustrous but with a number of mostly small abrasions. Scarce.
George IV gold Sovereign 1825, S3801, Bare Head, MS61 NGC, nice sharp strike and lustrous, just the normal abrasions, pleasing gold color.
George IV gold Sovereign 1825, S3801, Bare Head, MS63 NGC, a beautiful and Choice UNC coin, sharp strike, few abrasions, pleasing surfaces and gold color. Scarce so nice.
George IV gold Sovereign 1826, S3801, Bare Head, MS61 NGC, a bit dull, light scratch on king's forehead, long scuff under his chin and another at base of his neck, and a light scratch to left of shield in field. Nonetheless this is a scarce coin.
George IV gold Sovereign 1826, S3801, Bare Head, MS62 NGC, quite a pleasing coin, sharp strike, very clean surfaces with few marks, old-gold color, lightly clashed dies. Scarce so fine.
George IV gold Proof Sovereign 1826, S3801, Bare Head, PF63 Cameo NGC, bold proof impression, glittering mirrored surfaces with delicate contrast to the portrait, light hairlines, excellent eye appeal thanks to its qualities along with delightful old-color color. Fairly rare so nice.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV gold Sovereign 1827, S3801, Bare Head, MS64 NGC, sharp except for small area center of reverse, bright yellow gold, very pleasing. Struck from worn dies. Scarce so fine.
George IV gold 2 Pounds 1823, S3798, uncertified, lustrous XF, remnants of prooflike surfaces, lots of marks so this was obviously used in commercial circulation in the 1820s and 1830s, maybe even longer. Always popular because of the St George reverse.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV gold 2 Pounds 1823, S3798, MS62 NGC, semi-prooflike luster, sharp details everywhere, a pleasing example of this delightful 1-year type, first £2 coin of this reign and the only one meant for commercial circulation. Few escaped.
George IV gold 2 Pounds 1823, S3798, MS63 NGC, prooflike and fully struck, wispy hairlines and such in the fields mainly, gorgeous color and a really choice example of this scarce 1-year coinage.
George IV gold Proof 2 Pounds 1826, S3799, Bare Head, PF63 Cameo NGC, light hairlines and a few ticks from handling, deeply mirrored fields, pleasing old-gold color. Fairly rare and popular, the reverse Crowned and Draped Shield design by Merlen one of the classics among English gold coins. Edge features the raised lettering noting the issue date as Septimo in the reign.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV gold Proof 5 Pounds 1826, S3797, Bare Head, PF61 Cameo NGC, deeply mirrored fields, subtle frosting to the portrait, light hairlines and some ticks from handling, pleasing old-time gold color. The raised lettered edge is particularly striking on this size coin, proclaiming the Septimo year of the reign while serving, technically, as an anti-counterfeiting device. Fairly rare and a classic of the 19th century.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William IV bronzed Proof trio 1831, all from the Coronation Set of this year and graded by NGC as follows: Farthing, S3848, coin rotation, PF62 BN; Halfpenny, S3847, coin rotation, PF63 BN; and Penny, S3845, coin rotation, PF63 BN. Tiny patches or dots of black oxidation, surfaces slightly disturbed, but good eye appeal and overall choice quality. Scarce. 2010 SCBC value is £1,125 for the three.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William IV silver Proof pair 1831, from the Coronation Set, graded by NGC as follows: Sixpence, 3836, Plain Edge, coin rotation, PF64, light gray toning with light golden blue iridescence; together with Shilling, S3835, Plain Edge, coin rotation, PF62, light hairlines but lovely color, medium gray with golden amber and mauve iridescence. Scarce pieces, both with some eye appeal.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William IV Proof Maundy Set 1831, S3840, a lovely and rare set carefully graded by NGC as follows: 1d PF65, 2d PF63, 3d PF64, and 4d PF62, quite evidently a matched original set, choice, kept together since issue, each coin showing attractive mauve and blue toning, the mirrors nice, only light disturbance to the surfaces.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William IV Shilling 1836, S3835, MS66 PCGS, a Superb Gem having semi-prooflike or "hard" glowing luster, a really bold strike, and elegant bright blue and subtle amber-gold iridescent toning, all of which produce outstanding eye-appeal. One of the finest known and highest graded shillings of this reign and date. Of all the denominations made for use, that is the currency pieces, of this reign, the Shillings and Half-Sovereigns are the two most difficult types to locate in higher grade (MS64 and up). This coin is just outstanding in every way.
William IV Proof Halfcrown 1831, S3834A, Plain Edge, coin rotation, "WW" in block capitals, PF63 Cameo NGC, evident hairlines and a few tiny ticks from contact with other coins (unfortunately this is the rule among proofs as the coins were kept in velvet-lined cases more often than not, and tended to touch each other when handled), rather attractive medium gray toning with some bluish iridescent hues, the portrait delicately frosted and lighter in color. Scarce.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William IV Proof Crown 1831, S3833, Plain Edge, "W.W." incuse block capitals, coin rotation, PF62 NGC, bold proof impression with all the wonderful tiny details showing on the shield, pleasing original choice surfaces with the portrait lightly frosted and most attractive, sparkling mirrors beneath delicate golden blue iridescence, high wire rims unblemished. Date "ANNO 1831" on reverse shows ghosting from the double proof strike. Rare.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William IV gold Proof Half Sovereign 1831, S3830, WR267, Plain Edge, coin rotation, PF62 Ultra Cameo NGC, light scuffing and hairlines consistent with the numerical grade assigned, bold proof impression of the dies, high wire rims, deep orange-gold toning, rated R3 by Wilson & Rasmussen.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William IV gold Half Sovereign 1834, S3830, small flan variety, AU58 NGC, quite sharp in strike, marks all small, lots of satiny luster, very scarce.
William IV gold Half Sovereign 1835, S3831, MS62 NGC, original satiny surfaces, light abrasions appropriate to the numerical grade given, somewhat soft strike at center of reverse, appealing gold color. Quite scarce, as are all gold coins of this king in nicer conditions such as this.
William IV gold Sovereign 1831, S3829, first bust, "W.W." incuse, MS63 NGC, Choice Uncirculated, a rare date as 1831 sovereigns are normally seen only in proof state, and commercial mintages did not begin in earnest until 1832; three varieties of this date exist. In fact, however, all sovereigns of this reign are elusive in true MS. This coin is sharply struck with a most pleasing portrait, the reverse crowned shield having almost all tiny details struck up, the luster strong, glowing and satiny, rims almost perfect showing just a few tiny marks, surfaces very choice indeed. Solidly graded as MS63, worthy of a strong price in the current market, which is filled with sovereign collectors around the world all vying for very few really nice examples of any series. The majority of auctions in America and the UK lately have offered only mediocre coins grading from VF to AU, in all the sovereign series: in other words, there are legions of collectors and few sellers, indicating a bright future for these coins. The 2010 SCBC value for UNC is £3,000.
William IV gold Proof Sovereign 1831, S3829B, WR261, Plain Edge, coin rotation, "W.W." incuse, PF63 Ultra Cameo NGC, an attractive example of the piece issued in the Coronation Sets of this year, when "the Sailor King" took the throne after many years of waiting, and serving in the Royal Navy. This handsome piece has a sharp impression of the dies albeit the edge is not of consistent width, evidently resulting from the fillet band used on the upsetting process being imperfect; surfaces remain quite reflective, mirrorlike, with only tiny abrasion and light hairlines, the frosting of the portrait and shield being heavy, to produce strong eye-appeal. Rated R3 by Wilson & Rasmussen.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
William IV gold Sovereign 1835, S3829B, MS66 NGC, Superb Gem UNC, an awesome grade for a sovereign of this king, whose gold generally is scarce, all of it, seldom appearing in any condition that would equal MS63-64, let alone an outstanding technical grade such as this. The grade is certainly warranted by the bold strike that makes the portrait look almost like a high-relief marble bust, while the reverse shield is not just well struck but fully struck with every tiny design detail present. First 3 digits of the date are ghosted. Short diebreak from rim to top left corner of shield. The luster is satiny smooth, even silken in quality. Contact marks are all pretty much microscopic, and few. This is a great coin, and very rare in this state of preservation. Throw away the pricing books; they are meaningless when it comes to quality such as this. If you are a serious sovereign collector, you will want to own this coin!
William IV gold Sovereign 1836, S3829B, MS61 NGC, fully UNC, lustrous with only tiny abrasions, pleasing satiny luster, strike above average, so actually quite a nice coin and close to choice, very scarce thus.
William IV gold Sovereign 1837, S3829B, MS62 NGC, a handsome coin despite small abrasions and a few light scuffs on the portrait, and some very faint hairlines (likely from being on a pad, not cleaned), the luster strong, strike quite impressive although not perfect, also pleasing gold color. Very scarce so nice as the final date of this king's gold.
William IV gold Proof 2 Pounds 1831, S3828, WR258, PF62 Ultra Cameo NGC, an attractive example of the largest gold coin issued during this brief reign, also the largest in the Coronation Proof set, from one of which this coin was taken. This specimen is nearly choice technically, has intensely bright mirrored fields and frosting on the portrait as well as on Merlen's exquisite reverse shield, and lovely gold color. The edge is brilliant and of consistent width. Rims pretty much unblemished and quite sharp. Surfaces show light but evident hairlines as well as a few random contact marks and tiny scratches, mainly on the obverse field as the portrait is quite nice and the reverse nearly perfect aside from faint hairlines on the mirrored fields. A tiny black annealing flaw just before "F:D:" may serve to identify this specimen in the future. Rated R3 by Wilson & Rasmussen.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria Farthing 1863, S3958, Laureate or Bun Head, key date, MS65 RB PCGS, bold strike, tiny scuffs on queen's face, mostly mint red with almost full golden luster, one of the finest 1863 farthings in the world. Light ghosting on some of the legend. 2010 SCBC value for "Unc" is £500. Bet nobody in London can duplicate this one!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1851, S3948, Young Head, OT, Genuine PCGS, not given a numerical grade due to some faint hairlines across the area below the bust, but this coin is solidly Mint State with just small abrasions, is sharply struck and lustrous, and is a gorgeous chocolate brown in color with vivid blue iridescence. It's also fully original with tiny glints of mint red showing around the date and letters of the legend. Many letters of the reverse legend show ghosting, too. If you collect British pennies, you know that this is a rare coin and one of the nicest you may ever encounter. Despite PCGS's opinion, it also has considerable eye appeal and would stand out in most collections of these coins. The cataloguer has never seen a better 1851 penny.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1856, S3948, Young Head, OT, far colon, key date, MS63 RB PCGS, tightly graded as most of the golden mint red luster remains, strike is bold with an almost medallic portrait and Britannia showing all tiny details fully struck, very few marks and those quite insignificant, and importantly no streaks in the color or carbon blemishes, which mar most of the big copper pennies seen. Faint diebreak from the point of the bust. Slight ghosting of some letters in the legend. All in all, one of the most impressive Victorian coins in this sale, a highlight of this outstanding collection where quality was the watchword, and a truly rare coin in this fabulous grade. 2010 SCBC value for "Unc" is £2,000 for this date and variety.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1858/2, S3948, Young Head, MS64 RB PCGS (the grading insert calls this "1858"), currently listed in the SCBC as being "8/3" but new research points out that, in reality, the overdate is "8/2" and the reasoning given is that late in 1858 the Royal Mint had run out of its store of obverse dies for the year, realized that a change was soon coming from copper to bronze coinage, and grabbed an old die, one dated 1852, to finish out the production run in this year. It turned out that a little more than another year would pass before the big change came, 1859 was a normal production year with fresh dies prepared, but 1860 saw a sudden end to the big copper coinage, the obverse die used for that year hastily repunched over a leftover 1859 die, creating 1860/59, the same phenomenon that produced this piece, which glows with much mint red luster, is boldly struck with wonderful detail, the reverse showing some die-clashing around Britannia, obverse slightly streaky but still overwhelmed by the red luster, reverse almost fully red and, well, just beautiful. The overdate feature is really quite distinct, and the top of the "8" surely shows remnants of the top of a curled "2" without any indication of a bottom curl from anything resembling a "3"; and a faint diebreak runs beneath the entire date, then disappears and resumes through the letters of the queen's name. This variety has the Ornamental Trident and far colon. An intriguing, rare, and beautiful copper!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1870, S3954, Laureate or Bun Head, very scarce date, MS64 RB PCGS, only a little golden red mint luster remains but the surfaces are of marvelous high quality and are enhanced by a beautiful iridescent bluish brown blush; both sides are crisply struck, with even the smallest design details as bold as possible; evidence of clashed dies, and various curling diebreaks. Why this coin was not graded MS65 is a mystery to the cataloguer. It's a beautiful coin!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Sixpence 1842, S3908, Young Head, MS67 PCGS, Superb Gem Uncirculated, virtually perfect surfaces, as sharply struck as can ever be found with the reverse wreath and date especially crisp, shimmering luster, totally original with gorgeous, vivid iridescent toning: bright silvery blue and champagne-gold on obverse and neon-blue and gold on reverse. A magnificent coin, top of the pop, finest there is! To give some perspective to American collectors, this coin is as rare as an early Liberty Seated dime, which in this grade would be ten times the price.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Sixpence 1851, S3908, Young Head, MS68 PCGS, Pristine Gem Uncirculated, bold strike, splendid sea-green and golden mauve iridescent toning, essentially perfect technically but the eye appeal also is astounding. In some 35 years of writing about coins for major auctions, and reviewing hundreds of thousands of milled English coins all over the world, the cataloguer has encountered perhaps a dozen English coins, in all, grading MS68, but only one Young Head sixpence . . . this one! This coin is worth a runaway price as the single finest of its date, and perhaps of its type. Once sold, you will probably never have a chance to buy another one like this.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Shilling 1840, S3904, Young Head, MS65 PCGS, a really rare early date in this condition, in fact 1840 shillings are hardly ever encountered at all; this one was found by the present consignor a few years ago in a collection in the UK that had been held for decades, and it's a staggering coin in terms of its eye appeal plus technical quality, Gem Prooflike UNC, fully struck with every tiny detail bold, reflective surfaces with such glitter that it resembles a proof of record but in fact the surfaces are simply glassy, and toned in a rich combination of mauve, amber and gold, silvery gray, and greenish blue. The iridescence is delicate but beautiful. Letters of the legend are outlined in silvery brilliance, a phenomenon that is seen only on coins that are totally original. An elegant gem of a coin! The cataloguer cannot remember seeing or writing about another 1840 shilling of anywhere near this quality, in some 35 years of looking at tens of thousands of English milled coins. Its SCBC value is meaningless for a coin such as this. It's one of the present owner's favorite pieces within this collection full of wonderful coins.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Shilling 1853, S3904, Young Head, MS66 PCGS, Superb Gem UNC, an essentially flawless coin with a marvelous, satiny portrait, bold strike from clashed dies, and splendid silvery gold iridescence mixed with bright hues of royal blue on reverse. Also 100% original. The cataloguer wonders why this was not graded MS67 by PCGS.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Shilling 1870, S3906A, Young Head, Die #15, MS66 PCGS, a superb coin having satiny luster, a bold strike, wonderful surfaces as indicated by the numerical grade, and delightful silvery gold iridescent toning. About as fine an 1870 shilling as exists.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria "Prooflike" Shilling 1872, S3906A, Young Head, Die #60, Reeded Edge, MS64 PL NGC, bright silvery surfaces, incredibly bold strike, mirrored fields even within the tiny design details and letters of the legend, lightly frosted or cameo portrait. NGC has graded this unusual coin MS. The cataloguer is not convinced that it is not a Proof of Record, so sharp is it, so unusual in eye appeal; and the surfaces display a distinct if subtle "orange peel" texture which is normally a quality of a Proof, not of a Prooflike coin. There is also a partial wire rim on each side. This coin is offered from an old shilling collection without reserve, so it is up to the bidding audience to decide what it actually is. Our estimate is based on it being a Prooflike piece, not a Proof of Record, which would be worth about $3,000.
Victoria Shilling 1874, S3906A, Young Head, Die #34, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC with fully original surfaces, sharply struck and dripping with silvery blue iridescence. A charming coin. Ex Eliasberg Collection noted on grading insert.
Victoria Shilling 1875, S3906A, Young Head, Die #54, MS66 PCGS, a superb and nearly perfect coin with a glossy sheen to the satiny luster, a perfect strike (from clashed dies) except for the tiny jewels at the base of the small reverse crown, and richly toned in cobalt-gray shades. If not in fact undergraded, this coin is surely high-end for a "66" and among the finest known for the date.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Proof Shilling 1887, S3926, Jubilee Head, PF67 PCGS, a superbly toned, solid Gem Proof with delicate and incredibly smooth golden blue iridescence on its obverse, the reverse shield light gold and frosty and outlined by magenta mauve iridescent colors in the field around the shield and then by a broad halo of "royal" or bright blue iridescence all around the periphery, mixed with some magenta hues. Technically superb and nearly perfect, this coin has a magnificent eye appeal seen on very few Victorian coins, and is therefore rare in condition. If you want one of the very best, here it is!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Pattern Florin 1848, ESC886, PF64 NGC, the adopted design used for the "Godless" issue, dated 1848, Plain Edge, and a really gorgeous example, certainly at the highest end there could be for a "64" and among the nicest seen by this cataloguer : perfect proof impression of the dies, brightly reflective mirror field on obverse with a wonderfully original hazy silvery gray tone, reverse similar but most of the space is occupied by design so there is little in the way of a mirrored field, a light blush of gold iridescence making for excellent eye appeal. Florin patterns are fairly rare in choice state, as the majority seem to have been mishandled over the century and a half since they were minted.
Victoria "Godless" Florin 1849, S3890, first Gothic issue, variety with clear "W.W.", MS66 NGC, a superb example with a bold strike, satiny luster and rich silvery gray toning with hues of russet gold. Quiet but distinct elegance, and about as fine technically as exists.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1852, S3891, MS66 PCGS, Superb Gem UNC, bold strike without die clashing, faces of the lion and six leopards on the reverse shield each fully detailed, the portrait bold and sharply outlined against the nearly perfect field, the wonderful original toning a rich iridescent silvery gold on the obverse, with bright golden sea-green iridescence on the reverse. A long diebreak trails across Victoria's face, indicating that the die was cracked, or perhaps the coining press was tuned to strike too hard, breaking the die. A marvelous coin and one of the finest Gothic florins graded by PCGS.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1853, S3891, MS66 PCGS, a gorgeous Gem UNC, this one a little softly struck in one area at the center of reverse, which is how 90% of the coinage of this style seems to come, but the portrait is nice and sharp and the surfaces are completely original, the toning a deep, iridescent silvery golden gray with blue and gold highlights. Only a handful of Gothic florins have been given the MS66 grade by either service, as they are rare even in MS65.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1859, S3891, MS66 PCGS, Superb Gem UNC, bold strike without die clashing, marvelous surfaces approaching perfection (one stray line in obverse right field), design elements brightly outlined by gorgeous bluish gold iridescence producing unusually fine eye appeal. An outstanding coin, one of the finest graded, possibly the best of this date, which is not seen as often as some others in the 1850s.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1862, S3891, very rare date, XF Details (polished) NGC, brilliant appearance. The 2010 SCBC value is £1,000 in XF, £400 in VF.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1870, S3893, Die #13, MS67 PCGS, Pristine Gem Uncirculated, superbly toned in vivid shades of reddish gold and blue iridescence over luminous satiny luster, the surfaces shimmering with originality, the portrait simply wonderful, the reverse shield boldly struck, and all legends crisp in detail. This awesome coin was first discovered in England in 1986, in the midlands, at a small country auction, along with fifteen others, each one kept in a little envelope with a red wax seal on the rear flap from Barclay's Bank. An inscription on each envelope presented a florin each year "To Bertie from dear Papa at Xmas," and quite obviously a special piece was picked each year at the bank; each remained sealed for over a century.
This 1870 was the best piece of all sixteen, and it is a date seldom seen in any higher grade. It was sent to PCGS just once and given the MS67 grade, which has been granted to so few English milled coins that "rarity of condition" has taken on new meaning. Clearly, English coins are rarer in such a grade than anyone ever imagined in the past. Clearly, too, this is a coin of staggering beauty in just about the ultimate state of preservation. It has come to be called "Bertie's Florin" by its present owner. It is certainly very special, and may well be the finest known Gothic florin, in terms of combined technical quality and beauty. Bertie is long gone, but his special Christmas florin has lived on as the very image of its age.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
This 1870 was the best piece of all sixteen, and it is a date seldom seen in any higher grade. It was sent to PCGS just once and given the MS67 grade, which has been granted to so few English milled coins that "rarity of condition" has taken on new meaning. Clearly, English coins are rarer in such a grade than anyone ever imagined in the past. Clearly, too, this is a coin of staggering beauty in just about the ultimate state of preservation. It has come to be called "Bertie's Florin" by its present owner. It is certainly very special, and may well be the finest known Gothic florin, in terms of combined technical quality and beauty. Bertie is long gone, but his special Christmas florin has lived on as the very image of its age.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1872, S3893, Die #59, MS66 PCGS, Superb Gem UNC, high-end of the grade, bold strike although the dies clashed (see the two parallel faint raised lines in right obverse field), satiny smooth luster, marvelous surfaces, bright silvery gold iridescence with bluish hues. This may be the boldest strike we have seen on any Gothic florin, considering the detail in the reverse shield (a tad better than even the wonderful 1852 in this sale), a really magnificent coin in every respect, and top of the top, or should be!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1877, S3896, no die #, no WW, a rare date, uncertified, lustrous AU, obverse gently cleaned, reverse satiny in luster and quite sharply struck. 2010 SCBC values are £475 in EF, £950 in Unc. Bidders will decide what this is worth.
Victoria Proof Florin 1893, S3939, Old or Veiled Head, PF66 Cameo PCGS, a superb coin of opalescent beauty, virtually flawless as graded, perfect proof impression of the dies, deeply mirrored with a magnificent, even bluish gold toning, the portrait delicately cameo'ed against the fields, the shield on reverse frosted and electric-blue in color. Superb provenance as well: ex Terner Collection, so noted on the grading insert.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Proof Halfcrown 1839, S3887, Young Head, Plain Edge, PF62 Cameo NGC, a lovely and choice coin having deep mirrors and a bold proof impression, evenly toned medium bluish gray with the portrait lighter and more silvery, making for fine eye appeal. The reverse is particularly handsome, the toning seagreen in nature with some golden iridescence on the periphery. Nicer than most and very scarce.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria Proof Halfcrown 1839, S3885, Young Head, Plain Edge, medal rotation, PF64 PCGS, one of the most elegant examples seen by the cataloguer : full bold proof impression of the dies, frosted portrait, only wispy hairlines, glittering mirrors beneath the color, an exquisite blend of bright, vivid iridescent toning, neon blue and reddish gold on obverse, bright golden blue and silvery brilliance on reverse. Ghosted date. Earliest Young Head style with one hair fillet being ornate, the other one plain, and "W.W." in relief (also doubled) on the truncation of the bust, indicating that this coin was part of an original, contemporary Coronation Proof Set. This is a jewel of a rare coin, one of the most beautiful Young Head halfcrowns in existence!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfcrown 1840, S3887, Young Head, rare early date, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC and very close to superb, the surfaces showing just a few stray ticks or contact marks, bold strike that is fully detailed except for one tiny face of a lion on reverse shield, obverse legend and date ghosted, smooth as silk satiny luster, toned in very light golden hues over original silvery surfaces. Victorian specialists might take note of the date, which is uneven, and the final digit distant from the others, meaning that each digit was hand-cut into the working die. The earliest issues of Victoria are rife with variants and peculiarities like this, providing opportunities for study and discovery. Almost all the early dates of this type, of all silver and gold denominations, went to banks and experienced heavy commercial use, and then perished. The present coin is the best 1840 halfcrown this cataloguer has seen or even heard of, subtle in its eye appeal but decidedly beautiful, and very rare in this condition!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfcrown 1846, S3888, Young Head, MS66 PCGS, superb, actually a magnificent coin with tremendous eye appeal, sharply struck, having cartwheel luster and rich russet grayish green iridescent toning. Totally original, with silvery white luster peeking out around letters of the legends. Various spidery diebreaks. As was true of the 1840 halfcrown, here too the digits of the date were hand-placed into the working die and are uneven. This coin could produce a runaway price as an example of sheer quality equating to rarity of condition in an early issue of this reign.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfcrown 1885, S3889, Young Head, MS64 NGC, close to gem status, only tiny abrasions and those few in number, sharp strike and the flan is exceptional for this date, surfaces real original and lightly toned in silvery gold iridescence. Not many 1885 halfcrowns measure up to this beauty.
Victoria Halfcrown 1899, S3938, Old or Veiled Head, MS66 PCGS, Superb Gem UNC with wonder color, bold strike, almost flawless in terms of marks, cartwheel luster beneath vivid golden blue iridescent toning. High end for the numerical grade. Eye appeal off the charts. The owner of this consistently high-grade collection states: "This is the finest Old Head halfcrown I've seen in 10 years of searching." Not only that, but 1899 is not a date seen with much frequency even in choice condition. The best there is, a great coin!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Pattern "Model" Halfcrown 1890, ESC745 (R4), MS62 NGC, by "PTB," signed on the lower bottom right of the bust by the bow of the queen's dress, silvered copper, Plain Edge, heavy or thick flan, crowned Jubilee-style Head, beaded border, exotic reverse with standard legends and symbols but arranged as seen on no other coin, center featuring a boldly stated "MODEL 1/2 CROWN" on a broad banner supported by a cross-topped scepter, large crown above, beaded border. Edge on left obverse and opposite on reverse seems defective but this is just an area where the enclosing collar was thinner, and thus it was minted this way. As concerns quality, this looks choice to the cataloguer , despite some faint hairlines and a little disturbance in the obverse right field by the flowing veil, which call for the "62" numerical grade. Well, there are blah 62s and there are wonderful 62s, and this is a beautiful specimen with vivid bluish gold toning. It's also a proof. Extremely rare.
Victoria brockage Halfcrown 1876, S3889, Young Head, Mint Error VF Details Surface Hairlines NGC. Obverse portrait shows in incuse on reverse, the outline of the portrait being shallow but distinct, as well as part of the legend over the front of the queen's face, an "honest" coin showing lots of wear and obviously plucked from circulation many years ago, but also many years after being in commercial use. Light gray toning. Not cleaned. Rare.
Victoria brockage Halfcrown 1879, S3889, Mirror Brockage, Mint Error AU55 NGC, an incredible coin showing full details of the obverse, incuse, on the reverse, in place of the entire reverse design, all the details of the Young Head portrait showing clearly, along with deeply incuse letters of the legend and date, loads of luster remaining and beautifully toned a "hard" steel gray. Very rare, and a stunning error!
Victoria Pattern Bonomi Crown in White Metal 1837, "Unfinished Obv." XF40 NGC, uniface, obverse only, ESC328A type, L&S type 4, trial or splash, two-tone gray with bright luster in recesses. Cataloguer is not sure what the numerical grade is supposed to mean, as this coin did not circulate, obviously, and it shows no wear, just handling and darkening by oxidation. Incuse centering dot at center of portrait, and aligning lines, indicating this was a trail for aligning and testing the obverse die. Struck by Pinches. This was an exotic pattern attempt, never used, inspired by "Orientalism," which was very popular throughout the Victorian Age. For details about its conception and creation, see Linecar and Stone's English Proof and Pattern Crown-Size Pieces 1658-1960 (published in 1968 by Spink, London). This trial piece is very rare.
Victoria Proof Crown 1839, S3882, Young Head, Plain Edge, PF62 NGC, an attractive specimen having a lovely, even medium gray toning, and hues of deep blue, allowing the mirrored fields to show through, and a marvelous full proof impression showing all design details. Rare and always popular as the largest portrait of the young Queen Victoria, still a teenager when this coin was minted.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria Crown 1845, S3882, Young Head, MS62 ANACS, light silvery gray surfaces. Edge variety not visible in plastic holder.
Victoria Crown 1845, S3882, Young Head, MS64 PCGS, a truly beautiful and extraordinarily choice coin, the type struck for just three years then abandoned by the Royal Mint, and one of the rarest of all English milled crowns in the highest grades, among which this piece easily places: stylish in many ways, it is sharp if not fully bold in strike with a wonderfully detailed portrait, all the tiny portions of the bust filled during the minting process with flowing silver and this produced intimate details such as the scrollwork on the hair fillet running across the queen's head to her forehead, her ear and eyelid, and the falling tendril of her ponytail; only the tiny date is softly impressed on this side.
On the reverse, the shield is sharply detailed except for two of the tiny lions' faces, and the crown just lacks detail on the little jewels on the left side; the luster cartwheels and is satiny; the wonderful toning forms a halo around the queen's face, a wide swath of bluish mauve around a silvery rose-gold center; while the reverse is an artist's palette of rich lilac-blue and pinkish gold iridescence. A very subtle diebreak cascades through the obverse legend. All in all, this is one of the finest Young Head crowns seen, and in the opinion of the cataloguer (who also described the other coin) as fine technically as the prooflike certified MS65 PCGS coin we sold in January; the two coins just had different types of luster and surface textures. Perhaps 95% or more of all Young Head crowns fall short of this beautiful specimen.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
On the reverse, the shield is sharply detailed except for two of the tiny lions' faces, and the crown just lacks detail on the little jewels on the left side; the luster cartwheels and is satiny; the wonderful toning forms a halo around the queen's face, a wide swath of bluish mauve around a silvery rose-gold center; while the reverse is an artist's palette of rich lilac-blue and pinkish gold iridescence. A very subtle diebreak cascades through the obverse legend. All in all, this is one of the finest Young Head crowns seen, and in the opinion of the cataloguer (who also described the other coin) as fine technically as the prooflike certified MS65 PCGS coin we sold in January; the two coins just had different types of luster and surface textures. Perhaps 95% or more of all Young Head crowns fall short of this beautiful specimen.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Gothic Crown 1847, S3883, "Undecimo" raised lettered edge, PF62 NGC, light hairlines and a few ticks under old toning, medium gray with some golden iridescence, mirrors still somewhat reflective, a pleasing coin for the grade.
Victoria Crown 1887, S3921, Jubilee Head, MS64 PCGS, obvious light abrasions but wonderful eye appeal thanks to a bold strike, glittering reflective luster, and bright golden blue iridescent toning. Most "64"s are dipped or dull and boring. Not this beautiful coin!
Victoria Crown 1893, S3937, Old or Veiled Head, LVI edge, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, bold strike with St George about as fully detailed as can be found, only tiny abrasions, cartwheel luster, and beautiful reddish golden blue iridescent toning. The cataloguer has described hundreds of Old Head crowns for auctions over many years; a few have been technically better than this, but just about nothing has compared to the eye appeal of this specimen, achieved by the natural toning over fully original surfaces. It was probably taken from one of the now-rare Mint Sets of this year, first year to show this portrait style. The most common date in this short-lived crown series, where no coin is actually common (even an XF is worth over $200), but this coin is uncommonly well preserved -- and simply extraordinary with such colorful eye appeal.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Proof Crown 1893, S3937, Old or Veiled Head, LVI edge, PF65 PCGS, the finest specimen this cataloguer has ever seen, despite the mysteriously conservative certified grade assigned, for the strike is a perfect impression from the proofing dies, the portrait is in cameo contrast to the surrounding field (not so noted on the grading insert), the surfaces are virtually flawless (a few wispy hairlines exist under the color, but almost all of the "lines" are not hairlines at all but, rather, are raised die-polish lines, as made), the mirrored fields are not just deep but watery or glassy, like a photograph of a perfectly still pond, and best of all the color is mesmerizing -- a perfect "pool" of neon-blue surrounded by a halo of sunburst gold on the peripheries!
This coin came from the same original set, years ago, from which the NGC PF68 Sixpence was taken that was sold in our January auction, in the Exeter Collection. That Proof Set had been bought by an English family at issue, and was discovered, intact, in a Royal Mint plush case, each coin kept for years and years in cellophane. Every other coin in that set was finally graded from PF66 to PF68, except this crown. When the present owner selected it for his collection, he had a choice between this coin (uncertified at the time) and the PCGS PF67 we recently sold for another client. He chose this coin over the PF67 in the slab. Each is fabulous, but this coin is opalescent in its beauty, perfectly toned, and possesses eye appeal that goes beyond that seen on any other proof crown of this type by the cataloguer over some 35 years. It is a star piece in this collection filled with gorgeous gem coins. In fact, the present owner has dubbed this coin "The Blue Grotto" because its color reminds him of the famous blue waters of the Italian grotto of that name near the Isle of Capri. This is more than a great coin. It's magical in quality!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
This coin came from the same original set, years ago, from which the NGC PF68 Sixpence was taken that was sold in our January auction, in the Exeter Collection. That Proof Set had been bought by an English family at issue, and was discovered, intact, in a Royal Mint plush case, each coin kept for years and years in cellophane. Every other coin in that set was finally graded from PF66 to PF68, except this crown. When the present owner selected it for his collection, he had a choice between this coin (uncertified at the time) and the PCGS PF67 we recently sold for another client. He chose this coin over the PF67 in the slab. Each is fabulous, but this coin is opalescent in its beauty, perfectly toned, and possesses eye appeal that goes beyond that seen on any other proof crown of this type by the cataloguer over some 35 years. It is a star piece in this collection filled with gorgeous gem coins. In fact, the present owner has dubbed this coin "The Blue Grotto" because its color reminds him of the famous blue waters of the Italian grotto of that name near the Isle of Capri. This is more than a great coin. It's magical in quality!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Crown 1897, S3937, Old Head, LX edge, MS65 PCGS, long old scuff through hair at crown, original medium gray toning with some golden highlights, even on obverse, streaky and spotted on reverse.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1838, S3859, Young Head, rare first year of issue, AU58 NGC, bold strike, luster slightly prooflike, some small abrasions and scuffs, and a whisper of wear. Our estimate reflects book value but this is rare and could sell for more.
Victoria gold Proof Half Sovereign 1839, S3859, Young Head, medal rotation, PF62 Ultra Cameo NGC, bold impression, edge marks, tiny cuts and hairlines on each side, two burnished areas, one on each side of the date, the detriments mainly overcome by the mirrored fields and pleasing gold color.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria Proof Half Sovereign 1839, S3859, WR344, Young Head, medal rotation, Plain Edge, PF62 Ultra Cameo NGC, light hairlines and a few tiny contact marks, but this is a beautiful coin fully struck with deeply mirrored fields, orange-peel texture, and brightly frosted portrait and shield, all enhanced by deep gold color, making for fine eye-appeal. Rare; in fact this variety is rated R3 by Wilson & Rasmussen (extremely rare).
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1858, S-3859, Young Head, MS66 NGC, a sensational and superb Gem Uncirculated example, glowing with satiny luster, sharply struck (only two tiny lion or leopard heads in the shield are not fully detailed), including super-deep denticles on both sides, producing dramatic eye-appeal. Curiously the shield is surrounded by some pitting in the gold (probably a rolling flaw, done at the mint when the blank flan was produced). Several numismatists have admired this coin during the cataloguing process and commented that they felt it was undergraded, so splendid is it. A marvel of survivorship from a time when most gold was furiously exchanged in commerce, with little thought to saving it for posterity. This may be the finest known Young Head half sovereign. Its owner could never decide whether he liked it more than his 1860, to follow here, or whether the 1860, with a different kind of luster, was his favorite. Each is spectacular. Technically, this 1858 is nonpareil.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1860, S3859A, Young Head, MS65 PCGS, a superb Gem Uncirculated and slightly prooflike specimen, just about fully struck with bold details in the shield and a lovely, lovely portrait set against a reflective field, the surfaces almost totally free of even tiny contact marks, and sheathed in an exquisite, delicate golden patina, obverse having something of the orange-peel texture normally seen only on proofs, reverse satiny and smooth as silk. A hint of die-clashing is evident. Legends and date are ghosted, and there appears to be another, tiny "8" within this digit in the date. A faint diebreak winds through the legend of the reverse. All in all, this is a rarely seen date in wonderful condition, clearly among the finest known of its type, also one of only a few of any date of this type given this exalted technical grade. Beyond the grade, however, the glittering eye appeal of this very special gold coin captivates the viewer and can carry the imaginative collector right back to the heady days of Victoria's influence on the British world.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Half Sovereign 1866, S3860, Young Head, Die #21, MS63 NGC, bold strike, satiny luster with light abrasions accounting for the numerical grade assigned; lightly clashed dies. Lots of eye appeal for the grade, a desirable piece.
Victoria Half Sovereign 1867, S3860, Young Head, Die #5, MS63 NGC, an unfortunate faint scratch in the left obverse field and another one under the queen's eye, but these are all that keep this beautiful coin from the MS65 or finer grade, for it is boldly struck, the "hard" luster glittering beneath premium, delicate gold toning, the surfaces very original looking. Just a gorgeous coin overall which could well exceed our estimate.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1885, S3861, Young Head, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, bold strike, satiny luster and beautiful gold color. Faint ancient lines in the frost of the portrait. Hardly a tiny abrasion anywhere! A beautiful, high-quality example of the very last date (the 5th head variety) made of this type at the London mint. No Young Head half sovereign in this grade has sold for much less than $3,000 in our auctions in the recent past. Ex Terner Collection noted on grading insert, a nice pedigree as well.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1887, S3869, Jubilee Head, MS66 PCGS, a glorious example of this common coin, common in AU and baggy Unc., but this piece is amazing: fully struck with gorgeous satiny luster, nearly perfect surfaces, and best of all deep iridescent gold color, making for outstanding eye appeal. If you want a great one, this is it!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1897, S3878, Old or Veiled Head, MS65 PCGS, a superb coin, Gem UNC, almost flawless and possibly undergraded, boldly struck and having gorgeous, deep gold toning. The eye appeal is far beyond that of most seen of this type, even other gems. Excellent provenance: ex Terner Collection, so noted on the grading insert.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Sovereign 1838, S3852, Young Head, MS63 NGC, Choice UNC and quite a beautiful example of this rare, first year of issue of the very popular early sovereign type of Victoria. Normal good details on the portrait, shield especially well struck as are the crown above and the surrounding laurel wreath. Very few abrasions, and all tiny. Slight disturbance of the frosty luster on the portrait (not rub, more like having been rotated on a velvet pad), any minor detriment being overwhelmed by the lustrous gold, which has toned to a beautiful, mellow color. Finer pieces are known but this one is impressive for its eye appeal.
Victoria Proof Sovereign 1839, S3852, Young Head, medal rotation, Plain Edge, PF62 Deep Cameo PCGS, nicely frosted portrait and shield, lovely deep yellow gold, lots of fine abrasions and hairlines mostly in the obverse field and portrait. Type as issued in the Coronation Sets this year.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1869, S3853, Young Head, Shield reverse, Die #28, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, in fact just a superb coin having luscious, satiny luster, an absolutely 100% full strike with even the tiniest details of the shield crisp, and just exquisite gold color. Date and almost every letter of the legends is sharp and perfectly formed. A tiny diebreak touches the base of the bust, and another wanders across it above the engraver's signature. "WW" is sharply incuse without dots. These are all microscopic observations. Eyeballing this coin is a sheer treat, for it is clearly one of the finest extant Young Head sovereigns, technically and in terms of its outstanding eye appeal. If you want the very best, and beauty in gold, here it is!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1876, S3856A, Young Head, St George reverse, MS65 NGC, Gem UNC, hard or semi-reflective luster, bold strike, luminous light yellow gold color. Crisply struck, deep borders and rims. Several diebreaks wander through the reverse field. Incredibly unmarked and lovely portrait, the knight and dragon also bold, whereas on most sovereigns of this style there is a mushy strike, and loads of marks. This coin is so different from the 1869 shield coin. The legend is all changed and now entirely on the obverse, surrounding the queen's portrait. The shield has been replaced by a caped and helmeted St George attempting to slay the dragon below his horse. This coin is just incredible, the best non-proof sovereign of this type the cataloguer can remember seeing, and it must be top of the pop among slabbed sovereigns. The present owner found two great sovereigns of Victoria, each being one of the finest known and visually unequaled.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria gold 2 Pounds 1887, S3865, Jubilee Head, MS66 PCGS, a fabulous satiny example, glittering with luster and far different from the normally seen pieces of this type; beautifully struck with a delightful portrait and St George is both bold and immaculate, rather than marked up as usually seen, the borders bold too, the rims sharp and high, and yet those are not the best qualities of this special coin: the color is a deep reddish gold, making for unusually fine eye appeal. In a word, wow! Ex Terner Collection with provenance noted on the grading insert, an impressive source for a great coin.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria gold Proof "Una & the Lion" 5 Pounds 1839, S3851, Young Head, DIRIGE legend, TERTIO raised lettered edge, 13 leaves to rear fillet, uncertified, brilliant Cameo Proof, perfect bold proof impression, light swirling hairlines and scuffs, portrait and lion frosty with relatively few abrasions, rims remarkably unblemished, mirrored fields mostly intact, pleasing deep gold color and orange-peel texture to the fields. Rare. Raised Lettered Edge versions of this classic tend to be the original strikes circa 1839-40, when the sets were created and distributed to wealthy collectors of the day, while the Plain Edge versions are generally later strikes. This coin was so popular, yet so elusive to the majority of collectors on account of its price, that the Royal Mint accepted orders for it through 1886, or until the new Jubilee Head coinage replaced it in style. Total mintage is not precisely known as a result.
This beautiful specimen is one of approximately 300 made for the Coronation sets of 1839. A tiny spot of lacquer is still present under the "E" of REGINA, an indication that the coin was once lacquered, which was in its day a popular way of preserving quality. The reverse legend, which exists in two versions, is a lovely sentiment, ever so Victorian in nature; it comes from the Psalms and translates to mean "May God Direct My Steps." He did indeed, for Victoria reigned for 64 years, eclipsing the record held by Queen Elizabeth I by some two decades. Victoria's monarchy commenced in an age of relative splendor and wealth, at the very end of the Romantic Age, upon the demise of her uncle, King William IV, whose major achievement was modernizing the navy, no mean feat but nevertheless considerably narrower in scope than the myriad changes effected under Victoria. The Empire achieved its broadest swath in world influence and commercial trade under her Crown, the navy literally ruled the seas, and the army fought what came to be known as Victoria's Little Wars at the far reaches of the world. So profound were changes in styles, in thought, in culture and art, and in financial and military might during her years that the era took her name. Even today, we speak of Victorian this or that, in deference to origin; place names around the globe still bear British names given to them during the Victorian Age, and of course tens of millions of people speak English as they live in countries once part of the Empire. These were the dominions of Queen Victoria and her age. No other coin captures this essence better than this magnificently conceived gold coin, as Victoria guides and literally stands in front of the British lion.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
This beautiful specimen is one of approximately 300 made for the Coronation sets of 1839. A tiny spot of lacquer is still present under the "E" of REGINA, an indication that the coin was once lacquered, which was in its day a popular way of preserving quality. The reverse legend, which exists in two versions, is a lovely sentiment, ever so Victorian in nature; it comes from the Psalms and translates to mean "May God Direct My Steps." He did indeed, for Victoria reigned for 64 years, eclipsing the record held by Queen Elizabeth I by some two decades. Victoria's monarchy commenced in an age of relative splendor and wealth, at the very end of the Romantic Age, upon the demise of her uncle, King William IV, whose major achievement was modernizing the navy, no mean feat but nevertheless considerably narrower in scope than the myriad changes effected under Victoria. The Empire achieved its broadest swath in world influence and commercial trade under her Crown, the navy literally ruled the seas, and the army fought what came to be known as Victoria's Little Wars at the far reaches of the world. So profound were changes in styles, in thought, in culture and art, and in financial and military might during her years that the era took her name. Even today, we speak of Victorian this or that, in deference to origin; place names around the globe still bear British names given to them during the Victorian Age, and of course tens of millions of people speak English as they live in countries once part of the Empire. These were the dominions of Queen Victoria and her age. No other coin captures this essence better than this magnificently conceived gold coin, as Victoria guides and literally stands in front of the British lion.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria gold 5 Pounds 1887, S3864, Jubilee Head, uncertified, prooflike AU, normal light signs of use, a coin that saw commercial circulation. Nice memento. AGW 1.0000 oz.
Victoria gold 5 Pounds 1893, S3872, Old Head, uncertified, XF or slightly better, some small marks but a coin that actually circulated commercially, most likely in bank-to-bank transactions, which was its purpose. A nice memento. AGW 1.0000 oz.
Victoria Proof 5 Pounds 1893, S3872, Old Head, PF63 Ultra Cameo NGC, a gorgeous and very choice specimen with the faintest of hairlines and one or two other tiny lines on the surfaces, the portrait being gorgeous and brightly frosted, as is the reverse St George image, and set against deeply mirrored fields. Very scarce.
Victoria copper Proof Set 1839, Young Head, Coronation Proof Set issues of this year, graded as follows by NGC: Farthing, S3950, "W.W." raised, PF63 BN, bronzed, some dappling, long obverse strike-through (of a piece of wire) to left of the queen's throat; Halfpenny, S3949, "W:W." incuse, PF64 BN, bronzed, a handsome piece; and Penny, S3948, "W.W." incuse, PF63 BN, bronzed, partial old fingerprint in left lower obverse field but still a choice piece. Arguments frequently ensue among numismatists when discussing these pieces, as to whether they are copper or bronzed copper, opinions depending in many cases on how coppery each coin looks. Truth is, the bronzing process is not well understood and is today a lost art, in which a bronzing powder (developed by Matthew Boulton at the Soho Mint) was applied to the copper blank going into the proofing dies. As a consequence, the bronze coatings vary in depth, some being so thick that no semblance of the copper beneath shows, others being more delicate, allowing for glimmering mirrors to shine through. The present pieces are of the latter type, lightly bronzed. Students of this period or of these particular coins should also study Peck carefully, for considerable variety occurs among the dies used. As an example, on the Halfpenny in this lot, the "WW" is not divided as it normally is by periods or single dots; the first "stop" is in fact a colon. The date punch used on the Farthing produced a very deep set of digits. These are just two details worth investigating. These are indeed fascinating coins, straight out of the very beginning of the long Victorian era.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria silver Proof trio of 1839, Young Head, all from the Coronation Set of this year, graded by NGC as follows: Britannia Groat, S3913, coin rotation, PF62; Sixpence, S3908, PF63 Cameo; Shilling, S3904, PF63 Cameo. All are plain edge. Very light hairlines consistent with the numerical grades assigned. Tiny ticks on the shilling portrait. Each is similarly toned a light but "hard" gray, portraits lighter silver in color. Scarce pieces.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria Proof Maundy Set 1839, S3916, the four pieces from the Coronation Set, graded by NGC as follows: 1d PF63, 2d PF63, 3d PF63, and 4d PF62. Light hairlines but still attractive, the two larger pieces with deeper mirrored fields, each light gray in toning. Rare.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria silver & gold Mint Set 1887, Jubilee Head currency issues, eleven mixed pieces, an assembled set of varied condition, graded as follows by NGC: 3d S3931 MS64 gold and blue toning, 6d S3928 Shield MS63 gold and blue, Shilling S3926 UNC details (hairlines) a nice coin mostly silvery gold, Florin S3925 MS62 magenta toning, Halfcrown S3924 MS63 a beauty very choice with golden blue toning, Double Florin S3922 Arabic 1 MS61 very sharp and silvery, Crown S3921 UNC details (hairlines) nicer than most seen with silvery gold toning, gold Half Sovereign S3869 AU58 mostly lustrous and satiny, Sovereign S3866 AU55 even wear but much luster, £2 S3865 MS61 satiny and sharp, and the £5 MS61 somewhat prooflike with faint hairlines. Technically graded yet still nicer than most seen in the USA or the UK.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria silver & gold Mint Set 1887, Jubilee Head currency pieces, eleven in all, £5 through Threepence, all carefully graded by NGC as follows, beginning with the smallest coin: 3d S3931 MS65 gem with beautiful iridescent blue toning, 6d S3928 Shield MS64 and similarly toned, Shilling S3926 MS62 dappled similar toning, Florin S3925 MS63 deep golden blue and gray toning, Halfcrown S3924 AU55 light wear but similar toning, Double Florin S3922 Roman I MS63 dappled golden blue toning, Crown S3921 MS62 toned much the same, gold Half Sovereign S3869 MS62 with a bold strike, Sovereign S3866 MS63 choice and bold in strike with great color, £2 S3865 MS63 but prooflike and bold in strike and again with lovely color, and the £5 S3864 MS63 and again prooflike with a bold strike only light abrasions and wispy hairlines here and there. All in all, despite the one coin with light wear, a pleasing set, likely put together instead of original, but quite appealing as a group.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria silver Coronation medal 1838, MS64 NGC, Fearon-289.1, Brown (BHM)-1801, by Benedetto Pistrucci, 37mm diameter, Plain Edge, the official medal for the coronation struck in ultra high relief by the Royal Mint, one of only 2,209 made and possibly the finest survivor, a fabulously toned and preserved gem of a medal with vivid golden red and bluish green iridescence, the surfaces highly reflective and prooflike or proof. A few wispy stray hairlines. A scarce medal normally seen in EF, dipped or gray, with marks (Brown says that perhaps half the mintage of silver pieces were "thrown about" at the celebrations in Hyde Park by the Treasurer of the Household, while others were presented to various minor officials and envoys, clerks of the House of Commons, and employees of the mint). Victoria is portrayed as a young lady, her hair bound into a ponytail, and on the reverse the Three Graces are shown presenting the crown to her, bare headed on the coronation chair, the British Lion looking on while she holds the orb and scepter of regal authority. Below in the exergue, in Latin, is the date of coronation, June 28, 1838. Victoria "ascended" the throne upon the death of her uncle, William IV, on June 20, 1837, aged 19 (she was born May 24, 1819, daughter of Edward, Duke of Kent, and granddaughter of George III), and was officially coronated a year later. The engraver signed his work "B.P." at the base of the truncation in the field and again on the left base of the lower step on reverse. The portrait must be about 4mm high off the field, and the high relief attitude of the entire work of art is awe inspiring, as is the quality of preservation of this, certainly among the finest known examples of this monumental medal.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria silver & gold Science and Art Award Medals 1856, by William Wyon, a pair of the same design, Eimer-1511 variant reverse legend, each measuring 55 mm in diameter: the silver piece (92.5 grams) is choice and lightly toned, in blue plush case, edge inscribed incuse (in all capitals) "Emma Parting. West London. Stage 15B. 1876." while the gold specimen (110.4 grams) is lightly hairlined but attractive, housed in a red plush case, its edge engraved similarly but dated 1877. The elegant design originated at the Great Exhibition and was used on a number of prize medals. Eimer explains that these medals were "intended to encourage and stimulate talent at local schools throughout Britain amongst the industrial classes." The lid of each case is inscribed in gilt capital letters, "SCIENCE AND ART DEPARTMENT" and the cases are both quite choice. Scarce.
Edward VII silver Matte Proof Set 1902, S3979/3980/3981/3982/3983/3985, Crown through Maundy Penny, 9 coins, uncertified but a thoroughly choice set exhibiting original surfaces and swirling gray toning with some splashes of bright iridescence. An old-time set, never fussed with, about as nice as these come. Total 2010 SCBC value is £695 but this market is hot and these should be worth at least that.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Edward VII gold 2 Pounds 1902, S3967, MS62 NGC, a one-year type that is notoriously difficult to find better than this, a highly lustrous example with few abrasions. The cataloguer would not be upset to see this in an MS63 slab as it is quite choice for the issue.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Edward VII gold Matte Proof 5 Pounds 1902, S3966, PF61 Matte NGC, light hairlines and light gold toning.
Edward VII gold Matte Proof Set 1902, S3966/3968/3969/3974A, respectively graded by NGC as PF60, PF61, PF60 and PF61, tough grades for nice coins as this appears to be an original set, judging by the color. Hairlines are present on almost all known examples, including fully original and choice pieces, as coiners wiped most Matte Proofs on their leather aprons immediately upon striking, being unfamiliar with the non-brilliant surfaces created by the matting process. The 5-Pound coin here has been more recently wiped, but the others are original. the 2010 SCBC values total £2,525.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George V gold and silver Long Proof set 1911, S-PS11, 12 coins graded by NGC as follows: gold £5 PF64, £2 PF64, Sovereign PF64, Half Sovereign PF64, silver Halfcrown PF65, Florin PF64, Shilling PF65, Sixpence PF66, Maundy 4d PF64, 3d PF65, 2d PF63, 1d PF62. The grades are tight and this is a really choice set that seems fully original, together since issue. Silver is graced by combinations of bright silvery grayish blue iridescence and bright golden blue, while the gold is consistently a rich two-tone deep golden yellow in color and deliciously original. 2010 SCBC value is £4,850.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George V Proof Crown 1935, S4050, REP, PF65 Cameo PCGS, a gorgeous gem with silvery surfaces, one of the nicest survivors of the 2,500 struck in proof for the jubilee celebration this year.
George VI Matte Proof Farthing 1937, S4116, Wren design, Matte PF64 RB NGC, an important rarity, unlisted in Matte form in Spink, whereas that veritable reference does list the silver Mattes. First appearance in one of our auctions. Surfaces are nearly as struck, slight verdigris here and there, color a russet brown; texture of the proofing process is a finely granular look as imparted by the dies, which it is believed were sand-blasted regular proof dies as used for the brilliant strikes, most likely at the very end of production or possibly post 1937 as an experiment. It is well known that the Royal Mint tried various times from 1902 through the 1950s to produce Matte Proofs, the results never popular with UK collectors. Their finest moment came initially, as the quality of the standard 1902 Matte Proof coins was never bettered. This is a major modern rarity. Our estimate is a sheer guess and should be exceeded if even two collectors recognize the importance of this lot.
George VI Matte Proof Halfpenny 1937, S4115, Golden Hind ship design, Matte PF62 BN NGC, slight disturbance to the original look of the surfaces but nonetheless quite choice and russet in appearance, and a major modern rarity. Unlisted in the 2010 SCBC but the silver pieces are all stated to be "of highest rarity." First appearance in our auctions!
George VI Matte Proof Penny 1937, S4114, a major rarity graded Matte PR 63 RB by NGC, originality of the russet surfaces just ever so slightly disturbed, overall appearance really choice. How and when these Matte Proofs were struck remains a mystery, as the only official issues of this proofing version were the silver and gold pieces of 1902, but a reasonable theory is that the coins themselves, once struck from normal brilliant or polished proofing dies, were then sand-blasted, much as certain U.S. gold coins were. This coin has such a look. Other pieces seem to have been made from dies that were sand-blasted. No one is certain, and in fact it is entirely possible that the Royal Mint's proofing coiners experimented at will, making the few known examples one one way and the next the other. This charming and ultra rare Penny should find wide appeal and be strongly bid after.
George VI Matte Proof Brass Threepence 1937, S4112, Matte PR 62 NGC, tawny surfaces showing the finely granular Matte texture unique to this experimental issue, listed in the SCBC as "of highest rarity," and in fact related to the great rarity pattern of this type made for Edward VIII the previous year (but dated the same as this, 1937). Too bad these were not made for collectors along with the brilliant version, for in Matte format this coin has an odd but quite appealing appearance.
George VI Matte Proof Silver Threepence 1937, S4085, Matte PF62 NGC, slight surface disturbances but nearly as struck and "of highest rarity" in this Matte state.
George VI Matte Proof Florin 1937, S4081, Matte PF63 NGC, particularly choice and nice looking, with only slight variance from how it must have appeared when struck, listed in the SCBC as being "of highest rarity" in this state. An enchanting modern rarity!
George VI Matte Proof Halfcrown 1937, S4080, Matte PF63 NGC, of highest rarity in Matte state, and this, our last such piece, is perhaps the prettiest of the group here, its surfaces nearly as made and showing a lovely, even light gray color. The design was Kruger Gray and his initials appear boldly at the base of the shield; the reverse design is a variant of the famed Banner Halfcrown designed by Gray for Edward VIII, the banner squeezed here left and right to resemble a medieval regal crest or shield, suspended by a loop. Marvelous engraving!
George VI Matte Proof Maundy Set 1937, S4086, four pieces carefully graded by NGC as follows: 1d Matte PF62, 2d Matte PF61, 3d Matte PR 63, 4d Matte PF62, each coin matched in general appearance, all with a choice eye appeal, and consistently light swirling gray in color. The largest coin in particular has tiny flecks of verdigris. The SCBC rates this set in Matte Proof as being "of highest rarity." If you seek something truly special, in an ultra rare modern issue, this set may be it!
George VI gold Proof Half Sovereign 1937, S4077, PF63 NGC, a choice piece with only faint hairlines, cameo but not so noted on the grading insert.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George VI gold Proof Sovereign 1937, S4076, PF64 Cameo NGC, faint hairlines, not blazing in brilliance but still nice.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George VI gold Proof 2 Pounds 1937, S4075, PF63 Cameo NGC, faint hairlines but deep gold in color and very attractive.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George VI gold Proof 2 Pounds 1937, S4075, PF66 Cameo NGC, just 5001 minted for the Coronation sets this year, most today showing hairlines and light marks so this is really exceptional; close to perfect, a truly beautiful example.
George VI gold Proof 5 Pounds 1937, S4074, PF62 NGC, obvious hairlines and a few (fairly heavy) nicks on the obverse where another coin was probably dropped onto it, a frequent occurrence unfortunately for many years as these coins were casually handled and kept in velvet-lined issue boxes.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II bronze "New" Half Penny error-pair 1971, S4239, each graded MS61 RB and labeled "Mint Error" by NGC, one coin having two obverses, each bearing the date, the other coin having two reverses. Extremely rare; the first such examples we have encountered. This pair is something of an unacknowledged collecting prize, as the errors are very modern and few collectors have focused on this series so far. The Half New Penny, or Halfpence as it was usually called in the UK, began in this year, the start of the decimal coinage era, but the denomination quickly lost any real commercial value as inflation was eating away at the British Pound, and by 1984, when this series was discontinued (and never struck again), the coins had disappeared from circulation. The cataloguer remembers getting brand-new rolls of these at London banks in the late 1970s, each roll costing 25 Pence. At the time, a cup of tea, or a "cuppa" as nearly every Brit called it, cost about 75 Pence, and it was rising quickly. By 1983 the halfpence had disappeared even as a tax unit, which was its primary initial purpose, and so was dropped from Royal Mint manufacturing except for being including in Mint Sets in 1984, its last appearance. This pair represents an extraordinary error situation, obviously done right at the start of production of the then-new, tiny denomination. Despite the "MS61" numerical grades, these look quite choice.
Elizabeth II gold Proof 5 Pounds 1980, S4201, PF68 Ultra Cameo NGC, essentially perfect and very handsome indeed!
Elizabeth II gold 5 Pounds 1981, S4201, KM924, Gem cameo Proof in capsule inside official RM plush case, with COA. There is a flaw on the plastic of the capsule; the coin is flawless. AGW 1.1775 oz.
Elizabeth II gold Proof Set 1982, S-PGS02, 2500 issued, 4 pieces £5 down through Half Sovereign, Gem cameo Proofs in capsules inside official RM black plush case, with COA. AGW 2.0000 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II gold Proof Set 1989, S-PGS10, KM-PS61, special design for the 500th anniversary of the gold sovereign, 4 coins £5 down through Half Sovereign, Gem cameo Proofs in capsules, all inside official black RM plush case, with COA. 5000 sets issued. AGW 2.0017 oz.
Elizabeth II gold Proof Set 1989, S-PGS10, KM-PS61, special design for the 500th anniversary of the gold sovereign, 4 coins £5 down through Half Sovereign, Gem cameo Proofs in capsules, all inside official black RM plush case, with COA. 5000 sets issued. AGW 2.0017 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II gold Proof Set 1989, S-PGS10, KM-PS61, special design for the 500th anniversary of the gold sovereign, 4 coins £5 down through Half Sovereign, Gem cameo Proofs in capsules, all inside official black RM plush case, with COA. 5000 sets issued. AGW 2.0017 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II gold Britannia Proof Set 1989, S-PBS05, 2268 issued, 4 coins 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz, Gem cameo Proofs in capsules, all inside official black RM plush case, with COA. AGW 1.8500 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II gold Britannia Proof Set 1989, S-PBS05, 2268 issued, 4 coins 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz and 1/10 oz, Gem cameo Proofs in capsules, all inside official black RM plush case, with COA. AGW 1.8500 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II gold 5 Pounds 1990, S4301, KM962b, struck for the Queen Mother's 90th birthday, Gem cameo Proof in capsule inside official RM issue case, with COA as #1713. Mintage was 2500 pieces in 22ct gold. AGW 1.1775 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II gold Proof Set 1990, S-PGS12, 1721 sets issues, 4 pieces £5 through Half Sovereign, Gem cameo Proofs, each in capsule inside official red RM issue case, with COA #0582. AGW 2.0000 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II gold Proof set 1991, S-PGS14, 1336 sets issues, 4 pieces £5 through Half Sovereign, Gem cameo Proofs, each in capsule inside official red RM issue case, with COA #0012. AGW 2.0000 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II gold 5 Pounds 1996, S4303, KM974b, 70th birthday of Her Majesty, flags reverse, Gem cameo Proof in capsule inside official RM issue case, with COA as #1683. Mintage of 2750 pieces in 22ct gold. AGW 1.1775 oz.
Elizabeth II gold 5 Pounds 1997 & £50 Banknote, S4304, KM977b, the special issue in long brown leatherette case for the Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration of Her Majesty and Prince Philip, the £5 gold coin Gem cameo Proof in capsule, lifelike jugate busts facing right, reverse featuring two shields with an anchor between them (for the prince's naval service), the £50 banknote series 1994, New, and housed in a special hard-plastic holder, SN EP50-000110, same number given to the accompanying folder providing a brief illustrated history of both the royal marriage and the banknote's images. Accompanying COA is #2547. A lovely memento and a beautifully presented item from the Royal Mint. AGW 1.1775 oz.
Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee gold Proof Set 2002, S-PGJS1, KM-PSA135, the Royal Mint's most sumptuous presentation of all coinage types, each struck in 22ct gold, 13 pieces including the £5, £2, Pound, 50 Pence, 20 Pence, 10 Pence, 5 Pence, 2 Pence and Penny, along with the special 4-piece Maundy Set in gold, each coin a seemingly almost perfect Gem frosted Proof, each in its own capsule but for the Maundy Set, which is housed in a 4-piece little square box, all inside a long, rich-looking Royal Mint plush case, purple with classic cream-silk inside top. Each of the coins is really stunning looking when struck in gold! A total of 2,002 sets were issued, a symbolic number. This set is #0296 with COA. The 2010 SCBC value is £5,000. If something modern and elegant takes your fancy, have a look at this wonderful presentation set! Total AGW is 4.7797 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Elizabeth II platinum Britannia Proof Set 2007, S-PPBCS1, first year of issue, 250 sets issued, 4 pieces to the set £100, £50, £25 and £10, each a Gem cameo Proof in capsule, all housed in long black official RM plush case, with COA#232. Portrait of the queen is opposed on each coin by the exquisite design engraved by Christopher LeBrun RA. An exotic item for the art lover and/or precious metal enthusiast. APW 1.8600 oz.
Elizabeth II gold 5-piece "Sovereigns" Proof Set 2010, not just the "usual" Gem Proofs from the set, but certified by NGC, each coin graded PF70 Ultra Cameo, consisting of the Quarter Sovereign, Half Sovereign, Sovereign, 2 Sovereigns, and 5 Sovereigns, each bearing the classic St George reverse design modeled after Pistrucci's original, and each showing the new portrait of the queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS. Limited to 1,750 sets issued. Not in KM or the SCBC as of the cataloguing date. Comes with RM issue box and COA, along with outer box as issued. AGW 1.8243 oz.
Maundy Sets, a beautiful selection, 9 choice sets (36 coins), uncertified but quality coins, as follows: Victoria Young Head 1857, S3916, UNC, bright silvery luster with iridescent golden blue toning; Victoria Jubilee Head 1888, S3932, UNC, silvery golden toning; Victoria Old Head 1899, S3943, UNC, light silvery gold toning; Edward VII 1904, S3985, UNC, silvery golden gray toning; George V 1923, S4027, UNC, pale silvery gold toning; George V 1929, S4043, ME 3rd Bust, UNC, light silvery gray toning; George VI 1937, S4086, Proofs with light silvery toning; George VI 1951, S4096, 3rd Coinage, lightly toned Proofs; and Elizabeth II 1957, S4131, brilliant Proofs with delicate toning. Some of these coins could certify at high number grades. In any case, with one bid you can buy many of the modern types of Maundy sets, all nice, all carefully saved. Total 2010 SCBC value is about £1,200.
Elizabeth II gold Proofs Collection 1979-1987, including all pieces minted during this period, 27 in all, consisting of the following, each in original screw-capsule: Half Sovereigns of 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987; Sovereigns of 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986 and 1987; £2 of 1980, 1982, 1983, 1985, 1986 (thistle reverse) and 1987; and finally the £5 of 1980, 1981, 1982, 1984 and 1985. All essentially as issued, Gem cameo Proofs. Housed in a luxurious, long black leatherette case, black velvet base with inserts for the capsules, light-colored silk upper liner. Only 250 such sets were supposedly assembled, with the consent of the British Royal Mint, by a North American company, which purchased the individual coins on the secondary market from issues sold by the Royal Mint. A rather magnificent collection indeed. AGW 11.6523 oz.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Greece
Chios. Michele Steno gold Zecchino ND (1400-1413), Friedberg-2d, MS63 NGC, light original patina with extremely sharp details. Scarce type struck in imitation of the Venetian Ducat (Zecchino.)
Othon gold 20 Drachmai 1833, KM21, XF45 NGC, a pleasing coin for the grade with light original patina.
Othon gold 20 Drachmai 1833, KM21, AU55 NGC, very sharply detailed with abundant mint luster, far superior to most seen in the market.
George I 5 Lepta 1870BB, KM42, MS64 BN NGC, highly glossy surfaces with traces of luster in the legends. Very attractive and rare in mint state.
George I 10 Lepta 1870BB, KM43, MS63 BN NGC, lovely brown surfaces with considerable sheen and a dusting of luster below the King's bust. Rare date in mint state.
George I gold 20 Drachmai 1884A, KM56, MS64 NGC, superb mint brilliance and truly rare in this lofty designation.
Guatemala
Provisional Real 1829NG-M, KM75, Fine 15 NGC, original toning with clear details, small natural flan flaw on the obverse. Very rare type struck as Estado de Guatemala during the Central American Republic. The SCWC reports only 4 examples known.
Central American Republic gold 2 Escudos 1846A, KM12, AU55 NGC, very nicely struck, an attractive example of this popular series with no planchet flaws.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1869R, KM191, MS63 PCGS, full glowing mint luster, scarce one-year type in this select grade.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1874P, KM198, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous and attractive, rare type in this elevated grade.
Republic gold 10 Pesos 1869R, KM193, XF45 NGC, a nice lustrous coin with small contact marks in the obverse fields. AGW 0.4667 oz.
Republic gold 16 Pesos 1869R, KM188, XF45 PCGS, original patina, quite nice with just a light scattering of contact marks.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1869R, KM194, MS62 PCGS, lightly toned with some small contact marks, very scarce type in mint state.
Republic gold 10 Quetzales 1926, KM245, AU58 NGC, bold details with typical small contact marks. AGW 0.4837 oz.
Republic gold 20 Quetzales 1926, KM246, MS61 ANACS, full original mint luster, small surface marks as always, scarce type when graded mint state. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Guinea
Republic eight-piece Uniface Trial Proof Set 1969, silver 100, 200, 250, and 500 Francs, all with blank reverses, and goldine 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 Francs, the first three with blank reverses, the 10,000 with blank obverse. all have "Gori & Zucch" counterstamped in the blank side, except the 10,000 Francs which has it on the side with the normal design. All of the coins are nice Proofs, the silver pieces toned. A very rare trial set, and the first we have seen.
Haiti
Henri I Christophe silver Pattern Crown 1813, KM-Pn17, AU50 NGC, lightly cleaned long ago and now with attractive light gray toning, minor oxidation by the DE DIEU on the obverse. An extremely rare and appealing type, and the first we have brought to auction.
Hawaii
Kalakaua I Trio of Choice Coins 1883, 1/4 Dollar, KM5, AU. 1/2 Dollar KM6, AU, Dollar KM7, VF The first two have exceptional light golden toning.
Honduras
Republic gold Pattern 5 Pesos ND (1871), Friedberg 2, unlisted in the SCWC, AU50 NGC, plain edge, extremely sharp details and very rare. There are circular hairlines on both sides, more prominent on the obverse.
Hong Kong
Victoria Specimen Cent 1863, KM4.1, Specimen 63 RB NGC, lovely purple and deep mahogany surfaces, very scarce as a Specimen.
Victoria Specimen 5 Cents 1883H, KM5, Specimen 67 PCGS, flawless reflective surfaces with old-time blue-green and pewter gray patina, very attractive and rare as a Specimen.
Victoria 50 Cents 1890, KM9.1, AU55 NGC, sharply struck with considerable mint luster and minimal surface marks. Scarce date with a mintage of 50,000.
Hungary
Ludwig I gold Gulden ND (1342-1382) P, Friedberg 5 type I with solid circle borders, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with sharp legends and slightly soft central features. Very scarce type which is rarely encountered in mint state.
Sigismund gold Gulden ND (1387-1437), Friedberg 9, MS65 NGC, fully brilliant, an exceptionally choice example of this early coinage. Reverse type with eagle in quartered shield.
Ladislaus V gold Gulden ND (1453-57), Friedberg 16, MS63 NGC, reverse type A, very sharp details with light original patina. Very scarce in this grade.
Leopold the Hogmouth gold 1/6 Ducat 1690NB, KM189, Friedberg 154, MS62 NGC, lightly toned and original, very attractive.
Republic gold 1000 Forint 1968BP, KM588, Proof 67 Ultra Cameo NGC, a huge coin with a lovely cameo effect on the bust of Ignacz Semmelweis. AGW 2.4335 oz.
India
Bengal Presidency. Gold 1/2 Mohur AH1202 Year 19, KM111, Fr-1541, vertical edge reeding, MS64 NGC, a choice piece with fully lustrous surfaces and excellent eye appeal. Rare denomination in this superior quality.
Bengal Presidency. Gold Mohur AH1202 Year 19, KM113, oblique edge reeding, MS62 NGC, lightly toned with a few small contact marks. Very scarce when graded mint state.
Victoria gold Restrike 10 Rupees 1879, KM495, Proof 63 DCAM PCGS, mature bust of the Queen, brilliant surfaces with a pleasing cameo effect, faint hairlines in the obverse fields. Very scarce and popular series.
East India Company. Victoria gold Mohur 1841(c), KM462.1, MS61 NGC, WW incuse on the truncation of the neck, light original patina, very scarce in mint state.
Victoria gold Restrike Mohur 1841, KM-A462, PL64 NGC, obverse with non-continuous legend, mirror surfaces with heavy die polish in the obverse fields. Dot after date, plain 4, incuse W.W. on the neck truncation, a description which also seems to match KM462.1.
Victoria gold Mohur 1862(c), KM480, XF with original luster in the legends, light handling in the exposed fields.
Victoria gold Mohur 1862(C), KM480, MS62 NGC, lightly toned with full underlying mint luster, mild surface marks in the obverse fields. Scarce and very popular series, especially in mint state.
Victoria gold Restrike Mohur 1862(c), KM-unlisted, PL66 Cameo NGC, a mule comprised of the older bust of Victoria as on KM481 and the normal reverse of 1862. Rare and highly popular type.
Victoria gold Restrike Mohur 1870(c), KM481, Prooflike 65 NGC Restrike, highly reflective surfaces, mature bust of the Queen.
Hyderabad. Mir Mahbub Ali Khan II gold Ashrafi Mohur AH1325 Year 41, KM44.1, MS64 NGC, sharply struck with full mint brilliance, a choice example of this early type.
Hyderabad. Mir Usman Ali Khan gold Ashrafi Mohur AH1343 Year 14, KM-Y57a, MS63 NGC, fully brilliant and very attractive.
Hyderabad. Mir Usman Ali Khan gold Ashrafi Mohur AH1349 Year 20, KM-Y57a, MS64 NGC, full mint brilliance, flashy surfaces.
Hyderabad. Mir Usman Ali Khan gold Ashrafi Mohur AH1349 Year 20, KM-Y57a, MS65 NGC, a choice example with virtually flawless surfaces.
Hyderabad. Mir Usman Ali Khan gold Ashrafi Mohur AH1349 Year 20, KM-Y57a, MS66 PCGS, a superb coin with light original patina and full glowing mint bloom.
Hyderabad. Mir Usman Ali Khan gold Ashrafi Mohur AH1360 Year 31, KM-Y57a, MS65 NGC, a gorgeous coin with fully prooflike surfaces.
Hyderabad. Mir Usman Ali Khan gold Ashrafi Mohur AH1361 Year 32, KM-Y57a, MS63 PCGS, full mint brilliance, lightly toned, unlisted date in the SCWC. The holder incorrectly lists this as Y-44.
Iran
Nasir al-Din Shah 5000 Dinars AH1313 (1895), KMX-M11, AU55 NGC, deep gray patina with sharply struck features, an attractive and original striking of this commemorative marking Nasir al-Din's 50th anniversary of reign, an event he failed to witness as he was assassinated shortly before the 50th year was attained. An important example as most seen are either restrikes or have been mounted.
Nasir al-Din silver Toman or 10000 Dinars AH1301-B (1884), KM917, AU58 NGC (jumbo holder), a choice example of this huge silver issue with the perfect blend of aged silvery-gray toning and mint luster. Very rare in this quality and an obviously original striking with sharp details and smooth, lustrous surfaces. The MS62 piece in the Millennia Sale brought $14,000 plus the buyer's fees.
Nasir al-Din gold Toman AH1311 (1893), KM937, AU58 NGC, full mint brilliance with exceptionally sharp details, just a hint of rub on the Shah's nose. Scarce grade for this era at the Tehran Mint.
Mohamed Shah gold 10 Pahlavi MS2535 (1976), KM1210, MS62 NGC, 50th anniversary of Pahlavi rule. Fully lustrous with minor handling in the fields. AGW 2.3541 oz.
Mohamed Shah gold 10 Pahlavi MS2535 (1976), KM1210, choice brilliant UNC, struck to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Pahlavi rule and featuring the conjoined busts of Mohamed and his father, Reza. Very scarce and a huge piece of gold. AGW 2.3541 oz.
Mohamed Shah gold 10 Pahlavi MS2536 (1977), KM1212, MS65 NGC, brilliant surfaces, struck to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Reza Shah. A superior example to most seen in the market.
Iraq
Republic Large gold medal of Saddam Hussein 1981, Portrait of Saddam with the dates 1931-1981. Prooflike UNC with original velvet case of issue. Presumably rare since it is the first we have seen. Weight is 38.15 gm.
Ireland
Victoria silver Pattern 3 Shillings 1900, KMX-2, Proof 62 NGC, aged silver and gray patina, Reginald Huth issue by John Pinches of London. Very scarce.
Republic Halfcrown 1943, KM16, MS64 PCGS, aged russet and gold patina, highly attractive. Very rare date in this superb quality and one of the key coins in the Irish Republic series.
Republic Halfcrown 1943, KM16, MS64 PCGS, an absolutely stunning example of this rare date with frosty white mint brilliance and virtually blemish-free surfaces. Certainly one of the finest known.
Isle of Man
Victoria Proof Halfpenny 1839, KM13, Proof 64 RB NGC, a highly lustrous example with considerable sheen to the surfaces. Rarely seen as a Proof and the first example we have offered. Much rarer than the Proof Farthing and Penny of the same date. Missing from most major collections of Isle of Man coins.
Israel
Republic gold 50 Lirot 1964, KM44, Proof. Scarce issue with 1,502 mintage. Bank of Israel commemorative. The most valuable of all the Israeli commemoratives.
Republic gold 50 Lirot 1964, KM44, Proof 64 PCGS, rare Bank of Israel commemorative, only 1,502 minted in Proof.
Republic gold 50 Lirot 1964, KM44, 10th Anniversary Bank of Israel, PF66 PCGS, a superb piece!
Session 3
Brazil
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1735-B. Bahia mint. TP mark for Thomas Pons, Boston. KM151. VF. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked TP in rectangular cartouche by Thomas Pons, Boston. Weight about 2 grains under the usual Pons standard of 9 dwt, 4 grains but 2 grains over the typical post-Revolutionary standard of 9 dwt (217.7 grains). Evenly clipped circumferentially, leaving about half the denticles intact. Good consistent false edge with a rounded, low relief twin-leaf design. Plug flush with portrait and nearly invisible from obverse, plug flat but a bit spread out at central reverse, marked on angle and nearly upside down on that side. Pons seems to have placed his mark exclusively on the reverse. Well worn, surprisingly so, very nice eye appeal and even light yellow gold toning. Minor hairlines, some light scuffs or slidemarks at central obverse. A very pretty example that clearly saw good use.
This piece does not appear to have been clipped or further adulterated after leaving Pons' shop. Further, we doubt someone would go through the trouble of re-milling a coin with a false edge after having taken just two grains (about a penny and a half) of gold from it. Pons' 9 dwt 4 grain standard has not been fully resolved.
Pons was a goldsmith and jeweler, according to the 1789 Boston directory. He later moved into the eyeglass industry and became a noted optician. Born in 1757, his shop was in the heart of Boston on Newbury Street.
Specimens of this mark we have noted include:
1735-R 6400 Reis, Ex. Ellsworth-Garrett, NFA Garrett I sale (May 1984), Lot 1226. Weight 13.93 grams = just under 9 dwt. Plated in Howland Wood's Coinage of the West Indies and mentioned in Pridmore.
1735-B 6400 Reis. Ex. Byrne, Jess Peters Sale 78 (June 1975), Lot 1206. Weight 14.1 grams = 9 dwt, 1.5 grains. Plated in Pridmore. The present specimen.
1737-R 6400 Reis. Ex. Byrne, Jess Peters Sale 78 (June 1975), Lot 1205. Weight irrevelant, holed. (in the present sale)
1743 6400 Reis. Ex. Pridmore, ex. Gordon, from Sotheby's sale of January 28, 1976, Lot 328. (in the present sale)
1753-B 6400 Reis. Pictured in Gordon, p. 95. Weight 14.23 grams = 9 dwt, 2.3 grains.
1757-R 6400 Reis. Private collection. Weight unknown. Also marked by John Burger.
1758-B 6400 Reis. Noted in Gordon, p. 95. Weight 14.04 grams = 9 dwt, 2/3 grain.
1774-R 6400 Reis. Weight 220 grains = 9 dwt, 4 grains precisely. (in the present sale)
Pridmore notes "others have been reported," probably a reference to Byrne's second piece (he knew of one and thus likely the other) as well as his own personal piece, i.e. the present specimen.
The Pridmore book has been the standard reference in the West Indies field essentially since its publication in 1965, supplanting Howland Wood's 1914 Coinage of the West Indies in the American Journal of Numismatics. Pridmore plates just seven pieces of regulated gold, one from the ANS and the others from Ray Byrne's collection. This is the only Pridmore plate coin in this collection, a provenance which adds a premium to its value.
Provenance: From Jess Peters sale #78 of the Ray Byrne Collection, June 1975, Lot 1206. Plated in Fred Pridmore's The Coins of the British Commonwealth of Nations, Part 3: West Indies, p. 281, plate 16. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 95.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This piece does not appear to have been clipped or further adulterated after leaving Pons' shop. Further, we doubt someone would go through the trouble of re-milling a coin with a false edge after having taken just two grains (about a penny and a half) of gold from it. Pons' 9 dwt 4 grain standard has not been fully resolved.
Pons was a goldsmith and jeweler, according to the 1789 Boston directory. He later moved into the eyeglass industry and became a noted optician. Born in 1757, his shop was in the heart of Boston on Newbury Street.
Specimens of this mark we have noted include:
1735-R 6400 Reis, Ex. Ellsworth-Garrett, NFA Garrett I sale (May 1984), Lot 1226. Weight 13.93 grams = just under 9 dwt. Plated in Howland Wood's Coinage of the West Indies and mentioned in Pridmore.
1735-B 6400 Reis. Ex. Byrne, Jess Peters Sale 78 (June 1975), Lot 1206. Weight 14.1 grams = 9 dwt, 1.5 grains. Plated in Pridmore. The present specimen.
1737-R 6400 Reis. Ex. Byrne, Jess Peters Sale 78 (June 1975), Lot 1205. Weight irrevelant, holed. (in the present sale)
1743 6400 Reis. Ex. Pridmore, ex. Gordon, from Sotheby's sale of January 28, 1976, Lot 328. (in the present sale)
1753-B 6400 Reis. Pictured in Gordon, p. 95. Weight 14.23 grams = 9 dwt, 2.3 grains.
1757-R 6400 Reis. Private collection. Weight unknown. Also marked by John Burger.
1758-B 6400 Reis. Noted in Gordon, p. 95. Weight 14.04 grams = 9 dwt, 2/3 grain.
1774-R 6400 Reis. Weight 220 grains = 9 dwt, 4 grains precisely. (in the present sale)
Pridmore notes "others have been reported," probably a reference to Byrne's second piece (he knew of one and thus likely the other) as well as his own personal piece, i.e. the present specimen.
The Pridmore book has been the standard reference in the West Indies field essentially since its publication in 1965, supplanting Howland Wood's 1914 Coinage of the West Indies in the American Journal of Numismatics. Pridmore plates just seven pieces of regulated gold, one from the ANS and the others from Ray Byrne's collection. This is the only Pridmore plate coin in this collection, a provenance which adds a premium to its value.
Provenance: From Jess Peters sale #78 of the Ray Byrne Collection, June 1975, Lot 1206. Plated in Fred Pridmore's The Coins of the British Commonwealth of Nations, Part 3: West Indies, p. 281, plate 16. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 95.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1737-B. Bahia mint. TP for Thomas Pons, Boston. KM151. Fine. Holed. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked TP in rectangular cartouche for Thomas Pons, Boston. Weight now somewhat irrelevant due to hole; Pons seems to have worked to a 9 dwt 4 grain standard. At present, this weighs a grain over 8 dwt (192.9 grains). Clipped circumferentially after leaving Pons' shop to the top of the legend, tops of letters on left side of obverse lightly affected. Re-edged, edge device now filed or worn off nearly everywhere but for a vestige near 1:00. A small, neat plug is flush on the obverse, flat but a bit broader on the reverse, marked on that side in nearly horizontal position. Even light yellow gold, a bit overbright from polishing.
A coin like this reflects the organic, dynamic nature of regulated gold. This coin started life in the jungles of Brazil, made its way to North America either before or after being clipped, was found to be somewhat underweight and thus had a small plug inserted, was clipped again and re-edged, had its edge filed once more, then was holed for use as jewelry.
Provenance: From Jess Peters sale #78 of the Ray Byrne Collection, June 1975, Lot 1205.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
A coin like this reflects the organic, dynamic nature of regulated gold. This coin started life in the jungles of Brazil, made its way to North America either before or after being clipped, was found to be somewhat underweight and thus had a small plug inserted, was clipped again and re-edged, had its edge filed once more, then was holed for use as jewelry.
Provenance: From Jess Peters sale #78 of the Ray Byrne Collection, June 1975, Lot 1205.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Portugal
Portugal. Joao V 6400 Reis 1743. Lisbon mint. TP mark for Thomas Pons, Boston. KM221. XF. Clipped, plugged, and marked on reverse with TP for Thomas Pons, Boston. Weight of 9 dwt, 4 grains (219.8 grains). Large circular plug at center, built up on reverse and smooth on obverse, TP marked on reverse (as are all known specimens from this regulator). The edge shows portions of the original edge device, neatly clipped at 9:00 and 3:00 and smooth in those areas, seemingly polished to roundness. Attractive deep yellow gold, hidden horizontal scratch in hair, traces of encrustation at bottom obverse periphery. A very handsome piece.
This was perhaps regulated to the 1762 Boston standard of 9 dwt, 5 grains, though the fact that two of the known Pons regulations weigh precisely 9 dwt 4 grains suggests a standard at that level. Boston reduced its standard to 9 dwt in 1784. The only 9 dwt 4 grain standard we have found was in Philadelphia in 1777, when several dozen merchants signed a petition to accept 9 dwt Half Joes at 60 shillings and 9 dwt 4 grain Half Joes at 61 shillings. Among the signatories were Joseph Richardson Jr. (and his brother Nathaniel) and John LeTelier, both known regulators. It is possible there was a Boston standard at 9 dwt 4 grains, perhaps in concert with the 9 dwt standard. These are the sort of questions that only pouring over contemporary newspapers will answer: the Philadelphia merchant standard of 1777 was non-governmental and was found rather accidentally in a period newspaper (The Pennsylvania Evening Post, November 6, 1777).
This piece's fine provenance and balanced look makes it particularly desirable among the known Thomas Pons regulations. Further, it is one of only two that remains as heavy as when regulated.
Provenance: From Sotheby's sale of January 28, 1976. Earlier, ex Pridmore. Ex-Gordon, privately.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This was perhaps regulated to the 1762 Boston standard of 9 dwt, 5 grains, though the fact that two of the known Pons regulations weigh precisely 9 dwt 4 grains suggests a standard at that level. Boston reduced its standard to 9 dwt in 1784. The only 9 dwt 4 grain standard we have found was in Philadelphia in 1777, when several dozen merchants signed a petition to accept 9 dwt Half Joes at 60 shillings and 9 dwt 4 grain Half Joes at 61 shillings. Among the signatories were Joseph Richardson Jr. (and his brother Nathaniel) and John LeTelier, both known regulators. It is possible there was a Boston standard at 9 dwt 4 grains, perhaps in concert with the 9 dwt standard. These are the sort of questions that only pouring over contemporary newspapers will answer: the Philadelphia merchant standard of 1777 was non-governmental and was found rather accidentally in a period newspaper (The Pennsylvania Evening Post, November 6, 1777).
This piece's fine provenance and balanced look makes it particularly desirable among the known Thomas Pons regulations. Further, it is one of only two that remains as heavy as when regulated.
Provenance: From Sotheby's sale of January 28, 1976. Earlier, ex Pridmore. Ex-Gordon, privately.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1774-R. Rio mint. TP mark for Thomas Pons. KM172.2. AU. Clipped. Plugged and marked TP in rectangular cartouche for Thomas Pons, Boston. Weight of precisely 9 dwt, 4 grains (220.2 grains), either a grain below Boston's pre-Revolutionary standard or set at a different as yet unidentified standard. Clipped atop obverse from 11:00 to 1:00, lightly filed at base of obverse, original edge device otherwise intact. Plug at central obverse flush with surrounding device, which as been hammered flat. Reverse shows plug nearly flush with surfaces, raised slightly but hammered flat, mark at center nearly vertical. Nearly full luster present, lovely medium yellow surfaces, little actual circulation. A very pretty piece.
This piece's unusual high grade makes it an ideal type coin, especially so as the product of such an important Boston regulator. Unlike New York or Philadelphia, there are very few choices for collectors who seek to include a Boston regulator in their collection.
Provenance: Acquired from Ray Brandon in 1987.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This piece's unusual high grade makes it an ideal type coin, especially so as the product of such an important Boston regulator. Unlike New York or Philadelphia, there are very few choices for collectors who seek to include a Boston regulator in their collection.
Provenance: Acquired from Ray Brandon in 1987.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1744-R. Rio mint. KM149. Fine. Coin perhaps a forgery. Clipped, crudely re-edged by hand. Plugged and marked IS, perhaps Joseph Smith of Boston (died 1789). Weight slightly a grain and a half under the post-Revolutionary standard of 9 dwt, 6.5 grains below the mid-18th century Boston standard of 9 dwt 5 grains to which this was likely regulated (214.6 grains). Closely clipped circumferentially down to the bases of the denticles, crudely hand re-edged with individually cut reeds. Boldly plugged in high relief, tall and rounded on the obverse, plane to the surface of the reverse but misshapen around its border. Marked on both sides with IS hallmark, dot in between, S leaning to right. Reverse mark upside down and doubled. Obverse mark weakly struck, correctly oriented as IS, I and dot after visible but most of S soft. Authenticity of the host coin difficult to determine, though the numeral forms in the date look suspicious. Slight bend at rim above ES of JOHANNES perhaps a test cut, short scratch on reverse plug below mark definitely one. Medium yellow gold, a bit more ruddy toning at peripheries, some minor hairlines but good eye appeal.
An exciting piece, undoubtedly unique on this regulator, though the identity of the maker is far from certain. We feel secure that the mark is IS, and a distinctive one at that, with the pointed right top serif of I and the unusual leaning angle of the S. This would seem to be a pre-Revolutionary regulation: there are no diminutive clips that would have resulted in the coin being a grain and a half under the 9 dwt standard, but that difference seems to great for a skilled regulator to have simply missed the weight by that margin. Instead, we suspect this piece was given its large plug to bring it up to a pre-Revolutionary standard of 9 dwt 5 grains, then clipped back down and given its amateurish edge device.
The mark was correctly identified as I.S in the Ford sale of 1989.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection of West Indian Cut and Countermarked Coins, October 16, 1989, Lot 267.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
An exciting piece, undoubtedly unique on this regulator, though the identity of the maker is far from certain. We feel secure that the mark is IS, and a distinctive one at that, with the pointed right top serif of I and the unusual leaning angle of the S. This would seem to be a pre-Revolutionary regulation: there are no diminutive clips that would have resulted in the coin being a grain and a half under the 9 dwt standard, but that difference seems to great for a skilled regulator to have simply missed the weight by that margin. Instead, we suspect this piece was given its large plug to bring it up to a pre-Revolutionary standard of 9 dwt 5 grains, then clipped back down and given its amateurish edge device.
The mark was correctly identified as I.S in the Ford sale of 1989.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection of West Indian Cut and Countermarked Coins, October 16, 1989, Lot 267.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1757-R. Rio mint. OH mark for Oliver Hastings (?). KM172.2. VF. Clipped and re-edged. Apparently once plugged, plug later removed, replugged and marked OH in rectangular cartouche by Oliver Hastings of Hatfield, Massachusetts. A grain heavier that the usual post-Revolutionary standard of 9 pennyweights (217.2 grains). Coin struck in medal turn. A circular hole at center has been partially filled with an oval plug centered below the original drilling, suggesting either an error or the removal of an earlier plug. Plug flush to devices on obverse, circular and larger on reverse and standing out in significant relief. Edge shows usual twin leaf device, likely a fraudulent later edge, though additional clipping from 12:00 to below 3:00 has been covered with a simple diagonal reeding. Significantly clipped but the bases of all denticles remain, clipping is most notable below 3:00 where the edge device also changes. Light yellow gold with scattered hairlines, light natural horizontal planchet fissure from center below chin to below legend near 3:00, some abrasions in left obverse and lower right reverse fields, scrapes noted at bust truncation. A spot is present within the lowest curls, some dark encrustation within mark. This piece was clearly circulated after regulation and, given its weight and the likely standard to which it was regulated, lightly clipped after its marking as well.
According to our consignor, Hastings (1757-1838) worked in Hatfield, MA, listed as goldsmith in Flynt and Fales p. 244. Given the current weight of this piece, it seems highly likely that it was regulated to a pre-Revolutionary standard, or at least a standard higher than the 9 dwt standard common in North America after the Revolution. Given Hastings age during the conflict (and the fact that he was likely fighting, as a 20 year old from Massachusetts), we wonder if this attribution will hold up. The number of smiths with the initials OH (or HO, perhaps) is limited. There is some potential for this to be a very rare Canadian regulation, as Canada was working to a 9 dwt 3 grain standard throughout the 1760s and 1770s. This coin has seen many swings in its value and tells an interesting story; further research should be able to confirm the Hastings attribution or find a more likely suspect.
Provenance: From Bank Leu's sale of the Bostonian Collection, October 25, 1990, Lot 1778. Plated in Gordon page 95, NA-3.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
According to our consignor, Hastings (1757-1838) worked in Hatfield, MA, listed as goldsmith in Flynt and Fales p. 244. Given the current weight of this piece, it seems highly likely that it was regulated to a pre-Revolutionary standard, or at least a standard higher than the 9 dwt standard common in North America after the Revolution. Given Hastings age during the conflict (and the fact that he was likely fighting, as a 20 year old from Massachusetts), we wonder if this attribution will hold up. The number of smiths with the initials OH (or HO, perhaps) is limited. There is some potential for this to be a very rare Canadian regulation, as Canada was working to a 9 dwt 3 grain standard throughout the 1760s and 1770s. This coin has seen many swings in its value and tells an interesting story; further research should be able to confirm the Hastings attribution or find a more likely suspect.
Provenance: From Bank Leu's sale of the Bostonian Collection, October 25, 1990, Lot 1778. Plated in Gordon page 95, NA-3.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1757-R. Rio mint. OH mark for Oliver Hastings. KM172.2. Clipped and re-reeded. Plugged and marked OH in rectangular cartouche by Oliver Hastings, Hatfield, Massachusetts. Mounted and used as jewelry. Current weight within a half grain of the usual post-Revolutionary standard, though the use of this piece as jewelry and the addition of a mark has made its weight go up and down by a significant margin (216.3 grains). Mount filed flush. Bright yellow gold with lightly pebbled jewelry surfaces. Some dark toning at 12:00 on reverse. Small circular plug in depression slightly below obverse surface, spanned by mark. Plug larger and more irregular on reverse, hammered flush to left. Clipped to tops of legends with just trace of denticles apparent in southeast quadrant of obverse, where false leaf design is visible on edge. Edge smooth, with little or no evident edge device, from 9:00 to 3:00.
The interesting provenance of this piece, and the enigmatic nature of the Hastings attribution, lends particular intrigue to this specimen.
Provenance: From Ralph Gordon. Earlier, "North of Haiti" find, Mangones collection.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The interesting provenance of this piece, and the enigmatic nature of the Hastings attribution, lends particular intrigue to this specimen.
Provenance: From Ralph Gordon. Earlier, "North of Haiti" find, Mangones collection.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Great Britain
England. Charles II 1670 Guinea. KM424.1. VG. No edge device, perhaps just worn away or sweated. Marked JB in rectangular cartouche for James Barret of Norwich, CT. Weight far below all published standards, 13 grains below the post-Revolutionary standard of 5 dwt, 6 grains (113.0 grains). Very well worn, light yellow gold, a bit bright, surfaces slightly pebbled but apparently never mounted. This piece was undoubtedly never regulated, simply marked with a goldsmith's punch for one reason or other.
This punch matches the illustration for Barret's touchmark in Kovel very closely. Kovel places Barret ca. 1717, an early date that makes sense for this very early coin. Barret was the apprentice of the Hugenout goldsmith Rene Grignon, who was active in Boston before 1700 and died in 1715. Barret was freed from his apprenticeship upon Grignon's death.
Given its early date, we would hazard a guess that this is the earliest known American countermark on a gold coin. Indeed, it may rank as the earliest American countermark on any coin.
Provenance: Stack's sale of December 8, 1986, Lot 1775
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This punch matches the illustration for Barret's touchmark in Kovel very closely. Kovel places Barret ca. 1717, an early date that makes sense for this very early coin. Barret was the apprentice of the Hugenout goldsmith Rene Grignon, who was active in Boston before 1700 and died in 1715. Barret was freed from his apprenticeship upon Grignon's death.
Given its early date, we would hazard a guess that this is the earliest known American countermark on a gold coin. Indeed, it may rank as the earliest American countermark on any coin.
Provenance: Stack's sale of December 8, 1986, Lot 1775
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1749-R. Rio mint. SS mark for Samuel Soumain, New York (?). KM149. VF. Clipped and multiply re-edged. Plugged and marked SS without cartouche. Over two grains below the usual 9 dwt standard of post-Revolutionary America (213.9 grains). Clipped down to bases of denticles, additional straight line clip right of 12:00. Edge shows large oval bead edge device from 9:00 to 1:00, simple near vertical reeds hand cut around rest of circumference, some evidence of filing. This could have been regulated to a 9 dwt standard or an earlier, heavier standard. Misshapen oval plug extends on obverse from raised outline of hole (drilled from reverse to obverse), plug leans to southeast with large SS stamp unevenly executed. Letters parallel to plug, leaning diagonal to southeast in relation to coin. Plug on reverse is nearly flush to surface with outline around, more round than on obverse but still misshapen.
Our consignor identified this as possibly the mark of a smith named Simmons, who worked in Philadelphia circa 1797. This seems unlikely, as by that era most of the regulation work in North America involved clipping Half Joes for shipment to the West Indies, taking advantage of their low weight standards, rather than plugging a piece up to weight for North American circulation. The mark is distinctive enough to be firmly identified at some point. It is not the mark of the famous silversmith Simeon Souman, but it may be his kinsman Samuel Soumain, who died in 1765. In that era, Soumain would have worked to a 9 dwt 5 grains standard, but this coin could well have been reduced from that high standard after the fact. Its wear suggests an early date of regulation as well. Samuel Soumain worked in Annapolis and New York.
Well worn, light yellow gold with ruddy highlights, some minor hairlines, short scratch in hair, trace of surface encrustation near 9:00 on obverse.
Pridmore notes this mark with an IB mark in a Glendining's sale of June 1934.
Provenance: Gordon plate 214. Ex Sotheby's April 28 1976, Lot 299.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Our consignor identified this as possibly the mark of a smith named Simmons, who worked in Philadelphia circa 1797. This seems unlikely, as by that era most of the regulation work in North America involved clipping Half Joes for shipment to the West Indies, taking advantage of their low weight standards, rather than plugging a piece up to weight for North American circulation. The mark is distinctive enough to be firmly identified at some point. It is not the mark of the famous silversmith Simeon Souman, but it may be his kinsman Samuel Soumain, who died in 1765. In that era, Soumain would have worked to a 9 dwt 5 grains standard, but this coin could well have been reduced from that high standard after the fact. Its wear suggests an early date of regulation as well. Samuel Soumain worked in Annapolis and New York.
Well worn, light yellow gold with ruddy highlights, some minor hairlines, short scratch in hair, trace of surface encrustation near 9:00 on obverse.
Pridmore notes this mark with an IB mark in a Glendining's sale of June 1934.
Provenance: Gordon plate 214. Ex Sotheby's April 28 1976, Lot 299.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Portugal
Portugal. Joao V 4000 Reis (moidore) 1714. Lisbon mint. LF mark for Lewis Fueter. KM184. VF. Edge clipped or filed. Plugged and marked LF in rectangular cartouche by Lewis Fueter, New York. Regulated to less than a quarter grain of the occupied New York standard for a moidore of 6 pennyweights, 22 grains, a remarkable degree of precision (165.8 grains). Original diagonal edge reeding persists in areas, missing in others. Edge more likely filed than clipped. Irregular flat plug built up on central obverse, remarkably and artfully flush at central reverse, LF oriented vertically. The area around the plug has been made convex by hammering on the opposite side, making the plug blend in especially well.
Appealing medium yellow gold with some minor encrustation in protected areas, trace of mint adjustment mark below denomination to bottom shield. A very pleasing piece.
The only regulated moidore in the present collection, regulated in British occupied New York by a famed Tory goldsmith. Gordon (page 35) notes that just two are known to him. The moidore was the most vital Portuguese denomination before the rise of the 6400 Reis in the 1730s. The long interval in circulation this coin endured, along with Howe's extremely high requirement for the weight of a moidore, required Fueter to build up a very significant plug. While Howe required a 6 dwt, 22 grain moidore in occupied New York, the Philadelphia merchants 1777 requirement was actually a full half dwt less.
Any solo Lewis Fueter regulation is a great rarity. The Half Joe sold in the 2005 Eliasberg sale saw active bidding before selling for $48,300. Only two other solo Lewis Fueter marks have been recorded: both are in this sale (the other is on a Half Joe in combination with an F&G regulation).
Edward Roehrs wrote an outstanding biography on Fueter in the December 2005 issue of The Numismatist, which illustrated this coin. Fueter's father, Daniel Christian, was one of New York's best known silversmiths. His father worked for the British military establishment in making the Montreal and Happy While United peace medals, so it is no surprise that his son Lewis seems to have worked so closely to General Howe's standards during the British occupation of New York. Father and son, according to the Roehrs article, worked together in 1769, but the son began running the business alone soon after. According to Roehrs's research, Lewis Fueter died in Jamaica in 1784 at the age of 38, just months after the end of the British occupation of his native New York. He apparently quit New York for Halifax, like most Loyalist evacuees, before ending up in Jamaica and meeting his early demise.
Fueter's significance as a Loyalist smith in occupied New York parallels his importance as a rare regulator. This rare denomination should see a record realization.
Provenance: Ex KV Eckardt via Rick Ponterio November 1987.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Appealing medium yellow gold with some minor encrustation in protected areas, trace of mint adjustment mark below denomination to bottom shield. A very pleasing piece.
The only regulated moidore in the present collection, regulated in British occupied New York by a famed Tory goldsmith. Gordon (page 35) notes that just two are known to him. The moidore was the most vital Portuguese denomination before the rise of the 6400 Reis in the 1730s. The long interval in circulation this coin endured, along with Howe's extremely high requirement for the weight of a moidore, required Fueter to build up a very significant plug. While Howe required a 6 dwt, 22 grain moidore in occupied New York, the Philadelphia merchants 1777 requirement was actually a full half dwt less.
Any solo Lewis Fueter regulation is a great rarity. The Half Joe sold in the 2005 Eliasberg sale saw active bidding before selling for $48,300. Only two other solo Lewis Fueter marks have been recorded: both are in this sale (the other is on a Half Joe in combination with an F&G regulation).
Edward Roehrs wrote an outstanding biography on Fueter in the December 2005 issue of The Numismatist, which illustrated this coin. Fueter's father, Daniel Christian, was one of New York's best known silversmiths. His father worked for the British military establishment in making the Montreal and Happy While United peace medals, so it is no surprise that his son Lewis seems to have worked so closely to General Howe's standards during the British occupation of New York. Father and son, according to the Roehrs article, worked together in 1769, but the son began running the business alone soon after. According to Roehrs's research, Lewis Fueter died in Jamaica in 1784 at the age of 38, just months after the end of the British occupation of his native New York. He apparently quit New York for Halifax, like most Loyalist evacuees, before ending up in Jamaica and meeting his early demise.
Fueter's significance as a Loyalist smith in occupied New York parallels his importance as a rare regulator. This rare denomination should see a record realization.
Provenance: Ex KV Eckardt via Rick Ponterio November 1987.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1750-R. Rio mint. LF mark for Lewis Fueter, F&G for Fueter and (?). KM149. Choice VF. Clipped and multiply re-edged. Plugged and marked LF by Feuter, then plugged and marked F&G. Less than a quarter grain off the required 9 dwt 3 grains standard of General Howe's occupied New York (218.8 grains). An enormous round flat plug stands in relief on the obverse, standing up in a concave depression, marked LF in usual vertical fashion. The reverse of that plug is convex but artfully flush with the reverse, where a neat circular hole has been cut and pushed towards the obverse. A second plug shows very similar technique: round and flat on the obverse, nearly flush with the surface around it, raised but flat on the reverse around the pushed metal from the obverse. The F&G mark is positioned horizontally.
The edge shows two different false devices, with a more refined one from 9:00 to 1:00 and a simple (and more worn) one around the rest of the circumference. The coin has been clipped to the base of the denticles and somewhat flattered at the northwest obverse rim. The surfaces are glossy medium yellow gold with traces of ruddy toning at reverse periphery.
A coin of vital importance, showing that the LF mark predates that of F&G while showing the similarity in workmanship. Like other full weight F&G marked pieces, this matches the occupied New York standard. This piece appears to have been regulated by Feuter alone, diminished slightly (perhaps where the false edge device is now seen in the northwest quadrant), and then re-regulated with a small plug to bring the weight back up to the 9 dwt 3 grain standard.
It may take a miracle discovery in a New York archive to determine the exact chronology of Fueter and his partnership, F&G. This coin is the sole example to show both his solo mark and the mark of his prolific partnership. It is a singular rarity in the regulated series and one of the highlights of this sale.
Provenance: Ex KV Eckardt via Rick Ponterio in November 1987.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The edge shows two different false devices, with a more refined one from 9:00 to 1:00 and a simple (and more worn) one around the rest of the circumference. The coin has been clipped to the base of the denticles and somewhat flattered at the northwest obverse rim. The surfaces are glossy medium yellow gold with traces of ruddy toning at reverse periphery.
A coin of vital importance, showing that the LF mark predates that of F&G while showing the similarity in workmanship. Like other full weight F&G marked pieces, this matches the occupied New York standard. This piece appears to have been regulated by Feuter alone, diminished slightly (perhaps where the false edge device is now seen in the northwest quadrant), and then re-regulated with a small plug to bring the weight back up to the 9 dwt 3 grain standard.
It may take a miracle discovery in a New York archive to determine the exact chronology of Fueter and his partnership, F&G. This coin is the sole example to show both his solo mark and the mark of his prolific partnership. It is a singular rarity in the regulated series and one of the highlights of this sale.
Provenance: Ex KV Eckardt via Rick Ponterio in November 1987.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1758-R. Rio mint. F&G mark in oval for Lewis Fueter and G, EB mark in oval for Ephraim Brasher. KM172.2. XF. F&G mark in deeply basined oval in its usual position at center, marked on obverse with raised plug visible on reverse. Brasher's EB in oval cartouche low on neck of obverse portrait, marked but not plugged. Five, short, straight clips from 6:00 to 9:00. Present weight just under a half grain below 9 dwt (215.6 grains), the same weight as the F&G and EB-marked 1745-B Half Joe in the Eliasberg collection. This standard is associated with the Bahamas (1744 and 1788), New York (1770 and 1784), Maryland (1781), Boston (1785), among other locales from Quebec to the Leeward Islands.
The EB mark used on this coin is the same as that used on the famed Brasher doubloons, in addition to most known Brasher regulated pieces, seen here in a relatively early state. The F&G mark is one of the most commonly encountered of all regulations. It is often found in combination with American marks, most often the New Yorkers Ephraim Brasher and John Burger. Long attributed as the mark of Fletcher and Gardiner, a Boston partnership that flourished in the 1820s after forming ca. 1815, F&G must instead be placed in an earlier era, earlier even than the end of the American Revolution. The discovery of two F&G marked coins on the "Coconut Wreck" eliminates Fletcher and Gardiner from consideration, as the wreck sank no later than 1810, before their partnership was formed.
The weights of F&G pieces also prove that the partnership cannot date from the Federal era. The standards of British North America tend to be a bit higher than those of Confederation-era America. We see 9dwt 3 grains in Canada in 1764 and in British-occupied New York during the Revolution, 9 dwt 5 grains in Rhode Island in 1763 and Boston in the late 1750s. Most post-1783 standards are 9 dwt or less. The fact that F&G plugged this piece, it received wear, and then Brasher marked it without bringing the weight up - and perhaps even the clips were his work - implies that F&G was earlier than Brasher. Though not proveable, there does appear to be more wear on the F&G than the EB. Further, F&G marks almost always occur on early dated Half Joes; the latest dated coin we have seen bearing that mark is the 1774-dated piece plated in Gordon.
The shape and texture of the mark, with its unusually round cartouche and deep basining, is too similar to the DCF mark of Daniel Christian Fueter to be written off as coincidence. Fueter, a Swiss-born New Yorker, is best known numismatically as the producer of the 1764 Happy While United Indian Peace medals. He is also recognized as the father of the Tory regulator Lewis Fueter and one of the leading producers of Indian Trade silver for the British military apparatus in North America before 1770.
The Fueter attribution remains problematical, however. Who could his partner have been? He was in business with his son, Lewis, who resumed the business solo after 1770, with no known associations with others. What does this mean?
Nearly all the F&G marked coins that have no other marks and were not severely clipped later tend to weigh a half grain to a grain over the 9 dwt 3 grain standard of British occupied New York. This is strong evidence that the F of F&G was Lewis Feuter, not the father: the Lewis Feuter regulated Half Joe from the Eliasberg sale weight 219.75 grains, three-quarters of a grain heavy for the 9 dwt 3 grain standard, and the Fueter-marked Half Joe herein weighs 219.6 grains. It seems Fueter the younger simply aimed a bit high, and thus the weights of intact F&G marked pieces are entirely consistent with those known to have been produced by Lewis Fueter alone. Their metrological footprints are nearly identical. Further, F&G always marked at absolute center, often with a big lumpy plug. Lewis Fueter marks are likewise always at center. We see notable consistency among regulators: Burger aimed for the eye, Brasher usually below the midpoint and low on the bust.
The Fueter marked piece herein confuses that neat summary, however: LF is at center over a huge lumpy plug, while F&G is below center on a smaller plug. That coin shows another plug before the LF marked plug too. Was LF a personal mark while F&G served the British establishment in New York on an official basis? The LF-regulated coin in this collection proves that it comes before F&G; perhaps LF was used before the Revolution (ca. 1770-75) and F&G was used during the occupation (1776-83). After 1783, the 9 dwt 3 grain standard was no longer used in New York, thus that date serves as a terminus ante quem. The latest known host for an F&G regulation is dated 1774, but is still more interesting: it is a crude cast counterfeit, albeit a full weight (9 dwt, 3.2 grains) one. It is plated in Pridmore and appeared in the Byrne and Gordon sales.
So who was the Mysterious G? William Gilbert seems like a likely candidate, as he was one of New York's leading silversmiths, but he was also a Patriot. Our best guess is that G was a little known smith named James Gough. Gough left behind an almost invisible historic and material footprint. Ensko simply states he "F. 1769," indicating that he was declared a freeman, or citizen, that year. He does not appear in the 1786 New York directory, which lists Gilbert, Burger, Brasher, and others. Though not foolproof, this is evidence that he was a Tory who got out of town when the city went back to Patriot control. Gough is noted as being on Beaver Street in 1769 in one edition of Ensko; Fueter's shop on Queen Street would have been a block away. Gough is listed but was not included in the 1906 BMFA exhibition of American Silver. The 1911 BMFA catalogue of early church silver likewise includes him as a simple line item with the year 1769. The era is right, the initial is right (among very few G silversmiths in New York in the era), the disappearance from the historical record is right. Perhaps original source work in some of New York's repositories could find a connection between Fueter and Gough that would be more useful or even definitive.
This specimen shows some ruddy encrustation near the forehead and P of PORT that is reminiscent of that found on salvage pieces; some granularity at central obverse and the apparent removal of some black encrustation within the two marks also hints at such a provenance. The gold is sedate and lackluster, with pleasing wear and no major marks. The original edge device appears everywhere but where the five straight clips are noted.
This piece bears a fascinating juxtaposition of marks: one famous and fully documented, the other enigmatic and under current exploration. It summarizes the story of regulated gold in a single coin, going up in value with a plug, then down with clips, finally ending up at the most common North American standard of nine pennyweights. With its pleasing look, gentle wear, and status as a plate coin in the standard text, it would make a superb coin to represent the entire genre of regulated gold coins in an advanced collection.
Provenance: From Superior's sale of June 11, 1973, Lot 1462. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 92, to illustrate the EB mark of Ephraim Brasher.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The EB mark used on this coin is the same as that used on the famed Brasher doubloons, in addition to most known Brasher regulated pieces, seen here in a relatively early state. The F&G mark is one of the most commonly encountered of all regulations. It is often found in combination with American marks, most often the New Yorkers Ephraim Brasher and John Burger. Long attributed as the mark of Fletcher and Gardiner, a Boston partnership that flourished in the 1820s after forming ca. 1815, F&G must instead be placed in an earlier era, earlier even than the end of the American Revolution. The discovery of two F&G marked coins on the "Coconut Wreck" eliminates Fletcher and Gardiner from consideration, as the wreck sank no later than 1810, before their partnership was formed.
The weights of F&G pieces also prove that the partnership cannot date from the Federal era. The standards of British North America tend to be a bit higher than those of Confederation-era America. We see 9dwt 3 grains in Canada in 1764 and in British-occupied New York during the Revolution, 9 dwt 5 grains in Rhode Island in 1763 and Boston in the late 1750s. Most post-1783 standards are 9 dwt or less. The fact that F&G plugged this piece, it received wear, and then Brasher marked it without bringing the weight up - and perhaps even the clips were his work - implies that F&G was earlier than Brasher. Though not proveable, there does appear to be more wear on the F&G than the EB. Further, F&G marks almost always occur on early dated Half Joes; the latest dated coin we have seen bearing that mark is the 1774-dated piece plated in Gordon.
The shape and texture of the mark, with its unusually round cartouche and deep basining, is too similar to the DCF mark of Daniel Christian Fueter to be written off as coincidence. Fueter, a Swiss-born New Yorker, is best known numismatically as the producer of the 1764 Happy While United Indian Peace medals. He is also recognized as the father of the Tory regulator Lewis Fueter and one of the leading producers of Indian Trade silver for the British military apparatus in North America before 1770.
The Fueter attribution remains problematical, however. Who could his partner have been? He was in business with his son, Lewis, who resumed the business solo after 1770, with no known associations with others. What does this mean?
Nearly all the F&G marked coins that have no other marks and were not severely clipped later tend to weigh a half grain to a grain over the 9 dwt 3 grain standard of British occupied New York. This is strong evidence that the F of F&G was Lewis Feuter, not the father: the Lewis Feuter regulated Half Joe from the Eliasberg sale weight 219.75 grains, three-quarters of a grain heavy for the 9 dwt 3 grain standard, and the Fueter-marked Half Joe herein weighs 219.6 grains. It seems Fueter the younger simply aimed a bit high, and thus the weights of intact F&G marked pieces are entirely consistent with those known to have been produced by Lewis Fueter alone. Their metrological footprints are nearly identical. Further, F&G always marked at absolute center, often with a big lumpy plug. Lewis Fueter marks are likewise always at center. We see notable consistency among regulators: Burger aimed for the eye, Brasher usually below the midpoint and low on the bust.
The Fueter marked piece herein confuses that neat summary, however: LF is at center over a huge lumpy plug, while F&G is below center on a smaller plug. That coin shows another plug before the LF marked plug too. Was LF a personal mark while F&G served the British establishment in New York on an official basis? The LF-regulated coin in this collection proves that it comes before F&G; perhaps LF was used before the Revolution (ca. 1770-75) and F&G was used during the occupation (1776-83). After 1783, the 9 dwt 3 grain standard was no longer used in New York, thus that date serves as a terminus ante quem. The latest known host for an F&G regulation is dated 1774, but is still more interesting: it is a crude cast counterfeit, albeit a full weight (9 dwt, 3.2 grains) one. It is plated in Pridmore and appeared in the Byrne and Gordon sales.
So who was the Mysterious G? William Gilbert seems like a likely candidate, as he was one of New York's leading silversmiths, but he was also a Patriot. Our best guess is that G was a little known smith named James Gough. Gough left behind an almost invisible historic and material footprint. Ensko simply states he "F. 1769," indicating that he was declared a freeman, or citizen, that year. He does not appear in the 1786 New York directory, which lists Gilbert, Burger, Brasher, and others. Though not foolproof, this is evidence that he was a Tory who got out of town when the city went back to Patriot control. Gough is noted as being on Beaver Street in 1769 in one edition of Ensko; Fueter's shop on Queen Street would have been a block away. Gough is listed but was not included in the 1906 BMFA exhibition of American Silver. The 1911 BMFA catalogue of early church silver likewise includes him as a simple line item with the year 1769. The era is right, the initial is right (among very few G silversmiths in New York in the era), the disappearance from the historical record is right. Perhaps original source work in some of New York's repositories could find a connection between Fueter and Gough that would be more useful or even definitive.
This specimen shows some ruddy encrustation near the forehead and P of PORT that is reminiscent of that found on salvage pieces; some granularity at central obverse and the apparent removal of some black encrustation within the two marks also hints at such a provenance. The gold is sedate and lackluster, with pleasing wear and no major marks. The original edge device appears everywhere but where the five straight clips are noted.
This piece bears a fascinating juxtaposition of marks: one famous and fully documented, the other enigmatic and under current exploration. It summarizes the story of regulated gold in a single coin, going up in value with a plug, then down with clips, finally ending up at the most common North American standard of nine pennyweights. With its pleasing look, gentle wear, and status as a plate coin in the standard text, it would make a superb coin to represent the entire genre of regulated gold coins in an advanced collection.
Provenance: From Superior's sale of June 11, 1973, Lot 1462. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 92, to illustrate the EB mark of Ephraim Brasher.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1739-B. Bahia mint. F&G mark of Lewis Fueter and G. KM151. VF. Clipped and re-edged. Twice plugged, once marked with F&G in oval by Lewis Fueter and G, New York. Weight a fraction of a grain over the standard British occupied New York standard of 9 dwt 3 grains (219.5), the usual weight for an unclipped single-mark F&G Half Joe. Edge clipped around entire circumference, to the tops of the legend atop the obverse but leaving about half the length of the denticles below the date. The edge device is a consistent thick diagonal reeding. This piece, unusually, has been plugged twice by F&G. The plugs dovetail together on the unmarked obverse, where both stand out in low rounded relief, the top plug circular, the lower one an amorphous oval. The plugs are flush and smooth on the reverse, with a bold horizontal F&G punch covering the top plug. This appears to be a case of a corrected error; both plugs appear to have been done at the same time. The surfaces are toned an attractive medium yellow gold with light surface iridescence. Some minor encrustation is seen around design elements. Light striations are noted at the base of the portrait bust and below the truncation, as struck at Bahia. This variety is the so-called 1739/7, though the overdate appears to be a die crack from B that ends in a substantial break atop the 9.
A well balanced example of this important Tory regulator. Were it not regulated, this would be a fairly scarce early Bahia 6400 Reis. As it is, this piece shows excellent eye appeal for an F&G marked Half Joe, looking much today as it must have when General Howe left Manhattan in November 1783.
Provenance: Purchased from Raymond Brandon in 1987, "1997, still regretting sale to me," according to our consignor's ticket. Earlier, ex. Spink in 1987.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
A well balanced example of this important Tory regulator. Were it not regulated, this would be a fairly scarce early Bahia 6400 Reis. As it is, this piece shows excellent eye appeal for an F&G marked Half Joe, looking much today as it must have when General Howe left Manhattan in November 1783.
Provenance: Purchased from Raymond Brandon in 1987, "1997, still regretting sale to me," according to our consignor's ticket. Earlier, ex. Spink in 1987.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1747-R. Rio mint. F&G for Lewis Fueter and G. KM149. Choice VF-XF. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked with F&G in oval. Small low-profile plug at center, higher relief on obverse than reverse, F&G mark on obverse oriented nearly horizontally. Clipped down to the top of obverse legends, sharp repeating three-leaf edge device. Weight well below the 9 dwt 3 grain+ standard to which F&G worked, equivalent to 7 dwt, 20 grains (188.3 grains), likely clipped for fraudulent use in the West Indies. Attractive medium yellow gold, a little grainy from scattered ticks, some darker encrustation among peripheral legends. A handsome piece, a coin that regulated in British occupied New York before further clipping condemned it to circulation in the West Indies. By the usual post-Revolutionary standard of 9 dwt (equaling $8), this piece is almost exactly a dollar light.
Provenance: Acquired from Isaac Rudman, privately.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: Acquired from Isaac Rudman, privately.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1749-R. Rio mint. F&G for Lewis Fueter and G. KM149. XF. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked with F&G in oval. Moderate sized plug raised in low profile but rounded relief on reverse, mark ideally centered on obverse. Clipped to the base of the denticles, edge device varies significantly, indicative of several different re-edging processes. Weight a fractional grain over the British occupied New York standard of 9 dwt 3 grains (219.8 grains), perfectly consistent with other full weight F&G-regulated pieces and the LF-regulated pieces by Lewis Fueter. Coin apparently flattened a bit during regulation process, lending a broad and interesting look. Nice light yellow gold, some lively luster remaining, traces of encrustation in peripheral details.
Full weight F&G regulated Half Joes are quite scarce, though F&G as a class are perhaps the most common of all 18th century American regulatory marks. Most F&G marked pieces were further adapted later in life, either marked by another American regulator (especially Burger or Brasher) or exported to the West Indies to be further clipped and marked.
A similarly complete, full weight F&G regulated Half Joe realized $39,100 in the 2008 Stack's Americana sale as Lot 7006.
Provenance: Acquired from Ralph Gordon in 1987, earlier from William Christensen.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Full weight F&G regulated Half Joes are quite scarce, though F&G as a class are perhaps the most common of all 18th century American regulatory marks. Most F&G marked pieces were further adapted later in life, either marked by another American regulator (especially Burger or Brasher) or exported to the West Indies to be further clipped and marked.
A similarly complete, full weight F&G regulated Half Joe realized $39,100 in the 2008 Stack's Americana sale as Lot 7006.
Provenance: Acquired from Ralph Gordon in 1987, earlier from William Christensen.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1745-B. Bahia mint. TU for Thomas Underhill. KM151. XF. Clipped, partially re-edged. Plugged and marked TU for Thomas Underhill, New York. Weight correct for the occupied New York standard of 9 dwt, 3 grains (219.2 grains). Straight clipped in New York style left of date, left of 6:00 to almost 9:00. Most of original edge device survives in other areas, though partial re-edging appears to have taken place at 12:00 and 2:00 to cover small clips. Horizontal filemarks resemble adjustment lines across the portrait above the ear, another batch is present above central reverse. Rich yellow color, some ruddy toning around devices, abundant luster remains, especially on the reverse.
A beautiful example of a regulated Half Joe by the Loyalist Thomas Underhill, regulated to the occupied New York standard. Underhill, a resident of Queens, swore allegiance to King George III in 1776. He apparently spent some time away from New York while emotions cooled after the departure of the British, returning in 1786 and joining in a silversmith partnership with John Vernon. In 1787, he became a freeman, thereby becoming a citizen of New York and the nascent United States.
Gordon lists two Thomas Underhill regulations in his book, on page 94; this is the plate piece. Both are still of the full weight for the occupied New York standard of 9 dwt 3 grains. The second cited example, on a 1759-R Half Joe, is impounded in the Colonial Williamsburg Collection; it was formerly in the Gordon collection and Lot 207 in the Gordon sale.
Provenance: Found on Dominica with three other countermarked half Joes; acquired from K.V. Eckardt privately.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
A beautiful example of a regulated Half Joe by the Loyalist Thomas Underhill, regulated to the occupied New York standard. Underhill, a resident of Queens, swore allegiance to King George III in 1776. He apparently spent some time away from New York while emotions cooled after the departure of the British, returning in 1786 and joining in a silversmith partnership with John Vernon. In 1787, he became a freeman, thereby becoming a citizen of New York and the nascent United States.
Gordon lists two Thomas Underhill regulations in his book, on page 94; this is the plate piece. Both are still of the full weight for the occupied New York standard of 9 dwt 3 grains. The second cited example, on a 1759-R Half Joe, is impounded in the Colonial Williamsburg Collection; it was formerly in the Gordon collection and Lot 207 in the Gordon sale.
Provenance: Found on Dominica with three other countermarked half Joes; acquired from K.V. Eckardt privately.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Portugal
Portugal. Joao V 6400 Reis 1739. Lisbon mint. EB mark for Ephraim Brasher. F&G mark for Lewis Fueter and G. KM221. XF. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked by both F&G (Lewis Fueter and partner) and Ephraim Brasher, New York. Weight precisely correct for the 1784 New York 9 dwt standard used by Brasher (215.9 grains). Neatly clipped below date in typical Brasher fashion, one bold horizontal cut along with more exacting clipped facets left of 6:00 to regulate this with great precision. The F&G plug is at precise center, flattened flush to the obverse and inserted from the reverse, where the mark is boldly impressed and precisely horizontal, covering the plug entirely. The Brasher mark is smaller and protrudes in low relief at the central bottom of the shield. The EB mark in oval is the precise mark as used on the famous doubloons, sharper at left than right, oriented horizontally in Brasher's usual position near the base of the portrait bust. The surfaces are light yellow gold with minor hairlines and good remaining luster, especially frosty and lively on the reverse.
This is an exceptional Brasher piece. The high grade host is a scarce early date, the visual appeal is excellent, and the second mark is from a desirable Tory firm in occupied New York during the American Revolution. A similar piece, likewise marked by F&G and EB, brought $25,300 in the 2005 Eliasberg sale. That EB mark was a different one from this punch (the precise one used on the Doubloons) thus bringing suspicion from some quarters. By way of comparison, the following lot, a Guinea that was marked with the same punch as seen on the present piece, realized $45,300, a closer approximation of its market value. Brasher marked pieces have brought even more aggressive sums since, including a $57,500 realization in the 2008 Stack's Americana sale for a single-marked Brasher Half Joe that had been further clipped to below its New York standard weight. This would make a superb type coin for an advanced collection that lacks one fine piece of early American regulated gold.
Provenance: From New England Rare Coin Auctions' 1975 NENA sale, November 7, 1975, Lot 230.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This is an exceptional Brasher piece. The high grade host is a scarce early date, the visual appeal is excellent, and the second mark is from a desirable Tory firm in occupied New York during the American Revolution. A similar piece, likewise marked by F&G and EB, brought $25,300 in the 2005 Eliasberg sale. That EB mark was a different one from this punch (the precise one used on the Doubloons) thus bringing suspicion from some quarters. By way of comparison, the following lot, a Guinea that was marked with the same punch as seen on the present piece, realized $45,300, a closer approximation of its market value. Brasher marked pieces have brought even more aggressive sums since, including a $57,500 realization in the 2008 Stack's Americana sale for a single-marked Brasher Half Joe that had been further clipped to below its New York standard weight. This would make a superb type coin for an advanced collection that lacks one fine piece of early American regulated gold.
Provenance: From New England Rare Coin Auctions' 1975 NENA sale, November 7, 1975, Lot 230.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Portugal. Joao V 800 Reis 1749. Lisbon mint. EB mark for Ephraim Brasher. KM218. VF. Clipped. Marked EB in oval for Ephraim Brasher, New York. Weight precisely correct for a 1/8 fraction of a 1784 New York standard 9 dwt 6400 Reis (26.9 grains). The tiny, careful clips were removed from their same location as almost always found on Brasher and Burger regulated pieces, in the southwest quadrant of the obverse rim. The original edge device is intact from 9:00 to 6:00, the remainder of the circumference. Marked at the base of the portrait bust, Brasher's usual location. This is the precise mark used on the Lima and New York style Brasher doubloons; indeed, every Brasher mark represented in this collection is from the identical punch.
A very rare Ephraim Brasher fractional Joe, equal to one Spanish Milled dollar. Fractional denominations are extraordinarily rare with any American regulation mark. There was an English quarter Guinea with a Brasher mark in the Garrett Collection, and an anonymously regulated (plugged, but not marked) 3200 Reis was present in Eliasberg. The Waldo Newcomer inventory notes a Brasher-marked 1728 400 Reis, but that date is not known on the denomination (which, in truth, at a value of just a half Spanish milled dollar, would be too small to bother regulating). We suspect the Newcomer piece was probably an 800 Reis, a twin to this one. The whereabouts of that piece have not been traced, but these two are, in all likelihood, the only Brasher marks on this denomination known. A 1727-dated 1600 Reis marked by Brasher was included in our 2005 sale of the Gold Rush Collection, the only example of that denomination regulated by an American smith known to this cataloguer.
Whereas major gold coins like 6400 Reis and 8 Escudos were often used in early America in payment of large transactions, smaller fractional gold coins for day-to-day transactions were scarce. A coin of this value, equal to a Spanish Milled dollar, was much more likely to be silver than gold. This one saw steady wear over the four decades it spent in various pockets it reached Brasher's shop in Lower Manhattan. Diminutive as it is, it remains an attractive and impressive early American gold coin.
Provenance: From Stack's 1976 ANA sale, August 24, 1976, Lot 2584.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
A very rare Ephraim Brasher fractional Joe, equal to one Spanish Milled dollar. Fractional denominations are extraordinarily rare with any American regulation mark. There was an English quarter Guinea with a Brasher mark in the Garrett Collection, and an anonymously regulated (plugged, but not marked) 3200 Reis was present in Eliasberg. The Waldo Newcomer inventory notes a Brasher-marked 1728 400 Reis, but that date is not known on the denomination (which, in truth, at a value of just a half Spanish milled dollar, would be too small to bother regulating). We suspect the Newcomer piece was probably an 800 Reis, a twin to this one. The whereabouts of that piece have not been traced, but these two are, in all likelihood, the only Brasher marks on this denomination known. A 1727-dated 1600 Reis marked by Brasher was included in our 2005 sale of the Gold Rush Collection, the only example of that denomination regulated by an American smith known to this cataloguer.
Whereas major gold coins like 6400 Reis and 8 Escudos were often used in early America in payment of large transactions, smaller fractional gold coins for day-to-day transactions were scarce. A coin of this value, equal to a Spanish Milled dollar, was much more likely to be silver than gold. This one saw steady wear over the four decades it spent in various pockets it reached Brasher's shop in Lower Manhattan. Diminutive as it is, it remains an attractive and impressive early American gold coin.
Provenance: From Stack's 1976 ANA sale, August 24, 1976, Lot 2584.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
France
France. Louis XV Louis d'or aux lunettes 1735-R. Orleans mint. EB mark in oval for Ephraim Brasher. KM489.18. VF, holed and plugged, polished. Regulated, plugged, and marked by Ephraim Brasher, New York. Current weight of 5 dwt, 4 grains (123.9 grains) somewhat irrelevant due to metalwork accomplished after the era of its life as a useful object, namely a hole at 12:00 that has been plugged and tooled, apparently during its life as a collectible. The remnants of the raised plug accomplished by Brasher to bring the weight of this piece up to the then-current New York standard has likewise been tooled away in relatively modern times. Clearly, though a collector of a century ago would have recognized Brasher mark, they would have had no idea what to make of a irregular lump of gold beneath it! Several American collectors included Brasher-regulated coins in their cabinets before 1900, recognizing something of their importance, but the state of the art on their study was admittedly primitive. Light yellow gold, slightly overbright from polishing, still attractive. The edge device has been reapplied, now showing a mix of impressed squares and triangles. This coin should have weighed 5 dwt, 4 grains by the 1784 Bank of New York standard, at which weight it would have been valued at $4.52. The fact that it weighs precisely the same now suggests that the Brasher plug was moved around by its modern tooler, but not removed; the bump from the reverse-oriented plug can still be seen.
Brasher is, by a long shot, the most famous of the American regulators. Only one other American goldsmith, Standish Barry of Baltimore, was so bold as to produce gold coins from whole cloth bearing his mark. Brasher's gold coin creation, the legendary Brasher doubloon, stands out for its distinctive design and full BRASHER signature, but his experiments with the value of gold coins began with pieces just like this. The oval EB mark impressed atop his plug at the center of the obverse is the precise same stamp as that used on both the Lima and New York-style Brasher doubloons. It is in an early state here, with a thinner upright on the central crossbar of E, identical state to other regulated pieces seen including the 1754-B 6400 Reis in our Gold Rush Collection sale at the 2005 FUN Convention and the 1774 British Guinea in the ANR Eliasberg Collection sale of 2005. Brasher marks are most often found on Brazilian and English gold coins, though a few others are known on French Louis d'ors like this one.
Provenance: From the 1983 ANA Sale (Kagin's, August 1983), Lot 282. Earlier, from Spink's sale of May 1981, Lot 220.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brasher is, by a long shot, the most famous of the American regulators. Only one other American goldsmith, Standish Barry of Baltimore, was so bold as to produce gold coins from whole cloth bearing his mark. Brasher's gold coin creation, the legendary Brasher doubloon, stands out for its distinctive design and full BRASHER signature, but his experiments with the value of gold coins began with pieces just like this. The oval EB mark impressed atop his plug at the center of the obverse is the precise same stamp as that used on both the Lima and New York-style Brasher doubloons. It is in an early state here, with a thinner upright on the central crossbar of E, identical state to other regulated pieces seen including the 1754-B 6400 Reis in our Gold Rush Collection sale at the 2005 FUN Convention and the 1774 British Guinea in the ANR Eliasberg Collection sale of 2005. Brasher marks are most often found on Brazilian and English gold coins, though a few others are known on French Louis d'ors like this one.
Provenance: From the 1983 ANA Sale (Kagin's, August 1983), Lot 282. Earlier, from Spink's sale of May 1981, Lot 220.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Great Britain
England. George II Guinea 1749. Script JB monogram for John Burger, EB for Ephraim Brasher. KM588. VF. Clipped. Plugged by Ephraim Brasher and marked with his EB in oval cartouche. Also marked by John Burger with his script JB monogram in round cartouche. Weight precisely correct to a tenth-grain for the 1784 New York standard of 5 dwt, 6 grains to which both men regulated (126.1 grains). Boldly straight clipped from 3:00 to 5:00, original edge device otherwise intact. The EB mark low on the portrait bust, a typical Brasher location, is oval and messier than normal. Its placement on the reverse reveals that it was a thin wedge peened down to one side rather than a neat cylinder massaged into the coin's surface in low relief. The torque Brasher put on the coin in this process is the likely cause of a short flan crack from 6:00. Burger did not plug the piece, indicating it weighed correctly when he saw it, but placed a nice even mark in his usual location over the King's eye.
One of the best pedigreed coins in the entire canon of American regulated gold coins. This piece has been in American collections for nearly a century and plated in the earliest American published work on the topic. Aside from its desirability as a piece that combines the two most famous American regulators, both active in New York immediately after the end of the British military occupation, this fine provenance makes it a superb addition to a connoisseur-quality cabinet.
Col. James W. Ellsworth's collection was sold intact to Wayte Raymond and John Work Garrett for $100,000 in 1923. By way of comparison, two decades later, the same price purchased the entire John H. Clapp collection for Louis Eliasberg. Ellsworth owned the entire Nova Constellatio pattern set of 1783. He also owned the finest known Brasher doubloon. This appears to have been the only Brasher-regulated coin he owned, though he also owned two Burger-marked pieces and a Thomas Pons-regulated Half Joe. All of these were sold into the Garrett Collection. T. Harrison Garrett, the founder of that cabinet, appears to have been one of the earliest major collectors to acquire a Brasher-regulated piece: two weeks before he bought the unique Punch on Breast Brasher Doubloon from Ed Frossard in April 1883, he acquired a Brasher-regulated Half Joe from the Chapman Brothers (Garrett IV, Lot 2345). Ellsworth jumped into collecting coins with both feet in the early 1890s and likely acquired this piece sometime after.
Provenance: From Bowers and Ruddy's sale of the Garrett Collection, Part IV, March 1981, Lot 2344. Earlier, acquired from the Col. James W. Ellsworth Collection in 1923.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
One of the best pedigreed coins in the entire canon of American regulated gold coins. This piece has been in American collections for nearly a century and plated in the earliest American published work on the topic. Aside from its desirability as a piece that combines the two most famous American regulators, both active in New York immediately after the end of the British military occupation, this fine provenance makes it a superb addition to a connoisseur-quality cabinet.
Col. James W. Ellsworth's collection was sold intact to Wayte Raymond and John Work Garrett for $100,000 in 1923. By way of comparison, two decades later, the same price purchased the entire John H. Clapp collection for Louis Eliasberg. Ellsworth owned the entire Nova Constellatio pattern set of 1783. He also owned the finest known Brasher doubloon. This appears to have been the only Brasher-regulated coin he owned, though he also owned two Burger-marked pieces and a Thomas Pons-regulated Half Joe. All of these were sold into the Garrett Collection. T. Harrison Garrett, the founder of that cabinet, appears to have been one of the earliest major collectors to acquire a Brasher-regulated piece: two weeks before he bought the unique Punch on Breast Brasher Doubloon from Ed Frossard in April 1883, he acquired a Brasher-regulated Half Joe from the Chapman Brothers (Garrett IV, Lot 2345). Ellsworth jumped into collecting coins with both feet in the early 1890s and likely acquired this piece sometime after.
Provenance: From Bowers and Ruddy's sale of the Garrett Collection, Part IV, March 1981, Lot 2344. Earlier, acquired from the Col. James W. Ellsworth Collection in 1923.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Chile
Chile. Carlos III 8 Escudos 1775 DA. Santiago mint. EB in oval for Ephraim Brasher. KM27. VF. Clipped. Marked EB in oval for Ephraim Brasher, New York. Weight of 16 dwt, 18.5 grains (402.5 grains) is 5.5 grains short for the 1784 New York standard to which Brasher worked, which required 17 dwt for a Spanish doubloon and valued it at $15. A broad, straight, sideways clip left of the date is typical of the sort accomplished by both Brasher and Burger; another identical clip below the date appears to have received two short clips, one at each end of it, which were probably the ones that took the weight to below the standard Brasher to which carefully regulated this. This piece has seen considerable wear, with scattered tiny marks at central obverse and some light hairlines found in circulation. The surfaces are mostly deep yellow gold, with some ruddy toning in the lustrous protected areas at peripheries. The original edge device is intact everywhere but where clipped below date.
A coin of great historicity and collectible appeal, a genuine Brasher doubloon. Brasher's regulation of pieces just like this one set in motion his eventual production of an exact doubloon imitation, namely the 1786 "Lima-Style" type, and a doubloon of his own design, the legendary 1787 Brasher Doubloon. While Brasher trails only Burger in an accounting of total population of surviving regulated pieces, true "doubloons," or Spanish 8 Escudos of the same standard and $15 value as his own creations, are very rare. None were present in the Eliasberg collection (2 pieces), nor Garrett (5 pieces), nor Newcomer (3 pieces), nor Brand (1 piece), nor Ford (1 piece). Our offering of the Gold Rush Collection, which included both Lima Style and New York Brasher Doubloons (two, in fact!), did not include an EB-marked Spanish doubloon. It did include two Brasher regulations on Brazilian types, however. Brunk (American and Canadian Countermarked Coins) lists 8 Brazilian 6400 Reis, 12 Portuguese 6400 Reis, 12 British Guineas, 2 British Half Guineas, a British ¼ Guinea, and a French Louis d'or, but among this relative plenitude he notes on a single Spanish doubloon, a specimen dated 1787. Indeed, with 9 known Brasher doubloons, Brasher regulated doubloons are actually significantly rarer! As a regulated type, Spanish doubloons regulated by anyone are rare: Ford had a Burger marked piece (in the 1989 Glendining's sale), but Eliasberg had none unless you include the wholly cast imitation by Standish Barry. The only other marked doubloon in this collection is of a much later period.
While Brasher marked pieces are relatively "common" in the scheme of regulated gold coins, they are also by a long shot the most popular and, by extension, the most valuable. This piece, one of a very few that shares the $15 value with his most famous creations, would be a star attraction in any cabinet. Collectors like Garrett, Newcomer, Brand, and Eliasberg would have loved to have included it in theirs.
Provenance: From Stack's sale of May 1991, Lot 172.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
A coin of great historicity and collectible appeal, a genuine Brasher doubloon. Brasher's regulation of pieces just like this one set in motion his eventual production of an exact doubloon imitation, namely the 1786 "Lima-Style" type, and a doubloon of his own design, the legendary 1787 Brasher Doubloon. While Brasher trails only Burger in an accounting of total population of surviving regulated pieces, true "doubloons," or Spanish 8 Escudos of the same standard and $15 value as his own creations, are very rare. None were present in the Eliasberg collection (2 pieces), nor Garrett (5 pieces), nor Newcomer (3 pieces), nor Brand (1 piece), nor Ford (1 piece). Our offering of the Gold Rush Collection, which included both Lima Style and New York Brasher Doubloons (two, in fact!), did not include an EB-marked Spanish doubloon. It did include two Brasher regulations on Brazilian types, however. Brunk (American and Canadian Countermarked Coins) lists 8 Brazilian 6400 Reis, 12 Portuguese 6400 Reis, 12 British Guineas, 2 British Half Guineas, a British ¼ Guinea, and a French Louis d'or, but among this relative plenitude he notes on a single Spanish doubloon, a specimen dated 1787. Indeed, with 9 known Brasher doubloons, Brasher regulated doubloons are actually significantly rarer! As a regulated type, Spanish doubloons regulated by anyone are rare: Ford had a Burger marked piece (in the 1989 Glendining's sale), but Eliasberg had none unless you include the wholly cast imitation by Standish Barry. The only other marked doubloon in this collection is of a much later period.
While Brasher marked pieces are relatively "common" in the scheme of regulated gold coins, they are also by a long shot the most popular and, by extension, the most valuable. This piece, one of a very few that shares the $15 value with his most famous creations, would be a star attraction in any cabinet. Collectors like Garrett, Newcomer, Brand, and Eliasberg would have loved to have included it in theirs.
Provenance: From Stack's sale of May 1991, Lot 172.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1744-R. Rio mint. JB monogram mark for John Burger. KM151. XF. Clipped, re-edged, plugged, marked with script JB monogram of John Burger, New York. Plugged twice, one inside the other, in Burger's usual location on the eye of the portrait. Current weight of one grain under 8 dwt (190.7 grains) indicates clipping after Burger's work to meet a lighter West Indian standard than the 9 dwt standard to which Burger regulated. Round Burger mark, the more often seen of the two script JBs in this collection (the other is oval). Even light yellow gold surfaces are frosty if slightly mattelike, a look most often associated with saltwater salvage. Neatly clipped nearly to the tops of the legend, leaving butts of denticles visible around most of periphery. Edge device is consistent, a taut leaf design with central ridge. No major flaws, good sharpness, an attractive example of this famed New York regulator.
Burger advertised himself as a coin regulator as early as January 1784, at which time the local New York standard was the same 9 dwt standard then current throughout most of the United States. Burger was a well respected figure, a Patriot who removed from New York during the British occupation. He was once apprentice, then partner, of Myer Myers, the influential leader of New York's goldsmithing community. He worked as a coroner (including, famously, declaring that Alexander Hamilton's death was a murder) and an assessor for the City of New York. His long career stretched from 1779 until his death in 1828. His office location, at the time of his regulating work, was at 207 Queen Street (today known as Pearl Street); Albion Cox, the first assayer of the U.S. Mint and one of the partners who struck New Jersey coppers, was his neighbor at 240 Queen. He was one of ten members of the New York Gold and Silver Smith's Society, along with his mentor Myer Myers and Ephraim Brasher, as noted in the 1786 city directory. His office was just steps away from the Bank of New York and was within the smell of New York's harbor, placing him at a vertex of international trade unlike any other.
His prominence grew with age, but his desire for positions of leadership began in his youth. On April 25, 1775, just days after Lexington and Concord, John Burger is listed among those who "promise hereafter on demand" as part of the New York City militia. In 1776, at 19, Burger and his friend (and business partner) William Pritchard wrote to a noted leader in the New York Patriot movement:
"Sir : The subscribers request you will be pleased to recommend them to the Honble Committee of Safety and inform them that we are sincere Friends to America and its libertys and desirous to serve as First and second Lieutenants in any corps they be pleased to appoint, and are sir with great respect your very humble servants."
The officer they addressed was Col. Abraham Brasher, a onetime "Liberty Boy" and brother to another silversmith, Ephraim Brasher. In 1778, during his exile from New York, Burger was at last appointed an officer in a militia regiment based in Poughkeepsie, along with New York coiner (and sword maker extraordinaire John Bailey). In 1789, he was a founding member of the famed Tammany Society. By 1802, he was representing Manhattan in the New York Assembly. One of his co-assemblymen was William Gilbert, also a silversmith and the brother-in-law of Ephraim Brasher. Clearly his was a small world, one populated with nearly every notable smith and coin regulator in New York City.
Burger's regulation stamp is a truncated version of the full length "Burger," with the same script JB monogram, found on his wrought silver works (spoons, etc.). It is found exclusively on Half Joes of Brazil and Portugal and British Guineas. Half Joes outnumber Guineas by a margin of perhaps 3 to 1 overall.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Burger advertised himself as a coin regulator as early as January 1784, at which time the local New York standard was the same 9 dwt standard then current throughout most of the United States. Burger was a well respected figure, a Patriot who removed from New York during the British occupation. He was once apprentice, then partner, of Myer Myers, the influential leader of New York's goldsmithing community. He worked as a coroner (including, famously, declaring that Alexander Hamilton's death was a murder) and an assessor for the City of New York. His long career stretched from 1779 until his death in 1828. His office location, at the time of his regulating work, was at 207 Queen Street (today known as Pearl Street); Albion Cox, the first assayer of the U.S. Mint and one of the partners who struck New Jersey coppers, was his neighbor at 240 Queen. He was one of ten members of the New York Gold and Silver Smith's Society, along with his mentor Myer Myers and Ephraim Brasher, as noted in the 1786 city directory. His office was just steps away from the Bank of New York and was within the smell of New York's harbor, placing him at a vertex of international trade unlike any other.
His prominence grew with age, but his desire for positions of leadership began in his youth. On April 25, 1775, just days after Lexington and Concord, John Burger is listed among those who "promise hereafter on demand" as part of the New York City militia. In 1776, at 19, Burger and his friend (and business partner) William Pritchard wrote to a noted leader in the New York Patriot movement:
"Sir : The subscribers request you will be pleased to recommend them to the Honble Committee of Safety and inform them that we are sincere Friends to America and its libertys and desirous to serve as First and second Lieutenants in any corps they be pleased to appoint, and are sir with great respect your very humble servants."
The officer they addressed was Col. Abraham Brasher, a onetime "Liberty Boy" and brother to another silversmith, Ephraim Brasher. In 1778, during his exile from New York, Burger was at last appointed an officer in a militia regiment based in Poughkeepsie, along with New York coiner (and sword maker extraordinaire John Bailey). In 1789, he was a founding member of the famed Tammany Society. By 1802, he was representing Manhattan in the New York Assembly. One of his co-assemblymen was William Gilbert, also a silversmith and the brother-in-law of Ephraim Brasher. Clearly his was a small world, one populated with nearly every notable smith and coin regulator in New York City.
Burger's regulation stamp is a truncated version of the full length "Burger," with the same script JB monogram, found on his wrought silver works (spoons, etc.). It is found exclusively on Half Joes of Brazil and Portugal and British Guineas. Half Joes outnumber Guineas by a margin of perhaps 3 to 1 overall.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1746-R. Rio Mint. Script JB for John Burger. KM151. AU. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked with script JB in monogram by John Burger, New York. Weight just a shade under the 9 dwt standard to which Burger worked (215.7 grains). Lustrous and frostly light yellow gold. Some hairlines and light scuffs from a gentle post-recovery cleaning, scattered shallow scrapes, hints of encrustation remain in northeast quadrant of obverse. Round plug shows well from obverse, only partially obscured by Burger's mark on the obverse and unusual as such. Burger usually took great care with the location of his marks, and they almost always obscure the traces of the plug from the obverse. This mark is oriented in a proper vertical fashion in the usual location over the monarch's eye. Some softness is visible at the right periphery of the mark, bold luster persists within. Sticker on reverse remains, inscribed with weight in grams, as testament to this piece's find provenance.
Provenance: Acquired privately from Ralph Gordon. Earlier, from the "North of Haiti find," ex. Mangones Collection. According to Gordon, "the Mangones collection was largely accumulated locally in Haiti over many years." Among other things, it yielded Gordon #218, p.105, marked by William Hollingshead of Philadelphia and JA (unidentified).
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: Acquired privately from Ralph Gordon. Earlier, from the "North of Haiti find," ex. Mangones Collection. According to Gordon, "the Mangones collection was largely accumulated locally in Haiti over many years." Among other things, it yielded Gordon #218, p.105, marked by William Hollingshead of Philadelphia and JA (unidentified).
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1748-R. Rio mint. Script JB monogram mark for John Burger. KM151. XF. Clipped. Within one-tenth of a grain of the typical post-Revolutionary 9 dwt standard, a remarkably precise cut (215.9 grains). Marked with script JB monogram of John Burger, New York. Four neat straight clips are present from 10:00 to just past 12:00, original edge device remains around the remainder of the circumference. Bold, long denticles frame most of the periphery, a fine counter juxtaposition to most pieces herein offered with somewhat less aesthetically appealing clipping. The surfaces are choice, with light yellow gold and only minimal lines. A very pretty regulated Half Joe.
Burger's mark is in its usual position on the eye of the monarch, here oriented with a downward angle. This is the round mark, seen more often than the oval one.
Provenance: Ex Spink, via Galerie des Monnaies, privately in December 1991.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Burger's mark is in its usual position on the eye of the monarch, here oriented with a downward angle. This is the round mark, seen more often than the oval one.
Provenance: Ex Spink, via Galerie des Monnaies, privately in December 1991.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1771-R. Rio mint. Marked F&G and script JB monogram from John Burger. KM172.2. Choice VF. Holed. Clipped circumferentially and re-edged, side clipped. Plugged and marked by F&G, plugged and marked with script JB monogram in round cartouche by John Burger, New York. Weight likely correct for the post-Revolutionary standard before it was holed, which may account for the 2.2 grains missing to be at the proper 9 dwt requirement (213.8 grains). Attractive light yellow gold, some light hairlines, natural striations across central obverse as produced in Rio, a few little scrapes and scratches on reverse, series of minor digs at base of shield. Somewhat crudely holed at 3:00. The denticles have been clipped down to half length or less around the entire perimeter, edge device competently re-applied. Side clipped at a later date, consistent with Burger's style and probably done by him, from lowest curls to above P of JOSEPHUS at 9:00. Neatly plugged at center and marked by F&G at central obverse. Small plug placed by Burger, marked in usual location over portrait's eye, mark oriented upside down - a rare error for Burger and the first such mark we have seen.
Burger and F&G are occasionally found together, though F&G seems to be more frequently found in combination with Brasher. In a broader sense, if a piece has two American regulation marks, odds are that one of them is F&G. The only combination that appears nearly so often, and it is not too far behind, is Burger and Brasher together. We know Burger and Brasher worked in the same city (indeed, mere blocks from each other) in the same era. This would suggest a similar kinship of locale with F&G and serves as more evidence in favor of F&G being an outfit active in British New York.
For another Half Joe showing both Burger and F&G marks, see Stack's 2008 Americana sale, Lot 7007, an example from the Coconut Wreck (ca. 1809) that also showed three additional West Indian marks.
Provenance: From Ponterio's sale of February 1994, Lot 1.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Burger and F&G are occasionally found together, though F&G seems to be more frequently found in combination with Brasher. In a broader sense, if a piece has two American regulation marks, odds are that one of them is F&G. The only combination that appears nearly so often, and it is not too far behind, is Burger and Brasher together. We know Burger and Brasher worked in the same city (indeed, mere blocks from each other) in the same era. This would suggest a similar kinship of locale with F&G and serves as more evidence in favor of F&G being an outfit active in British New York.
For another Half Joe showing both Burger and F&G marks, see Stack's 2008 Americana sale, Lot 7007, an example from the Coconut Wreck (ca. 1809) that also showed three additional West Indian marks.
Provenance: From Ponterio's sale of February 1994, Lot 1.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Great Britain
England. George I Guinea 1716. Script JB monogram for John Burger. KM 546.1. VF. Edge polished or filed. Marked with script JB monogram in round cartouche by John Burger, New York. Weight less than a half grain under the 1784 New York requirement of 5 dwt, 6 grains for a British Guinea (125.7 grains). A lovely coin, with choice ruddy violet toning over deep yellow surfaces. Worn but never abused, a good looking piece. Only the slightest bit of edge device remains, but this coin was not clipped; rather, the edge was likely carefully filed.
Burger marks are less common on Guineas than Half Joes. They have an interesting tradition however: a Burger-marked 1731 Half Guinea, along with a clipped but unmarked 1750 Guinea, in the 1903 Murdoch sale was described with the note "Both the above lots circulated in the States of George before the Declaration of Independence, and were found there." The 1731-dated piece is undoubtedly the same one later offered in the Emilio Ortiz sale (Spink, October 1991) as Lot 1708. It was offered without the benefit of the Murdoch provenance - or that tying it to American soil - which undoubtedly would have attracted it more interest. In more modern times, a Brasher-marked 1766 Guinea was found in Georgia, as was the Gabriel Lewyn marked Half Joe in the present sale. Perhaps Georgia attracted more regulated coinage than its relatively small population would otherwise indicate.
This is the earliest-dated Burger regulated piece in our database and one of the oldest American-regulated coins known.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of April 23, 1980, Lot 124.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Burger marks are less common on Guineas than Half Joes. They have an interesting tradition however: a Burger-marked 1731 Half Guinea, along with a clipped but unmarked 1750 Guinea, in the 1903 Murdoch sale was described with the note "Both the above lots circulated in the States of George before the Declaration of Independence, and were found there." The 1731-dated piece is undoubtedly the same one later offered in the Emilio Ortiz sale (Spink, October 1991) as Lot 1708. It was offered without the benefit of the Murdoch provenance - or that tying it to American soil - which undoubtedly would have attracted it more interest. In more modern times, a Brasher-marked 1766 Guinea was found in Georgia, as was the Gabriel Lewyn marked Half Joe in the present sale. Perhaps Georgia attracted more regulated coinage than its relatively small population would otherwise indicate.
This is the earliest-dated Burger regulated piece in our database and one of the oldest American-regulated coins known.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of April 23, 1980, Lot 124.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
England. George II Guinea 1734. Script JB monogram for John Burger. KM 573.3. Fine. Clipped. Plugged and marked with script JB monogram in round cartouche by John Burger, New York. Weight is less than a half grain below the 1784 New York standard of 5 dwt, 6 grains (125.7 grains) and is identical to the tenth-grain to the other Burger-marked Guinea in this collection. Side clipped from above GE to above II, 7:00 to 11:00, original edge device intact elsewhere. The significant clips have, in turn, led to a significant plug, built up in moderate relief on the reverse but wholly covered by Burger's mark in its usual location on the obverse. Nice medium yellow gold with appealing old toning in protected areas of the peripheries. Choice surface quality, worn but lovely.
This piece is of the same type as the Burger-regulated 1731 Guinea, ex Murdoch, found in Georgia. Its eye appeal, early date, clear American circulation, and fine provenance make this an especially desirable example.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection of West Indian Cut and Countermarked Coins, October 16, 1989, Lot 273.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This piece is of the same type as the Burger-regulated 1731 Guinea, ex Murdoch, found in Georgia. Its eye appeal, early date, clear American circulation, and fine provenance make this an especially desirable example.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection of West Indian Cut and Countermarked Coins, October 16, 1989, Lot 273.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
England. George III Guinea 1773. Script JB monogram for John Burger. KM600. Choice VF. Clipped. Marked with script JB monogram in round cartouche for John Burger, New York. Weight is within a tenth-grain of the 1784 New York standard of 5 dwt, 6 grains to which Burger regulated (126.1 grains). Boldly side clipped in a single stroke from rear truncation of the bust to O of GEORGIVS, original edge device otherwise intact. It is a testament to Burger's experience and ability that he could resolve this coin's correct regulated weight, without the benefit of plugging the piece to cover an overclip, with such precision. Scattered rust-colored encrustation on both sides suggest either a ground or water salvage, likely the former rather than the later considering the surface quality. Some light hairlines are seen, good medium yellow gold color, no major flaws. Oh to know where this coin was found!
This is the sole piece in the collection to juxtapose King George III with John Burger, who volunteered to fight him at risk of life and liberty within a week of the Lexington and Concord alarms. The British Army evacuated New York City on November 25, 1783. Just five weeks later, John Burger was advertising his services as a coin regulator in the New York papers. Driven from the city of his birth by the King's troops for years, it must have given him a special pleasure to drive his mark into the monarch's eye.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, October 16, 1989, Lot 270.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This is the sole piece in the collection to juxtapose King George III with John Burger, who volunteered to fight him at risk of life and liberty within a week of the Lexington and Concord alarms. The British Army evacuated New York City on November 25, 1783. Just five weeks later, John Burger was advertising his services as a coin regulator in the New York papers. Driven from the city of his birth by the King's troops for years, it must have given him a special pleasure to drive his mark into the monarch's eye.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection, October 16, 1989, Lot 270.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
England. George III Guinea 1775. Script JB monogram for John Burger. KM604. Fine. Clipped. Plugged and marked by John Burger, New York, with his script JB in monogram. Weight of 5 dwt, 6 grains (126.3 grains) precisely matches the 1784 Bank of New York standard for British Guineas. Well worn, clipped down to the tops of the legends and affecting the tops of most but not all letters. Stamped in the usual Burger location, near the portrait's eye, perhaps a little lower than usual. Light yellow gold with rich ruddy toning within the punch. The plug is small, so deftly accomplished as to be nearly invisible. The present mark is the scarcer of Burger's two marks, oval rather than round. A very pleasing example of a Burger regulated Guinea, one that boasts one of the finest provenances available for an American regulated gold coin.
The main Garrett U.S. sales, held by Bowers and Ruddy, included the Garrett Collection of EB-marked regulations by Ephraim Brasher. Long collected alongside American colonials, they were easy to recognize as relevant. The Burger marked pieces, of which Garrett had collected four, were not recognized as being of American interest. They were placed in the NFA/Bank Leu sales of world coins, therein described as unattributed West Indies marks. Two of those four pieces earlier came from the Col. James Ellsworth Collection, acquired in 1923, the source of many of Garrett's best colonials. A Thomas Pons-marked 6400 Reis was also acquired with the Ellsworth Collection. The other two Burger regulated coins, this piece included, came from Mehl's famous sale of the James Ten Eyck Collection in 1922. A 1751-R 6400 Reis marked with Burger's stamp cost John Work Garrett $27.50 in that 1922 auction. Given Ten Eyck's centuries-old family legacy in New York, one must wonder if this Burger piece left that state for the first time when Garrett took it home.
Provenance: From B. Max Mehl's sale of the Ten Eyck Collection, 1922, Lot 377 (at $13.75); NFA/Bank Leu's sale of the Garrett Collection, Part I, May 1984, Lot 1230.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The main Garrett U.S. sales, held by Bowers and Ruddy, included the Garrett Collection of EB-marked regulations by Ephraim Brasher. Long collected alongside American colonials, they were easy to recognize as relevant. The Burger marked pieces, of which Garrett had collected four, were not recognized as being of American interest. They were placed in the NFA/Bank Leu sales of world coins, therein described as unattributed West Indies marks. Two of those four pieces earlier came from the Col. James Ellsworth Collection, acquired in 1923, the source of many of Garrett's best colonials. A Thomas Pons-marked 6400 Reis was also acquired with the Ellsworth Collection. The other two Burger regulated coins, this piece included, came from Mehl's famous sale of the James Ten Eyck Collection in 1922. A 1751-R 6400 Reis marked with Burger's stamp cost John Work Garrett $27.50 in that 1922 auction. Given Ten Eyck's centuries-old family legacy in New York, one must wonder if this Burger piece left that state for the first time when Garrett took it home.
Provenance: From B. Max Mehl's sale of the Ten Eyck Collection, 1922, Lot 377 (at $13.75); NFA/Bank Leu's sale of the Garrett Collection, Part I, May 1984, Lot 1230.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1771-R. Rio mint. MM mark for Myer Myers. KM172.2. EF-45. Clipped, re-edged, plugged, and marked MM for Myer Myers of New York. Lightweight at nearly all standards at 7 dwt, 20 grains (187.9 grains). Tightly clipped down to the tops of the legends while scrupulously avoiding affecting the lettering, edge shows effective if low-relief twin-leaf device, consistent around entire circumference. Plugged at precise center, reverse shows traces of two plugs, one within another. MM in tight rectangular cartouche nearly horizontal. Mark identified as Myer Myers "Mark 7," ca. 1776-95, in the standard Myer Myers: Jewish Silversmith in Colonial New York by David Barquist (p. 254). Attractive light yellow gold with traces of luster, a few harmless light scratches inside peripheries, traces of earthen encrustation within obverse legend and reverse device.
An outstanding piece, the only Myer Myers regulated gold coin we have identified. Myers is one of New York's most famous and well-studied silversmiths. John Burger, the well-known regulator, was once his apprentice; they were partners while exiled from New York from 1779 to 1783. Myers was elected chairman of the Gold and Silver Smiths Society of New York in 1786; other members of this small guild included Burger and Ephraim Brasher. Myers was a leader in the New York Jewish community and an ardent supporter of the Patriot cause. During the British occupation, he lived in both Norwalk, Connecticut and Philadelphia. A spoon listed in Barquist with this mark is traced to his time in Norwalk during the Revolution (1776-79). The tongs used to illustrate this mark therein are thought to have been produced after his return to New York in 1783. This piece was likely regulated ca. 1784, when the Bank of New York promulgated a 9 dwt standard for Half Joes. It was probably further clipped and re-edged sometime later. Any piece of Myers work is rightly prized by those who collect early American silver. This potentially unique Myers regulated Half Joe is one of the great highlights of this collection. Edward wrote an article that was published in The Numismatist in December 2006 regarding this piece.
Provenance: From Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of June 2001, Lot 911.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
An outstanding piece, the only Myer Myers regulated gold coin we have identified. Myers is one of New York's most famous and well-studied silversmiths. John Burger, the well-known regulator, was once his apprentice; they were partners while exiled from New York from 1779 to 1783. Myers was elected chairman of the Gold and Silver Smiths Society of New York in 1786; other members of this small guild included Burger and Ephraim Brasher. Myers was a leader in the New York Jewish community and an ardent supporter of the Patriot cause. During the British occupation, he lived in both Norwalk, Connecticut and Philadelphia. A spoon listed in Barquist with this mark is traced to his time in Norwalk during the Revolution (1776-79). The tongs used to illustrate this mark therein are thought to have been produced after his return to New York in 1783. This piece was likely regulated ca. 1784, when the Bank of New York promulgated a 9 dwt standard for Half Joes. It was probably further clipped and re-edged sometime later. Any piece of Myers work is rightly prized by those who collect early American silver. This potentially unique Myers regulated Half Joe is one of the great highlights of this collection. Edward wrote an article that was published in The Numismatist in December 2006 regarding this piece.
Provenance: From Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of June 2001, Lot 911.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1753-B. Bahia mint. DV for Daniel Van Voorhis. KM172.1. Fine. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked DV in rectangular cartouche for Daniel Van Voorhis, New York. Weight below all but the lowest island standards, nearly 20 grains below the post-Revolutionary 9 dwt New York standard to which Van Voorhis would have worked (197.7 grains). Heavily clipped, into the tops of the obverse lettering, Plugged at center, circular and flush on both sides, footprint broader on reverse. Punched on obverse with vertical orientation. "Rather battered," as Gordon described this coin in the standard reference, "although the countermark is neatly done." Rusty encrustation at the base of the reverse and somewhat mattelike surfaces suggest salvage from either a water or ground find.
An extremely rare regulation from one of the partners in the Vermont copper coinage. There are few goldsmiths in early America more vitally connected to coinining. Van Voorhis was a partner in the 1787 compact that brought the contract for Vermont coinage to Capt. Thomas Machin's mint in Newburgh, New York. He has been suggested as a possible engraver for dies of Vermont coinage; he was without question highly involved in their production. Van Voorhis was a Revolutionary War soldier, living in Philadelphia and serving at the Battle of Princeton, then remained in the Princeton, New Jersey area during the early 1780s to work as a smith. He had partnerships with Simeon Bayley, William Coley, and Garrett Schenck in New York City before leaving the occupation about 1805. He worked at the customs house in Brooklyn in his retirement before his death in 1819. His partnerships were prolific, though his silver pieces marked with this solo mark are quite scarce. They are typically dated to early in his career, which may suggest that this piece was regulated while he was working in Philadelphia during the Revolution. If not that early, it is certainly no later than the mid 1780s.
For his well-documented biography, his connection to early American coinage, and his rarity as a regulator, Daniel Van Voorhis must rank as one of the most important smiths represented in this collection.
Provenance: Acquired from Isaac Rudman in 1976, privately. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 215.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
An extremely rare regulation from one of the partners in the Vermont copper coinage. There are few goldsmiths in early America more vitally connected to coinining. Van Voorhis was a partner in the 1787 compact that brought the contract for Vermont coinage to Capt. Thomas Machin's mint in Newburgh, New York. He has been suggested as a possible engraver for dies of Vermont coinage; he was without question highly involved in their production. Van Voorhis was a Revolutionary War soldier, living in Philadelphia and serving at the Battle of Princeton, then remained in the Princeton, New Jersey area during the early 1780s to work as a smith. He had partnerships with Simeon Bayley, William Coley, and Garrett Schenck in New York City before leaving the occupation about 1805. He worked at the customs house in Brooklyn in his retirement before his death in 1819. His partnerships were prolific, though his silver pieces marked with this solo mark are quite scarce. They are typically dated to early in his career, which may suggest that this piece was regulated while he was working in Philadelphia during the Revolution. If not that early, it is certainly no later than the mid 1780s.
For his well-documented biography, his connection to early American coinage, and his rarity as a regulator, Daniel Van Voorhis must rank as one of the most important smiths represented in this collection.
Provenance: Acquired from Isaac Rudman in 1976, privately. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 215.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Portugal
Portugal. Joao V 6400 Reis 1747. Lisbon mint. IB mark for John Bayley (?). KM221. Choice VF-XF. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked IB for John Bayley, Philadelphia. Weight of 215.6 grains within half a grain of the usual post-Revolutionary standard. Clipped circumferentially with consistency to the base of denticles, edge device of simplified split rectangles in crude imitation of the original twin leaf design also consistent; likely clipped just once. Flat oval plug raised above surface of obverse, round and convex like the head of a thumbtack at central reverse. IB mark oriented upside down, pellet between letters, cartouche rectangular with rounded corners. This is a different mark from the IB seen on the piece in Stack's January 2008 Americana sale, lot 7001, letterforms somewhat different from that mark as well. That mark was attributed as Jacob Boelen III, a New York smith working after the American Revolution. Though a showing a different mark, the weight of this piece is a near twin. The present mark is also distinctive from the one on the cob in the American Numismatic Society collection, depicted in Gordon on p. 106.
John Bayley worked in Philadelphia from the 1750s until the end of the American Revolution. Jacob Boelen III worked in New York after the Revolution. This mark, though distinctive from the ANS piece and the Stack's 2008 Americana piece, could in truth belong to either smith. Both would have been familiar with the world of regulated gold coins, and either could have worked to a 9 dwt standard. The 2008 Stack's specimen realized $57,500 in a less mature market for regulated gold. There may have been two smiths using an IB mark to regulate gold, or the different marks could simply be different marks of the same maker. Further exploration into collections of early American silver, particularly institutional holdings with good provenances, will undoubtedly reveal the true identity of the IB regulator(s).
Pleasing yellow gold, deeper toning at peripheries, some dark encrustation within legends and design elements. Light hairlines on both sides, faint rim bruise below 9:00 on obverse. A handsome example with gentle wear.
Provenance: 1975 NENA sale, November 1975, Lot 230; Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford Jr. Collection, October 1989, Lot 265.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
John Bayley worked in Philadelphia from the 1750s until the end of the American Revolution. Jacob Boelen III worked in New York after the Revolution. This mark, though distinctive from the ANS piece and the Stack's 2008 Americana piece, could in truth belong to either smith. Both would have been familiar with the world of regulated gold coins, and either could have worked to a 9 dwt standard. The 2008 Stack's specimen realized $57,500 in a less mature market for regulated gold. There may have been two smiths using an IB mark to regulate gold, or the different marks could simply be different marks of the same maker. Further exploration into collections of early American silver, particularly institutional holdings with good provenances, will undoubtedly reveal the true identity of the IB regulator(s).
Pleasing yellow gold, deeper toning at peripheries, some dark encrustation within legends and design elements. Light hairlines on both sides, faint rim bruise below 9:00 on obverse. A handsome example with gentle wear.
Provenance: 1975 NENA sale, November 1975, Lot 230; Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford Jr. Collection, October 1989, Lot 265.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Colombia
Colombia. Fernando VI Escudo (1747-56). Bogota mint. IB for John Bayley (?). KM28. Choice VF. Clipped. Plugged and marked IB for John Bayley, Philadelphia. Regulated to within a half grain of the post-Revolutionary standard for an Escudo of 2 dwt, 3 grains (51.4 grains). No edge device, planchet made nearly round by clipping. Large oval plug, flush on both sides, marked IB in rounded rectangular cartouche. This is a different mark than the IB-marked Half Joe herein and the IB-marked Half Joe in the January 2008 Stack's sale. This mark lacks a pellet, shows a thinner I, and the letters do not touch or come close to touching the edge of the cartouche. It is likewise a different mark from that used on the ANS 2 Escudos cob illustrated by Gordon on page 106, though the style of the plug and the host suggest that they are of the same regulator. These stylistic similarities underline the fact that just because two coins show different marks does not mean they were regulated by different smiths. Most major smiths owned several similar, if slightly different, versions of their mark.
Medium yellow gold with darker encrustation within devices offering nice contrast.
A rare and unusual regulated Escudo cob, regulated to the post-Revolutionary standard for an Escudo with astounding exactitude. This denomination is one of the rarest among the world of regulated gold. Escudos were fairly scarce in commerce, and their small size meant they tended to circulate locally. A lifetime could be spent trying to locate another regulated example of this denomination.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Medium yellow gold with darker encrustation within devices offering nice contrast.
A rare and unusual regulated Escudo cob, regulated to the post-Revolutionary standard for an Escudo with astounding exactitude. This denomination is one of the rarest among the world of regulated gold. Escudos were fairly scarce in commerce, and their small size meant they tended to circulate locally. A lifetime could be spent trying to locate another regulated example of this denomination.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1752-R. Rio mint. JD for John David Jr. KM172.2. Choice XF. Clipped. Plugged and marked with JD in rounded rectangular cartouche for John David Jr. of Philadelphia. Weight correct for the 9 dwt standard typical in post-Revolutionary America (215.8 grains). Clipped in one long stroke right of the date, smaller clip below date, trivial clip or filing right of 12:00, original edge device apparently intact elsewhere. Small circular plug flush on both sides, marked on reverse with mark nearly vertical. Even and mattelike surfaces reflect this coin's water salvage, part of the Downes wreck of the coast of Florida. This piece appears to have been in fairly high grade when lost.
John David Jr. was active in Philadelphia between 1763 and 1794, the heyday of regulation. He was once partnered with the highly prolific Daniel Dupuy, his brother-in-law and another Philadelphia of French Huguenot stock. Civically minded, he donated to Pennsylvania Hospital's rolls in 1787. A 1783 tax roll reflects that he was assessed for one horse, one head of cattle, and three slaves, making him one of the largest slave owners in his ward. His business was high profile enough that when the Pennsylvania proprietor, John Penn, made a gift of church silver to a congregation in Delaware in 1773, John David received the commission to produce it. That a man with such a high profile would be chosen as a regulator is unsurprising; it is only surprising that it took so long for him to be identified.
This piece and the lot that follows are the only John David regulated coins known at the present time.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
John David Jr. was active in Philadelphia between 1763 and 1794, the heyday of regulation. He was once partnered with the highly prolific Daniel Dupuy, his brother-in-law and another Philadelphia of French Huguenot stock. Civically minded, he donated to Pennsylvania Hospital's rolls in 1787. A 1783 tax roll reflects that he was assessed for one horse, one head of cattle, and three slaves, making him one of the largest slave owners in his ward. His business was high profile enough that when the Pennsylvania proprietor, John Penn, made a gift of church silver to a congregation in Delaware in 1773, John David received the commission to produce it. That a man with such a high profile would be chosen as a regulator is unsurprising; it is only surprising that it took so long for him to be identified.
This piece and the lot that follows are the only John David regulated coins known at the present time.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1753-B. Bahia mint. JD for John David, Jr. KM172.1. Choice VF. Perhaps a forgery. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked JD in rounded rectangular cartouche by John David, Jr. of Philadelphia. Weight a grain light for the post-Revolutionary 9 dwt standard to which David worked (214.8 grains). Small circular plug on reverse flush with surrounding device, larger plug on obverse misshapen and oval, raised in relief against depressed device. Mark oriented at leaning angle, down to right. Crude edge device resembles diagonal reeding, present everywhere but for a filed area from either side of 12:00, likely the spot where the missing grain was stolen from after David's work. Medium yellow gold, some minor dark encrustation in right obverse legend, more atop reverse.
This is one of only two John David regulated gold pieces known to us, making him a particularly rare and desirable Philadelphia regulator.
Provenance: From a 1979 Jess Peters sale, Lot 285. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 102.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This is one of only two John David regulated gold pieces known to us, making him a particularly rare and desirable Philadelphia regulator.
Provenance: From a 1979 Jess Peters sale, Lot 285. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 102.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1746-B. Bahia mint. WH mark for William Hollingshead. KM151. Choice VF. Clipped, re-edged, and clipped again. Plugged and mark with WH mark in conforming cartouche for William Hollingshead, Philadelphia. Weight just a grain light for the 9 dwt post-Revolutionary standard (215.0 grains), perhaps regulated to a higher pre-war standard and further clipped later. Tiny circular plug flush with reverse device, plug only slightly larger on obverse with mark across, oriented upside down. Clipped to the base of the denticles, re-edged with a low relief twin-leaf design, further clipped without subtlety from 7:00 to 11:00 and lacking edge device in those areas. Good medium yellow gold, hints of luster in protected areas, nice surface quality, some encrustation within mark serves to add contrast.
Hollingshead's shop was a prolific one until his death in 1785. It is possible that Hollingshead actually regulated coins to both a pre-Revolutionary standard and a lower standard after the war, but his career was on the wane by the time of the Revolution.
This mark was used on a Hollingshead silver waiter dated 1770, sold by Sotheby's in their January 2009 Americana sale.
Provenance: From Spink, privately, in September 1977. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 98.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Hollingshead's shop was a prolific one until his death in 1785. It is possible that Hollingshead actually regulated coins to both a pre-Revolutionary standard and a lower standard after the war, but his career was on the wane by the time of the Revolution.
This mark was used on a Hollingshead silver waiter dated 1770, sold by Sotheby's in their January 2009 Americana sale.
Provenance: From Spink, privately, in September 1977. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 98.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1756-R. Rio mint. Marked RH for Richard Humphreys. KM172.2. Choice VF. Clipped and partially re-edged. Plugged and marked RH in conforming punch for Richard Humphreys, Philadelphia. Weight correct for the usual post-Revolutionary 9 dwt standard (216.1 grains), here likely following the standard set by the 1777 Philadelphia merchant petition for 60 shilling Half Joes. Carefully plugged in low relief at center, mark at precise center of reverse oriented upside down. Only lightly clipped, denticles short in areas but never clipped entirely away, re-edged on left periphery. Nicely worn, medium yellow gold with no significant flaws, a handsome and well-balanced piece.
Humphries regulations are extremely rare, indeed, this collection contains the only two that seem to have surfaced. It is a pity these are not more common, in some respects, as Humphreys' story is one rich with history.
Humphreys was born on Tortola, an island with a tradition of plugging and cutting its coins, in 1749/50. A Quaker, he moved to Wilmington, Delaware at a young age and was apprenticed in the arts of gold and silver smithing. He apparently spent a year of his late adolescence back on Tortola, and he may have witnessed regulation of Half Joes while there. In 1772, he succeeded his mentor, the famous Phillip Syng, after Syng's retirement from the business of silversmithing. Syng, most noted for producing the inkstand into which the signers of the Declaration of Independence dipped their world-changing quills, was also a regulator of both gold and silver coins. By 1774, Humphreys was recognized enough for his talents that he was hired by the Continental Congress to produce a monumental (21" tall) hot water urn to present to fellow Quaker Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Congress, in recognition of his service. Thomson's urn is today in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In 1780, General George Washington ordered a set of silver from Humphreys from camp in Morristown. In 1781, he moved his workshop and home to Front Street on Philadelphia's waterfront, where his next-door neighbor was Robert Morris, the financier of the American Revolution.
Humphreys worked with engraver James Smither on some works before the Revolution; Smither has been (incorrectly, in all likelihood) attributed as the engraver of the 1766 Pitt tokens. He was certainly responsible for the border cuts on some issues of Pennsylvania currency before becoming a Tory and abandoning Philadelphia.
Humphreys was a Patriot and was actually kicked out of his Quaker meeting for joining the militia. He later was received back into the sect's good graces and used his wealth to support Quaker causes. Upon his death, he funded a school for "instructing the descendants of the African Race in school learning, in the various branches of the mechanical arts and trades and in Agriculture...in order to prepare and fit and qualify them to act as teachers in such of those branches of useful business as in the Judgment of the said society they may appear best qualified for." Decades later, the result of his bequest evolved into the school that became Cheyney University in suburban Philadelphia.
Just as John Burger and Ephraim Brasher are deemed the official arbiters of the 1784 Bank of New York standard, so may Richard Humphreys have been the regulator of choice for the 1777 Philadelphia standard (which, at 9 dwt, was the same as the 1784 NY standard, the 1781 Maryland standard, and several others). The 1777 Philadelphia merchants petition was signed by dozens of influential Quakers, including some of Humphrey's closest associates.
As a man who advertised as a goldsmith (not just a silversmith), Humphreys undoubtedly saw a lot of Half Joes, which would have been the raw material for many of his works. Further, as one of Philadelphia's leading producers of fancy, expensive silverware, he would have received plenty of them in pay for his works from the Philadelphia merchant elite. It is a wonder that Humphreys marks are not more common today; perhaps his colleague and fellow Quaker Joseph Richardson consigned a lot to the melting pot at the Philadelphia Mint and turned them into early U.S. gold coins. This piece appears to have been first collected in the Philadelphia area. It was sold into the Benson Collection by noted Philadelphia dealer Ira Reed in 1946 for the astounding sum of $115. By way of comparison, in 1944 Wayte Raymond placed the retail value of a 1794 dollar in Fine at $12.50.
Provenance: From Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of June 2000, Lot 4288. Earlier, acquired from Ira Reed in March 1946 for $115.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Humphries regulations are extremely rare, indeed, this collection contains the only two that seem to have surfaced. It is a pity these are not more common, in some respects, as Humphreys' story is one rich with history.
Humphreys was born on Tortola, an island with a tradition of plugging and cutting its coins, in 1749/50. A Quaker, he moved to Wilmington, Delaware at a young age and was apprenticed in the arts of gold and silver smithing. He apparently spent a year of his late adolescence back on Tortola, and he may have witnessed regulation of Half Joes while there. In 1772, he succeeded his mentor, the famous Phillip Syng, after Syng's retirement from the business of silversmithing. Syng, most noted for producing the inkstand into which the signers of the Declaration of Independence dipped their world-changing quills, was also a regulator of both gold and silver coins. By 1774, Humphreys was recognized enough for his talents that he was hired by the Continental Congress to produce a monumental (21" tall) hot water urn to present to fellow Quaker Charles Thomson, the secretary of the Congress, in recognition of his service. Thomson's urn is today in the Philadelphia Museum of Art. In 1780, General George Washington ordered a set of silver from Humphreys from camp in Morristown. In 1781, he moved his workshop and home to Front Street on Philadelphia's waterfront, where his next-door neighbor was Robert Morris, the financier of the American Revolution.
Humphreys worked with engraver James Smither on some works before the Revolution; Smither has been (incorrectly, in all likelihood) attributed as the engraver of the 1766 Pitt tokens. He was certainly responsible for the border cuts on some issues of Pennsylvania currency before becoming a Tory and abandoning Philadelphia.
Humphreys was a Patriot and was actually kicked out of his Quaker meeting for joining the militia. He later was received back into the sect's good graces and used his wealth to support Quaker causes. Upon his death, he funded a school for "instructing the descendants of the African Race in school learning, in the various branches of the mechanical arts and trades and in Agriculture...in order to prepare and fit and qualify them to act as teachers in such of those branches of useful business as in the Judgment of the said society they may appear best qualified for." Decades later, the result of his bequest evolved into the school that became Cheyney University in suburban Philadelphia.
Just as John Burger and Ephraim Brasher are deemed the official arbiters of the 1784 Bank of New York standard, so may Richard Humphreys have been the regulator of choice for the 1777 Philadelphia standard (which, at 9 dwt, was the same as the 1784 NY standard, the 1781 Maryland standard, and several others). The 1777 Philadelphia merchants petition was signed by dozens of influential Quakers, including some of Humphrey's closest associates.
As a man who advertised as a goldsmith (not just a silversmith), Humphreys undoubtedly saw a lot of Half Joes, which would have been the raw material for many of his works. Further, as one of Philadelphia's leading producers of fancy, expensive silverware, he would have received plenty of them in pay for his works from the Philadelphia merchant elite. It is a wonder that Humphreys marks are not more common today; perhaps his colleague and fellow Quaker Joseph Richardson consigned a lot to the melting pot at the Philadelphia Mint and turned them into early U.S. gold coins. This piece appears to have been first collected in the Philadelphia area. It was sold into the Benson Collection by noted Philadelphia dealer Ira Reed in 1946 for the astounding sum of $115. By way of comparison, in 1944 Wayte Raymond placed the retail value of a 1794 dollar in Fine at $12.50.
Provenance: From Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of June 2000, Lot 4288. Earlier, acquired from Ira Reed in March 1946 for $115.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1744-R. Rio mint. Marked RH for Richard Humphries. KM151. XF. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked RH by Richard Humphries, Philadephia. Plug removed. Current weight suggests a 9 dwt or higher standard before removal of the plug (211.0 grains); if the plug weighed 5 grains, this would be precisely 9 dwt. A fascinating piece, a coin that has undergone more abuses than nearly any other in the collection. The surfaces are light yellow gold, still a bit lustrous, though lightly cleaning has dulled the surfaces somewhat. Some removeable residue clings to the portraits hair, old glue or something similar. 6 H is lightly scratched, one character above the other, in the right obverse field. Some shadows of encrustation remain in obverse lettering. The edges have been lightly clipped, leaving about half of the denticles' length remaining, re-edged with a simple pattern resembling thick reeds.
The minor remnants of the regulation stamp, facing up at central obverse, evaded identification by Ralph Gordon, from whom this was acquired in 1981. The presence of another Humphries regulated piece in this collection allowed the consignor to correctly identify what mark these vestiges hid.
This plug was removed at some point during this coin's useful life, judging from the wear on the ring around where the plug would have been removed. Perhaps the island (Guadeloupe?) where the plug was plucked was not accustomed to seeing regulations by Humphries and deemed it false.
Gordon appears to have described this exact coin in his chapter on the 1803 Guadeloupe standard, which called for coins with false plugs to have the plugs removed and then circulate as gold discs on the basis of their weight. On p. 74, he notes "no example as been located for illustration. Rumbel , Lot 7, was catalogued 'Half Dobra or Half Joe 1744 John V Rio Mint. Was originally plugged in center to increase weight, later plug was removed.'" This coin fits that description precisely and would appear to be a match.
Provenance: Acquired via trade from Ralph Gordon in 1981. Apparently earlier from Hans M.F. Schulman's sale of the Rumbel Collection, March 18, 1955, Lot 7. Described, but not plated, in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 74.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The minor remnants of the regulation stamp, facing up at central obverse, evaded identification by Ralph Gordon, from whom this was acquired in 1981. The presence of another Humphries regulated piece in this collection allowed the consignor to correctly identify what mark these vestiges hid.
This plug was removed at some point during this coin's useful life, judging from the wear on the ring around where the plug would have been removed. Perhaps the island (Guadeloupe?) where the plug was plucked was not accustomed to seeing regulations by Humphries and deemed it false.
Gordon appears to have described this exact coin in his chapter on the 1803 Guadeloupe standard, which called for coins with false plugs to have the plugs removed and then circulate as gold discs on the basis of their weight. On p. 74, he notes "no example as been located for illustration. Rumbel , Lot 7, was catalogued 'Half Dobra or Half Joe 1744 John V Rio Mint. Was originally plugged in center to increase weight, later plug was removed.'" This coin fits that description precisely and would appear to be a match.
Provenance: Acquired via trade from Ralph Gordon in 1981. Apparently earlier from Hans M.F. Schulman's sale of the Rumbel Collection, March 18, 1955, Lot 7. Described, but not plated, in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 74.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 12800 Reis 1730-M. Minas Gerais mint. IR mark for Joseph Richardson, Jr. KM139. VF. Clipped, plugged, marked IR for Joseph Richardson, Jr. of Philadelphia. Weight less than a grain over 18 dwt (432.8 grains). Edge clipped and smoothed, no trace of edge device. Neatly plugged at center, small circular vestige on obverse, large IR mark bold and perfectly horizontal over flattened plug on reverse. Lovely light yellow gold with attractive ruddy toning at peripheries, a well worn coin.
One of the rarest regulated denominations, this full Johannes (or double Joe) was the Portuguese equivalent of the Spanish 8 Escudos yet valued slightly higher ($16 vs $15) in the future United States in most eras and regions. This piece is particularly important as a regulation by the assayer of the first United States Mint in Philadelphia, one of just a few known to us. A 1746 Bogota 4 Escudos in the Lasser Collection at Colonial Williamsburg shows the precise same mark as seen here. Richardson was a signatory of the 1777 Philadelphia merchants petition, and this piece is regulated to the 18 dwt standard that document required for a full Johannes. The nine pennyweight / 18 pennyweight standard was the most common standard throughout North America during and after the American Revolution.
Joseph Richardson ranks with Ephraim Brasher as one of the most numismatically notable of early American silversmiths. His father was the author of the first two medals ever produced in early America, the 1756 Kittanning Destroyed and 1757 Quaker Indian Peace medals. Both father and son were among the most prominent producers of Indian Trade silver, the leading currency objects of the American frontier. This lead to Richardson the Younger, the man who regulated this coin, producing the legendary Washington Oval Indian Peace medals, several of which bear this precise IR mark. In 1795, President Washington appointed him to be the assayer of the United States Mint in 1795, a position he held until his death in 1831.
This is the only Joseph Richardson, Jr. piece we have identified sold at public auction. It is, likewise, the only full Johannes in this collection (the finest ever presented for sale and perhaps the finest ever formed). Despite the American importance of Richardson, neither Garrett nor Eliasberg included one. It is one of the highlights of this sale and should realize a runaway price. Its inclusion in a collection of United States Mint gold coins would be even more apt than that of a Brasher doubloon. It is a miracle that this piece survived. In truth, it should have become three half eagles as of 1795.
Provenance: Ex Spink in September 1977 by private treaty. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 92 to show IR mark.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
One of the rarest regulated denominations, this full Johannes (or double Joe) was the Portuguese equivalent of the Spanish 8 Escudos yet valued slightly higher ($16 vs $15) in the future United States in most eras and regions. This piece is particularly important as a regulation by the assayer of the first United States Mint in Philadelphia, one of just a few known to us. A 1746 Bogota 4 Escudos in the Lasser Collection at Colonial Williamsburg shows the precise same mark as seen here. Richardson was a signatory of the 1777 Philadelphia merchants petition, and this piece is regulated to the 18 dwt standard that document required for a full Johannes. The nine pennyweight / 18 pennyweight standard was the most common standard throughout North America during and after the American Revolution.
Joseph Richardson ranks with Ephraim Brasher as one of the most numismatically notable of early American silversmiths. His father was the author of the first two medals ever produced in early America, the 1756 Kittanning Destroyed and 1757 Quaker Indian Peace medals. Both father and son were among the most prominent producers of Indian Trade silver, the leading currency objects of the American frontier. This lead to Richardson the Younger, the man who regulated this coin, producing the legendary Washington Oval Indian Peace medals, several of which bear this precise IR mark. In 1795, President Washington appointed him to be the assayer of the United States Mint in 1795, a position he held until his death in 1831.
This is the only Joseph Richardson, Jr. piece we have identified sold at public auction. It is, likewise, the only full Johannes in this collection (the finest ever presented for sale and perhaps the finest ever formed). Despite the American importance of Richardson, neither Garrett nor Eliasberg included one. It is one of the highlights of this sale and should realize a runaway price. Its inclusion in a collection of United States Mint gold coins would be even more apt than that of a Brasher doubloon. It is a miracle that this piece survived. In truth, it should have become three half eagles as of 1795.
Provenance: Ex Spink in September 1977 by private treaty. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 92 to show IR mark.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1749-R. Rio mint. WT for William Taylor.
KM149. VF. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked WT in rectangular cartouche, likely that of William Taylor of Philadelphia. Weight a half grain under the typical post-Revolutionary standard of 9 dwt (215.4 grains); that weight was the accepted standard by the signatories of the 1777 Philadelphia merchants petition. Clipped circumferentially, relatively evenly removing half of the denticles, re-edged with a simple design of oval beads. Neat circular plug nearly flush at central obverse, mark aligned upside down within it, reverse plug flush, apparently a long plug hammered down towards 7:00. Even and dusky medium yellow gold, even wear, cut in right obverse field undoubtedly a test mark. To the naked eye, the color of gold in the plug is different from that of the surrounding coin.
The Byrne Collection included a WT regulated piece that was also marked by Burger. At the listed weight of 13.95 grams, it is identical to the present specimen. Gordon cites this piece on p. 96. It is the only other Taylor regulated piece we have heard of. Interestingly, the Burger mark on that coin is not over a plug, but the WT mark is; this means Taylor got to it first and when Burger got to it, the piece already weighed the correct 9 dwt (the 1784 New York standard to which Burger regulated).
"William Taylor, silversmith," is listed in the June 17, 1778 issue of the Pennsylvania Packet as having joined the British Army. Another familiar name appeared on the same list: James Smither, the engraver responsible for several cuts on Pennsylvania currency.
Taylor's name, or the name of someone named William Taylor, also appears in the November 6, 1777 issue of the Pennsylvania Evening Post as a signatory to the 1777 Philadelphia merchants petition agreeing to accept Half Joes weighing 9 dwt at 60 shillings. While we would not be surprised to learn that there was more than one man named William Taylor in Philadelphia in 1777, the number of men with that name who would be considered merchants and who would have a vested interest in the weight of gold coins must be tiny: one would be a logical number to conclude upon.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford Jr. Collection of West Indian Cut and Countermarked Coins, October 1989, Lot 266.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
KM149. VF. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked WT in rectangular cartouche, likely that of William Taylor of Philadelphia. Weight a half grain under the typical post-Revolutionary standard of 9 dwt (215.4 grains); that weight was the accepted standard by the signatories of the 1777 Philadelphia merchants petition. Clipped circumferentially, relatively evenly removing half of the denticles, re-edged with a simple design of oval beads. Neat circular plug nearly flush at central obverse, mark aligned upside down within it, reverse plug flush, apparently a long plug hammered down towards 7:00. Even and dusky medium yellow gold, even wear, cut in right obverse field undoubtedly a test mark. To the naked eye, the color of gold in the plug is different from that of the surrounding coin.
The Byrne Collection included a WT regulated piece that was also marked by Burger. At the listed weight of 13.95 grams, it is identical to the present specimen. Gordon cites this piece on p. 96. It is the only other Taylor regulated piece we have heard of. Interestingly, the Burger mark on that coin is not over a plug, but the WT mark is; this means Taylor got to it first and when Burger got to it, the piece already weighed the correct 9 dwt (the 1784 New York standard to which Burger regulated).
"William Taylor, silversmith," is listed in the June 17, 1778 issue of the Pennsylvania Packet as having joined the British Army. Another familiar name appeared on the same list: James Smither, the engraver responsible for several cuts on Pennsylvania currency.
Taylor's name, or the name of someone named William Taylor, also appears in the November 6, 1777 issue of the Pennsylvania Evening Post as a signatory to the 1777 Philadelphia merchants petition agreeing to accept Half Joes weighing 9 dwt at 60 shillings. While we would not be surprised to learn that there was more than one man named William Taylor in Philadelphia in 1777, the number of men with that name who would be considered merchants and who would have a vested interest in the weight of gold coins must be tiny: one would be a logical number to conclude upon.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford Jr. Collection of West Indian Cut and Countermarked Coins, October 1989, Lot 266.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1773-R. Rio mint. TS for Thomas Shields. KM172.2. Choice XF. Clipped and reedged. Plugged and marked TS in rectangular cartouche for Thomas Shields, Philadelphia. Significantly underweight for every North American standard, a full pennyweight under the usual post-Revolutionary 9 dwt standard (190.2 grains). Heavily clipped circumferentially to the tops of the legends. False reeding gives the impression of denticles; edge shows even and consistent diagonal reeding on filed edges. Small plug nearly invisible from the obverse, which shows just a flat spot at central obverse, small circular outline at central reverse, mostly covered by TS mark, irregularly aligned in a diagonal fashion.
Light yellow gold with good remaining luster, scattered hairlines, some rudding toning on reverse and within mark. A handsome example of this Philadelphia regulator. Clearly clipped after Shield's regulation, perhaps by one of the merchants who profited by clipping Half Joes to a late 18th century 8 dwt West Indian standard.
Thomas Shields was active from 1765 until about 1791. The 1783 Philadelphia tax role assessed him for one slave, but no livestock. His shop was a prolific one, though his regulated gold coins remain quite rare, with just a few examples known to us.
Provenance: Ex KV Eckardt in 1990.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Light yellow gold with good remaining luster, scattered hairlines, some rudding toning on reverse and within mark. A handsome example of this Philadelphia regulator. Clearly clipped after Shield's regulation, perhaps by one of the merchants who profited by clipping Half Joes to a late 18th century 8 dwt West Indian standard.
Thomas Shields was active from 1765 until about 1791. The 1783 Philadelphia tax role assessed him for one slave, but no livestock. His shop was a prolific one, though his regulated gold coins remain quite rare, with just a few examples known to us.
Provenance: Ex KV Eckardt in 1990.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1735/3-R. Rio mint. GL for Gabriel Lewyn. KM149. VF. Clipped and re-edged. Plugged and marked GL for Gabriel Lewyn, Baltimore. Weight is one grain below the common pre-Revolutionary standard of 9 dwt, 3 grains (217.8 grains) to which Lewyn likely regulated. Kovel places Lewyn's career ca. 1768-80, before the new lower standards became commonplace. Edge heavily clipped to just above the tops of the obverse legend without affecting any letters. Re-edged in a three leaf device, poorly applied and somewhat flat in some areas. The plug is large and nearly perfectly round, raised above the central obverse, rimmed by an upset portion of the coin itself with great expertise. The plug on the reverse is plane to the surface, though surrounded by a narrow gap where part of the coin was pushed upwards on the obverse. The mark is highly distinctive: GL in a crenellated rectangle, three dots above and three below. While we have not been able to positively link this to a known piece of Lewyn's work, the initials GL are unusual in the canon of silversmith marks. The circumstances of his career, the possible date range of this regulation, and the style of the mark give us a reasonable level of confidence in the attribution if not absolute certainty. The mark is impressed twice, once perpendicular to the coin's designs and again upside down, at right angles to each other. The coin is light yellow gold, evenly worn and showing some hairlines. A low spot is present in the northeast obverse, perhaps left behind from the act of plugging, and some mint-made striations are seen. The plug is striking in appearance and the eye appeal is nice.
Gabriel Lewyn has long been known to numismatists for engraving the cuts used on the April 1776 North Carolina currency series. His work in Baltimore, where he identified himself as a "goldsmith and jeweler," makes him a natural for work as a regulator. Only one other regulator from Baltimore has been thus far identified: Standish Barry. Barry's cast doubloon production, sold in the 2005 Eliasberg sale, was signed by Barry with two touchmarks placed at angles at each other. Perhaps it is no accident that this piece, the only other regulated gold coin we've ever heard of marked twice by the same regulator, also comes from Baltimore. Lewyn and Barry were contemporaries and undoubtedly knew each other. Baltimore was a small city before the Revolution and boomed thereafter. The 1790 census counted 13,503 residents.
Baltimore was an apparent hotbed of regulating. Mint Director Henry DeSaussure complained to President George Washington in October 1795 of this problem:
"Permit me, sir, to suggest the necessity of protecting laws for the coinage. I understand that none of the laws of Congress have provided any penalties for the various offences which may be committed against the coinage. In most countries, strict laws are enacted, prohibiting the interference of individuals in this attribute of the sovereignty; and, in some, the very possession of dies, or presses, or other implements essential in the coinage, is made criminal. In this country, mints are said to be boldly erected at Baltimore, and elsewhere, professedly to imitate the coins of foreign countries, and to furnish a debased gold coin for the West India markets; and so much of the gold bullion which would be brought to the national mint, is carried to these private establishments, which degrade our national character. Encouraged by this negligence of Government, men have carried their ideas farther; and there is too much reason to fear, that a recent attempt on our dies and other implements was made with nefarious views."
When the Standish Barry Doubloon was discovered in the Eliasberg Collection in 2005, the scale of these operations was never imagined to be large. Recently discovered documents reveal that not only was Barry making false gold coins to the post-Revolutionary standard, but that a Baltimore merchant house was actively clipping and exporting Half Joes to the West Indian market. The Robert OIiver record books span 27 volumes; today they reside in the Maryland Historical Society. While research into their contents has only just begun, they reveal that the firm charged 20 cents each to regulate Half Joes to a standard light weight. In other words, they would weigh, process, and clip Half Joes to a consistent light West Indian standard for American firms to export, return the stock of now-light Half Joes to the consignor along with the excess gold clippings, and keep 20 cents per coin for their efforts. Among the Baltimoreans who consigned Half Joes to Robert Oliver for processing was Robert Gilmor Sr. His son, Robert Gilmor Jr., was one of America's earliest numismatists and owned two Brasher doubloons before the Civil War. We have to wonder if he acquired them when they were consigned for shipping and export?
Provenance: From Spink America's sale of December 2001, Lot 473. Earlier, "discovered recently with the aid of a metal detector in southeast Georgia, interestingly on a site along with other coins and artifacts from the late Colonial period."
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Gabriel Lewyn has long been known to numismatists for engraving the cuts used on the April 1776 North Carolina currency series. His work in Baltimore, where he identified himself as a "goldsmith and jeweler," makes him a natural for work as a regulator. Only one other regulator from Baltimore has been thus far identified: Standish Barry. Barry's cast doubloon production, sold in the 2005 Eliasberg sale, was signed by Barry with two touchmarks placed at angles at each other. Perhaps it is no accident that this piece, the only other regulated gold coin we've ever heard of marked twice by the same regulator, also comes from Baltimore. Lewyn and Barry were contemporaries and undoubtedly knew each other. Baltimore was a small city before the Revolution and boomed thereafter. The 1790 census counted 13,503 residents.
Baltimore was an apparent hotbed of regulating. Mint Director Henry DeSaussure complained to President George Washington in October 1795 of this problem:
"Permit me, sir, to suggest the necessity of protecting laws for the coinage. I understand that none of the laws of Congress have provided any penalties for the various offences which may be committed against the coinage. In most countries, strict laws are enacted, prohibiting the interference of individuals in this attribute of the sovereignty; and, in some, the very possession of dies, or presses, or other implements essential in the coinage, is made criminal. In this country, mints are said to be boldly erected at Baltimore, and elsewhere, professedly to imitate the coins of foreign countries, and to furnish a debased gold coin for the West India markets; and so much of the gold bullion which would be brought to the national mint, is carried to these private establishments, which degrade our national character. Encouraged by this negligence of Government, men have carried their ideas farther; and there is too much reason to fear, that a recent attempt on our dies and other implements was made with nefarious views."
When the Standish Barry Doubloon was discovered in the Eliasberg Collection in 2005, the scale of these operations was never imagined to be large. Recently discovered documents reveal that not only was Barry making false gold coins to the post-Revolutionary standard, but that a Baltimore merchant house was actively clipping and exporting Half Joes to the West Indian market. The Robert OIiver record books span 27 volumes; today they reside in the Maryland Historical Society. While research into their contents has only just begun, they reveal that the firm charged 20 cents each to regulate Half Joes to a standard light weight. In other words, they would weigh, process, and clip Half Joes to a consistent light West Indian standard for American firms to export, return the stock of now-light Half Joes to the consignor along with the excess gold clippings, and keep 20 cents per coin for their efforts. Among the Baltimoreans who consigned Half Joes to Robert Oliver for processing was Robert Gilmor Sr. His son, Robert Gilmor Jr., was one of America's earliest numismatists and owned two Brasher doubloons before the Civil War. We have to wonder if he acquired them when they were consigned for shipping and export?
Provenance: From Spink America's sale of December 2001, Lot 473. Earlier, "discovered recently with the aid of a metal detector in southeast Georgia, interestingly on a site along with other coins and artifacts from the late Colonial period."
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Colombia
Colombia. Fernando VII 8 Escudos 1814JF. Bogota mint. CT mark of unknown silversmith. KM66.1. VF. Edge filed, marked CT in crenellated rectangle. Once mounted, traces of tooling at central reverse and at 12:00 on both sides. Weight 7 grains over the typical 17 dwt standard of post-Revolutionary America (415.1 grains). By the post-1816 Federal standards, this would have been worth $14.56. Not plugged. This piece may have been marked to sign a jewelry piece rather than to regulate it: it was mounted at central reverse and atop the coin and may have been part of a larger piece. The rim has been filed in areas (4:00, 7:00, 9:00), perhaps where mounts were once present. The original edge device is intact elsewhere. Identifying this mark (especially to a jeweler) may offer a better idea of the intent.
The consignor believed this was Cornelius Tiebout, once John Burger's apprentice and active in New York from 1770 to 1830. Given its odd weight, lack of clips, and lack of plug, this does not seem to have been regulated. It is still desirable as a gold coin countermarked by an American smith, as such coins are very rare and avidly collected.
Provenance: Ex. Simmons Gallery on October 16, 2001, via K. Eckardt.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The consignor believed this was Cornelius Tiebout, once John Burger's apprentice and active in New York from 1770 to 1830. Given its odd weight, lack of clips, and lack of plug, this does not seem to have been regulated. It is still desirable as a gold coin countermarked by an American smith, as such coins are very rare and avidly collected.
Provenance: Ex. Simmons Gallery on October 16, 2001, via K. Eckardt.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Portugal
Portugal. Jose I 6400 Reis 1771. Lisbon mint. IH mark for unknown regulator KM240. Choice VF-XF. Clipped and marked IH, likely a West Indian regulator. Heavily clipped down to the tops of the obverse legend, affecting most letters on the left side. Re-edged with a taut single leaf pattern, some evidence of light filing after milling. Light yellow gold with only minor hairlines, good eye appeal, hints of encrustation within peripheral legends.
The IH mark itself is somewhat crude, with large blobby letterforms filling the square cartouche. The mark is impressed very deeply. The interior appears lightly granular, suggesting that the mark itself may have been cast rather than hand-engraved.
We know of five coins marked IH, all 6400 Reis dated 1770 or after. Four of these come from a single source: the John Ford Collection, earlier ex. B. Max Mehl's sale of the J.C. Rovensky Collection, November 1954. Three of those coins shared this mark, all were clipped but not plugged. Their weights were 8 dwt, 19.3 grains (187.3 grains), 9 dwt (215.9 grains), and 8 dwt , 7grains (174.9 grains), showing no uniform standard, making their interpretation rather more challenging. The final one, from a very similar mark, showed an immense plug yet still weighed just over 8 dwt (168.3 grains). The 8 dwt standards were mostly in the West Indies; none have been located in the United States (or earlier colonies) under 9 dwt. Gordon measured one additional coin, a 1789R 6400 Reis that weighed 8 dwt, 16.7 grains (11.97 grams) and further noted other IH marks "on several coins with both attributed and unattributed marks." He agreed that the regulator must have been West Indian, but commented no further. Our consignor noted "3 or 4 pieces known with date of 1771," of which two were in the Rovensky-Ford grouping.
The Rovensky collection was deemed problematical by Gordon, who noted:
"There were 18 countermarked West Indies gold coins in the sale, a very large number for this series. Oddly enough, only one seems to have resurfaced since. None were illustrated, nor were weights and diameters given. Suspiciously, on 17 of the 18, only five marks were recorded, in various combinations, which is far from what one would expect in a collection of this sort. But in fairness it should be noted that one piece, Lot 2143, is almost certainly No. 9 in Meili's article of 1902."
What Gordon didn't know at the time (1987) was that a young, savvy John Ford purchased 17 of the 18 pieces in this Mehl sale. Mehl, a great coin dealer but perhaps not the world's most studied numismatist, missed their significance and underdescribed the pieces, but all were well catalogued and illustrated in the 1989 Glendining's sale of Ford's collection. The marks proved to match others known to be authentic. Nearly all of these pieces are from the Windward Islands, a geographically circumscribed group from Martinique to Grenada. They may have been largely composed of the remnants of a hoard from that area, which would place the IH mark among those islands in the southern Caribbean.
Edward was looking into the possibility of Jabez Halsey being the regulator of these coins. He operated in New York and was apparently had association with Burger, Brasher and Meyers. Could this be a situation of coins regulated in New York to a 9 dwt or higher standard then ending up in the West Indies and clipped down to sort of an 8 dwt standard? That being the case, it would be rather amazing that this group of at least 4 of these coins seem to have stayed together as a group from New York to the West Indies through to the Rovensky/Ford ownership period. Again, with this hint perhaps you might be in a position to take it farther.
Provenance: From B. Max Mehl's sale of the J.C. Rovensky Collection, November 1954, Lot 2144; Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection of West Indian Cut and Countermarked Coins, October 1989, Lot 2614; Emilio Ortiz; Spink's sale No. 78, October 10, 1990, Lot 740.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The IH mark itself is somewhat crude, with large blobby letterforms filling the square cartouche. The mark is impressed very deeply. The interior appears lightly granular, suggesting that the mark itself may have been cast rather than hand-engraved.
We know of five coins marked IH, all 6400 Reis dated 1770 or after. Four of these come from a single source: the John Ford Collection, earlier ex. B. Max Mehl's sale of the J.C. Rovensky Collection, November 1954. Three of those coins shared this mark, all were clipped but not plugged. Their weights were 8 dwt, 19.3 grains (187.3 grains), 9 dwt (215.9 grains), and 8 dwt , 7grains (174.9 grains), showing no uniform standard, making their interpretation rather more challenging. The final one, from a very similar mark, showed an immense plug yet still weighed just over 8 dwt (168.3 grains). The 8 dwt standards were mostly in the West Indies; none have been located in the United States (or earlier colonies) under 9 dwt. Gordon measured one additional coin, a 1789R 6400 Reis that weighed 8 dwt, 16.7 grains (11.97 grams) and further noted other IH marks "on several coins with both attributed and unattributed marks." He agreed that the regulator must have been West Indian, but commented no further. Our consignor noted "3 or 4 pieces known with date of 1771," of which two were in the Rovensky-Ford grouping.
The Rovensky collection was deemed problematical by Gordon, who noted:
"There were 18 countermarked West Indies gold coins in the sale, a very large number for this series. Oddly enough, only one seems to have resurfaced since. None were illustrated, nor were weights and diameters given. Suspiciously, on 17 of the 18, only five marks were recorded, in various combinations, which is far from what one would expect in a collection of this sort. But in fairness it should be noted that one piece, Lot 2143, is almost certainly No. 9 in Meili's article of 1902."
What Gordon didn't know at the time (1987) was that a young, savvy John Ford purchased 17 of the 18 pieces in this Mehl sale. Mehl, a great coin dealer but perhaps not the world's most studied numismatist, missed their significance and underdescribed the pieces, but all were well catalogued and illustrated in the 1989 Glendining's sale of Ford's collection. The marks proved to match others known to be authentic. Nearly all of these pieces are from the Windward Islands, a geographically circumscribed group from Martinique to Grenada. They may have been largely composed of the remnants of a hoard from that area, which would place the IH mark among those islands in the southern Caribbean.
Edward was looking into the possibility of Jabez Halsey being the regulator of these coins. He operated in New York and was apparently had association with Burger, Brasher and Meyers. Could this be a situation of coins regulated in New York to a 9 dwt or higher standard then ending up in the West Indies and clipped down to sort of an 8 dwt standard? That being the case, it would be rather amazing that this group of at least 4 of these coins seem to have stayed together as a group from New York to the West Indies through to the Rovensky/Ford ownership period. Again, with this hint perhaps you might be in a position to take it farther.
Provenance: From B. Max Mehl's sale of the J.C. Rovensky Collection, November 1954, Lot 2144; Glendining's sale of the John J. Ford, Jr. Collection of West Indian Cut and Countermarked Coins, October 1989, Lot 2614; Emilio Ortiz; Spink's sale No. 78, October 10, 1990, Lot 740.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1770-R. Rio Mint (forgery). KM172.2. Choice XF. A lightweight cast forgery, apparently produced at its present weight of 8 dwt, 1 grain (169.3 grains) and not clipped down to this weight. The edge shows a low relief leafed edge from 3:00 to 8:00 and a slightly different edge device around the rest of the circumference. The coin from which this coin would have been duplicated was likely clipped and partially re-edged, producing this bizarre combination. Interestingly, that coin appears to have been a struck fake: the D of DG is upside down and the die work is somewhat rude. Light yellow surfaces are slightly granular in character, X-scratch behind lowest curls is undoubtedly an early test of authenticity, a few unimportant raised specks on obverse are as unproblematic as they are readily removable.
The coin from which this cast forgery was made was apparently marked by IH, in other words, this cast counterfeit was produced with the marking already intact. The inside of the IH mark is quite granular internally; this fine detail would have been very difficult to duplicate without these problems via a normal casting process. As such, this is the only cast counterfeit of a regulated coin we have encountered, an important distinction from being a cast counterfeit that was regulated after its mintage. With current collecting interest on circulating counterfeits of this era, this coin should see active bidding. Indeed, we would not be a bit surprised to see its price realize surpass that of the authentic 1771 piece marked by IH.
Provenance: Acquired from Ralph Gordon via private treaty. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 201.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The coin from which this cast forgery was made was apparently marked by IH, in other words, this cast counterfeit was produced with the marking already intact. The inside of the IH mark is quite granular internally; this fine detail would have been very difficult to duplicate without these problems via a normal casting process. As such, this is the only cast counterfeit of a regulated coin we have encountered, an important distinction from being a cast counterfeit that was regulated after its mintage. With current collecting interest on circulating counterfeits of this era, this coin should see active bidding. Indeed, we would not be a bit surprised to see its price realize surpass that of the authentic 1771 piece marked by IH.
Provenance: Acquired from Ralph Gordon via private treaty. Plated in Gordon's West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins, p. 201.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1743-R. Rio mint. LC mark of an unknown (perhaps fraudulent) regulator. KM 151. Clipped and plugged (perhaps fraudulently) to above 9 dwt, 7 grains (223.3 grains). Whomever LC was, he tried to make up for having a low grade plug by increasing the weight to well over the most stringent of known standards, including Barbadoes 1791 9 dwt, 5 grain standard and Jamaica's 1774 9 dwt, 6 grain standard. Our consignor noted "plug by touchstone 15.25K or .635 fine" and "bad plug + good coin might = full weight." In truth, this below standard plug may have contained enough gold to bring this badly clipped coin up to a 9 dwt standard. A math genius could likely determine the volume of this irregular cylinder and deduce the exact gold weight contained therein; our gut feeling is that this piece probably contains enough gold to pass at a 9 dwt standard. The periphery has been neatly clipped roughly 17 times, in short segments that have left this coin very nearly round and shaped down to the tops of the legends. The plug is, in short, enormous, standing in dramatic relief over the obverse and floriated out from a depressed hole on the reverse. This piece was almost certainly plugged before; the present plug is likely a contemporary repair made to fill the capacious hole. The plug appears somewhat silvery to the naked eye.
The LC mark is oriented almost upside down on the plug. A review of silversmith references offers no likely suspects for LC with a dot between in a nearly square cartouche, suggesting this mark may be fallacious, a nom de fraud, if you will. Edward noted Louis Gabriel Couvertie as the possible goldsmith who regulated this piece. He operated in Baltimore 1809-1815 then in New Orleans from 1815 until his death in 1844 (prior to 1809 he was operating in Santo Domingo and then Cuba). Reviewing Edward's notes there is not much info, but with this hint perhaps you can take it further and see if this name fits.
This is one of the most visually impressive coins in the collection, and it interestingly represents one of the potential pitfalls of regulation plugs. Careful research may well identify this mark in the future. It could be a highly localized issuer away from the major regulation centers, if this piece was marked in good faith and not fallaciously. Likewise, the location could also be outside the United States, including Canada or the West Indies.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of June 19, 1990, Lot 251.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The LC mark is oriented almost upside down on the plug. A review of silversmith references offers no likely suspects for LC with a dot between in a nearly square cartouche, suggesting this mark may be fallacious, a nom de fraud, if you will. Edward noted Louis Gabriel Couvertie as the possible goldsmith who regulated this piece. He operated in Baltimore 1809-1815 then in New Orleans from 1815 until his death in 1844 (prior to 1809 he was operating in Santo Domingo and then Cuba). Reviewing Edward's notes there is not much info, but with this hint perhaps you can take it further and see if this name fits.
This is one of the most visually impressive coins in the collection, and it interestingly represents one of the potential pitfalls of regulation plugs. Careful research may well identify this mark in the future. It could be a highly localized issuer away from the major regulation centers, if this piece was marked in good faith and not fallaciously. Likewise, the location could also be outside the United States, including Canada or the West Indies.
Provenance: From Glendining's sale of June 19, 1990, Lot 251.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1736-B, KM151. VF. Bahia mint. Heavily clipped to a weight of 7 dwt, 6 grains (173.8 grains). Crudely re-edged, apparently more than once, with a combination of parallel diagonal reeds and vertical file marks. Clipped circumferentially to the tops of obverse legends, affecting some letters atop that side. Pleasing dusky yellow gold with some faint hairlines, two thin horizontal hairline scratches on chin. This piece is roughly 20% underweight, representing just the sort of problem that the act of regulating would ideally solve. At its current weight, a coin of this weight would have passed for about $6 1/3 Spanish milled dollars in pre-Revolutionary America, slightly more or less depending upon the precise region and era.
Provenance: From an English school collection, formed ca. 1930-1950; Christie's sale of October 1989, Lot 1017; Christie's sale of July 1990, Lot 362. The earliest accompanying ticket notes that this piece was "cut down + grained for use in B[ritish] Guiana."
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From an English school collection, formed ca. 1930-1950; Christie's sale of October 1989, Lot 1017; Christie's sale of July 1990, Lot 362. The earliest accompanying ticket notes that this piece was "cut down + grained for use in B[ritish] Guiana."
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1743-R. Rio mint. KM149. Choice XF. Clipped and re-edged. Weight slightly over 2 grains underweight for the British occupied New York standard of 9 dwt 3 grains (216.7 grains), over 4 grains short of the usual mid-18th century American standard of 9 dwt, 5 grains, though overweight by a fraction of a grain by the standard common after the American Revolution. Ably clipped circumferentially, leaving nubs of denticles from 10:00 to 7:00, re-edged in low rounded relief with a twin-leaf design. The edge from 7:00 to 10:00 was clipped a bit closer than elsewhere, leaving the edge mill unable to leave an impression in that area aside from upsetting the rims a bit. The surfaces are very attractive, with rich peripheral luster and excellent medium yellow gold toning. This is actually a very pretty early Half Joe. Our best guess is that this was clipped more than once, then finally taken down to something close to the post-Revolutionary standard in that era. At a point, the marginal advantage of taking the last .7 grains of gold, worth about a penny and a half (three coppers), is more work than it's worth. In 1784, three coppers bought ¾ pound of biscuits in Boston or would pay the toll to ferry a man and his horse across the Connecticut River.
Provenance: Stack's sale of April 8, 1989, Lot 503.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: Stack's sale of April 8, 1989, Lot 503.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1745-B. Bahia mint. KM151. Fine. Heavily clipped. Weight of just under 7 dwt, 6 grains (173.7 grains) falls below every known North American standard, in addition to the 7 ½ dwt standard of Martinique, Grenada, and St. Vincent in 1798. It exceeds the 6 dwt 22 grain standard of Essequibo and Demerara (1798). The surfaces are light yellow gold with some ruddy earthen encrustation around devices and a variety of light nicks from bag transportation or sweating (i.e. shaking in a bag to remove some gold weight). Rather than being clipped to meet a legal standard, this piece was likely clipped for the exact opposite reason: to derive as much profit from this coin without getting busted for it. The edge is clipped circumferentially without the addition of false edge. The clipping is to the top of the legend in most places and affects the top of the lettering near 12:00 and the bottom of the date digits. Our consignor called this a "Robertson," with the explanation "when he was the English governor of New York, c. 1780s, he accepted only good full weight gold in receipts and had them clipped down and put back into circulation as normal, current, circulating gold."
The most detailed source for this story is History of New York During the Revolutionary War and of the Leading Events in the Other Colonies at That Period, written by the Loyalist lawyer and refugee Thomas Jones between his exile from New York in 1779 and his death in 1792. First published after the manuscript was found in the third quarter of the 19th century, Jones wrote indignantly against Robertson's treatment of the circulating medium (and the man himself):
"Robertson was born in Scotland. He served in the Army first as a private, then as a sergeant, and at Carthagena, in the West Indies, in 1740, he obtained an Ensigncy. Being a true Scot, assiduous, flattering, and submissive, he rose in the army by degrees. He came to America in 1756, as a Major in one of the Battalions of the Royal Americans then raising in that country. He was afterwards for many years Barrack Master there. This department was so well managed that in a few years, from a man of slender fortune, he became possessed of a very large estate. He had different methods of accumulating riches ; among the rest, as Barrack Master, he used to receive Government Half Joes to discharge the necessary bargains and contracts made in consequence of his office. The creditors being in his power, were obliged to take such money as he offered them ; he therefore fell upon a method of clipping the Half Joes and palming them (thus disburdened of their weight) upon his creditors, and applying the clippings to his own use. This fact was so well known in New York, that a light Half Joe at length became proverbial, and went by the name of a " Robertson." To such a height did this mischief at length arise, and the light Half Joes became so plenty, that the Chamber of Commerce was obliged to apply a remedy, by passing a resolve that no Half Joe should pass within the City of New York for more than its real intrinsic value. This put an effectual stop to the fraudulent practice. Almost every person in the province was a loser, the old General excepted, who calmly pocketed the ill-gotten pelf without the least remorse or strain upon his conscience, though gained at the expense of the poor and the indigent, the widow and the orphan. This gentleman, when appointed Governor of New York, was so far from having any interest, popularity, or influence in the Colony, that he was universally despised and execrated by its inhabitants, and cursed for his peculation in almost every circle within the British lines."
The story is echoed in a classic work of the era by the French officer Marquis de Chastellux, Travels in North America in the Years 1780-1781-1782, published in 1787. Rarely do numismatists find supporting evidence in not one, but two contemporary texts:
"An amazing quantity of Spanish and Portugal Gold was sent from England to America during the war. These as well as English Guineas found their way, about the middle period of the war, in great abundance into the American part of the continent, where they circulated in a variety of mutilated forms. The moidores and six-and-thirties [i.e. Half Joes, worth 36 shillings in England] had all holes punched in them, or were otherwise diminished at New York before passing the lines. These were called ' Robertsons,' in the rebel country."
Needless to say, New York was not the only place Half Joes were clipped, and Robertson was not the only greedy soul to clip them. But a coin like this, abused during its useful life, teaches an excellent lesson about the nature of specie in the 18th century and perfectly illustrates this little known chapter in the history of American political abuses.
Provenance: From Baldwin's sale of the Ralph Gordon Collection, October 1996, Lot 212.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The most detailed source for this story is History of New York During the Revolutionary War and of the Leading Events in the Other Colonies at That Period, written by the Loyalist lawyer and refugee Thomas Jones between his exile from New York in 1779 and his death in 1792. First published after the manuscript was found in the third quarter of the 19th century, Jones wrote indignantly against Robertson's treatment of the circulating medium (and the man himself):
"Robertson was born in Scotland. He served in the Army first as a private, then as a sergeant, and at Carthagena, in the West Indies, in 1740, he obtained an Ensigncy. Being a true Scot, assiduous, flattering, and submissive, he rose in the army by degrees. He came to America in 1756, as a Major in one of the Battalions of the Royal Americans then raising in that country. He was afterwards for many years Barrack Master there. This department was so well managed that in a few years, from a man of slender fortune, he became possessed of a very large estate. He had different methods of accumulating riches ; among the rest, as Barrack Master, he used to receive Government Half Joes to discharge the necessary bargains and contracts made in consequence of his office. The creditors being in his power, were obliged to take such money as he offered them ; he therefore fell upon a method of clipping the Half Joes and palming them (thus disburdened of their weight) upon his creditors, and applying the clippings to his own use. This fact was so well known in New York, that a light Half Joe at length became proverbial, and went by the name of a " Robertson." To such a height did this mischief at length arise, and the light Half Joes became so plenty, that the Chamber of Commerce was obliged to apply a remedy, by passing a resolve that no Half Joe should pass within the City of New York for more than its real intrinsic value. This put an effectual stop to the fraudulent practice. Almost every person in the province was a loser, the old General excepted, who calmly pocketed the ill-gotten pelf without the least remorse or strain upon his conscience, though gained at the expense of the poor and the indigent, the widow and the orphan. This gentleman, when appointed Governor of New York, was so far from having any interest, popularity, or influence in the Colony, that he was universally despised and execrated by its inhabitants, and cursed for his peculation in almost every circle within the British lines."
The story is echoed in a classic work of the era by the French officer Marquis de Chastellux, Travels in North America in the Years 1780-1781-1782, published in 1787. Rarely do numismatists find supporting evidence in not one, but two contemporary texts:
"An amazing quantity of Spanish and Portugal Gold was sent from England to America during the war. These as well as English Guineas found their way, about the middle period of the war, in great abundance into the American part of the continent, where they circulated in a variety of mutilated forms. The moidores and six-and-thirties [i.e. Half Joes, worth 36 shillings in England] had all holes punched in them, or were otherwise diminished at New York before passing the lines. These were called ' Robertsons,' in the rebel country."
Needless to say, New York was not the only place Half Joes were clipped, and Robertson was not the only greedy soul to clip them. But a coin like this, abused during its useful life, teaches an excellent lesson about the nature of specie in the 18th century and perfectly illustrates this little known chapter in the history of American political abuses.
Provenance: From Baldwin's sale of the Ralph Gordon Collection, October 1996, Lot 212.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1747-R. Rio mint. KM149. Choice VF. Clipped and re-edged, anonymously plugged. Weight nearly a half pennyweight below the usual post-Revolutionary 9 dwt standard (206.0 grains.) Re-edged mostly with a broad twin-leaf imitation but showing large oval beads atop obverse. Cut with shears at 5:00, extending from rim into neck, perhaps to test its fineness and determine if the coin was a base counterfeit, given its low weight. Anonymously regulated with a small round plug in hair, flush on reverse, neat, small and round below right side of crown. Lightly mattelike but attractive, some minor abrasions at central obverse.
Anonymous regulation plugs such as this are extremely rare. They tend to be found on coins of a fairly early date, though we know of one recovered from the banks of the Ohio River in Kentucky on a 1779-dated Half Joe. For its wide variety of clips, edges, and modifications, this coin neatly summarizes nearly every action that can affect the weight and value of a regulated Half Joe.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Anonymous regulation plugs such as this are extremely rare. They tend to be found on coins of a fairly early date, though we know of one recovered from the banks of the Ohio River in Kentucky on a 1779-dated Half Joe. For its wide variety of clips, edges, and modifications, this coin neatly summarizes nearly every action that can affect the weight and value of a regulated Half Joe.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1749-R. Rio mint. KM149. XF. Straight line clip from 8:00 to 9:00. Just one grain below the usual 9 dwt standard of post-Revolutionary America (214.9 grains). Good edge device around rest of rim, perhaps lightly clipped and re-edged, if so a competent job and the denticles remain of decent length. Some nicks and roughness at central obverse, matte but sharp. For whatever reason, this particular style of clipping - a straight line in the southwest quadrant of the obverse - is often associated with North America, New York in particular. Several coins regulated by John Burger show these marks, and unmarked pieces found in caches that also included New York regulations often show similar clips. The style is quite distinctive.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1749-R. Rio mint. KM149. Choice VF. Clipped circumferentially to bases of denticles. Nearly ten grains underweight by the usual 9 dwt post-Revolutionary standard (206.8 grains). The edge shows a motley mixture of crude diagonal and wide vertical false reeding, apparently milled twice around entire edge. Light yellow gold, evenly matte. An attractive piece with an interesting edge showing multiple rounds of clipping and re-edging, at least some of which was likely done in North America given its provenance.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1750-R. Rio mint. KM149. Choice XF. Weight less than a half grain under 9 dwt, 3 grains (218.8 grains). A crude specimen, thought to be a cast forgery by our consignor but to our eyes an authentic product of the Rio Mint. The surfaces are mattelike, due to sea salvage. A pit is noted atop the head, another at bust truncation near lowest curls, some raised corrosion at left obverse periphery and a more significant batch at right reverse periphery. Some light lines, scrape across portrait. The twin leaf edge device appears to be the original one throughout. Though the precise provenance was not noted at the time of purchase, this is likely from the Doddington / Clive of India treasure.
Provenance: Purchased from Format (Birmingham, England) fixed price list # 49, March 1994, Lot 1646.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: Purchased from Format (Birmingham, England) fixed price list # 49, March 1994, Lot 1646.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Joao V 6400 Reis 1750-R. Rio mint. KM149. XF. An unusual piece, clipped and re-edged, showing a large raised plug on the reverse and a crude hand-engraved EB monogram on the obverse. Beneath the monogram, which to our eyes appears to date to after the era of this coin's commercial utility, the plug has clearly been smoothed. Depressions therein suggest that this coin once showed a countermark, making us wonder if this coin started life as a rather typical regulated piece but was later adulterated by a collector who saw greater value in an EB marking (i.e. Ephraim Brasher) than whichever mark this coin previously showed. The post-mint edge is clearly from the era of this coin's utility (i.e. late 18th century), showing a single leaf design divided by vertical lines. The current weight of 7 dwt, 14 grains (182.0 grains) suggests one of the West Indian standards, but with metal movement on the obverse side of the plug the last regulated weight is indeterminate. The surfaces are deep yellow gold, showing some file marks on the reverse plug and devices, a bit granular in the southeast quadrant of the obverse, and showing two old vertical scratches behind the portrait. The clipping is down to the tops of the legends without affecting the lettering.
Ephraim Brasher regulated coins, bearing his familiar EB, have been cherished in American collections for a century and a half. The plug and edge appear to be from the era of this coin's circulation, and we suspect the EB engraving is quite old as well. Our best guess is that this coin showed an original West Indian mark of one sort or other, but was tooled and re-engraved in the late 19th century to produce an "American" coin instead. It remains an authentically cut and plugged Half Joe, one with an undoubtedly interesting provenance.
Provenance: From Bank Leu's sale of the Bostonian Collection, October 24, 1990, Lot 1779.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Ephraim Brasher regulated coins, bearing his familiar EB, have been cherished in American collections for a century and a half. The plug and edge appear to be from the era of this coin's circulation, and we suspect the EB engraving is quite old as well. Our best guess is that this coin showed an original West Indian mark of one sort or other, but was tooled and re-engraved in the late 19th century to produce an "American" coin instead. It remains an authentically cut and plugged Half Joe, one with an undoubtedly interesting provenance.
Provenance: From Bank Leu's sale of the Bostonian Collection, October 24, 1990, Lot 1779.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1755-R. Rio mint. KM172.2. XF. No edge device from 12:00 to 7:00, otherwise lightly clipped with competent edge. Nearly exactly one grain underweight by the usual 9 dwt post-Revolutionary standard (215.1 grains). Even light yellow gold, light granularity, some luster still visible, curved abrasion on cheek to chin. Another salvaged pieces from the Downes wreck that was likely clipped in early America.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1756-R. Rio mint. KM172.2. AU, mount removed at 12:00. Slightly dulled surfaces still show pleasing luster at peripheries, some ruddy toning at 12:00 near the former mount. While our consignor saw this coin as a cast, we agree with its earlier catalogued description as a former jewelry piece. The weight of just over 9 dwt (216.3 grains) suggests slight clipping in this coin's useful life, though the present edge device is a fairly competent duplication of the original one. The denticles are short in areas, particularly on the right side.
Provenance: From Sotheby's (Geneva) sale of November 10, 1987, Lot 192.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From Sotheby's (Geneva) sale of November 10, 1987, Lot 192.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1765/4-B. Bahia mint. KM172.1. AU. Clipped and re-edged. Weight just over 10 grains below the typical 9 dwt standard of post-Revolutionary America, above most late 18th century West Indian standards (205.7 grains). Deftly clipped circumferentially down to the base of the denticles, re-edged in rounded low relief twin-leaf pattern. Bold luster remains at peripheries, good medium yellow gold toning with some ruddy highlights. A short scrape is noted at the bottom right of the reverse shield. Struck from fatigued dies in a late state, clash marks visible on both sides. This overdate variety is listed in Gomes. A handsome piece, expertly clipped but clearly removed from circulation fairly early in its life given its high grade.
Provenance: From Sotheby's sale of May 30, 1996, Lot 429. Earlier, from Glendining's sale of December 14, 1965, Lot 25; Spink's sale of June 18, 1986.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From Sotheby's sale of May 30, 1996, Lot 429. Earlier, from Glendining's sale of December 14, 1965, Lot 25; Spink's sale of June 18, 1986.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1765-R. Rio mint. KM172.2. Choice XF. Straight clip under left side of date reduces weight to just a half grain under 9 dwt (215.4 grains). Even light yellow gold with matte surfaces from sand wear, softly struck on cheek and lower curls, suggestions of luster remaining on reverse. This was likely very close to Mint State when submerged. The original edge device remains everywhere but at the location of the short clip. Clips of this size at this precise location are often found on pieces also marked by New York regulators, especially John Burger. A clip like this, obvious as it is, suggests regulation by subtraction (down to a standard of 9 dwt) rather than clipping to defraud.
This piece traces its provenance to a find on the east coast of Florida and still bears a sticker on its reverse showing its weight as noted by the finders. Other examples from this find are offered in the present sale. The most famous piece from this discovery was a Jamaica GR-marked 8 Escudos of Santiago.
Provenance: From Spink's sale of October 10, 1990, Lot 747. Earlier, from a sand find on the east coast of Florida, described as "a group of 15 Portuguese gold 'Joes' recovered from an unknown wreck in the Caribbean."
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This piece traces its provenance to a find on the east coast of Florida and still bears a sticker on its reverse showing its weight as noted by the finders. Other examples from this find are offered in the present sale. The most famous piece from this discovery was a Jamaica GR-marked 8 Escudos of Santiago.
Provenance: From Spink's sale of October 10, 1990, Lot 747. Earlier, from a sand find on the east coast of Florida, described as "a group of 15 Portuguese gold 'Joes' recovered from an unknown wreck in the Caribbean."
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1766-R. Rio mint. KM172.2. Choice AU. Straight clip left of date reduces weight to within a half grain of 9 dwt (216.3 grains). As with the 1765-R Half Joe from the same sandworn find from the east coast of Florida, this anonymous clip is likely related to the 1788 Bahamian standard. Intact original edge device remains everywhere but at the short clip. This piece shows thorough luster, made subtle from the sand and sea wear that have given the surfaces a mattelike quality. Very close to full Mint State with only a few trivial handling lines. A sticker giving the weight in grams as noted by the salvors remains on the reverse. Traces of earthen encrustation is noted among denticles atop obverse and reverse.
Provenance: From Spink's sale of October 10, 1990, Lot 731. Earlier, from a sand find on the east coast of Florida, described as "a group of 15 Portuguese gold 'Joes' recovered from an unknown wreck in the Caribbean."
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From Spink's sale of October 10, 1990, Lot 731. Earlier, from a sand find on the east coast of Florida, described as "a group of 15 Portuguese gold 'Joes' recovered from an unknown wreck in the Caribbean."
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Portugal
Portugal. Jose I 6400 Reis 1768. Lisbon mint. KM240. Choice AU. Lightly clipped circumferentially, competent twin leaf edge device everywhere but 2:00 - 6:00 which shows diagonal edge reeding. Almost precisely one grain below the usual 9 dwt post-Revolutionary American standard (214.9 grains). Lovely high grade, some luster though still consistently finely granular. Trace of mint adjustment under eye to center. Pretty and interesting, a good example of mixed re-edging and a highly collectible specimen.
Provenance: From Spink's sale of October 1990, lot 750, earlier ex Dick Downs' wreck off the east coast of Florida. Acquired from KV Eckardt in 1992.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From Spink's sale of October 1990, lot 750, earlier ex Dick Downs' wreck off the east coast of Florida. Acquired from KV Eckardt in 1992.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1775-R. Rio mint. KM172.2. AU. Clipped and re-edged. Weight short of the typical post-Revolutionary American standard of 9 dwt by just over 8 grains (207.5 grains), but in excess of of the 1791 Barbadoes standard of 8 dwt, 8 grains and several of the lower late 18th century island standards. Had this been in the United States after 1783, it would have been worth $7.68. The edge device is a low relief X pattern, fairly consistent throughout. Surfaces show strong luster, especially at peripheries, and rich yellow gold toning. Some minor hairlines do not affect the excellent visual appeal. This is a very good looking example of a expertly clipped and re-edged Half Joe, one that has the added benefit for American collectors of bearing a Revolutionary War date.
Provenance: From Sotheby's (Geneva) sale of November 9, 1987, Lot 216.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From Sotheby's (Geneva) sale of November 9, 1987, Lot 216.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1775-R. Rio mint. KM172.2. AU. Heavily clipped and re-edged. Another so-called "Robertson" Half Joe. Weight below 7 dwt, 5 grains (172.6 grains) falls below nearly every legal standard and indicates fraudulent clipping. The circumferential clipping affects the tops of nearly all letters of the obverse legend and eliminates the bottom half of the date. The surfaces are light yellow gold, with sharp detail and evidence of light old polishing. The edge device is a tight, sharp leaf design. Remarkably, the rims appear lightly filed after the false edge device was put on, thereby reducing the weight of this skimpy piece even further.
Given the excellent sharpness of this piece, there seems to be a very good chance that it was clipped (and withdrawn from circulation) during the era of the American Revolution.
Provenance: From Christie's (London) sale of February 17, 1981, Lot 131.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Given the excellent sharpness of this piece, there seems to be a very good chance that it was clipped (and withdrawn from circulation) during the era of the American Revolution.
Provenance: From Christie's (London) sale of February 17, 1981, Lot 131.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil. Jose I 6400 Reis 1776-R. Rio mint. KM172.2. AU. Clipped and re-edged. Weight a half grain over the typical post-Revolutionary standard of 9 dwt, but 2.5 grains below the pre-1784 New York standard of 9 dwt, 3 grains (216.5 grains). Fairly expertly clipped down to the midpoint of the denticles, re-edged with a sharp relief two-leaf design. Lustrous light yellow gold with some scattered light scratches on lower obverse, some hints of old residue in protected areas of the obverse design. This would have appeared to have been an unmolested Half Joe to most viewers in the 18th century, as the clipping is not obvious and the edge device is passable. After 1784, this would have been a perfectly acceptable Half Joe, deemed full weight throughout North America. The clipping and re-edging could have been done fraudulently before 1784; after 1784, a clever merchant would have instead simply been reducing the piece's weight to the expected standard and pocketing the overage himself. Given the extra half grain, he was actually leaving money on the table; this amount of gold was worth five farthings in Boston in 1784, for instance. The date of this piece makes it especially desirable for American collectors.
Provenance: From Sotheby's (Geneva), November 1987, Lot 218.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From Sotheby's (Geneva), November 1987, Lot 218.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Portugal
Portugal. Pedro III and Maria I 6400 Reis 1779. Lisbon mint. KM271. Choice XF. Clipped and re-edged, sweated. Weight is just two grains below the typical post-Revolutionary 9 dwt standard (214.1 grains). Neatly clipped around entire circumference leaving bases of denticles, longer on right side, close cropped on the left. Edge fully accomplished in a taut, sharp three-leaf pattern. Bright yellow gold, showing some hairlines from light polishing. A texture of tiny nicks suggests sweating to remove tiny flakes of metal from the field. Very sharp, little actual wear. A high grade and collectible specimen, showing a deftly accomplished false edge that would have likely fooled most merchants during the useful life of the coin.
Provenance: Acquired from Michael Peykar in 1975.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: Acquired from Michael Peykar in 1975.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Brazil
Brazil. Maria I 6400 Reis 1789. Rio mint. KM226.1. XF. Heavily clipped and sweated. A so-called "Robertson" Half Joe. Weight of 7 dwt 7 grains is below nearly every legal standard, indicating fraudulent clipping (175.1 grains). Circumferentially clipped, no edge device, clipping affects more than half of the lettering on the left side of the obverse periphery and eliminates all but the very tops of the date and mintmark. The surfaces, with scattered tiny marks and some brightness that resembles polishing, suggest sweating, the process of shaking coins in a bag to later collect the gold dust left behind. The light yellow gold surfaces show some greenish residue in protected areas. The late date precludes this piece from having been clipped by the evil Governor Robertson, but could have easily been done in the early 19th century heyday of the lightweight Half Joes.
Provenance: Acquired via trade from Ralph Gordon in 1987. Earlier, from Christie's sale of February 1981, Lot 134.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: Acquired via trade from Ralph Gordon in 1987. Earlier, from Christie's sale of February 1981, Lot 134.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Spain
Spain. Felipe V 2 Escudos (or "pistole") 1741PJ. Seville mint. KM353. XF. Neatly clipped atop the obverse, just right of 12:00. Original edge device persists around the remainder of the periphery. Weight of just over 4 dwt, 6 grains (120.4 grains) is consistent with the usual post-Revolutionary American standards. The 1784 Bank of New York list places a pistole at 4 dwt 6 grains; this is the same weight requirement that was common throughout most of the United States in the Confederation period. The 1776 Congressional standards, based upon Sir Isaac Newton's 1717 assays, required a pistole to weigh 4 dwt 8 grains; those standards matched the common pre-Revolutionary standards. At Robert Morris' 1782 ratings (Spanish gold at $17/ounce), this would have been a $3.98 piece.
This specimen shows lively surfaces, with good luster and nice ruddy toning around design elements. Some very minor hairlines are seen, but the appeal is both choice and original. That this has clearly been trimmed to a post-Revolutionary American standard increases the appeal precipitously.
The 2 Escudos or "pistole" was a major denomination in early America. Documentary evidence indicates the coin - or at least the term - was very common in the mid 18th century. Pistole was used interchangeably to mean the Spanish 2 Escudos and the French Louis d'or, which were of essentially the same weight. References to "French pistoles" make clear that the primary association was with the Spanish coins, however.
A Philadelphia advertisement dated June 22, 1758 shows the prominence of the term:
"Kingsess, June 20, 1758. FIVE POUND Reward. YESTERDAY Evening, between the Hours of Six and Eight, the Desk of the Subscriber was broke open, and robbed of upwards of Fifty Pounds in Cash, viz. One Four Pistole Piece, One Two Pistole Piece, Two One Pistole Pieces, upwards of Forty Dollars, One English Crown, and about Twenty five Pounds in Paper most of it large. Whoever apprehends the Thief, and secures him, so that he may be brought to Justice, shall have FIVE POUNDS Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by BENJAMIN BONSALL."
Provenance:From Superior's sale of June 1996, Lot 1455.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This specimen shows lively surfaces, with good luster and nice ruddy toning around design elements. Some very minor hairlines are seen, but the appeal is both choice and original. That this has clearly been trimmed to a post-Revolutionary American standard increases the appeal precipitously.
The 2 Escudos or "pistole" was a major denomination in early America. Documentary evidence indicates the coin - or at least the term - was very common in the mid 18th century. Pistole was used interchangeably to mean the Spanish 2 Escudos and the French Louis d'or, which were of essentially the same weight. References to "French pistoles" make clear that the primary association was with the Spanish coins, however.
A Philadelphia advertisement dated June 22, 1758 shows the prominence of the term:
"Kingsess, June 20, 1758. FIVE POUND Reward. YESTERDAY Evening, between the Hours of Six and Eight, the Desk of the Subscriber was broke open, and robbed of upwards of Fifty Pounds in Cash, viz. One Four Pistole Piece, One Two Pistole Piece, Two One Pistole Pieces, upwards of Forty Dollars, One English Crown, and about Twenty five Pounds in Paper most of it large. Whoever apprehends the Thief, and secures him, so that he may be brought to Justice, shall have FIVE POUNDS Reward, and reasonable Charges, paid by BENJAMIN BONSALL."
Provenance:From Superior's sale of June 1996, Lot 1455.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Spain. Carlos III 4 Escudos 1788M. Madrid mint. KM418.1a. Fine. Clipped. Used in jewelry. Weight less than a grain over the usual post-Revolutionary standard of a Spanish doubloon at 17 dwt (204.7 grains). Clipped from 11:00 to 6:00, only a trace of edge device left in unclipped area and probably filed down there too. Once used in jewelry, no mount is current visible, but the surfaces bear the telltale brightness and pebbly texture of a coin so used.
By the 1793 Federal value of 27 2/5 grains per dollar for Spanish gold, this would have been worth $7.47. After 1816, this coin would have had a value $7.14 by the current U.S. Federal standards.
Provenance: From Stack's sale of November 2002, Lot 450.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
By the 1793 Federal value of 27 2/5 grains per dollar for Spanish gold, this would have been worth $7.47. After 1816, this coin would have had a value $7.14 by the current U.S. Federal standards.
Provenance: From Stack's sale of November 2002, Lot 450.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Colombia
Colombia. Carlos IV 8 Escudos 1793JJ. Bogota mint. KM62.1. VF. Edge filed or clipped, marked with LAC monogram hallmark in rounded cartouche. Weight almost precisely correct for a $15 doubloon at the 1793 Federal standard, actual value based on 27 2/5 grains per dollar equal to $15.04 (412.0 grains). Edge device no longer present anywhere, some evidence of filing though circulation after regulation made the edge rather smooth. Circular hallmark in right field an apparent LAC monogram, unidentified and perhaps not American. Minor hairlines, many scattered marks on reverse give a pebbly look and may indicate either sweating or simply heavy circulation. The precision of the current weight makes a post-1793 American regulation seem most likely; a Spanish doubloon regulated to the standard $15 Federal value should have weighed 411 grains, a statistically irrelevant differential.
Provenance: Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of June 2001, Lot 1970.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of June 2001, Lot 1970.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Colombia. Carlos IV 8 Escudos 1797JF. Popayan mint. M62.2. VF. Clipped, perhaps sweated. Weight above 16 dwt, 21 grains (405.2 grains) is a few grains below the typical post-Revolutionary American standard of 17 dwt for a Spanish doubloon. By the 1793 U.S. Federal rate of $1 = 27 2/5 grains of Spanish coined gold, this piece would have been worth $14.79; this rate was renewed until 1809. The next Federal statutes, passed in 1816 reduced the valuation of Spanish gold based on more accurate Mint assays to $1 = 28 ½ grains of Spanish coined gold. Thus, this piece would have been worth $14.22. Clipped from 4:00 to 10:00, no edge device around that part of the circumference. The light ticks and slight brightness of the surfaces suggest this piece may have been subjected to sweating. Light yellow gold with ruddy toning around devices, minor hairlines on both sides. An interesting specimen that shows deft but obvious clipping.
Provenance: From Ponterio's sale of April 2002, Lot 3781.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From Ponterio's sale of April 2002, Lot 3781.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Great Britain
England. George II Guinea 1748/7. KM588. VF. Large straight line clip across base of reverse, small clip at right side of long clip below lowest curl. Less than one grain below the usual post-Revolutionary Guinea standard of 5 dwt, 6 grains (125.1 grains). Even yellow gold with light seawater granularity.
Likely clipped to an American standard on the North American continent before being lost in the Caribbean with a cache of clipped and regulated gold.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Likely clipped to an American standard on the North American continent before being lost in the Caribbean with a cache of clipped and regulated gold.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
England. George II Guinea 1750. KM588. VF. Less than half a grain below the typical post-Revolutionary standard for Guineas of 5 dwt, 6 grains (125.3 grains). Clipped from 8:00 to 10:00, edge device otherwise intact. Grainy seawater surfaces, even color, decent overall eye appeal for a salvaged piece.
This piece was located in the same wreck as several pieces marked by American regulators along with anonymous clips to American standards, strongly suggesting that its near precise proximity to the usual post-Revolutionary standard is far from accidental. It would make a fine specimen to represent an English coin clipped in post-Revolutionary America.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
This piece was located in the same wreck as several pieces marked by American regulators along with anonymous clips to American standards, strongly suggesting that its near precise proximity to the usual post-Revolutionary standard is far from accidental. It would make a fine specimen to represent an English coin clipped in post-Revolutionary America.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
England. George II Guinea 1759. KM588. XF. Clipped from 1:00 to 3:00, rounded from filing or wear. Exactly a half grain below the usual 5 dwt, 6 grain post-Revolutionary American standard for an English Guinea (125.5 grains). Central obverse shows significant roughness, only lightly granular otherwise. Pleasing light yellow gold.
Probably clipped in America before its watery demise, a very nice type example of an 18th century clipped Guinea.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Probably clipped in America before its watery demise, a very nice type example of an 18th century clipped Guinea.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
England. George II Guinea 1760. KM588. Choice VF-XF. Lightly clipped and rounded from 9:00 to 11:00. A fraction of a grain overweight by the post-Revolutionary war 5 dwt, 6 grain standard for English Guineas, a coin that could have received one more clip before being passed on (126.7 grains). Light yellow gold, finely granular but attractive.
The clipping merchant who could have shaved another .7 grains of gold from this piece missed out on a profit of just a few coppers.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
The clipping merchant who could have shaved another .7 grains of gold from this piece missed out on a profit of just a few coppers.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
England. George III Guinea 1777. KM604. Choice AU. Diagonally clipped from 6:00 to 8:00 in two short clips on same angle. Within half a grain of the post-Revolutionary Guinea standard of 5 dwt, 6 grains, a very high standard of precision (125.6 grains). Little worn. Lustrous light yellow gold, somewhat matte, only minor abrasions. Very attractive.
Likely clipped in early America and lost within a short period of time after the work was accomplished. A particularly high grade and pleasing example.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Likely clipped in early America and lost within a short period of time after the work was accomplished. A particularly high grade and pleasing example.
Provenance: From the Downes wreck on the east coast of Florida, acquired via Andre de Clermont and K.V. Eckardt in April 1996.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
England. George III Half Guinea 1790. JC mark. KM608. Choice VF. Marked with script JC in conforming cartouche, similar to the RC mark of Robert Cruikshank but clearly JC. About a half grain heavier than the usual post-Revolutionary standard, based on a 5 dwt, 6 grain Guinea (63.6 grains). Not clipped or plugged, full original mint reeding survives around entire circumference. Marked just below central obverse, leaning down to left.
Light yellow gold with some ruddy toning around legends. Minor hairlines and scattered ticks from circulation.
While we have not identified this highly distinctive JC mark, we have seen it on a Mexican Portrait two reales of this era as well, and gather to guess that it is Joseph Callender of Boston who was active from 1774 to at least 1805. Without a plug or clipping, this should be classed as more of a merchant countermark than a regulated gold piece. Apparently the punch on the coin matches the image of Callender's mark in American Silversmiths and their Marks.
Provenance: Purchased from Bob Lyall in 2005.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Light yellow gold with some ruddy toning around legends. Minor hairlines and scattered ticks from circulation.
While we have not identified this highly distinctive JC mark, we have seen it on a Mexican Portrait two reales of this era as well, and gather to guess that it is Joseph Callender of Boston who was active from 1774 to at least 1805. Without a plug or clipping, this should be classed as more of a merchant countermark than a regulated gold piece. Apparently the punch on the coin matches the image of Callender's mark in American Silversmiths and their Marks.
Provenance: Purchased from Bob Lyall in 2005.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
England. George III Half Guinea 1791. KM608. Fair. Mounted in three places on the edge, holed and plugged. Extremely worn from jewelry use, with typical pebbly jewelry surfaces. A Half Guinea regulated to the usual post-Revolutionary American standard of 5 dwt, 6 grains should weigh 63 grains; this one is close at 60.9 grains. Alas, it is a mere jewelry coin and shows no signs of regulation by anything more than a ladies' wrist.
Provenance: From Spink's sale of June 29, 2006, Lot 390 (part).
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: From Spink's sale of June 29, 2006, Lot 390 (part).
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
France
France. Louis XV Louis d'or 1726-A. Paris mint. KM489.1. Choice VF. Lightly clipped. Weight less than a half grain below the typical post-Revolutionary standard for a "French Guinea" of 5 dwt, 4 grains (123.7 grains). This piece shows its original edge device but for an area from 1:00 to 5:00, where this piece has apparently been very lightly filed. The filing is no longer visible, indicating some circulation after regulation. Pleasing and even medium yellow gold with only minor hairlines and a dig under R of REX. Very deftly brought down to weight, by all appearances a normal Louis d'or. Our consignor believed this had been re-edged, but the edge device, where present, appears to be the standard edge of the Paris mint.
Provenance: Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of May 28, 2001, Lot 2030.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Provenance: Ira and Larry Goldberg's sale of May 28, 2001, Lot 2030.
From the Edward Roehrs Collection of U.S. Regulated Gold.
Italy
Achaia. Gold Imitation Ducat ND (1346-64), Friedberg 38a, MS65 NGC, struck in the name of Andrea Dandolo. An incredible example of this fascinating coinage with full brilliant mint luster.
Cisalpine Republic. Scudo of 6 Lire Anno VIII (1800), KM2, Dav-199, AU55 PCGS, handsome silvery gray and gold patina with bold features and no adjustment marks. Commemorative type marking the Battle of Marengo. Scarce and desirable in this pleasing grade.
Genoa. Biennial Doges gold Scudo d'Oro ND (1541-55), Friedberg 412, XF45 NGC, boldly struck on a broad flan, very attractive aged patina.
Genoa. Biennial Doges gold Scudo d'Oro ND (1541-55), Friedberg 412, AU55 NGC, well-struck details, appealing original patina.
Genoa. Biennial Doges gold Scudo d'Oro 1541, Friedberg 412, XF40 NGC, very attractive example and desirable with full readable date.
Genoa. Biennial Doges gold Doppia 1603, Friedberg 419, XF40 NGC, lightly toned, an appealing original example.
Italian Republic copper Pattern Trio 1804M, KM-Pn13 1/100 Centesimo Proof 65 BN NGC; KM-Pn16 1/2 Sol Proof 65 BN NGC and KM-Pn17 Soldo Proof 66 BN NGC. All three patterns have glossy brown surfaces with luster in the legends. The Italian Republic was created by Napoleon in 1802 with its capital at Milan.
Kingdom. Napoleon 5 Lire 1814M, KM10.4, AU58 NGC, attractive gray and gold patina, few tiny surface marks on the obverse. Scarce grade for this series.
Milan. Ludovico Maria Sforza Teston ND (1494-1500), Biaggi 1578, AU50 NGC, pewter gray toning with attractive details and a fine Renaissance portrait.
Milan. Felipe II of Spain gold Doppia 1578, Friedberg 716, XF45 NGC, exceptionally bold details with an impressive bust of the King.
Milan. Philip II of Spain gold Doppia 1578, Friedberg 716, MS64 NGC Millennia Collection, boldly struck from rim to rim with full original mint brilliance. Rare grade for this early coinage.
Naples. Carlo I of Anjou gold Salut d'Or ND (1266-78), Friedberg 808, AU55 NGC, light original patina with well-struck design features from rim to rim. Very rare type and a coin with excellent eye appeal.
Naples. Carlos II of Spain gold Scudo d'Oro ND (1519-56), Friedberg 836, XF40 NGC, light original patina, very scarce type.
Naples & Sicily. Ferdinand II 10 Tornesi 1839, KM-C148a, MS62 BN PCGS, second type with smaller bust, lovely glossy sheen to the surfaces with traces of mint red in the legends. Rare and highly attractive type in this superior condition.
Papal States. Innocent XII gold Scudo d'Oro 1697 Anno VII, Friedberg 183, CNI 99 (R4), Mun-7, choice lustrous AU, tiny test cut on the rim between 9 and 10 o'clock. Very attractive with glittering surfaces and sharply struck details.
Papal States. Clement XI Piastra 1702 Anno II, KM665, AU58 PCGS, handsome gray and gold patina with crisp details on both sides. Rare and highly appealing type in this select grade. Dies by F. Borner.
Papal States. Clement XI gold 1/2 Scudo (1717) Anno XVII, KM768, MS62 PCGS, a lovely mint state coin with full mint brilliance and extremely sharp details. The reverse displays an impressive bust of St. Peter.
Papal States. Clement XII gold Zecchino 1739, KM888, Fr-222, MS63 NGC, lightly toned and original, very attractive.
Papal States. Benedict XIV gold Zecchino 1744, KM943, MS62 NGC, an attractive piece with full mint bloom.
Papal States. Leo XII Scudo 1825B Anno III, KM1297.1, AU58 PCGS, full mint brilliance with light original toning, a most appealing example with the look of a mint state item.
Papal States. Gregory XVI gold 10 Scudi 1835R Anno V, KM1108, MS61 NGC, lightly toned with considerable mint luster, edge flaw on the top rim of the reverse, as made.
Papal States. Gregory XVI gold 10 Scudi 1836R Anno VI, KM1108, MS62 NGC, highly lustrous with light surface marks. Very scarce denomination.
Papal States. Pius IX gold 20 Lire 1867R Anno XXII, KM1382.3, MS64 NGC, large bust, a superb coin with full mint brilliance and pristine surfaces, far superior to most seen in the market.
Parma. Maria Luigia gold 40 Lire 1815, KM-C32, nice lustrous AU, very little wear evident and much nicer than usually seen.
Parma. Roberto I di Borbone 5 Lire 1858, KM-C36, Proof 64 Cameo NGC, a gorgeous coin with deeply mirrored surfaces and a frosty cameo effect on the conjoined busts. Rare and most desirable in this stunning quality.
Roman Republic. 3 Baiocchi 1849R, KM23.1, Proof 65 BN NGC, Rome Mint, variety with round top 3. A true gem and very rare in Proof with incredibly reflective surfaces. We sold a similar coin graded Proof 65 RB with flat topped 3 in May, 2009 for $4,025.00.
Sardinia. Carlo Felice gold 20 Lire 1828L Eagle, KM-C106.1, MS64 NGC, fully brilliant and decidedly rare this nice. (Incorrectly attributed as 1828-P on the holder.)
Sardinia. Carlo Alberto gold 100 Lire 1834P Eagle, KM-C117.2, AU58 NGC, sharply detailed with very little wear evident, scarce type in this quality.
Sicily. Carlo III gold Oncia 1734, KM-C14, Friedberg 885, Varesi 514, MS63 NGC, light original toning, adjustment marks on the with a small natural flan flaw at 3 o'clock on the obverse. Scarce grade and quite attractive despite the minor blemishes.
Tuscany. Charles Louis 10 Lire 1807, KM-C49.2, MS62 NGC, pleasing gold and silvery gray patina, a very nice example of this large silver type.
Tuscany. Leopold II gold Zecchino 1832, KM-C76, Friedberg 345, MS61 NGC, fully lustrous, the reverse features John the Baptist.
Tuscany. Leopold II gold Zecchino 1832, KM-C76, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous with a slightly wavy flan, scarce in mint state.
Venice. Andrea Gritti gold Scudo d'Oro ND (1523-39), Friedberg 1448, XF45 NGC, nicely struck with attractive old-time patina. Very scarce type.
Venice. Leonardo Dona gold Zecchino ND (1605-12), Friedberg 1278, AU55 NGC, a boldly struck piece with original mint luster, scarce reign.
Venice. Alvise Mocenigo IV gold Zecchino ND (1763-78), Friedberg 1421, KM-C71, MS64 NGC, sparkling luster, very scarce grade for this series.
Venice. Paolo Ranier gold Zecchino (Ducat) ND (1779-89), Friedberg 1434, KM-C107, MS64 NGC, lightly toned and original with full underlying mint luster. Scarce series in this designation.
Venice. Provisional Republic 5 Lire 1848V, KM-C186, MS63 PL NGC, fully lustrous surfaces with prooflike flashes, scarce grade for this attractive silver crown.
Umberto I 50 Centesimi 1889R, KM26, cleaned AU with sharp features, hairlines in the exposed fields. Very scarce type.
Umberto I 2 Lire 1885R, KM23, MS61 NGC, lovely gray, blue-green and violet patina, very rare date in mint state.
Umberto I 5 Lire 1879R, KM20, MS63 PCGS, silvery gray toning over full mint brilliance, an exceptionally attractive example.
Vittorio Emanuele III Lira 1924R Mint Error, KM62, MS63 NGC, double-struck with the second impression 75% off-center. The second obverse strike shows the normal detail while the reverse portion if effaced. A spectacular mint error which will enhance any collection of Italy or mint deviants!
Vittorio Emanuele III 5 Lire 1911R, KM53, MS64 PCGS, a choice mint state example with silvery-gray patina and full underlying mint brilliance. Struck to honor the 50th anniversary of the unified Kingdom. Rare and desirable in this select quality.
Vittorio Emanuele III 5 Lire 1914R, KM56, MS62 NGC, appealing violet and gray toning with just a couple of obverse contact marks. Very rare type and grade; one of the most sought-after crowns of the 20th century.
Vittorio Emanuele III 10 Lire 1930R, KM68.1, MS63 PCGS, nicely toned, very scarce date in mint state.
Vittorio Emanuele III 20 Lire 1928R VI, KM70, MS63 PCGS, somewhat mottled patina, very scarce type in mint state. Struck to mark the 10th anniversary of the end of World War I.
Vittorio Emanuele III 20 Lire 1936R XIV, KM81, MS64 PCGS, appealing gray and gold patina over fully brilliant surfaces, a premium example of this rare and extremely popular type.
Vittorio Emanuele III gold 20 Lire 1923R, KM64, MS63 NGC, full mint bloom with just a few tiny contact marks. Very scarce commemorative marking the first anniversary of Fascist rule in Italy.
Vittorio Emanuele III gold 100 Lire 1923R, KM65, MS61 Matte NGC, few noticeable contact marks, rare type struck to celebrate the first anniversary of Fascist control.
Japan
Gembun gold Koban ND (1736-1818), JNDA/09-19, variety 4, KM-C22, 13.00 g, lustrous UNC. A truly amazing Koban, with sparkling original luster and no significant defects. This is, truly, the finest condition Koban that we have seen. Accompanied by a professionally done, certificate of authenticity from the Japan Numismatic Dealers Association Authentication Committee.
Tempo gold Koban ND (1837-58), JNDA/09-21, KM-C22b, 11.24 g, XF with wavy flan and normal light scratches usually seen on the reverse of this type.
Ansei gold Koban ND (1859), JNDA/09-22, KM-C22c, 8.9 g, Choice XF. A superb example with none of the wavy flan, and very few of the light reverse scratches, often seen with this type. One of the nicer pieces we have seen of this very scarce issue. Accompanied by a professionally done, certificate of authenticity from the Japan Numismatic Dealers Association Authentication Committee.
Manen gold Oban ND (1860-62), JNDA/9-10, KM-C24a.1, 112.4 gm, XF. The ink signature is a bit weak, but otherwise, this piece is in excellent condition. This is the much scarcer variety with handmade horizontal crenulations. Included is the Japan Numismatic Dealers Association, Authentication Committee, Numismatic Guaranty of Genuineness.
Akita 9 Momme 2 Fun ND (1863), KM12, XF, 34.61 gm. Heavy lettering for value. Character above value not in circle. Reverse character marks sharply struck. Well stamped.
Meiji 8 (1875) Rin, KM-Y15, MS63 RB PCGS, scarce variety with the two portions of the character Mei not connected.
Meiji 7 (1874) Yen, KM-YA25.2, nice AU with deep pewter gray patina, small contact marks on the center of the reverse. Very scarce date, especially in this pleasing quality.
Meiji 7 (1874) Yen, KM-YA25.2, MS62 NGC, clockwise spiral on the pearl, a choice example of this very scarce date with soft amber patina in the legends.
Meiji 14 (1881) Yen, KM-YA25.2, MS61 PCGS, clockwise spiral, fully lustrous and somewhat prooflike, numerous abrasions on the reverse, particularly at the center. Scarce date and grade.
Meiji 16 (1883) Yen, KM-YA25.2, MS62 NGC, very attractive with full mint bloom and virtually pristine surfaces, including the reverse which almost always displays some contact marks. Elusive date in mint state.
Meiji 8 (1875) Trade Dollar, KM-Y14, MS62 NGC, nicely toned with amber highlights, very scarce in mint state.
Meiji 8 (1875) Trade Dollar, KM-Y14, MS63 NGC, fully brilliant surfaces with some prooflike flashes, a choice example of one of the world's most popular crowns. Worth a premium bid.
Meiji 3 (1870) gold 2 Yen, KM-Y10, MS64 PCGS Minister of Finance, light original patina with fully lustrous surfaces.
Meiji 3 (1870) gold 2 Yen, KM-Y10, MS66 NGC, a splendid coin with full glowing mint brilliance. Very scarce type in this designation.
Meiji 3 (1870) gold 5 Yen, KM-Y11, MS64 NGC, fully brilliant, a choice example.
Meiji 6 (1873) gold 5 Yen, KM-Y11a, MS62 NGC, a nice lustrous coin with minimal handling.
Meiji 6 (1873) gold 5 Yen, KM-Y11a, MS64 NGC, attractive original toning, scarce in this premium designation.
Meiji 6 (1873) gold 5 Yen, KM-Y11a, MS65 NGC, soft golden patina with very sharp details. Second type with reduced diameter.
Meiji 8 (1875) gold 5 Yen, KM-Y11a, MS64 NGC, very bright and attractive with sharply defined features. Scarce date and grade.
Meiji 4 (1871) gold 10 Yen, KM-Y12, MS63 NGC, lightly toned with full underlying mint luster and crisp details, very scarce type and grade.
Meiji 4 (1871) gold 10 Yen, KM-Y12, MS65 NGC, sparkling mint brilliance with exceptionally appealing surfaces. Very scarce in this select quality.
Meiji 30 (1897) gold 20 Yen, KM-Y34, MS62 NGC, light original patina with a few scattered contact marks.
Meiji 39 (1906) gold 20 Yen, KM-Y34, AU58 NGC, full mint luster, light handling in the fields.
Meiji 44 (1911) gold 20 Yen, KM-Y34, lustrous AU-UNC, lightly cleaned with a few small abrasions on the reverse.
Meiji 44 (1911) gold 20 Yen, KM-Y34, MS62 NGC, lightly toned, typical small contact marks on the reverse center.
Meiji 44 (1911) gold 20 Yen, KM-Y34, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous, a nice example with minimal contact marks.
Taisho 6 (1917) gold 20 Yen, KM-Y40.2, MS64 NGC, a choice specimen with glowing mint brilliiance.
Taisho 9 (1920) gold 20 Yen, KM-Y40.2, MS65 NGC, intensely lustrous, scarce date.
Jersey
Victoria bronze Proof Set 1877-H, Coronet Head, a beautiful and high-grade Gem set graded by PCGS as follows: 1/48 Shilling, KM6, PF65 RB, somewhat dappled and subdued original golden red color; 1/24 Shilling, KM7, PF66 RD, slightly dappled but mostly firey golden red, the mm really clear; and 1/12 Shilling, KM8, PF65 RD, almost identical to the last, color a little dappled but firey golden red, mm clear again. Light carbon flecks but these are indicative of originality, which this set has to the Nth degree. Here is the islands equivalent of the homeland farthing, halfpenny and penny, all as minted in special form by the Heaton Mint on contract to the Royal Mint. Rare and among the nicest set anyone might own.
Victoria Proof Trio 1877H, KM6-8, the three bronze types certified by NGC as follows: KM6 1/48 Shilling Proof 65 RB; 1/24 Shilling Proof 64 RB and 1/12 Shilling Proof 65 RB. A choice set with virtually full mint brilliance.
Jordan
Hussein gold Pattern 25 Fils 1975, KM-Pn10, Proof 68 Ultra Cameo NGC, gold striking of KM17, rare with only 170 minted in gold. Superb cameo details with heavy frost on the bust.
Hussein gold 1/4 Dinar 1974, KM29a, Proof 68 Ultra Cameo NGC, gold striking of the Bank of Jordan 10th anniversary commemorative, total mintage of only 100. Rare and very appealing type.
Korea
Yi Hyong 5 Mun Year 497 (1888), KM1101, MS63 BN NGC, rich chocolate brown surfaces with a lovely sheen, rare type in this grade.
Yi Hyong 10 Mun Year 497 (1888), KM1102, MS63 BN NGC, sharply struck, glossy brown surfaces with traces of original luster in the legends. Very attractive and rare in this quality.
South Korea gold Medal 1981, prooflike AU-UNC, surface hairlines, struck for the inauguration of President H.E. Chun Doo Hwan and featuring his bust on the obverse. 53.52 grams.
Liberia
Republic five-piece Proof Set 1896-H, One Cent KM5; Two Cents KM6; 10 Cents KM7; 25 Cents KM8; and 50 Cents KM9, as a set KM-PS1, all are Choice Proofs, the silver with bluish toning, the Cent lustrous Red, and the Two Cents Red and Brown. Included is the original Heaton mint leather case with the interior inscribed, " Manufactured By The Mint Birmingham Ltd Formerly Ralph Heaton & Sons Birmingham." Ex: Wayte Raymond Sale, December 1977 Lot 2364, and possibly the only cased set known.
Republic four-piece Inauguration gold Proof Set 1972, KM-PS8, 2 1/2, 5, 10, and 20 Dollars, all Choice Proofs in the original case. Issued for the Inauguration of President Tolbert. AGW 1.8140 oz.
Liechtenstein
Johann II gold 10 Kronen 1900, KM-Y5, MS65 NGC, gorgeous golden surfaces with virtually pristine fields. A superb example of this rare type.
Johann II gold 10 Kronen 1900, KM-Y5, MS66 PCGS, intensely lustrous surfaces and very attractive, a superior example of this rare one-year type.
Franz Josef II gold 100 Franken 1952, KM-Y17, MS61 NGC, fully lustrous with a few light contact marks.
Malta
Emmanuel Pinto gold 20 Scudi 1764, KM275, Fr-35, MS62 NGC, nicely struck with old-time patina. There is a bulge in the flan above St. John, a natural result of the striking process. Very scarce denomination and grade.
Mexico
Felipe V Klippe cob 8 Reales 1733MF, KM48, choice toned VF-XF, a superbly centered example of this popular series with a clear date and one tiny rim flaw.
Felipe V Klippe cob 8 Reales 1734/3-MF, KM48, XF-AU Details, lightly oxidized surfaces, presumably from salt water immersion. Scarce and very popular type transitioning from the cob to milled coinage.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos ND MX-J (c.1713), KM57.1, VF-XF Details, surfaces lightly dulled from salt water oxidation and with some minor coral encrustations. Bold mintmark and assayer, and sold with a certificate from Treasure Salvors Inc listing this coin as # GS81 with a weight of 26.44 grams (26.57 grams on our scale) and source as "private collection." A very nice example of this fascinating coinage with a nearly full cross on the reverse.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1713 MXO-J, KM57.1, AU55 PCGS, some peripheral areas not struck up but with bold mint and assayer, and the date is nearly complete with only about half of the 3 not visible. The reverse has some light surface deposits which are consistent with examples from the 1715 fleet treasure.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1713 MXO-J, KM57.1, AU58 NGC Ex: 1715 Treasure Fleet, bold mintmark initials and assayer, and the date is nearly complete with the 171 fully readable and most of the 3 visible.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1713 MXO-J, KM57.1, MS63 NGC, struck on a small thick planchet, exceptionally bold mintmark and assayer and full date although the top right of the 3 is not fully readable. Rare and highly desirable in mint state.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1714 MO-J, KM57.2, AU55 NGC, clear mintmark and assayer, and full four digit date although not boldly expressed. A choice example with a perfectly centered cross on the reverse.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V Pillar 1/2 Real 1746M, KM66, MS65 PCGS, a wonderful little coin with blue-green and amber patina over full mint brilliance. Certainly among the finest known for this type, and the highest grade we have brought to auction.
Felipe V 8 Reales Pillar 1733 Mo-MF, KM103, VF-XF, lightly cleaned. Variety with small crown. Very important date in the Pillar series. Sought after by all serious collectors, and a most attractive example. The cleaning is light, and the strike is sharp. Possibly a sea salvage example, but not possible to ascertain.
Felipe V gold 8 Escudos 1738MF, KM148, AU58 NGC, fully struck details with bright surfaces and abundant mint luster, rare grade for this early type.
Felipe V gold 8 Escudos 1743MF, KM148, AU58 NGC, a beautiful coin, extremely nice for the grade with lots of peripheral luster, strong strike and full details on the king's hair.
Felipe V gold 8 Escudos 1743MF, KM148, MS62 NGC, a marvelous example with lustrous, almost prooflike surfaces, especially around the legends. Very bold details. For the collector who wants absolute top quality!
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1754MF, KM104.1, AU58 NGC, choice silver and gold patina with well-struck design features, small natural flan flaw at 11 o'clock on the obverse. Very scarce grade.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1754MF, KM104.1, MS61 NGC, medium gray and gold patina with bold details, scarce and popular series in mint state.
Ferdinand VI gold Escudo 1747MF, KM114, Cayon 10692, lightly toned AVF, light scratch on the bust but quite attractive. Very rare one-year type with armored bust right.
Carlos III 1/16 Real Copper Pattern 1768, KM-PnB1, AU details, (surface hairlines) NGC. Not listed in Calico or Cayon and certainly very rare - the first that we have recorded.
Carlos III Pillar 2 Reales 1761M, KM87, MS65 PCGS, beautiful iridescent gold and blue toning, nicely centered, a tad soft in the centers from strike, die break diagonally across obverse. A beautiful coin and the finest 2 Reales Pillar of any mint that we can remember seeing!
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1761MM, KM105, MS61 NGC, sharply detailed and lustrous, a very attractive piece and ever-popular in mint state. Variety with cross tip between the H and I.
Carlos III 8 Reales Pillar 1763 Mo-MM, KM105, about XF, nicely toned and a rare assayer. Some scratches above the crown, obverse. A seldom offered coin.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1764MF, KM105, MS62 NGC, an attractive coin with abundant mint luster, very scarce in mint state.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1766MF, KM105, MS62 NGC, very sharp details with flashy mint luster, highly attractive and elusive in mint state.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1770MF, KM105, MS62 NGC, fully brilliant surfaces with light toning in the legends. Very scarce grade.
Carlos III gold 4 Escudos 1782FF, KM142.2, AU58 NGC, appealing old-time rose gold patina with luster in the legends and very sharp details. Very scarce and desirable in this pleasing quality.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1772-FM, KM156.1, XF45 NGC, upright mintmark, a nice piece with luster in the legends, first date of the revised bust series. Very scarce.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1772FM, KM156.1, AU58 NGC, well-struck details with considerable mint luster, small contact marks in the obverse fields. First variety with upright assayer's initials.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1779-FF, KM156.2, XF45 NGC, a pleasing lustrous specimen with prooflike flashes in the legends. Scarce and popular type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1787-FM, KM156.2a, XF40 NGC, lightly toned and original, somewhat soft strike.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold Imitation 8 Escudos 1770, Calico 1389, choice toned AU, very bold details, light obverse tooling. Listed by Calico as an indigenous imitation without mintmark or assayer's initials. 26.91 grams with carefully milled edge. A superb example of this fascinating "Indian" coinage and an exact die match to the coin illustrated in Calico, La Onza, page 355.
Carlos III (1759-88) bronze Academy of Law Medal 1778, dies by Geronimo Antonio Gil, Grove-K75b, 168 pieces struck, this one from the original dies signed "G.A. GIL", cuirassed bust right, reverse showing an archetypal scene of the triumph of law, Choice XF with mahogany color, sharp details, very few abrasions worth noting, surfaces slightly porous, high sharp rims fairly unblemished, engraving of fine style and deeply cut, producing an impressive medal. We note a silver example sold in Switzerland a year and a half ago for about $2,650.
Carlos IIII gold Escudo 1808-TH, KM120, MS62 NGC, a choice piece with sparkling golden luster and very bold details on both sides. Rare grade and the final date of this reign.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 2 Escudos 1794-FM, KM132, AU50 NGC, a nice lustrous coin with strong details, scarce grade for this denomination.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 2 Escudos 1794-FM, KM132, AU53 NGC, highly lustrous and appealing, seldom seen this nice in the market.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 2 Escudos 1799-FM, KM132, AU58 NGC, a choice example with full mint brilliance and exceptionally sharp design features. Rare in this pleasing quality.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 4 Escudos 1794/3-FM, KM144, XF40 NGC, light original patina, a portion of the underlying 3 is visible at the upper right of the 4 in the date. Very scarce denomination.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 4 Escudos 1805-TH, KM144, XF45 NGC, a nice lustrous coin with no adjustment marks or other flaws. Very scarce type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 4 Escudos 1807-TH, KM144, XF45 NGC, light and appealing original toning, a most pleasing colonial 4 Escudos.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1791-FM, KM159, XF45 NGC Eliasberg, lightly toned, softly struck central details on both sides. First date of the proper bust series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1793-FM, KM159, XF45 NGC, a nice lustrous example.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1794-FM, KM159, AU50 NGC, nicely struck on both sides, a handsome example of the type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1794MF, KM159, MS63 NGC, a gorgeous coin with lightly toned surfaces and full glowing mint brilliance, exceptional eye appeal. Rare type in this superior grade.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1796/5-FM, KM159, XF45 NGC, luster in the legends. The overdate is faint but visible.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1796/5-FM, KM159, AU55 NGC, superb original mint luster, very close to mint state. The overdate is discernable but not bold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1796-FM, KM159, AU55 NGC, exceptionally bold details with glowing mint brilliance, a very appealing example.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1798-FM, KM159, XF40 NGC, lightly toned and fully original, an attractive coin.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1799-FM, KM159, AU55 NGC, very appealing with balanced patina and luster. The strike is bold and there are no adjustment marks or other flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800-FM, KM159, XF40 ICG, an original piece with purple patina in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800-FM, KM159, AU Details NCS (Excessive Surface Hairlines), a choice example with very light cleaning. The surfaces are problem-free and the strike is exceptionally sharp.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800FM, KM159, MS61 NGC, an attractive example of a colonial doubloon with full mint luster and strong eye appeal. The obverse displays some light handling while the reverse is choice.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-FT, KM159, XF45 NGC, lightly toned and original.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1803-FT, KM159, AU55 NGC, a choice example with sharp details and abundant mint luster, very attractive.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1804-TH, KM159, XF Details NGC (Excessive Surface Hairlines), moderate cleaning with small obverse surface marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-TH, KM159, XF Details NGC (Excessive Surface Hairlines), lightly cleaned with some obverse contact marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-TH, KM159, XF45 NGC, nicely toned, an attractive original example.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1806-TH, KM159, AU50 NGC, well-struck features with lightly toned luster, no flaws or adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1806-TH, KM159, AU58 NGC, a choice and highly lustrous coin with excellent eye appeal. Scarce grade for this series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1806TH, KM159, MS63 NGC, a wonderful coin with blazing mint brilliance, razor sharp details and no adjustment marks or other flaws. The reverse is absolutely gem!
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1807-TH, KM159, XF40 NGC, a nice coin for this designation, somewhat weak along portions of the peripheral legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1807-TH, KM159, AU55 NGC, very light patina with sharp features.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1808TH, KM160, XF Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), cleaned long ago with some superficial encrustation remaining on the reverse and numerous small surface marks on the obverse. Scarce armored bust series.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1808-TH, KM160, AU50 NGC, armored bust, lightly toned with bold design features, an attractive example of this first date of Ferdinand's reign.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1809-HJ, KM160, XF45 ANACS, evenly worn with no adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1809-HJ, KM160, AU55 NGC, sharply detailed and lustrous, just a faint rub on the cheek of the King. A most handsome example of the armored bust design.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1809HJ, KM160, MS62 NGC, a choice lustrous example of this scarce armored bust type with crisp details and the look of a higher designation. Very scarce and desirable in this appealing grade.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1810HJ, KM160, MS62 NGC, an attractive and fully original coin with abundant mint luster and no adjustment marks or other flan flaws. Very scarce type when graded mint state.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1811JJ, KM160, AU58 NGC, nicely toned with mint luster in the legends. The portrait is slightly doubled along the face. Scarce type and grade.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1812-JJ, KM160, AU55 NGC, lustrous surfaces with a few scattered contact marks, an attractive piece and the final date of the armored bust series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1814-JJ, KM161, VF Details NGC (Excessive Surface Hairlines), cleaned at one time and with noticeable surface marks, still a decent example of a colonial 8 Escudos.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1816JJ, KM161, toned VF, softly struck center details with a few tiny obverse flan flaws.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1818/7-JJ, KM161, VF35 NGC, nice surfaces with traces of luster in the legends, the overdate is extremely clear.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1818-JJ, KM161, XF45 NGC, light original toning.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1819-JJ, KM161, XF40 NGC, a very nice type example with strong details and luster in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1820-JJ, KM161, AU55 NGC, light original patina with bold features on both sides. Scarce grade for this series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold & enameled porcelain War of Independence Medal 1811, celebrating the royalist victory over the insurgents led by Hidalgo in Acuico-Guanajuato and Puente Calderon, hand-painted enamel with gilt bronze oval frame and attached suspension, within is VF VII (for Ferdinand VII), within a golden circle surrounded by a dog, drum, and lion, below is the inscription, VENCIO.EN.ACULCO-.GUANAXVATO-Y-.CALDERON 31x24 mm (plus suspension), 6.90 g. This is all on colorful, and well-preserved enamel. The frame is VF and the enamel medal is XF.
This piece celebrates the Battle of Calderon Bridge, part of the War of Independence battle between rebel forces and Royalist forces on January 17th, 1811. The bridge is located about 60 miles from Guadalajara. This was one of the very important battles for the independence of Mexico.
This piece celebrates the Battle of Calderon Bridge, part of the War of Independence battle between rebel forces and Royalist forces on January 17th, 1811. The bridge is located about 60 miles from Guadalajara. This was one of the very important battles for the independence of Mexico.
Augustin I Iturbide gold 8 Escudos 1822JM, KM313.2, XF40 NGC, lovely old-time rose gold patina with luster in the legends, faint scuff in the right obverse field. Type with Augustinus incorrectly spelled as "Augstinus". A very attractive example of this classic gold type.
Republic 1/4 Real Copper Pattern 1836, KM-Pn53, MS64 BN NGC. Deep chocolate brown color. Virtually full breast feathers, strong underlying luster. A seldom seen item.
Republic 4 Reales 1868/58 Go-YF, KM375.4, MS62 NGC, nicely toned with full underlying mint luster, well-struck on both sides. Very scarce and popular type in mint state. The 6 is clearly engraved over a 5.
Republic 8 Reales 1829Eo-Mo-LF, KM377.5, choice toned VF with strong details, a very appealing example of this rare mint, Estado de Mexico.
Republic 8 Reales 1860Ga-JG No Dot in Snake's Tail, KM377.6, AU58 NGC, a pleasing blend of gray and gold patina with lustrous surfaces, small flan flaw below the rays on the obverse. Rare date in this quality.
Republic 8 Reales 1826Zs-AZ, KM377.13, choice UNC with old-time cabinet patina and flashy lustrous surfaces. The strike is exceptionally sharp on both sides and the overall eye appeal is undeniable.
Republic gold 2 Escudos 1863/1Ga-JG, KM380.3, MS61 NGC, slightly crude with a small scratch in the obverse field. Mint state examples of this type are highly elusive.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1871/61Ca-MM, KM383.1, AU55 NGC, a nice lustrous piece with strong features on both sides.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1853/1C-CE, KM383.2, AU53 NGC, lightly toned and lustrous, very little wear evident. The 3/1 overdate is bold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1854C-CE, KM383.2, XF45 NGC, evenly struck on a problem-free planchet, quite nice.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1869C-CE, KM383.2, MS63 NGC, softly struck in the central areas but with full luster and only minor imperfections. Rare and desirable in this superior grade.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1852Go-PF, KM383.7, AU53 NGC, luster in the peripheral legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1853Go-PF, KM383.7, AU50 ANACS, noticeable luster in the legends, light contact marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1862Go-YE, KM383.7, AU58 NGC, a choice lustrous coin, very close to mint state.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1868/58Go-YF, KM383.7, XF40 NGC, original toning, easily visible overdate 6/5.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1868Go-YF, KM383.7, AU55 NGC, a choice example with strong features and nearly full mint brilliance. Although not noted on the holder, this is also the 6/5 overdate variety.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1863Mo-CH, KM383.9, toned AXF, probable 6/5 overdate. AGW 0.7615 oz.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1867Mo-CH, KM383.9, XF45 PCGS, a bit soft in the central areas with some remaining luster in the legends.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1867Mo-CH, KM383.9, AU58 NGC, highly lustrous and attractive, a perfect type example for the hand on book series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1867Mo-CH, KM383.9, MS63 NGC, brilliant surfaces with slightly weak central details, an obviously mint state coin with flashy reflective surfaces.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1861O-FR, KM383.10, AU50 NGC, strong details, especially for this mint and era, the surfaces of the dies had been polished leaving raised "die lines" in the fields.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic Peso 1870Do-P Mint Error, KM408.2, MS63 NGC, broadstruck and slightly off-center, rare mint error for this series and a choice coin with full mint brilliance.
Republic Peso 1873Ga-C, KM408.3, choice UNC, lightly toned with full mint brilliance, faint hairlines in the obverse fields. A very attractive example of the Guadalajara Mint Balance Scale Peso, the scarcest mint of the series in mint state.
Republic gold 2 1/2 Pesos 1872Mo-M, KM411.5, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous, a choice example for this scarce issue. Small mintage of just 800 coins.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 2 1/2 Pesos 1887Mo-M, KM411.5, AU55 NGC, an attractive lustrous piece with sharp details on both sides. Total mintage of only 400.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1903Mo-M, KM412.6, MS64 NGC, a choice piece with prooflike fields.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1904Mo-M, KM412.6, MS65 NGC, a gorgeous coin with full glowing mint bloom, and a premium example for this designation.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1877Zs-S/A, KM412.7, MS62 NGC, full mint brilliance, very lightly toned. The S assayer in punched over an A.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1877Zs-S/A, KM412.7, MS63 NGC, very appealing with original toning and fully lustrous surfaces.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1892Zs-Z, KM412.7, MS61 NGC, a nice lustrous example, mintage of 1,229.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 10 Pesos 1902Mo-M, KM413.7, MS65 NGC, fully struck and slightly prooflike, pleasing yellow gold color, nice deep rims offsetting the handsome designs.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 10 Pesos 1871ZS-H, KM413.9, AU58 NGC, very light circulation on the high points. Low mintage of only 2,000 pieces.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1872Go-S, KM414.4, AU50 NGC, luster in the legends, small scattered surface marks.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1873Go-S, KM414.4, MS62 NGC, a lovely coin with lustrous surfaces and bold features on both sides.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1872M-Mo, KM414.6, nice AU, lightly cleaned long ago, just a few tiny contact marks. AGW 0.9519 oz.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1872Mo-M, KM414.6, MS63 NGC, brilliant surfaces, slightly soft on the eagle's breast. Very scarce denomination in mint state.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 20 Pesos 1904M, KM414.6, MS62 NGC, bold design features with full mint luster, a nice big chunk of gold.
Republic Pattern Caballito Peso 1909, KM453 type, KM-Pn183 variant, in silver (not matte), Raised Lettered Edge, engraved by Charles Pillet, marked "ESSAI" in tiny capital letters in the right obverse field behind the horse's tail, also in the left reverse field under the eagle's wing, uncertified, Brilliant Proof or Specimen, choice or possibly finer, having blazing luster, mirrored fields, and motifs subtly frosted. High rims, mostly squared off sharply. The edge lettering reads, in all capital letters, [two 5-pointed stars] INDEPENDENCIA Y LIBERTAD separated by three vertical fillet lines (indicating how the edge band was put together). This is the extremely rare prototype pattern for the famous peso minted from 1910 through 1914. All the rays are long. Signed in capital letters of varying height "CH. PILLET" at an angle along the inner rim by the first two rays. Struck by the Paris mint, this remarkably beautiful coin was engraved by Charles Philippe Germain Aristide Pillet (born 1869, died 1960), a Parisian artist who seems to have been at the peak of his talent in the years 1905-1910. Awarded the French medal of honor in 1923, he produced an array of French medals, patterns for certain nickel coins of Greece and France, and perhaps most important of all patterns for two Mexican coins, the 50 Centavos of 1907 and the presently offered piece. He was awarded a number of honors by France, England, Italy and Spain for his engraving work from 1890 through 1908. He was called upon to create the inaugural medal for the Canal Porfirio Diaz at about the same time he created this pattern. He exhibited at the New York International Medallic Exhibition held by the ANS in 1910. The present lot is a monumental offering, and clearly one of the prizes of the current auction sale, a wonderful specimen showing remarkable detail of the proposed design, extremely well preserved, and a treasure of modern Mexican numismatics.
Republic 2 Pesos 1921, KM462, MS65 NGC, brilliant mint luster with virtually pristine surfaces, very scarce type in this quality. Commemorative marking the Centennial of Independence.
Republic gold 50 Pesos 1929, KM481, MS65 NGC, a choice example with full blazing mint brilliance, scarce date in this designation. AGW 1.2056 oz.
Republic gold 50 Pesos 1931/0, KM481, MS64 NGC. Bright and lustrous and conservatively graded by NGC. An extremely elusive overdate of the popular 50 Pesos series from Mexico. NGC's population report shows only one other coin graded. A key piece for any collector who is building a 50 Pesos date set.
Lot of Ten Different Pillar Dollars 1751-1771, Ten Pillar Dollars of different dates from the Mexico City mint. Many are cleaned, yet the average grade is VF or better. A great starter collection. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Trio of Crowns, 8 Reales 1755-MM, KM104.2, VF-XF, 1766-MF, KM105, XF, some reverse patination. Maximilian Peso 1866-Mo, KM388.1, VF-XF. All three are well struck examples.
108-Piece Lot of Mexican Hacienda Tokens, an amazing lot, with many unusual and interesting tokens. Some are very scarce to rare. Sold as is, no return.
Monaco
Charles III gold 100 Francs 1882A, KM99, MS62 NGC, lightly toned with full mint bloom, a very nice coin for this designation and a scarce date with mintage 5,000.
Charles III gold 100 Francs 1884A, KM99, MS61 NGC, full original mint bloom, minor contact marks on the obverse which define the numerical grade. (The holder incorrectly lists the date as 1882A.)
Charles III gold 100 Francs 1884A, KM99, MS62 NGC, full mint brilliance with just a few tiny contact marks. Scarce type in mint state.
Charles III gold 100 Francs 1886A, KM99, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous and lightly toned, small scuff by the Prince's ear.
Albert I gold 100 Francs 1891A, KM105, AU55 NGC. Much original luster remaining. Paris mint. AGW 0.9335 oz.
Albert I gold 100 Francs 1901A, KM105, MS62 NGC, fully brilliant with light handling in the exposed fields. Scarce in mint state.
Montenegro
Cattaro. French Occupation cast silver 5 Francs 1813, KM2, toned VF-XF, very attractive for this rare type issued by the French defenders during the siege of the city by the British fleet and local Montenegrins.
Nicholas I gold 10 Perpera 1910, KM9, MS62 NGC, a nice lustrous piece with some handling in the obverse fields. Struck to celebrate the 50th year of reign.
Nepal
Birendra Bir Bikram gold 1000 Rupees 1974, KM844, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC, Conservation Series featuring the Great Indian Rhinoceros. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Netherlands
Gelderland. Gold 2 Ducats 1656, KM40, AU58 NGC, very appealing multiple Ducat with sharp details on both sides and full mint luster.
Holland. Gold 2 Stuivers 1724, KM48a, MS65 NGC, full original mint brilliance with razor sharp details, rare gold striking of the silver denomination. Although not mentioned on the holder, the 4 in the date is clearly punched over a 3.
Holland. Gold Ducat 1729, KM12, MS65 NGC, light original patina, remarkably sharp details and rarely seen in this select grade.
Holland. Gold 14 Gulden 1751, KM97, MS62 PCGS, fully brilliant with some light handling in the exposed fields, very scarce grade.
Overijssel. Gold 14 Gulden 1763, KM101, Fr-273, MS62 NGC, brilliant surfaces with moderate handling in the exposed fields. Popular type featuring a knight on horseback brandishing a sword.
Utrecht. 3 Gulden 1786, KM117, Dav-1852, MS64 NGC, a lovely coin with the perfect blend of amber patina and silvery mint luster. Scarce type in this select grade.
Utrecht. Gold Ducat 1793, KM7, MS65 NGC, a choice example with full blazing mint brilliance, very scarce this nice.
Utrecht. Gold 2 Ducats 1791, KM42, MS62 NGC, lightly toned and attractive, exceptionally bold design features.
Utrecht. Gold 7 Gulden 1751, KM103, MS63 NGC, nice original patina with underlying mint luster. Scarce in this designation.
Utrecht. Gold 14 Gulden 1750, KM104, AU58 NGC, sharp design features with abundant mint luster, just a trace of wear noted on the obverse details.
Utrecht. Gold 14 Gulden 1761, KM104, MS63 NGC, fully brilliant with strong eye appeal, minor handling in the fields. An appealing example of a "gold rider."
Westfriesland. Gold 14 Gulden 1763, KM130, MS63 NGC, a choice example with light original toning and well-struck design details.
Kingdom. Gold Ducat 1810, KM38, MS62 NGC, flashy mint brilliance with prooflike surfaces, very slight handling in the fields. Scarce and desirable issue in mint state.
Willem I gold 10 Gulden 1840, KM56, MS65 NGC, extremely bright and attractive with full mint bloom, rare in this select quality.
Wilhelmina 2 1/2 Gulden 1898, KM123, MS63 NGC, period after P, satiny surfaces with appealing amber toning emerging in the legends, very scarce grade for this popular world crown featuring the youthful bust of Wilhelmina.
Netherlands East Indies
Zeeland. 3 Gulden 1789 VOC, KM155, Dav-427, Sch-64b, lovely toned AU, a choice original example with one tiny edge flaw. Very scarce type for the Dutch East Indies colonies.
Batavian Republic. Five Coin silver Denomination Set 1802, an extremely popular series featuring a clipper ship in full sail, the five coins certified by NGC as follows: 1/16 Gulden KM77, S-495, AU55; 1/8 Gulden KM79, S-494, AU50; 1/4 Gulden KM81, S-492, AU58; 1/2 Gulden KM82, S-490, VF35 and Gulden KM83, S-488, AU58. Each coin is nicely toned.
New Zealand
George V Halfcrown 1935, KM5, Proof 65 NGC, subtle silvery-gray patina, very attractive and only 364 minted in Proof.
George V Waitangi Crown 1935, KM6, Proof 66 PCGS, lightly toned with pristine surfaces, a magnificent example of this commemorative marking the Treaty with the Waitangi in 1840. Very rare in this superior quality.
Merchant's Token Penny Mule, KM-Tn41, MS63 BN NGC, Lipman-Levy, Wellington, New Zealand muled with an Australia reverse. One of the scarcest New Zealand tokens, and an early Judaica item to boot.
Nicaragua
Republic gold 50 Cordobas 1967-HF, KM25, PL66 NGC, pristine surfaces, sold with the original blue box of issue, no COA. 100th anniversary of the birth of Ruben Dario commemorative. AGW 1.0301 oz.
Niger
Republic gold Essai 100 Francs 1960, KM4 in gold, Proof 61 Ultra Cameo NGC, Independence commemorative featuring President Hamani with ESSAI added to the reverse design. Unlisted in KM in gold; the holder assigns KM-E4 to this piece, but that listing in the SCWC is for the silver Essai. Very rare pattern type.
Norway
Christian VII Speciedaler 1777-HIAB, KM253, XF45 NGC. Attractively toned and with a striking appearance.
Oscar II of Sweden Krone 1889, KM357, MS66 PCGS, handsome blue-green patina, a superb mint state example with an important pedigree.
Oscar II of Sweden gold 20 Kroner - 5 Speciedaler 1875, KM348, MS65 NGC, lightly toned and attractive, full underlying mint brilliance. Scarce transitional type denominated as 20 Kroner and 5 Speciedaler.
Haakon VII gold 20 Kroner 1910, KM376, MS63 NGC, a choice example with full mint brilliance and a very popular type.
Panama
Republic Christmas Commemorative 50 Balboas 1984, KM99, Gem Proof in the original Franklin Mint cachet with blue vinyl holder. The special Christmas issue with a Grown lion and a young lamb. KM does not list a mintage, but very few of these pieces were struck. Very scarce, and the first example of this issue that we have seen.
Republic gold 500 Balboas 1984, KM101, PL67 PCGS, graded PL by PCGS, but this is the Proof version. Only 166 pieces struck in all, 156 in Proof.
Republic gold 500 Balboas 1985, KM103, Proof in the original Franklin Mint sealed card of issue, only 184 minted!
Paraguay
Republic gold Pattern 20 Centimos 18xx, KM-PnC37, MS66 PCGS, gem brilliant UNC, struck over an Argentina Argentino 1887. Very rare and a most appealing example.
Withdrawn
Peru
Felipe IV Star of Lima cob 2 and 4 Reales 1659-V, 2 Reales 1659-V, KM16, Calico-176, 2.24 g, severely underweight from heavy salt water corrosion, visible star, parts of date, and denomination; and 4 Reales 1659-V, KM17, Calico-660, 10.24 g, clear date, star, and assayer, severe salt water corrosion. Extremely rare minor star issues Ex: Jupiter wreck.
Felipe IV cob 8 Reales Star of Lima 1660-V (Francisco Villegas), KM18.2, Calico-266, 26.9 g, toned XF, lightly oxidized surfaces, bold date, denomination, assayer, and star. A wonderful example of this extremely rare Star of Lima (the symbol of the capital) 8 Real issue. The first example of this very elusive date that we have seen. All of the Star of Lima 8 Reales that have been recovered from wrecks have been dated 1659. The 1660 pieces are extremely rare, with possibly no more than 10-12 pieces known.
Carlos II gold cob 2 Escudos 1698C-M, KM29a, AU53 NGC 1715 Fleet, type with pillars and waves and date below PVA. The date is clearly readable with the 6 and 9 very bold and the 8 easily visible, and the M is discernable to the right of the 2. Rare and very popular coinage.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold cob 2 Escudos 1707H Lima, KM36, XF45 NGC 1715 Fleet, variety with misspelling ISPANIA. Lightly toned and nearly fully struck on a round flan, a choice example and a premium coin for this designation.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1711M, KM38.2, choice AU-UNC, nicely centered and fully lustrous, a superior example of this extremely popular coinage. 26.95 grams.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1712M, KM38.2, AU55 PCGS, lightly toned with a faint double-strike on the obverse. Rare and highly desirable in this premium quality.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1721M Lima, KM38.2, VF35 NGC, bold date, mint and assayer, lightly toned and attractive. Extremely popular coinage with a full reverse cross.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1733N Lima, KM38.2, MS62 NGC 1733 Fleet, a superb example of this fascinating treasure with bold date and mint and glowing mint brilliance. An exceptional piece!
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1736N Lima, KM38.2, AU50 NGC, nicely struck on a virtually round planchet, appealing old-time cabinet patina. The obverse is slightly double-struck causing the 3 in the date to be only partially expressed, but a serendipitous second date is clearly readable in the obverse legend: ANO 736.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VI gold 8 Escudos 1752J, KM50, AU53 NGC, large bust with peruke, considerable mint luster in the legends, tiny flan flake by the 2 of the date, barely noticeable. Very scarce early type and grade.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VI gold 8 Escudos 1752J, KM50, MS61 NGC Millennia Collection, a lovely example of this early bust type featuring the King in full flowing peruke. The strike is sharp on both sides and the overall eye appeal is strong. Rare type in mint state.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1761JM, KM68, XF45 NGC, original toning with luster in the legends, light surface marks on the obverse. Very scarce first bust type for Carlos III.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1773-MJ, KM82.1, XF45 NGC, a nice lustrous example of an early date Carlos III 8 Escudos. Scarce type. The holder incorrectly lists the assayer as JM.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1777-MJ, KM82.1, XF40 NGC, luster in the legends, no adjustment marks or flan flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1778-MJ, KM82.1, XF45 NGC, lightly toned with sharp features on both sides. Lima Carlos III 8 Escudos are scarce and underrated in the market.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1780-MI, KM82.1, XF45 NGC, an attractive coin with old-time patina in the legends. Very scarce.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1786MI, KM82.1a, XF45 NGC, rich rose gold patina with luster in the legends, a nice example of a Carlos III 8 Escudos.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1786MI, KM82.1a, AU55 NGC, lightly toned with abudant mint luster, tiny flaw on the cheek.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1789-IJ, KM82.1a, XF45 NGC, light original patina with well-struck features, a very attractive coin and the final year of the coinage for Carlos III.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IV gold 8 Escudos 1789-IJ, KM92, AU53 NGC, a choice piece with superior surfaces, bold details and an abundance of original mint brilliance. Scarce transitional type featuring the bust of Carlos III and title as CAROL IV.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IV gold 8 Escudos 1790-IJ, KM92, XF45 NGC, lightly toned and original with no adjustment marks. Transitional series utilizing the bust of Carlos III and royal title as CAROL IV.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1792-IJ, KM101, XF45 NGC, rose gold and violet patina in the legends, first date of the proper bust series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1792IJ, KM101, MS61 NGC Eliasberg, gorgeous prooflike surfaces with abundant mint luster, faint adjustment marks on the obverse, barely noticeable. A choice item with instant eye appeal and an important pedigree.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1793IJ, KM101, AU50 NGC, a nice lustrous specimen with well-struck details on both sides.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1800-IJ, KM101, AU58 NGC, virtually full mint brilliance with appealing old-time patina, a superior example for this series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1801-IJ, KM101, AU55 NGC, boldly struck with abundant mint luster, a very attractive piece.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1804-JP, KM101, AU50 NGC, a nice lustrous example with strong features.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-JP, KM101, XF45 NGC, significant mint luster, no adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-JP, KM101, AU58 NGC, a choice lustrous example with virtually no wear evident, bold details and no adjustment marks or other flan flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1805-JP, KM101, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with appealing old-time patina in the legends. Well-struck details with no flan flaws. Rare in mint state.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1806-JP, KM101, XF45 NGC, lightly toned, a nice type example.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1808-JP, KM101, XF Details NGC (Removed From Jewelry), moderately burnished surfaces, no adjustment marks or laminations.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1808JP, KM106.1, toned XF, exceptionally bold strike with attractive old-time patina. Rare date and grade, and an impressive example of the large imaginary bust type.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1810JP, KM107, AU53 NGC, bold design features and lovely old-time cabinet patina. Uniformed imaginary bust, very scarce and appealing type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1812-JP, KM124, XF45 NGC, small laureate draped bust, light original toning, some light flan laminations on the obverse.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1812JP, KM124, AU58 NGC, lustrous surfaces with nicely struck design features, light obverse flan flaws, as made. Scarce small draped bust variety.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1813-JP, KM124, XF45 NGC, small laureate draped bust, original patina, no obvious flaws.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1813-JP, KM124, AU50 NGC, small laureate draped bust, very sharply detailed, an exceptionally nice example of this type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1818-JP, KM129.1, AU58 NGC, a choice piece with lovely aged patina and abundant mint luster. Far superior to most seen in the market.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1819-JP, KM129.1, AU53 NGC, sharply struck features for this era at the Lima Mint, luster in the legends and no adjustment marks.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1820-JP, KM129.1, VF35 NGC, nice original toning, a decent undamaged example.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1853MB Lima, KM148.4, XF, typical soft strike with a few tiny rim nicks, a very decent example for this era with considerable mint luster.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1855-MB Lima, KM148.5, VF35 NGC, legend as REPUB, original toning.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic - North Peru gold Escudo 1838-M Lima, KM160, VF35 NGC, bold obverse features with no obvious flaws, rare type with good eye appeal.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Republic gold 8 Escudos 1863/2YB, KM183, AU55 NGC, lightly toned and original, transitional coinage. AGW 0.7595 oz.
Republic gold 20 Soles 1863YB, KM194, AU55 PCGS, an attractive and highly lustrous example of this large gold type. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Soles 1950, KM231, MS63 NGC. 1,176 mintage, and this example is presumably one of the finest. AGW 1.3543 oz.
Republic gold 100 Soles 1969, KM231, MS63 NGC. Mintage of 540 pieces. AGW 1.3543 oz.
Republic gold 100 Soles 1969, KM231, MS66 PCGS, superb surfaces with gleaming golden luster, scarce date with a mintage of 540.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
A Quartet of silver Peruvian Proclamation Medals, four nice items certified by NGC including: Medina 177 8R 1790 for Huancavelica, AU55 NGC; Medina 391 4 R 1808 Tarma, MS62 NGC; 1839 Battle of Yungay, MS62 NGC; and Fonrobert 9096 1.5P 1839, MS63 NGC.
Colonial & Republic silver Proclamation Medals 1789-1852, eight attractively toned commemorative medals, all certified by NGC, including: Medina 269 MS61, Tarma 8 Reales 1789; Medina 177 MS62, Huancavelica 8 Reales 1790; Republic 1824 General Sucre Victory 32 mm MS62; Fonrobert 9018 MS63, 8 Reales 1826 Constitution/Bolivar; Fonr-9219 MS63, Constitution - Cuzco 8 Reales 1834; Luis Jose De Orbegoso MS62 1834; Fonr-9235 AU50, General Santa Cruz Peso 1838; and MS63 Jose Rufino 8 Reales 1852. All have highly attractive original patina.
Collection of silver Republic Proclamation Medals, eight pieces certified by NGC ranging from 1821-1868, a very nice selection including six which feature the popular sunface design: Fonr-8998 MS63 San Martin 1821; Lima Independence 1821 MS63; Congressional Sanctions 1828 MS61; Fonr-9086 AU55 San Martin 1849; Fonr-9093 MS62 San Martin 1851; Release of Lima MS62 1851; Constitution MS62 1860; and Fonr-9157 MS63 San Martin 1868. All are very attractive with original toning.
Republic Two Early 8 Reales 1823, 1838, 1823-JP, KM136, Fine, some corrosion noted, Provisional Government. 1838-MS, KM170.4, VF, struck for South Peru at Cuzco.
Philippines
Isabel II of Spain copper Pattern 20 Reaux 1859 Paris, Basso 76, unlisted in the SCWC although the 40 and 80 Reaux of the same design are included, Specimen 64 RB PCGS, mostly brown with some traces of red in the legends. Rare pattern type for a proposed gold denomination.
Isabel II gold 4 Pesos 1868, KM144, MS63 NGC, lightly toned and original with full underlying mint bloom. Very scarce when graded this high.
Alfonso XII of Spain gold 4 Pesos 1882, KM151, MS64 NGC, a superb example of this rare type with full mint bloom and appealing light toning - one of the nicest we have seen.
USA Administration 20 Centavos 1903, KM166, PF67 PCGS, a truly superb coin with deeply mirrored fields and exquisite bright golden blue iridescent toning, center of the obverse light silvery gold, creating the highly desired halo effect. Top quality! An exact value is hard to determine at this grade level, so our estimate could be exceeded, as this is the best.
USA Administration 50 Centavos 1903, KM167, PF65 PCGS, a delightful coin with vivid "seagreen" and gold iridescence, providing lots of eye appeal.
USA Administration Peso 1903, KM168, PF64 PCGS, sparkling mirrored surfaces beneath bright golden blue iridescent toning, not perfect but very choice with loads of eye appeal.
USA Administration Peso 1903, KM-168, PF65 PCGS, Gem Proof with beautiful surfaces and considerable eye appeal -- silvery white with delicate golden hues on the mirrors, a delightful piece! Mintage in Proof was a mere 2,558 pieces.
USA Administration Proof Set 1903, KM-PS1, the seven coin set comprising KM162-168 and certified by NGC as follows: 1/2 Centavo Proof 62 RB; Centavo Proof 62 RB; 5 Centavos Proof 63; 10 Centavos Proof 62; 20 Centavos Proof 63; 50 Centavos Proof 63 and Peso Proof 64. The silver types have attractive deep gray and gold patina.
USA Administration Mint Set 1904, 7 pieces, consisting of the standard coins, graded by PCGS as follows: Half Centavo MS65 BN, 1 Centavo MS65 BN, 5 Centavos MS63, 10 Centavos MS64, 20 Centavos MS64, 50 Centavos MS64, 1 Peso MS62, all coins tightly graded and very attractive, the bronzes reddish brown and really quite lovely, the nickel really original looking and choice, the silver steel gray and light iridescent blue, also very handsome. A desirable and carefully kept set!
Republic gold 10000 Pesos 1992, KM255, Proof 68 Ultra Cameo NGC, marking the restoration of democracy and featuring President Corazon Aquino. AGW 0.9977 oz.
Poland
Stanislaus August Talar 1793, Davenport 1622, KM214, AU58 PCGS, exceptionally lustrous with very bold details, a choice example which is very close to mint state. Rare commemorative for the Convention of Targowica.
Stanislaus August Talar 1793, Davenport 1622, KM214, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with original patina, a most handsome example of this commemorative marking the Convention of Targowica. Rare and highly popular issue in mint state.
Republic bronze Pattern Grosz 1923, KM-Pn243, Specimen 64 RB PCGS, not noted as a Pattern on the holder. Lightly toned with virtually full mint luster. Very scarce.
Republic gold 10 & 20 Zlotych 1925, KM-Y32 and Y33, certified by NGC as MS65 and MS64 respectively.
Republic gold 500 Zlotych 1976MW, KM-Y83, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC, fantastic frost to the bust of Tadeusz Kosiuszko. Rare and popular type with a mintage of 2,318.
Republic gold Four Coin Proof Set 1988, KM-Y174 through KM-Y177, 1000, 2000, 5000, and 10000 Zlotych coins, all are Gem cameo Proofs. 10th anniversary of Pope John Paul II. Comes in the original box of issue without COA.
Portugal
Manuel I Tostao ND (1495-1521), Gomes-36.04, AU50 NGC, extremely bold and attractive with medium silvery gray patina. Very scarce silver type in this condition.
Sebastian gold 500 Reis ND (1557-78), Friedberg 41, AU53 PCGS, appealing old-time patina, large cross on the reverse.
Sebastian gold 500 Reis ND (1557-78), Friedberg 41, AU55 NGC, lightly toned and fully original, slightly wavy flan, small compact cross variety. (Incorrectly described as Fr-40 and 1 E on the holder.) With ordinal I and obverse legend ending in PORTVG.
Joao V gold 8 Escudos (Dobra) 1724, KM222, Friedberg 84, XF, first year of issue of Joao V Dobras, skillfully repaired on the top rim, otherwise lightly toned, lustrous and very attractive. Extremely rare date, unpriced in the SCWC.
Jose I gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1760, KM240, Friedberg 101, AU55 NGC, a handsome example with well-struck details and subtle original patina, just a few light adjustment marks on the cheek.
Jose I gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1768, KM240, MS64 NGC, a superb example with full glowing mint brilliance and excellent eye appeal. Rarely seen so nice!
Jose I gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1773, KM240, Friedberg 101, AU55 NGC, nicely toned, light adjustment marks.
Jose I gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1775, KM240, AU58 NGC, lightly toned and original with crisp details.
Maria I & Pedro III gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1785, KM281, XF45 NGC, old-time patina with traces of luster in the legends.
Maria I gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1787, KM295, AU55 NGC, veiled bust, fully lustrous and attractive, scarce one-year portrait.
Maria I gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1787, KM295, AU55 NGC, veiled bust, sharply defined details with appealing old-time rose gold patina. Scarce one-year issue.
Maria I gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1793, KM299, AU55 NGC, subtle original toning, minor handling in the exposed fields.
Maria I gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1799, KM299, AU55 NGC, subtle original toning, somewhat pebbly surfaces due to aging dies.
Maria I copper Pattern 6400 Reis 1798, KM-PnA25, glossy brown AU, somewhat uneven surfaces with some old patination on the reverse. Very scarce pattern featuring a bust of the Queen.
Maria I copper Pattern 6400 Reis 1800, KM-Pn27, lovely AU-UNC with a deep sheen to the brown surfaces, minor scrape on the reverse. Plain edge. SCWC value is $1750.
Joao VI gold 2 Escudos (3200 Reis) 1822, KM363, AU58 NGC, meticulously sharp design features with virtually full mint luster. A most attractive coin and very close to mint state.
Joao VI gold 2 Escudos (3200 Reis) 1822, KM363, MS62 NGC, an attractive piece with light toning and well-struck details.
Joao VI gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1822, KM364, MS63 NGC, fully brilliant and most appealing, very scarce in this premium condition.
Joao VI gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1823, KM364, MS63 NGC, a choice piece with every detail boldly expressed and full original mint luster. Very scarce in this lofty designation.
Joao VI gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1823, KM364, MS64 NGC, fully brilliant with appealing original patina, very scarce when graded this high.
Joao VI gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1823, KM364, MS65 NGC, gorgeous mint luster, very scarce in this superior designation. A true gem!
Joao VI gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1824, KM364, MS62 NGC Millennia Collection, gorgeous details with full mint bloom, very minor handling in the obverse fields.
Joao VI gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1824, KM364, MS63 NGC, aged patina with crisp details, very attractive.
Joao VI gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1824, KM364, MS63 NGC, lightly toned with nicely struck features, full underlying mint bloom.
Joao VI gold 4 Escudos (6400 Reis) 1824, KM364, MS64 NGC, fully lustrous with every detail razor sharp, a very attractive example of the type.
Pedro IV gold 1/2 Peca (3750 Reis) 1827, KM379, AU58 NGC, a lovely original example of this very scarce type with considerable mint luster in the recessed areas. The details are sharp on both sides giving this piece great eye appeal.
Pedro IV gold Peca (7500 Reis) 1826, KM378, AU58 NGC, fully lustrous and remarkably sharp, an appealing coin and an elusive type which is rare in this select grade.
Miguel I gold 4 Escudos (7500 Reis) 1830, KM397, AU58 NGC, a lovely example with silky surfaces and old-time patina in the legends. During this era the Peca or 4 Escudos was rated as 7500 Reis.
Maria II gold 5000 Reis 1851, KM476.2, MS61 NGC, an attractive lustrous example with light surface marks. Scarce one-year type.
Maria II gold 7500 Reis (Peca) 1833, KM404, AU58 NGC, fabulous strike with full mint brilliance and just some light handling in the fields. A lovely piece with a charming portrait of the Queen. Very rare type with a mintage of 1,265.
Pedro V gold 5000 Reis 1861, KM505, MS62 NGC, full mint brilliance with a light frost to the bust, minor handling in the exposed fields.
Luis I gold 5000 Reis 1886, KM516, MS64 NGC, glowing mint brilliance, flashy surfaces and very attractive.
Luis I gold 5000 Reis 1889, KM516, MS64 NGC, full mint brilliance, very attractive and scarce in this select grade.
Luiz I gold 10000 Reis 1879, KM520, MS62 NGC, somewhat prooflike surfaces, very bright and attractive.
Luis I gold 10000 Reis 1884, KM520, MS63 NGC, fully brilliant with light handling in the obverse fields.
Republic gold 200 Escudos 1994, KM670b, Proof 67 Ultra Cameo NGC, commemorating Henry the Navigator, 1394-1994. AGW 0.8019 oz.
Republic gold 200 Escudos 1999, KM717b, Proof 70 Ultra Cameo NGC, Pedro Caabral commemorative. AGW 0.8016 oz.
Puerto Rico
Alfonso XIII 10 Centavos 1896-PGV, KM21, MS64 PCGS, fully lustrous and original with subtle gold and silvery gray patina. A very attractive example and highly elusive in this superior quality. We sold an MS64 ANACS in our April, 2010 sale for $4,887.50. Certainly among the finest known!
Alfonso XIII 10 Centavos 1896-PGV, KM21, MS64 ANACS, fully lustrous with gorgeous iridescent blue-green toning, very rare in this premium designation.
Alfonso XIII 20 Centavos 1895-PGV, KM22, MS63 ANACS, splendid blue-green and russet patina over full mint brilliance, rare grade. We sold a similar coin in our April, 2010 auction for $5,750.
Alfonso XIII Peso 1895-PGV, KM24, XF40 PCGS, medium gray patina with some sheen in the legends.
Alfonso XIII Peso 1895-PGV, KM24, toned AU, very attractive with bold design features, some typical contact marks on the obverse and a small patch of scratches on the reverse to the lower right of the column.
Alfonso XIII Peso 1895-PGV, KM24, AU55 NGC, a nice lustrous coin with minimal contact marks.
Alfonso XIII Peso 1895-PGV, KM24, MS62 ANACS, fully lustrous and truly mint state, numerous small contact marks which define the numerical grade. Blue-green and amber patina in the legends.
Qatar
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah gold 5 Riyals 2000, Proof 68 Ultra Cameo NGC, not currently listed in the SCWC and the first we've seen.
Romania
Carol I gold 20 Lei 1890B, KM20, MS63 PCGS, fully lustrous and original, very scarce grade for this type.
Russia
Peter I Novodel Poltina (1/2 Rouble) 1712, Bust right/Imperial eagle with date below, Bit H1002 (R2), Sev 287A, MS63 NGC. Sharply struck, and fully lustrous, with no flaws worthy of mention. By far, the nicest example of this Novodel Poltina that we have seen.
Peter I Rouble 1721 К, Bust right/Imperial eagle, Bit 463, XF. Medium gray patina with a nice strike and minor obverse flan flaws. A nice example of this early Rouble type.
Peter I Rouble 1723, historical piece carried in the Siege of Berlin 1760, Seaman type, Bust of Peter I right/Four crowned, cruciform Russian P's, with the date, Diakov 52, Uzd 0610, good VF details with small nick at 12 o'clock. The obverse is engraved in French and German (translated to English), "1760 Berlin 3 Sept bombarded, 9 Sept captured, 12 Sept, withdrew." This was the Russian capture of Berlin during Elizabeth's campaign in the Seven Years' War, which added East Prussia to Russia. Ex: Jacques Schulman 1974 Auction.
Peter I Rouble 1723 OК, Bust right/Four crowned, cruciform Russian P's, with the date, Diakov 25, Petrov unlisted, Severin unlisted, about XF. Medium gray patina with a few light flan flaws.
Peter I Sun Rouble 1725 СПБ, Bust right/Bust right/Four crowned, cruciform Russian P's, with the date and radiant sun in the center, Diakov 24, Petr 16 (6), VF details, lightly cleaned with minor flan flaws and light scratches. The edge shows signs of mount removal. A very rare issue, despite the edge flaws, which do not detract a great deal from the appearance of the coin.
Catherine I Rouble 1726, Bust left/Imperial eagle, Diakov 15, Bit 27, XF. Some remaining luster with light toning and a touch of soft strike on both sides. A very desirable example of this conditionally rare issue.
Peter II Rouble 1727, Moscow, Bust right/Four crowned, cruciform Russian P's with two I's in the angles, the date, and a dot, in the center, Bit 19, Diakov 6, about XF. Superb details, lightly cleaned long ago, with only a few minor imperfections.
Peter II Rouble 1728, Moscow, Bust right/Four crowned, cruciform Russian P's with two I's in the angles, the date in the center, Unlisted in Diakov, similar to number 24, AU. Well struck with luster remaining on both the obverse and reverse. No flaws worthy of mention. An exceptional example of this scarce type.
Anna Poltina (1/2 Rouble) 1738, Bust right/Imperial eagle, St. Petersburg portrait without mintmark, Diakov 2.1, Petr 2 (2), VF25 NGC. Even gray patina with no significant flaws and nice details for the grade. A very scarce issue.
Anna Rouble 1733, Bust right/Triple crowned Imperial eagle, Diakov 16, Sev 0706, about XF. Well struck, and lightly toned, with no egregious flaws and full legends. A pleasing example this this early Rouble type.
Anna Rouble 1733, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date, Diakov unlisted, similar to number 10, good XF. Well struck, with some remaining luster and no serious imperfections.
Anna Rouble 1734, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, three pearls on dress, Diakov 49, Petr 3 (3), UZD 0718, XF. Light gray patina, with iridescent surfaces and slight central softness.
Anna Rouble 1734, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date, Diakov 40, AU 50 ANACS. Boldly struck with argent-gray patina over lustrous surfaces with a few minor flan flaws. A well above average example of this popular Anna Rouble type.
Anna Rouble 1737, Hedlinger type, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date, Diakov 13, Petr 3 (10), UZD 0730, VF. Slightly mottled, gray patina, with a few minor contact marks. A very scarce variety of the Anna Rouble.
Elizabeth gold Rouble 1756, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date, Diakov 389, Bit 59, Petr (3.5), AU58 NGC. Lustrous and well struck with no flaws worthy of mention.
Elizabeth gold Rouble 1757, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date, Diakov 422, Bit 65, MS62 NGC. Full mint brilliance with a bold strike and only a few tiny marks. An exceptional example of this small gold issue.
Paul I Rouble 1800 CM-OM, Crowned Russian letter П in cruciform, I in center/Ornamental cartouche with legend, Bit 41, AU50 NGC. Well struck, with gray patina and no significant imperfections. A very scarce type in nicer conditions.
Alexander I Rouble 1807 CПБ-ФГ, Crowned Imperial eagle with wings up and date/Crowned four-line inscription, Bit 66, XF40 NGC. Moderate gray-russet toning with light marks and a decant strike.
Nicholas I Rouble 1840 CПБ-HГ, Triple crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in wreath, Bit-190, MS64 NGC. Fully lustrous, and well struck, with near-flawless surfaces and a touch of light golden toning.
Nicholas I Rouble 1847 CПБ-ПA, Crowned Imperial eagle/Crowned date and value, Bit 212, MS62 NGC. Superbly struck with reddish-gray toning over reflective fields and only minor marks.
Nicholas I Rouble 1850 CПБ-ПA, Crowned Imperial eagle/Crowned Date and value, Bit 225, MS65 NGC. Superb reddish-gold patina over fully lustrous, near-flawless surfaces with a bold strike. A very rare issue in
Nicholas I, Alexander I Column Commemorative Rouble 1834, by H. Gube, Bust right/Alexander I monument, KM169, Bit-894 (R), AU55 NGC. Boldly struck with light golden toning over mirrored fields with light contact marks.
Nicholas I, Alexander I Column Commemorative Rouble 1834, by H. Gube, Bust right/Alexander I monument, KM169, Bit-894 (R), AU58 PCGS. Sharply struck, and white, with reflective fields and tiny contact marks.
Nicholas I Battle of Borodino 1 1/2 Roubles 1839, by H. Gube, Bust right with radiant eye above/Monument with value below, Bit 892, MS63 PCGS. Attractive rose-gray patina over fully mirrored fields with bold definition. The nicest example of this very popular issue we have seen.
Nicholas I platinum 3 Roubles 1830 CПБ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in circle, Bit 75, XF. Some luster remaining with surfaces free of detracting marks.
Nicholas I platinum 3 Roubles 1844 CПБ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in circle, Bit 90, XF/AU. Lustrous and well struck with a small reverse rim bruise.
Nicholas I gold 5 Roubles 1841 CПБ-AЧ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in circle, Bit 18, MS63 NGC. Lustrous and well struck.
Nicholas I gold 5 Roubles 1841 CПБ-AЧ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in circle, Bit 18, MS65 NGC. Fully brilliant with no mentionable flaws and the normal strike from crude dies always seen with this date. Very scarce in Gem condition.
Nicholas I gold 5 Roubles 1841/0 CПБ-AЧ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in circle, Bit 18, MS62 NGC. A clear, and easily legible, overdate. Nice luster with considerable die clashing.
Nicholas I gold 5 Roubles 1842 CПБ-AЧ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in wreath, Bit 19, MS63 NGC. Blazing mint luster with nicely defined details and noticeable die-clashing on the reverse. An exceptionally nice example of the grade.
Nicholas I gold 5 Roubles 1848 CПБ-AГ, Triple crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value, Bit-30, MS64 NGC. Fully struck and brilliant with no significant flaws. A very scarce issue in this condition.
Nicholas I gold 5 Roubles 1848 CПБ-AГ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in wreath, Bit 30, MS64 NGC. Nicely mirrored, Prooflike fields with full, brilliant luster, bold definition, and only a few minor marks. A superior example of this Nicholas I gold issue.
Nicholas I gold 5 Roubles 1852 CПБ-AГ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in circle, Bit 35, MS63 NGC. Well struck, with brilliant, golden luster and nice prooflike fields. A premium example of this conditionally rare issue.
Nicholas I Proof platinum 6 Roubles 1829 CПБ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in wreath, Bit 55 (R2), Sev 596 (RR), UZD 0386 (RR), Proof 63 Cameo PCGS. Fully struck with frosted devices, mirrored fields and a few tiny marks. An extremely rare issue with a mintage of only 828 pieces of which very few proof examples are known. This is the first proof example of this date, and one of the few platinum 6 Roubles of any date, that we have been privileged to offer.
Alexander II, Nicholas I Commemorative Rouble 1859, by Lyalin, Bust left/Nicholas I Monument, KM-Y28, Bit-567, Uzd-4194, XF. Well struck with mottled gray patina.
Alexander II gold 3 Roubles 1871 CПБ-HI, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value, Bit 33 (R), MS62 PCGS. Reddish-gold patina with bright luster and noticeable reverse contact marks.
Alexander II gold 3 Roubles 1871 CПБ-HI, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value, Bit 33 (R), MS63 NGC. Lustrous and brilliant with nice definition and a few minor marks. Scarce in this condition.
Alexander II gold 5 Roubles 1863 CПБ-MИ, Crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in circle, Bit 9, MS64 NGC. Boldly defined with bright luster and no significant flaws. The only 5 Roubles with this Mintmaster's initials.
Alexander II gold 5 Roubles 1866 CПБ-HI, Triple crowned Imperial eagle/Date and value in circle, Bit-14, MS64 PCGS. Well struck and lustrous with only a few minor marks.
Alexander III 50 Kopecks 1894 AГ, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 87, MS61 NGC. Lustrous and well struck with light golden toning.
Alexander III Rouble 1893 AГ, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 77, MS65 NGC. Argent gray patina with full mint brilliance over bold features. One of the nicer examples of this issue we have seen.
Alexander III gold 5 Roubles 1886 AГ, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 24, MS63 NGC. Fully brilliant, with greenish-gold patina and a few small contact marks. A superior example of this issue. Much scarcer in Mint State than some might think, and conditionally rare in grades of MS63 and above.
Alexander III gold 5 Roubles 1888 AГ, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 27, MS63 NGC. Brilliant golden mint luster with a bold strike. The obverse is near-Gem, while the reverse exhibits a few contact marks.
Alexander III gold 5 Roubles 1889 AГ, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 33, MS63 NGC. Well struck and lustrous with light orange-gold patina. A superior example of the grade.
Alexander III gold 5 Roubles 1890 AГ, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 35, MS64 NGC. Superbly struck, with bright, satiny surfaces and only a few tiny marks. Very scarce in this Choice condition.
Alexander III gold 5 Roubles 1890 AГ, Bust right/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 35, MS64 PCGS. Brilliant mint luster, with fully defined features and attractive greenish-gold patina. Scarce in this condition.
Nicholas II Rouble 1912 ЭБ, Bust left/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 66, MS64 NGC. Frosty white mint luster with well defined features and no detracting flaws. A piece worthy of being called "Gem." Very scarce in this exceptional condition.
Nicholas II Rouble 1915 BC, Bust left. Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 70 (R), MS62 NGC. Argent-gray patina over lustrous surfaces with a few light contact marks.
Nicholas II Coronation Rouble 1896 AГ, Bust left/Value over crowned sword, scepter, and orb, Bit-322, MS63 NGC. Full luster beneath light green patina. The fields are reflective, and only a few minor contact marks are noted. A nice, original example of this commemorative issue.
Nicholas II Proof Coronation Rouble 1896 AF, Bust left/Value over crowned sword, scepter, and orb, Bit-322, Proof 62 NGC. Mottled gray toning over fully mirrored fields. Very rare in Proof.
Nicholas II, Bicentenary of the Victory of the Russian Fleet at Gangut, Rouble 1914 BC, Bust right with date/Imperial eagle with value, Bit-337, R.2, Uzd-4202, AU53 PCGS. Well struck, with charcoal patina over reflective fields. The surfaces exhibit a few minor marks, but little actual wear is noted.
Nicholas II gold 5 Roubles 1909 ЭБ, Bust left/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 34 (R), MS67 NGC. A spectacular example of this very scarce issue. The fully lustrous surfaces exhibit a golden-orange tint with no noticeable flaws. We have only seen one other piece in similar condition, and that was over 5 years ago.
Nicholas II gold 10 Roubles 1899 AГ, Bust left/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit-4, MS65 PCGS. Lustrous and brilliant with only a few barely noticeable imperfections. Very scarce in this condition.
Nicholas II gold 10 Roubles 1903 AP, Bust left/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 11, MS66 NGC. Sparkling golden luster with a full strike and only a few tiny marks, hardly visible at all with the unaided eye. Very scarce in this condition.
Nicholas II gold 15 Roubles 1897 AГ, Bust left/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, long legend, Bit 2, MS61 NGC. Well struck with a few light contact marks.
Nicholas II gold 15 Roubles 1897 AГ, Bust left/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, long legend, Bit 2, MS61 NGC. Fully lustrous and well struck.
Nicholas II gold 15 Roubles 1897, KM-Y65.2, MS62 ANACS, fully lustrous with minimal contact marks. Second variety with four letters of legend below the Czar's neck.
Nicholas II gold 15 Roubles 1897 AГ, Bust left/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, long legend, Bit 2, MS63 NGC. Brilliant, gleaming mint luster, with nice definition and only a few minor imperfections. An exceptional example of the grade.
Nicholas II Proof gold 25 Roubles (2 1/2 Imperials) 1896 St. Petersburg, Bust left/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit 312 (R2), Fr-171, Proof 61 NGC. Fully mirrored fields, with boldly struck details. The surfaces exhibit a few minor marks beneath attractive greenish-gold patina. Much nicer than one might expect for a coin of this grade.
This was thought to be a special commemorative issue for the Coronation of Nicholas II. It was issued in a tiny mintage of 301 pieces, of which very few examples are known to survive. This piece, along with the 1908 25 Roubles and the 1902 37-1/2 Roubles, were the largest gold issues of the era in terms of gold weight. All three of these issues have the same gold weight of 32.26 gm of pure gold. One of the classic gold rarities of nineteenth century Russian numismatics.
This was thought to be a special commemorative issue for the Coronation of Nicholas II. It was issued in a tiny mintage of 301 pieces, of which very few examples are known to survive. This piece, along with the 1908 25 Roubles and the 1902 37-1/2 Roubles, were the largest gold issues of the era in terms of gold weight. All three of these issues have the same gold weight of 32.26 gm of pure gold. One of the classic gold rarities of nineteenth century Russian numismatics.
Nicholas II silver Medal for the Laying of the Cornerstone of the Alexander III Memorial in Paris in 1900, by F. Razumny, Three Female figure with a portrait of Alexander III above/Partially nude woman, and child, beneath tree, with twelve-line inscription below, Diakov 1320.1 (R2), 69 mm, 140.2 gm, Choice AU. Lightly hairlined with a touch of toning. The edge is marked BRONZE with a Paris Mint privy mark, but this medal upon close examination appears to be silver, not bronze. Housed in the original case of issue.
U.S.S.R. Proof 1 Kopeck 1926, KM-Y91, Proof 64 ICG. A very rare issue in Proof. Well struck, and toned, with no major flaws.
R.S.F.S.R. gold Chervonetz (10 Roubles) 1923 ПЛ, Sower scattering seeds//Hammer and sickle, Fr-181, KM-Y85, MS62 NGC. Well struck with light contact marks.
R.S.F.S.R. gold Chervonetz (10 Roubles) 1923 ПЛ, Sower scattering seeds//Hammer and sickle, Fr-181, KM-Y85, MS64 NGC. Orange-gold patina over lustrous surfaces with minor marks and a nice strike.
Six-piece set of Commemorative gold 100 Roubles issued for the 1980 Olympics, KM-YA163, 1977-I; KM-Y151, 1978-I; KM-Y162, 1978-I; KM-Y173, 1979-I; KM-Y174, 1979-M; and KM-Y186, 1980-M, all are .50 oz AGW, .900 fine, all are Gem Proof in the original case with certificates. AGW 3.0000 oz.
U.S.S.R. four-piece Russian History Proof Set 1988, 2) silver 3 Roubles KM-Y210 & KM-Y211; palladium 25 Roubles KM-Y212 (1 oz); and a platinum 150 Roubles KM-215 (.5 oz), all are Gem Proof in the original case of issue with COA.
Saint Helena
Elizabeth II gold 50 Pence 1984, KM12b, a special Royal Mint issue for the 150th anniversary of the colony, mintage of just 150 pieces in 22ct gold. Arms of the colony on reverse with the motto incuse "Loyal and Unshakeable." Popular with South African collectors, among others, as the island is located directly SW of that nation, 1200 miles out in the South Atlantic Ocean. This is just a beautiful issue. Gem cameo Proof in capsule inside RM issue case, with COA. AGW 1.4015 oz.
San Marino
Republic gold 10 Lire 1925R, KM7, MS62 NGC, an original example of this scarce one-year type with full mint bloom.
Sarawak
Rajah C.V. Brooke Cent 1941H, KM18, MS64 RB NGC, a gorgeous coin satiny surfaces and considerable original mint red. Very rare date and grade.
Saudi Arabia
Abdal Aziz bin Saud gold Sovereign (Pound) ND (1947), KM-35, MS63 PCGS, struck at the U.S. Mint at Philadelphia to pay for Saudi oil. Rare when graded this high.
Abdul Aziz bin Saud gold Sovereign (Pound) ND (1947), KM35, MS64 PCGS, a choice lustrous example of this scarce bullion type struck at the Philadelphia Mint to pay for Saudi oil. One of the highest graded pieces we can remember seeing.
Scotland
David II Groat ND (1357-67) Edinburgh, Spink 5092, AU55 NGC, second coinage, an impressive coin with bold details and lovely old-time patina. Well above average for this type.
South Africa
Cape of Good Hope bronze Penny 1889, KM-Pn1, PF63 BN NGC, Victoria Young Head, variety with the colons in the legend equi-distant from the letters, a pleasing chocolate-brown colored specimen with some iridescent hues. Brian Hern notes in his catalogue on SA coinage that these salesman's samples are normally called proofs by the USA grading companies but that he disagrees. They were struck in Berlin. The bust of Queen Victoria is a close copy of the British Royal Mint version. The reverse features a finely engraved rendition of the arms of the colony, a lion rampant at the center of the crest supported by two native antelopes, a Gnu and an Oryx, and on a banner below them the motto SPES BONA, which quite simply means Good Hope. In the early 20th century, the arms were slightly changed but this version is the classic, early style.
Republic 2 Shillings 1892, KM6, AU50 NGC, attractive light silvery gray surfaces.
Republic 2 Shillings 1892, KM6, AU55 NGC, light golden gray surfaces, edge bump top of reverse.
Republic Proof 2 Shillings 1892, KM6, Hern-Z23, PF61 PCGS, nicer than it sounds: brilliant mirrored surfaces, light hairlines. Very rare, with an estimated mintage of just 50 coins in proof state.
Republic 2 Shillings 1895, KM6, XF Details (hairlines) NGC, light gray surfaces, the hairlines under the color and subtle. Looks like the usual XF to us.
Republic 5 Shillings 1892, KM8.1, single shaft, AU55 NGC, light silvery gray with evident luster.
Republic 5 Shillings 1892, KM8.1, single shaft, AU55 NGC, light silvery gold toning with some blue iridescence.
Republic gold Half Pond 1892, KM9.1, double shaft, XF Details (hairlines) NGC, deep gold toning.
Republic gold Pond 1892, KM10.1, double shaft, XF45 PCGS, remnant luster, lots of small abrasions as typically seen on a coin in this condition, nice for the grade.
Republic gold Pond 1892, KM10.2, Fine Details (reverse scratch) NGC, Single Shaft, also some unmentioned rim bumps.
Republic gold Pond 1893, KM10.2, AU50 NGC, light gold toning.
Republic gold Pond 1898, KM10.2, MS61 NGC, very clean surfaces, pleasing for the grade.
Republic gold Pond 1898, KM10.2, MS63 NGC, brilliant luster and a nice, choice coin. Long vertical die break down left side of reverse shield is not a scratch, if you are only viewing online.
Republic gold Kraalpond ND (1900), With Rims, Hern-Z56, NGC certified without grade, looks about as made, rims high. Rare.
George V Specimen Sixpence 1928, KM16.1 for type but an unlisted date, SP63 NGC, Reeded Edge, struck in .925 (sterling) silver; bold strike, the date very sharp and clear, squared-off rims, light silvery gold iridescent toning. Totally original surfaces. This phenomenal coin possesses more eye appeal than we can probably communicate by photographic images, a sparkle that no camera can capture. Hern's Handbook (2009 edition) lists this as S165 and then comments "None Minted," either in proof or for commercial circulation. Previously, only 5 dates were known for this short-lived design type, with "pence" written out, in this denomination. As well, the other dates were struck in .800-fine silver. This fabulous coin, which obviously is unique and in sterling silver, turned up in the United Kingdom only recently. Its fineness alone indicates that it was specially minted. Its appearance should excite every collector of South African coins, because British colonial and commonwealth issues have been studied extensively and thoroughly catalogued, without any previous scholar or collector ever having a hint that this date exists. An important discovery.
George V Proof Set 1923, KM-PS2, the eight coin bronze and silver set, all certified by NGC as follows: 1/4 Penny Proof 62 BN; 1/2 Penny Proof 63 BN; Penny Proof 63 BN; Threepence Proof 64; Sixpence Proof 64; Shilling Proof 63; Florin Proof 64 and 2 1/2 Shillings Proof 64. A nice set with attractively toned silver denominations.
George VI eight-piece Proof Set 1938, KM-PS13, Farthing-Halfcrown, all toned Proof, most with some PVC that can be removed to bring out the full mirrored fields. A very scarce set with tiny a mintage of only 44 sets. Included is the original case of issue
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Prestige Proof Set 2000, consisting of the 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 Krugerrand coins, 3 pieces graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the 1/2 graded PF68 Ultra Cameo by NGC, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined wooden box, with COA. AGW 1.8500 oz.
Republic gold Natura 1 oz. Special Edition 2001 CW, KM267, Gem Cameo Proof in the original case with certificate number 97. Only 300 pieces were struck with the CW mark at the South African Mint on one of the world's oldest mint presses, "Oom Paul." AGW 1.0000 oz.
Republic gold Natura 1 oz. Special Edition 2001 CW, KM267, Gem Cameo Proof in the original case with certificate number 97. Only 300 pieces were struck with the CW mark at the South African Mint on one of the world's oldest mint presses, "Oom Paul." AGW 1.0000 oz.
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Proof Set 2002, consisting of the 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 Krugerrand coins, each graded PF68 DCAM by PCGS, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined red leatherette case, with COA, which mentions that gold was first discovered near Johannesburg in 1886 and that the Krugerrand was first minted on 3 July 1967 and named in honor of the first president of the republic, Paul Kruger. These superb proofs are wonderful examples of his long-honored coinage of worldwide popularity. AGW 1.8500 oz.
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Proof set 2002, consisting of the 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 Krugerrand coins, 3 pieces graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the 1/2 graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined red leatherette case, with COA. AGW 1.8500 oz.
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Proof set 2004, consisting of the 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 Krugerrand coins, each graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined red leatherette case, with COA. AGW 1.8500 oz.
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Proof Set 2007, consisting of the 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 Krugerrand coins, 3 pieces graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the 1/2 graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined red leatherette case, with COA. These are special: how many coins have "007" on them? AGW 1.8500 oz.
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Prestige Proof Set 2008, consisting of the 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 Krugerrand coins, 3 graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the 1/2 graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined wooden box, with COA. AGW 1.8500 oz.
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Prestige Proof Set 2008, consisting of the 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 Krugerrand coins, each graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined wooden box, with COA. AGW 1.8500 oz.
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Prestige Proof Set 2009, consisting of the 1/10 (PF68 DCAM), 1/4 (PF69 DCAM), 1/2 (PF68 DCAM), and 1 Krugerrand (PF68 DCAM) coins, graded by PCGS as indicated after each coin listed, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined wooden box, with COA. AGW 1.8500 oz.
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Prestige Proof Set 2009, consisting of the 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 Krugerrand coins, 3 graded PF69 Ultra Cameo by NGC, the 1/10 graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined wooden box, with COA. AGW 1.8500 oz.
Republic 4-piece gold Krugerrand Prestige Proof Set 2009, consisting of the 1/10, 1/4, 1/2, and 1 Krugerrand coins, each graded PF70 Ultra Cameo by NGC, along with the original SA Mint custom plush-lined wooden box, with COA, which includes the interesting comment that the SA Chamber of Mines began issuing its 22ct gold coins in 1967 to the public "when the gold standard was under pressure" and particularly aimed its sales at the "man in the street" in order to allow all reasonable human beings the chance to own something other than fiat paper money. Good for them! The K-rand has long been loved by the world's goldbugs, but here are some of the very finest examples of this modern classic. AGW 1.8500 oz.
Spain
Juan II gold Dobla de la Banda ND (1406-54) Seville, Friedberg 112, AU55 NGC, light original patina with fully struck legends, classic early gold type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Juan II gold Dobla de la Banda ND (1406-54) Seville, Friedberg 112, Cayon 1515, MS61 NGC, exceptionally well-struck with full mint brilliance, an excellent example of this early coinage.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Fernando V & Isabel gold 2 Excelentes ND (1476-1516) Seville, Friedberg 129, XF40 NGC, nice original toning, facing busts with the mintmark S between.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Fernando V & Isabel gold 2 Excelentes ND (1476-1516) Seville, Friedberg 129, Cayon 2928, AU58 NGC, a superb piece with full mint bloom and boldly expressed design features, well above most seen in the market.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Ferdinand & Isabella gold 2 Excelentes ND (1476-1516) Seville, Fr-129, Cayon 2932, MS62 NGC, Crowned busts facing each other/Eagle above shield. A choice example of the type with full glowing mint luster. Rarely seen this nice.
Ferdinand V & Isabella I gold 2 Excelentes ND (1476-1516) Seville, Friedberg 129, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous. The surfaces are somewhat grainy due to a late die state but are fresh and original. Rare type in mint state.
Felipe II gold 2 Escudos ND (1556-1598) Seville, Cayon 4098, Fr-169, UNC Details NGC (Damaged), nicely centered with a clear mintmark and assayer D. Old-time scrape on the reverse, not all that distracting.
Felipe III gold cob 2 Escudos 1619 Seville, Cayon type 81, VF30 NGC, very crudely manufactured but with a bold S mintmark on the obverse and equally clear 619 date on the reverse. Very scarce with readable date and mint!
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe III gold cob 2 Escudos 1619, Cayon type 81, VF30 ANACS, 6.712 grams. Crudely struck with no mint or assayer initials visible. The denomination II is bold to the right of the shield, and the date, 1619, is partially discernable in the reverse legends. (Noted as Philip IV on the holder.)
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe III gold cob 2 Escudos ND (1612-17) Seville, KM20, Fr-189, Cayon type 81 assayer D, MS62 NGC, crudely struck on a misshapen flan but lustrous and showing much of the shield and cross. Most of the assayer letter is clear, but only the bottom portion of the S is visible.
Felipe IV gold cob 8 Escudos ND (1627-65) Seville, Friedberg 200, KM112, MS61 NGC, lustrous surfaces with the normal crude strike. Portions of the mint and assayer data are visible to the left of the shield. The ordinal II is readable in the obverse legend indicating that this could be an issue of Carlos II, but the portion which could be IIII for Felipe IV is off the flan.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos II gold 8 Escudos ND (1668-99) Seville, Friedberg 217, KM168.2, VF20 NGC, S assayer (1676-86 - all noted as unique in the SCWC), very crudely struck but with clear S mintmark and S assayer, and the ordinal II is bold in the obverse legend identifying this piece as Carlos II.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold cob 8 Escudos 1712M Seville, KM260, Fr-247, AU58 PCGS, attractive original toning with well-struck features on both sides. Very scarce type and a pleasing example.
Felipe V gold 8 Escudos 1713M Seville, KM260, Friedberg 247, Cayon 9941, MS64 NGC, crowned coat of arms // denomination 8 (twice), mintmark S and assayer M in the angles of the cross. A superb example with subtle golden patina and fully struck details. The planchet is virtually round and overall eye appeal is exquisite.
Felipe V gold 2 Escudos 1732JF Madrid, KM352, XF45 NGC, boldly detailed with considerable original luster. Scarce type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Felipe V gold 2 Escudos 1741PJ Seville, KM353, MS61 NGC, nicely detailed strike with toned mint luster, very scarce when graded mint state.
Ferdinand VI gold 1/2 Escudo 1752JB Madrid, KM378, MS64 NGC, full mint brilliance with well-struck details, a little jewel of a coin and decidedly rare in this superb grade. Try to find one better!
Carlos III gold 2 Escudos 1776PJ Madrid, KM417.1, Cayon-12460, AU58 NGC, sharply struck and lustrous. Although NGC has not marked this as an overdate, close examination reveals a 4 beneath the 6 of the date.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1779CF Seville, KM409.2, XF45 NGC, original patina, light surface marks on the obverse. Very scarce series.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1787CM Seville, KM409.2a, XF45 NGC, a nice piece with considerable mint luster and well-struck features.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1787CM Seville, KM409.2a, AU50 NGC, nicely struck details, original patina with luster in the legends.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1788C Seville, KM409.2a, XF45 NGC, an attractive coin with significant luster in the legends.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1788C Seville, KM409.2a, AU53 NGC, a nice original piece with light toning and luster in the legends.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1788C Seville, KM409.2a, AU58 Details ANACS (Cleaned), nicely struck with some original luster in the legends and attractive reverse toning, mild hairlines in the exposed fields.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1788C Seville, KM409.2a, AU58 NGC, a most handsome example with exceptionally bold details, abundant mint luster and soft original toning.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos III gold 8 Escudos 1788C Seville, KM409.2a, AU58 NGC, remarkably well-struck features with full glowing mint brilliance, a premium example of the type.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IIII gold 8 Escudos 1802FA Madrid, KM437.1, AU53 NGC, a highly lustrous coin with light wear evident on the bust.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Carlos IV (1748-1819) "Port of Saint Mary" Medal 1789, Herrera-86, silver, AU58 NGC, issued in homage to the Puerto de Santa Maria, a beautiful medal of impressive engraving, the portrait deeply fashioned, the reverse showing the patron saint standing atop the castle-walled entrance to the port. Old-time iridescent golden gray toning. Located in the province of Cadiz, this port has a history going back to ancient times; Columbus set sail on his second expedition to the New World from here, and the first Spanish map that showed the coast of the Americas was drawn at this place; today, it is a popular tourist destination, known widely throughout the region simply as The Port. This medal dedicated to it is a fine item which should appeal to many sorts of collectors -- from regal portraits to religion to historical sites to sea subjects.
Ferdinand VII gold 4 Escudos 1820GJ Madrid, KM484, MS64 NGC, full gleaming mint brilliance, a highly attractive coin and rare in this superb grade.
Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1820GJ Madrid, KM485, Cayon 16494, AU50 NGC, very sharply struck with considerable original mint luster, quite attractive.
Barcelona. Jose Napoleon gold 20 Pesetas 1812, KM76, AU55 NGC, lightly toned with a few faint surface marks. Very scarce type struck during the turmoil of Napoleonic occupation in Spain.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
From the Don Benito Collection of Hispanic Gold.
Isabel II gold 80 Reales 1844PS-B, KM578.1, MS63 NGC, large bust variety, fully lustrous surfaces with a few mild contact marks on the obverse. Scarce grade and a popular type.
Franco 5 Pesetas 1949 (E51), KM778, MS63 PCGS, fully lustrous with a few tiny contact marks. Rare type struck for the Second National Numismatic Exposition in 1951 with E 51 in the star dates on the reverse. Rare type and grade.
Juan Carlos I gold 40000 Pesetas 1991M, KM900, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC, deep mirror surfaces, standing figure of the King. AGW 0.4336 oz.
Juan Carlos I gold 80000 Pesetas 1991M, KM901, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC, Barcelona Olympics - Blanket tossing. AGW 0.8672 oz.
Juan Carlos I gold 80000 Pesetas 1992M, KM917, Proof 67 Ultra Cameo NGC, Barcelona Olympics - Children playing. AGW 0.8672 oz.
Juan Carlos I gold 400 Euro 2002, KM1086, Proof 69 DCAM PCGS, birth of Antoni Gaudi. AGW 0.8672 oz.
Straits Settlements
Victoria 1/2 Cent 1883, KM8, AU58 BN NGC, highly attractive with glossy brown surfaces and traces of original mint red in the legends. Very scarce date and grade.
Victoria 50 Cents 1900H, KM13, AU53 PCGS, gray and gold patina over lustrous surfaces, few small marks in the obverse fields. Rare in this select grade.
Edward VII 50 Cents 1905B, KM23, MS62 PCGS, pleasing amber patina with modest surface marks. Very scarce grade, bold raised B mintmark.
Suriname
Dutch Guiana. Colonial copper 4 Duit 1679, KM7, Scholten 1434c (RR), F-VF with evenly worn details, early die state with smooth leaves on the tree. Cleaned long ago leaving a light dusting of orange color resembling luster. Rare uniface type.
Sweden
Ulrika Eleonora 4 Daler Plate Money 1720, KM-PM62, choice VF-XF with deep brown surfaces and considerable sheen to the stamps. A very scarce issue and highly elusive in this quality.
Frederick I Riksdaler 1721, KM389.2, choice toned AU, unsigned variety, struck to commemorate 200 years of independence.
Carl XIII gold Ducat 1814, KM581, MS66 NGC, an absolutely magificent coin with sharply struck details and no adjustment marks. The luster is intense and the surfaces pristine - a coin with instant eye appeal and a prize for the ultra quality conscious collector.
Carl XIV gold Ducat 1827/6, KM594, MS64 NGC, superbly struck with every detail on the bust crisp and clear, full mint brilliance and totally blemish-free. A delight to behold.
Oscar II 2 Kronor 1876EB Small Date, KM742, MS67 PCGS Eliasberg, a stunning example with appealing blue-green toning and fully brilliant surfaces. One of the nicest early 2 Kronors we have seen, and sporting an impressive pedigree.
Gustaf V gold 20 Kronor 1925W, KM800, MS64 NGC, fully brilliant and original with a nice frosted bust and minimal contact marks in the obverse fields. Very scarce one-year type.
Switzerland
Aargau. 10 Batzen 1809, KM14, MS67 NGC, an exquisite example of this 3-year type, this being the middle year, mostly bold in strike, immaculate silvery surfaces gleaming with white luster and lightly toned with golden hues, edge irregular on left obverse, as struck, the flan as a blank apparently cut out just missing the left edge. Nevertheless, this is a really superior specimen and among the finest graded.
Aargau. 4 Franken 1812, KM20, MS65 PCGS, a spectacular example with iridescent blue-green and magenta toning and instant eye appeal. Rarely seen in this select quality.
Bern. Taler 1798, KM164, choice AU-UNC, prooflike surfaces on the obverse around the coat of arms, very attractive.
Bern. Gold Ducat 1794, KM148, MS62 PL NGC, a choice example with prooflike surfaces and excellent eye appeal.
Bern gold Ducat 1794, KM-148, MS64 PCGS, a Choice Uncirculated piece with reflective surfaces and charming old-gold color. A classic trade coin.
Bern. Gold 2 Ducats 1796, KM154, MS61 PL NGC, very sharp details with full glittering mint brilliance, very faint hairlines.
Bern. Gold Duplone 1819, KM163, MS64 NGC, fully brilliant with prooflike surfaces, very appealing and rare in this premium designation.
Bern. Gold 2 Duplone 1793, KM144.1, AU58 NGC, lightly toned with flashy mint brilliance, very close to mint state with just a wisp of wear on the bear's shoulder. Very scarce type.
Geneva. Gold Pistole 1758, KM77, AU55 NGC, attractive old-time cabinet patina, luster in the legends. Elusive type with a radiant sun on the reverse.
Geneva. 10 Francs 1851, KM138, MS64 NGC, a superb example of this huge silver type with iridescent blue-green and gold patina and prooflike surfaces on the obverse.
Geneva. Gold 20 Francs 1848, KM140, MS63 NGC, boldly detailed and lustrous, very scarce one-year type.
Glarus. 40 Batzen 1847, KM20, MS63 PCGS, a choice example, one of the best we have auctioned in fact, and most pieces seen are impaired or cleaned: they were made for the shooting festival, and you can just imagine the shooters carrying these home in their pockets. One-year type, with a mintage of 3,200 pieces, this one still charming, somewhat prooflike and toned in bright silvery gold iridescent hues.
Saint Gallen. Gold Ducat 1781, KM38, Fr-366, AU58 NGC, a handsome coin struck from clashed dies, only the slightest rub showing on the high points, surfaces somewhat prooflike, overall sharp and pleasing, this type struck in only one year for this canton located next to the Appenzell, today Switzerland's most famous mountain-hiking region. The Abbot Beda's name features prominently in the legend.
Vaud. 40 Batzen 1812, KM17, MS64 PCGS, a lovely and original piece with a bold strike and appealing silvery gold iridescent toning. One-year type with a mintage of 2,485 pieces, few of which can measure up to this excellent coin.
Zurich. Gold 1/2 Ducat 1716, KM133, MS62 NGC, very sharply struck with full mint brilliance. First variety with the reverse details within branches.
Zurich. Gold Ducat 1745, KM140, MS64 NGC, a charming coin, highly lustrous and very choice, more interesting in some ways than a "perfect" one would be as the little patches of die-rust and tiny abrasions (most surely from the mint itself when coins were batched after striking) are telltale signs of the manufacturing process of the mid 18th century. This coin actually seems pretty close to superb, the strike bold and even with the rampant lion extremely well detailed. Last digit in date is blundered, cut in over various other digits partially removed, meaning that the die was re-used. The reverse legend, which translates from the Latin to mean "God Keep Us In Peace," is really sharp. The legend surrounding the lion means "Gold Piece of the Zurich Republic," the ancient Roman name of Zurich being used. In all, a delightful example of this trade coin!
Zurich. Gold Ducat 1775, KM161, MS62 NGC Millennia Collection, a choice and very attractive example of this one-year type with an important pedigree.
Confederation Half Franc 1879-B, KM23, MS64 NGC, incredibly tight in grading as it looks far nicer and there isn't much to discover even under high magnification, other than a diebreak left of the mintmark, no marks, the strike bold, toning a gorgeous golden mauve on reverse, even bluish mauve on obverse. A real beauty!
Confederation Franc 1851-A, KM9, MS66 NGC, a beautiful piece having light silvery gold iridescent toning.
Confederation 5 Francs 1900-B, KM34, MS65 NGC, a brilliant snow-white gem of a coin showing only a few tiny marks, and almost all the details boldly struck, making for an immaculate example of this large denomination with considerable eye appeal. Very scarce as a coin, period, but fairly rare in this outstanding condition.
Confederation 5 Francs 1907-B, KM34, MS62 NGC, only a few scattered small marks to report, quite pleasant really, with a sharp strike and delicate silvery gold iridescence.
Confederation 5 Francs Shooting Taler 1869, Zug festival, KMX-S10, MS64 NGC, light silvery toning and a real sharp strike.
Confederation Pattern gold 20 Francs 1873, by Wiener, KM-Pn26, Reeded Edge, MS64 NGC, bold details from a wonderful strike, faint handling, most pleasing yellow-gold color. This is really a beautiful coin! The "3" of the date appears to be struck over a partially obliterated "5."
Confederation gold 100 Francs 1925B, KM39, MS63 NGC, a choice example with full glowing mint brilliance and superior surfaces. One of the classic gold rarities of the 20th century.
Tanzania
A large lot of Atlanta Olympic 2000 Shilingi Medallic Patterns 1996, included are pattern coins of six sports, Decathlon, Hurdles, Boxing, Judo, Sprinting, and Discus, each group contains eight pieces: silver, brass, gilt, and aluminum, each in plain edge and reeded edge, all are Gem Proof. These are all listed in the Unusual World's Coins catalog, most with mintages of 100, and catalog values of $50. These are the variety with the corrected spelling of SHILINGI.
Transylvania
Johann II Sigismund gold Ducat 1570, Friedberg 275, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous and bold, a wonderful grade for this early series. Very scarce type.
Maria Theresa gold 2 Ducat 1773/2 H-G, KM650, AU58 NGC, lightly toned with nice features, the overdate is quite clear. Scarce type and ever popular locale.
Tunisia
Ahmad Pasha Bey gold 100 Francs 1933 - AH1352, KM257, MS63 NGC, lightly toned and attractive, rare date with only 33 pieces struck at the Paris Mint.
Ahmad Pasha Bey gold 100 Francs 1934 - AH1353, KM257, MS63 NGC, light original toning, very scarce date with a reported mintage of 133.
Ahmad Pasha Bey gold 100 Francs 1934 - 1353AH, KM257, MS64 NGC, choice brilliant example, rare date with a listed mintage of 133.
Muhammad al-Amin Bey gold (100 Francs) 1951 - 1371AH, KM-X6, MS66 NGC, glittering prooflike surfaces, very rare largesse type with a mintage of 63.
United Arab Emirates
Dubai gold Medal 2004 International Racing Carnival, gem Proof with cameo raised details, 60.08 grams, 41 mm, reeded edge.
Dubai gold Medal Godolphin ND, gem Proof with frosted details, 49.89 grams, 45 mm, plain edge and stamped .999 Fine. Godolphin is the Maktoum family's private horse racing stable with headquarters in the UAE.
Uruguay
Republic Montevideo Peso 1844, KM5, AU58 NGC, a superior example of this classic Latin crown with original patina, bold features and no major flan flaws. Struck in coin rotation.
Republic silver Pattern 100 Centesimos 1869, KM-E2, Specimen 61 PCGS, fully lustrous and highly appealing, the technical grade was apparently limited by hairlines in the exposed fields. The surfaces are prooflike and the bust is dusted with a light cameo effect. Very rare Essai with dies by Tasset. (PCGS has incorrectly attributed this piece as KM-E3 on the holder.)
Republic silver Pattern 100 Centesimos 1869, KM-E3, Specimen 63 PCGS, incredibly sharp details with full mint brilliance, very faint hairlines in the fields. Rare Essai type featuring the arms of Uruguay on the obverse. Extremely attractive, and an important pattern crown in the Latin Republic series.
Republic gold Essai 10 Centesimos 1930, KM-E10, AU58 NGC, very rare gold striking of the regular type, only 60 pieces minted. Lightly toned with full luster and just a bit of handling in the fields.
Republic gold Essai 20 Centesimos 1930, KM-E12, Proof 63 NGC, flashy mirror surfaces with very faint handling in the exposed fields. Very rare with only 60 pieces struck at the Paris Mint.
Republic gold Pattern Peso 1942-So, KM-Pn43, MS63 NGC, prooflike surfaces with minor handling in the fields. Very rare gold striking of the silver Peso.
Republic gold Pattern 5000 Nuevo Pesos 1981-So, KM-PnB114, Proof 63 DCAM PCGS, gold striking of the 5000 NP. 20 grams and .900 Fine according to the SCWC. The obverse features a hydroelectric dam.
Venezuela
Ferdinand VII Royalist Real 1818BS Caracas, KM-C5.1, toned VF, skillfully plugged hole at the top, rare type struck during the struggle for independence in Venezuela. Virtually all surviving examples of this type have been holed.
Ferdinand VII Royalist 4 Reales 1820BS Caracas, KM-C7.2, toned XF with traces of luster in the legends, minor edge bruises. A spectacular example of this rare type and easily the finest we have seen. Most pieces have either been holed or are well worn and less than VF condition. Interestingly, this coin was struck over a Spanish or Spanish colonial 4 Reales with the HISP of the host coin readable along the edge. A true condition rarity for the advanced collector of Venezuela.
Republic 1/4 Centavo 1852H, KM-Y1, MS63 BN NGC, glossy brown surfaces with exceptionally bold details, very scarce grade.
Republic 1/4 Centavo 1852, KM-Y4. MS64 RB NGC, a superb little copper coin with nearly full mint red. 18.5 mm and without WW on the neck truncation. Rare and highly desirable in this superior quality.
Republic Centavo 1858 Heaton, KM-Y7, MS63 BN NGC, incuse Libertad, deep brown with an appealing sheen to the surfaces, very scarce copper type in mint state.
Republic 1/2 Real 1858A, KM-Y8, toned UNC with blue-green and magenta highlights and superbly struck details. Very rare type in mint state; most surviving pieces have been used in jewelry.
Republic 5 Reales 1858A, KM-Y11, VF, lightly toned with old-time hairlines scratches and some cuts on the rim at the top. Very scarce type and a decent collectable example.
Republic copper Essai Pair 1863E, KM-E1, Centavo Proof 63 BN NGC, considerable original mint red, and KM-E2, 2 Centavos Proof 63 BN NGC, lustrous surfaces. A scarce pair and in demand.
Republic copper Trio, KM-Y7 Centavo 1858 raised Libertad, AU58 BN NGC; KM-Y7 Centavo 1858 incuse Libertad, AU55 BN; and KM-E2 2 Centavos 1863E Essai, Proof 63 BN, reddish-orange luster in the legends.
Republic 1/5 Bolivar 1879, KM-Y19.2, refined letters in the legend, toned VF-XF, quite nice for this rare little type. Most surviving examples are bent or mounted.
Republic 1/2 Bolivar 1903, KM-Y21, XF45 NGC, considerable mint luster, primarily on the reverse, very scarce date in this quality.
Republic 20 Centavos 1874A, KM-Y14, bold AU-UNC, razor sharp details, cleaned long ago leaving noticeable hairlines on the obverse, now nicely toned. Rare type in this quality.
Republic 2 Bolivares 1902, KM-Y23, AU55 PCGS. Deeply toned and with well defined details. Quite scarce in higher grades.
Republic 2 Bolivares 1919, KM-Y23, MS62 NGC, fully brilliant with just a hint of patina emerging in the legends. Very attractive and desirable in mint state.
Republic silver Essai Venezolano 1874, KM-E16, MS63 NGC, superb silvery-gray and gold patina over full prooflike mint brilliance. The strike is meticulously sharp as would be expected for the Paris Mint. The obverse fields display some faint handling mentioned for absolute accuracy. An extremely rare and important pattern which might be available once in a lifetime.
Republic Venezolano 1876A, KM-Y16, XF45 PCGS, lightly toned and fully original with traces of luster in the legends and sharply struck details. The surfaces display a light scattering of contact marks, but this is a superior example of the type and certainly among the better pieces known.
Republic Venezolano 1876A, KM-Y16, lightly toned AU, very sharp details with virtually no wear evident, lightly cleaned long ago. Very rare type in this superior quality.
Republic gold 5 Venezolanos 1875A, KM-Y17, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous, surface marks on the obverse while the reverse is choice. Very scarce type in mint state.
Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1886, KM-Y34, AU55 NGC Normal Date, lightly toned with numerous small obverse surface marks. Although certified by NGC as the "normal date" variety, it is very similar to the following lot attributed as "86 apart." AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1886, KM-Y34, AU55 NGC 86 Apart, a nice lustrous example with minimal handling in the obverse fields.
Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1887, KM-Y34, lustrous AU, nice rose gold patina, edge bruise at 12 o'clock on the obverse.
Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1887, KM-Y34, AU55 NGC, light original patina with considerable mint luster.
Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1887, KM-Y34, AU58 PCGS, fully lustrous with light toning, small surface marks, particularly on the obverse.
Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1888, KM-Y34, AU Details NGC (Surface Hairlines), noticeable contact marks with a small rim nick at 3 o'clock.
Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1889, KM-Y34, nice lustrous AU, fewer contact marks than usual.
Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1889, KM-Y34, AU55 ICG, fully lustrous with sharp details, heavy scuffs on the neck of Bolivar and in the field to the right. AGW 0.9334 oz.
Republic gold 100 Bolivares 1889, KM-Y34, AU58 NGC, lustrous with the omnipresent surface marks.
Republic silver Pattern 5 Bolivares 1930, KMX-Pn1, AU55 NGC Karl Goetz Issue, medium gray toning, noticeable handling in the exposed fields. Very rare type featuring a bust of General Juan V Gomez, and the first we have offered at auction.
Republic gold 1000 Bolivares 1975, KM-Y48.1, MS66 NGC, Conservation series featuring the Cock of the Rocks, tiny mark below the 1000. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Republic gold 1000 Bolivares 1975, KM-Y48.1, MS67 NGC, superb details with reflective surfaces and an appealing frost to the Cock of the Rocks. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Republic gold 1000 Bolivares 1975, KM-Y48.1, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC, as close to perfection as one can find, deeply mirrored surfaces with gorgeous cameo details. Only 483 Proofs minted. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Republic gold 1000 Bolivares 1975, KM-Y48.2, MS63 PCGS, smooth wings variety. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Republic gold 1000 Bolivares 1975, KM-Y48.2, MS64 PCGS, variety with smooth feathers on the Cock of the Rocks. AGW 0.9675 oz.
Republic gold 3000 Bolivares 1983, KM-Y59, Proof 65 PCGS, 200th anniversary of the birth of Simon Bolivar. Nice cameo details. AGW 0.8999 oz.
Republic gold 10000 Bolivares 1987, KM-Y61, Proof 68 PCGS, superb heavy cameo details, highly attractive example. AGW 0.8999 oz.
Republic gold 10000 Bolivares 1987, KM-Y61, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC, deep cameo frost on the bust, very flashy.
Yemen
Stone money, smooth round calcite stone with center hole quarried on Babekldaop Island, in the Pelew group of Islands, and transferred back to the island of Yap, 40 lb., 5 oz., 15-1/8 inches in diameter. These stones were probably little used before 1800, and the last pieces were produced in 1931. Prior to traders arriving at Yap, the Island Chief controlled the stones, which were used for all types of payment, and even thought to be of divine origin by early natives. In 1871 David Dean O'Keefe, a sea Captain from Savannah, Georgia was shipwrecked on the island. During his 30 years on the island, he obtained much fame in the islands, and considerable fortune, by gaining control of the stone quarrying, copra, and trepang export. His exploits were brought to light in a 1954 film starring Burt Lancaster called, His Majesty O'Keefe. It is now illegal to remove the stones from Yap Island, with severe penalties for disturbing the stones. The piece we offer here is a premium example of Yap Stone money, in exceptional condition.
This Yap Stone belongs to the Numismatic Association of Southern California and was donated to the club many years ago by a primitive money collector. It has been displayed at numerous coin shows in California since becoming the property of the club. The NASC , in an effort to raise money for operating expenses, has reluctantly consigned this wonderful item to Heritage for auction at the ANA. Heritage, in our ongoing support of numismatics, has waived the seller's fee, and 100% of the hammer price of the Yap Stone will go directly to the Numismatic Association of Southern California.
This Yap Stone belongs to the Numismatic Association of Southern California and was donated to the club many years ago by a primitive money collector. It has been displayed at numerous coin shows in California since becoming the property of the club. The NASC , in an effort to raise money for operating expenses, has reluctantly consigned this wonderful item to Heritage for auction at the ANA. Heritage, in our ongoing support of numismatics, has waived the seller's fee, and 100% of the hammer price of the Yap Stone will go directly to the Numismatic Association of Southern California.
Yugoslavia
Alexander I gold 4 Dukata 1931, KM14.1, MS61 NGC, prooflike surfaces with light handling in the fields, counterstamped with a small sword following the obverse legends.
Session 4
Ancients
Gaul, Ambiani. Ca. 58-55 B.C. AV stater, (16 mm, 5.79 g). Gallic War issue. Plain / Disjointed horse right; around, crescents and pellets; below, two S-shapes. Delestrée & Tache 242; Sheers series 24, class V; cf. SCBC 11; la Tour 8704. Good VF.
Lower Danube, Uncertain tribe. 3rd century B.C. AR tetradrachm, (26 mm, 16.31 g, 1 h). Imitating Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, hook or logobolon. CCCBM -; cf. Kostial 875-83; cf. OTA 566 and 568-70. Toned VF, minor porosity.
Lower Danube, Uncertain tribe. 3rd century B.C. AR tetradrachm, (26 mm, 17.09 g, 10 h). Imitating Alexander III of Macedon. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, (Lambda) and filleted or aphlaston. CCCBM -; cf. Kostial 875-83; cf. OTA 566 and 568-70. Toned VF, minor porosity.
Sicily, Akragas. Ca. 465/4-450/46 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (25 mm, 17.10 g, 9 h). Sea eagle standing left / Crab within shallow circular incuse. I. Lee, "The Flower of Adonis at Eryx," NC 159 (1999), grp I; SNG ANS 964-80. Toned Fine.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (24 mm, 11 h). 'Amphipolis', ca. 316-314 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, grain stalk; below throne, monogram. Price 130; Troxell issue L4. XF NGC, toned.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (29 mm). Mesembria, ca. 250-ca. 175 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in inner left field, monogram above crested Corinthian helmet to right. Price 976; Karayotov 63-4 (obv. die 012). Good VF.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (35 mm, 16.27 g, 11 h). Civic issue. Temnos, ca. 188-170 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, E and monogram above oinochoe within vine-tendril; on throne legs, sphinxes. Price 1678. Good VF, toned, scrapes on obverse, light smoothing in exergue.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (23 mm, 17.16 g, 11 h). Damascus, ca. 330-ca. 320 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, forepart of ram right; below throne above strut, four globules; below strut, ΔA. Price 3210. XF.
Macedonian Kingdom. Alexander III 'the Great'. 336-323 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (27 mm, 17.17 g, 11 h). Arados, ca. 324-320 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, I; below throne, monogram. Price 3325; Duyrat grp. IV, series 10, 456-519. Good VF, attractively toned, well centered.
Aiolis, Myrina. Ca. 155-145 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (35 mm, 16.58 g, 12 h). Laureate head of Apollo right / Apollo Grynios standing right, holding branch and phiale, omphalos and amphora at feet; in left field, monogram; all within laurel wreath. Kenneth S. Sacks, "The Wreathed Coins of Aeolian Myrina," MN 30 (1985), -; SNG von Aulock -; SNG Copenhagen -. Choice VF NGC, die shift. Control not recorded by Sacks.
Lesbos, Mytilene. Ca. 377-326 B.C. EL hekte, (10 mm, 2.49 g, 12 h). Laureate head of Apollo right; behind, serpent (off flan) / Head of Artemis right, hair bound in sphendone, within square linear border. Bodenstedt Em. 100A. Nearly XF, a few small marks on obverse.
Pisidia, Selge. 2nd-1st centuries B.C. AR triobol, (15 mm, 2.36 g, 3 h). Wreathed head of Herakles facing slightly right, lion's skin draped around neck; in left field, club / Club and sacred tree on altar; in right field, bucranium. SNG BN 1959. Nearly XF. Ex David P. Herman Collection (CNG 73, 13 September 2006), 387.
Phoenicia, Tyre. Ca. 126/5 B.C.-A.D. 65. AR shekel, (27 mm, 14.12 g, 12 h). Year 9. Laureate bust of Melqart right, lion's skin tied around neck / Eagle standing left on prow, palm over wing; in left field, date (L Theta) and club; in right field, M; between legs, Phoenician letter. BMC p. 235, 65. Toned VF.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy I Soter. As Satrap, 323-305 B.C. AR tetradrachm, (27 mm, 17.17 g, 11 h). In the name of Alexander III of Macedon. Memphis, ca. 318 B.C. Head of Herakles right, wearing lion's skin headdress / Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; in left field, thunderbolt; below throne, (Delta)I. Price 3976; Zervos issue IV. Toned VF.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy II Philadelphos. 285-246 B.C. AE drachm, (41 mm, 60.71 g, 11 h). Alexandria, ca. 253-249 B.C. Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right / Eagle with folded wings standing left on thunderbolt; in left field, filleted cornucopia; between legs, (Delta)I. Svoronos 1125; Weiser 49; SNG Copenhagen 199-200. Nearly VF, dark brown patina, some roughness. Ex Don Doswell Collection.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy II Philadelphos. 285-246 B.C. AE drachm, (44 mm, 63.24 g, 11 h). Alexandria, ca. 253-249 B.C. Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right / Eagle with folded wings standing left on thunderbolt; in left field, filleted cornucopia; between legs, (Delta)I. Svoronos 1125; Weiser 49; SNG Copenhagen 199-200. Nearly VF, porous brown surfaces. Ex Don Doswell Collection.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 B.C. AE drachm, (40 mm, 65.83 g, 12 h). Alexandria, ca. 246-243 B.C. Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right / Eagle with folded wings standing left on thunderbolt; in left field, filleted cornucopia; between legs, (Sigma). Svoronos 992; Weiser 60; SNG Copenhagen -. VF, rough brown patina. Ex Don Doswell Collection; Coin Galleries (16 July 1997), 321.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy III Euergetes. 246-222 B.C. AE drachm, (41 mm, 69.10 g, 12 h). Alexandria, ca. 246-243 B.C. Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right / Eagle with folded wings standing left on thunderbolt; in left field, filleted cornucopia; between legs, (Sigma)E. Svoronos 992; Weiser 61; SNG Copenhagen 205. Nearly VF, brown patina. Ex Don Doswell Collection.
Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy V Epiphanes. 205-180 B.C. AE drachm, (36 mm, 42.12 g, 12 h). Alexandria, ca. 204 B.C. or a little later Diademed head of Zeus-Ammon right / Eagle with open wings standing left on thunderbolt, head turned to right; in left field, filleted cornucopia; between legs, monogram; c/m: filleted cornucopia within rectangular incuse. Svoronos 1148; Weiser 97; SNG Copenhagen 208. VF, brown patina. Ex Don Doswell Collection.
Parthian Kingdom. Mithradates II. Ca. 123-88 B.C. AR drachm, (21 mm, 3.99 g, 12 h). Ekbatana. Diademed bust of Mithradates II left / Archer seated right on throne, holding bow. Sellwood 27.2; Shore 86-7. XF, crystallized.
This issue is notable for employing the first use of the title "King of kings" on Parthian coinage.
This issue is notable for employing the first use of the title "King of kings" on Parthian coinage.
Moesia Inferior, Marcianopolis. Caracalla, with Julia Domna. A.D. 198-217. AE pentassarion, (26 mm, 12.68 g, 8 h). Quintillianus, consular legate. Laureate head of Caracalla right, vis-à-vis draped bust of Julia Domna left / Serapis standing left within tetrastyle temple with pellet in pediment; to left of Serapis, E (retrograde). Cf. Hristova & Jekov 6.19.46.7; Varbanov 1050; Moushmov 505. Good VF, green and brown patina.
L. Memmius. 109-108 B.C. AR denarius, (20 mm, 3.92 g, 9 h). Rome. Male head right, wearing oak-wreath / The Dioscuri standing facing, holding their horses by their reins and spears. Crawford 304/1; Sydenham 558; Memmia 1. XF.
Pub. Crepusius. 82 B.C. AR denarius, (17 mm, 3.96 g, 1 h). Rome. Laureate head of Apollo right; scepter over shoulder; behind, C; below chin, uncertain symbol / Horseman charging right, hurling spear; behind, CLXXXVII. Crawford 361/1c; Sydenham 738a; Crepusia 1. Tooned VF.
L. Procilius. 80 B.C. AR denarius, (19 mm, 3.96 g, 12 h). Rome. Head of Juno Sospita right, wearing goat's skin headdress / Juno Sospita holding shield and hurling spear, driving galloping biga right; below, serpent coiled to right. Crawford 379/2; Sydenham 772; Procilia 2. Toned XF. Ex Freeman & Sear 5 (14 May 1999), 329.
L. Cassius Q.f. Longinus. 75 B.C. AR denarius, (19 mm, 3.97 g, 11 h). Rome. Head of Bacchus right, wreathed with ivy, thyrsus over shoulder / Head of Libera left, wearing wreath of vine leaves. Crawford 386/1; Sydenham 779; Cassia 6. Toned, good VF.
C. Piso L.f. Frugi. 61 B.C. AR denarius, (19 mm, 4.00 g, 4 h). Rome. Laureate head of Apollo right; behind, scorpion with butterfly / Horseman galloping right, holding palm branch; above, uncertain symbol. Crawford 408/1a (O10/R22); C. Hersh, "A study of the coinage of the moneyer C. Calpurnius Piso L. f. Frugi," NC CXXXVI (1976), 55 (O7/R1010); Sydenham 865c; Calpurnia 24h. Toned VF, high relief.
Augustus. 27 B.C.-A.D. 14. AR denarius, (21 mm, 3.73 g, 6 h). Uncertain mint in Spain, probably Tarraco. Laureate head of Augustus right / Comet with eight rays and tail. RIC 102; BMC 357; RSC 98. VF, toned, banker's mark on reverse.
Nero. A.D. 54-68. AR denarius, (19 mm, 3.36 g, 6 h). Rome, ca. A.D. 64/5. Laureate head of Nero right / Jupiter seated left, holding thunderbolt and scepter. RIC 53; WCN 57; BMC 74; RSC 119. VF NGC.
Hadrian. A.D. 117-138. AR denarius, (19 mm, 3.34 g, 6 h). Rome, ca. A.D. 124-128. Laureate bust of Hadrian right, slight drapery on far shoulder / Concordia seated left, holding patera and resting elbow on small statuette of Spes. RIC 172d; BMC 391; RSC 328. Choice XF.
Hadrian. A.D. 117-138. AR denarius, (18 mm, 3.14 g, 7 h). Rome, ca. A.D. 124-128. Laureate bust of Hadrian right, slight drapery on far shoulder / Pudicitia seated left. RIC 178; BMC 410; RSC 393. Choice XF. Ex Triton VI (14-15 January 2003), 885; CNA XV (5 May 1991), 570; CNA IX (7 December 1989), 417.
Hadrian. A.D. 117-138. AE sestertius, (33 mm, 27.26 g, 6 h). Rome, ca. A.D. 124-128. Laureate bust of Hadrian right, slight drapery on far shoulder / Emperor seated left on curule chair set on platform on right, extending hand; before him, woman standing left, holding child and resting hand over second child standing at her side. RIC 568; BMC 1160; Cohen -. VF, black patina, surfaces smoothed and details enhanced.
Hadrian. A.D. 117-138. AR denarius, (18 mm, 3.71 g, 6 h). Rome, ca. A.D. 134-138. Laureate head of Hadrian right / Felicitas standing left, holding caduceus and branch. RIC 234; BMC 608; RSC 615. Superb XF, toned. Ex Tkalec (24 October 2003), 269.
Marcus Aurelius. A.D. 161-180. AR denarius, (17 mm, 3.32 g, 12 h). Rome, A.D. 162/3. Bare-headed bust of Marcus Aurelius right, slight drapery on far shoulder / Providentia standing left, holding globe and cornucopiae. Cf. RIC 67 (no drapery); cf. BMC 224, note (same); cf. RSC 522 (same). Superb XF, lightly toned. Ex Coin Galleries (10 November 1999), 313.
Lucius Verus. A.D. 161-169. AR denarius, (18 mm, 3.49 g, 6 h). Rome, A.D. 161/2. Laureate head of Lucius Verus right / Bound Parthian captive seated right; at feet, quiver, bow, and shield. RIC 540; BMC 385; RSC 273. Nearly XF, underlying luster. Ex Gorny & Mosch (10 March 2003), 461.
The reverse of this denarius depicts a defeated Parthian captive, advertising Roman anticipated victories over Parthian dominated Armenia (A.D. 163) and the western Parthian Empire (A.D. 165-166), while the obverse proclaims Verus as Armeniacus and Parthicus Maximus for these conquests. Despite the presentation of Verus as the great war leader the type and titles are largely propaganda. Verus spent most of the war enjoying the luxuries of Antioch while his legates led the legions into battle in Armenia and Mesopotamia.
The reverse of this denarius depicts a defeated Parthian captive, advertising Roman anticipated victories over Parthian dominated Armenia (A.D. 163) and the western Parthian Empire (A.D. 165-166), while the obverse proclaims Verus as Armeniacus and Parthicus Maximus for these conquests. Despite the presentation of Verus as the great war leader the type and titles are largely propaganda. Verus spent most of the war enjoying the luxuries of Antioch while his legates led the legions into battle in Armenia and Mesopotamia.
Lucius Verus. A.D. 161-169. AE dupondius, (25 mm, 9.61 g, 12 h). Rome, A.D. 162/3. Radiate head of Lucius Verus right / Fortuna seated left, holding rudder and cornucopiae. RIC 1341; BMC 1060; Cohen 99. Good VF, attractive green patina, a few deposits.
Herennius Etruscus. As Caesar, A.D. 250-251. AR double denarius, (21 mm, 3.97 g, 1 h). Rome, A.D. 250. Radiate and draped bust of Herennius Etruscus right / Priestly implements: sprinkler, simpulum, jug, patera and lituus. RIC 143; RSC 14. AU NGC.
Constantine I. A.D. 307/10-337. AE follis, (19 mm, 2.66 g, 6 h). Constantinople, ca. A.D. 328. Diademed head of Constantine I right, gazing upwards / CONSTANTINI-ANA DAFNE, Victory seated left on cippus, head right, holding palm frond in each hand; to left, bound captive seated left, head right, below trophy; S//CONS. RIC 32; LRBC 989. XF NGC, dark brown patina, light porosity.
Constantine II. As Caesar, A.D. 317-337. BI follis, (20 mm, 3.34 g, 6 h). Treveri, A.D. 322. Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust left, holding Victory on globe and mappa / Globe set on altar inscribed in three lines; above, three stars; STR·. RIC 353. Good VF, toned. Very rare with high silver content. Ex Coin Galleries (23 August 1989), 353.
Justin I. 518-527. AV solidus, (20 mm, 4.46 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 519-527. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justin I facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / Angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; in right field, star; (Gamma)//CONOB. DOC 2c; SB 56. XF, high relief.
Justin I. 518-527. AV solidus, (21 mm, 4.42 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 519-527. Diademed, helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justin I facing slightly right, holding spear over shoulder and shield with horseman motif / Angel standing facing, holding long cross and globus cruciger; in right field, star; H//CONOB. Cf. DOC 2 (officina not attested); SB 56. Choice AU NGC.
Justin II. 565-578. AV solidus, (20 mm, 6 h). Constantinople. Helmeted and cuirassed bust of Justin II facing, holding globe surmounted by Victory and shield with horseman motif / Constantinopolis seated facing, head right, holding spear and globus cruciger; Z//CONOB. DOC 4f; SB 345. AU50 ICG.
Maurice Tiberius. 582-602. AV solidus, (23 mm, 4.40 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 583-601. Diademed, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust of Maurice Tiberius facing, holding globus cruciger / Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by Christogram and globus cruciger; [...]//CONOB. Cf. DOC 5; SB 478. VF, die shift.
Maurice Tiberius. 582-602. AV light weight solidus, (21 mm, 4.31 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 583-601. Diademed, helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust of Maurice Tiberius facing, holding globus cruciger; in right field, star / Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by Christogram and globus cruciger; in right field, star; I//CONOB. DOC 7i; SB 481. XF, minor die-rust on obverse.
Phocas. 602-610. AV solidus, (21 mm, 4.41 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 602/3. Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Phocas facing, holding globus cruciger; crown with pendilia / Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by a Christogram and globus cruciger; S//CONOB. Cf. DOC 1 (officina not attested); SB 616. Good VF, wavy flan.
Phocas. 602-610. AV solidus, (21 mm, 4.40 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 607-610. Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Phocas facing, holding globus cruciger / Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by a Christogram and globus cruciger; B//CONOB. DOC 10b; SB 620. VF, wavy flan.
Phocas. 602-610. AV solidus, (20 mm, 4.35 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 607-610. Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Phocas facing, holding globus cruciger / Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by a Christogram and globus cruciger; E//CONOB. DOC 10e; SB 620. Good VF.
Phocas. 602-610. AV solidus, (22 mm, 4.48 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 607-610. Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Phocas facing, holding globus cruciger / Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by a Christogram and globus cruciger; E//CONOB. DOC 10e; SB 620. Good VF, wavy flan.
Phocas. 602-610. AV solidus, (22 mm, 4.33 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 607-610. Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Phocas facing, holding globus cruciger / Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by a Christogram and globus cruciger; E//CONOB. DOC 10e; SB 620. Good VF, graffiti on obverse, a few marks, wavy flan.
Phocas. 602-610. AV solidus, (22 mm, 4.37 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 607-610. Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Phocas facing, holding globus cruciger / Angel standing facing, holding staff surmounted by a Christogram and globus cruciger; S//CONOB. DOC 10f; SB 620. VF, slightly wavy flan.
Heraclius. 610-641. AV solidus, (21 mm, 4.41 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 610-613. Crowned, draped and cuirassed bust of Heraclius facing, holding globus cruciger; crown with crest and pendilia / Cross potent set on three steps; E//CONOB. DOC 3b; SB 731. XF.
Heraclius. 610-641. AV solidus, (20 mm, 4.41 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 629-631. Crowned facing busts of Heraclius and Heraclius Constantine; above, cross / Cross potent on three steps; (Delta)//CONOB. DOC 26d; SB 749. VF.
Heraclius. 610-641. AV solidus, (20 mm, 4.24 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 632-635(?). Heraclius, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas standing facing, each holding globus cruciger; in field above Heraclonas, cross / Cross potent on three steps; in right field, monogram; Z(retrograde)//CONOB. Cf. DOC 33 (officina not attested); SB 758. VF, clipped.
Heraclius. 610-641. AV solidus, (19 mm, 4.45 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 636/7. Heraclius, Heraclius Constantine and Heraclonas standing facing, each holding globus cruciger; in field above Heraclonas, cross / Cross potent on three steps; in left field, monogram; in right field, I; (Delta)//CONOB. DOC 36d; SB 761. Good VF.
Constans II. 641-668. AV solidus, (21 mm, 4.41 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 654-659. Crowned facing busts of Constans II and Constantine IV; above, cross / Cross potent on three steps; (Gamma)//CONOB. DOC 25c; SB 959. VF NGC, clipped, scratch in field of reverse, edge marks, graffito.
Constans II. 641-668. AV solidus, (19 mm, 4.49 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 654-659. Crowned facing busts of Constans II and Constantine IV; above, cross / Cross potent on three steps; (Delta)//CONOB. DOC 25d; SB 959. Good VF.
Constans II. 641-668. AV solidus, (19 mm, 4.45 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 654-659. Crowned facing busts of Constans II and Constantine IV; above, cross / Cross potent on three steps; E//CONOB. DOC 25e; SB 959. Good VF, scratches.
Constans II. 641-668. AV solidus, (19 mm, 4.43 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 654-659. Crowned facing busts of Constans II and Constantine IV; above, cross / Cross potent on three steps; E//CONOB. DOC 25e; SB 959. VF.
Constans II. 641-668. AV solidus, (20 mm, 4.38 g, 6 h). Constantinople, 654-659. Crowned facing busts of Constans II and Constantine IV; above, cross / Cross potent on three steps; (Theta)//CONOB. DOC 25i; SB 959. Good VF, wrinkled flan.
Justinian II. First reign, 685-695. AV tremissis, (15 mm, 1.35 g, 7 h). Constantinople, 687-692. Crowned bust of Justinian II facing, holding globus cruciger / Cross potent; CONOB. DOC 13; SB 1255. Good VF, flan flaws, light polishing marks.
Theophilus. 829-842. AV solidus, (19 mm, 4.27 g, 5 h). Constantinople, ca. 830/1-840. Crowned facing bust of Theophilus, holding patriarchal cross and akakia / Crowned facing busts of Michael II and Constantine; above, cross above. DOC 3d; SB 1653. Choice VF NGC, clipped.
Romanus III,1028-1034. Gold Histamenon Nomisma, (25mm, 4.39 g, 6 h). Christ is shown standing/ Virgin and Emperor standing. Fr-242. Choice XF NGC, clipped.
Michael VII Ducas. 1071-1078. EL histamenon nomisma, (31 mm, 4.19 g, 6 h). Constantinople. Nimbate bust of Christ facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Diademed bust of Michael VII facing, holding labarum without pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2c; SB 1868. Good VF.
Michael VII Ducas. 1071-1078. EL histamenon nomisma, (30 mm, 4.40 g, 6 h). Constantinople. Nimbate bust of Christ facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Diademed bust of Michael VII facing, holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2d; SB 1868. XF, toned.
Michael VII Ducas. 1071-1078. EL histamenon nomisma, (28 mm, 4.31 g, 6 h). Constantinople. Nimbate bust of Christ facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Diademed bust of Michael VII facing, holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2d; SB 1868. Good VF.
Michael VII Ducas. 1071-1078. EL histamenon nomisma, (29 mm, 4.38 g, 6 h). Constantinople. Nimbate bust of Christ facing, raising hand in benediction and holding Gospels / Diademed bust of Michael VII facing, holding labarum with pellet on shaft and globus cruciger. DOC 2d; SB 1868. Good VF, graffiti on edge of reverse.
Manuel I Comnenus. 1143-1180. EL aspron trachy, (31 mm, 4.05 g, 6 h). Constantinople. Nimbate Christ enthroned facing, holding Gospels and holding hand in gesture of benediction / Manuel I standing facing, holding labarum and globus cruciger, being crowned by the Virgin standing facing. DOC 6; SB 1961. Good VF.
Artuqids of Mardin. Husam al-Din Yuluq Arslan. 580-597/1184-1200. AE dirhem, (31 mm, 13.69 g, 8 h). 589/1193. Three figures in various poses standing around central figure, seated left in attitude of mourning / Legend citing the Abbasid caliph al-Nasir in three lines within in circle; in marginal legend, titles of Arslan and date. Spengler & Sayles type 35.1; Album 1829.3. Nice VF, green patina with sandy deposits.
Kushan Empire. Kipanada. Ca. mid 4th century A.D. AV dinar, (18 mm, 7.64 g, 12 h). Kipanada, nimbate and helmeted, standing left, sacrificing over altar to left and holding filleted standard; in left field, filleted trident / Ardoxsho, nimbate, seated facing on throne, holding filleted investiture garland and cornucopia; in right field, tamgha. Göbl 596. Good VF.
Kushan Empire. Kipanada. Ca. mid 4th century A.D. AV dinar, (18 mm, 7.66 g, 12 h). Kipanada, nimbate and helmeted, standing left, sacrificing over altar to left and holding filleted standard; in left field, filleted trident / Ardoxsho, nimbate, seated facing on throne, holding filleted investiture garland and cornucopia; in right field, tamgha. Göbl 596. VF, typical striking weakness.
Greek. Lot of three nomoi from Magna Graecia. Includes: Campania, Cales // Campania, Neapolis // Lucania, Metapontion. All nearly VF, toned and a little rough. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Greek. Lot of two Alexander the Great tetradrachms. Includes: Amphipolis // Babylon. Fine-VF, both toned and both posthumous issues. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Greek. Lot of four miscellaneous coins. Includes: Akarnania, Anaktorion. AR stater // Ionia, Ephesos. AE unit // Caria, Rhodes. AR hemidrachm // Lydian Kingdom. EL hekte. Fair-VF, the obv. of the hekte indistinct. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Greek. Lot of five small AR. Includes: Corinthia, Corinth. Drachm // Argolis, Argos. Triobol // Caria, Rhodes. Hemidrachm // Pisidia, Selge. Obol // Cilicia, Uncertain mint. Obol. Fine-VF, all toned. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Greek. Lot of two AR from the eastern Mediterranean. Includes: Phoenicia, Tyre. Shekel. Melkart riding hippocamp / Owl // Ptolemaic Kingdom. Ptolemy I, as Satrap. Tetradrachm. Nearly VF-VF, both toned. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Greek and Roman Imperial. Lot of four miscellaneous coins. Includes: Macedonian Kingdom. Philip II. AE unit. VF30 ICG // Gordian III. AR double denarius. AU58 ANACS // Gordian III. AR denarius. Good VF // Probus. BI aurelianianus. AU58 ANACS. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Roman Provincial. Lot of ten tetradrachms from Roman Antioch. Includes: Elagabalus (4) // Gordian III (2) // Philip II // Trajan Decius (3). Fine-VF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Roman Provincial. Lot of ten tetradrachms from Roman Syria and Phoenicia. Includes: Syria, Antioch. Elagabalus (3); Philip I; Philip II; Trajan Decius (3) // Cyrrhestica, Cyrrhus. Macrinus // Phoenicia, Byblus. Caracalla. Caracalla. Fine-VF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Roman Provincial. Lot of ten tetradrachms from Roman Syria and Phoenicia. Includes: Syria, Antioch. Elagabalus; Gordian III (2); Philip I; Philip II; Trajan Decius (4) // Phoenicia, Tyre. Caracalla. Fine-VF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Roman Republican. Lot of six denarii. Includes: Anonymous // L. Cupiennius // Q. Caecilius Metellus // Ti. Veturius // D. Silanus L.f. // Q. Thermus M.f. All toned VF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Roman Republican. Lot of seven denarii and quinarii. All denarii unless otherwise indicated. Includes: P. Servilius M.f. Rullus // C. Egnatuleius C.f. AR quinarius // Q. Titius // L. Titurius L.f. Sabinus (2) // Anonymous // L. Julius Bursio. Fine-VF, mostly toned, some roughness. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Roman Imperatorial. Lot of three denarii. Includes: Julius Caesar. Portrait type. Probably P. Sepullis Macer, moneyer. Venus. Cf. RSC 39 // Mark Antony. Bust of Sol on disk within temple. RSC 12 // Mark Antony. Legend in two lines. RSC 2. Fair-Fine. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Roman Imperial. Lot of six miscellaneous items. Includes: Nero. As // Trajan. Denarius (2) // Antoninus Pius. Denarius // Faustina I. Sestertius // Antonine or Severan period. Terracotta seal with radiate, imperial(?) bust. Fair-VF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Miscellaneous. Lot of eleven coins. All AE unless otherwise noted. Includes: Moesia Inferior, Nicopolis ad Istrum. Commodus; Elagabalus // Macedon, Amphipolis. Macrinus // Uncertain mint. Pseudo-autonomous issue // Aurelian. Double denarius // Galerius. Follis // Constantius II (2) // Justinian I. 16 nummi // Khusro II. AR drachm // Artuqids of Mardin. Husam al-Din Yuluq Arslan. Fine-XF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Afghanistan
Amanullah gold 2 Tillas SH 1298 (1919), KM879, MS63 NGC. Fully lustrous and quite difficult to find in mint state.
Amanullah gold 2 Amani SH 1299 (1920), KM888, MS63 NGC. Truly outstanding for this type.
Albania
Ahmet Zogu Lek 1926 & gold 10 Franga Ari 1927, KM5, MS64 and KM9 MS61, both coins from the Rome (R) mint, and both certified by NGC.
Argentina
A Trio of Choice Patterns and Essais in Bronze: Centavo 1878 MS63 RB, KM-E1; 2 Centavos 1878 MS64 RB, KM-E2; and a Centavo 1880 MS63 RB, KM-PN17. All coins certified by NGC, and incorrectly noted on the holder as copper.
Republic 1 Centavo Pattern Piefort in Copper 1892, KM-P4, MS64 RB NGC. Of double thickness. Outstanding appearance.
Republic Trio of Choice Minors, 10 Centavos 1909, KM35, MS64; 20 Centavos 1910, KM36, MS64 and 20 Centavos 1912, KM36, AU58. All coins are certified by PCGS.
Australia
Victoria gold 1/2 Sovereign 1856, Fr-9a, KM-1, VG, lightly toned, nice even wear. Very scarce date.
Victoria gold 1/2 Sovereign 1861, Fr-10a, KM-3, VG-Fine, scarce date.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1864, KM3, XF40 NGC. Scarce date for this Sydney mint Sovereign.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1883M, KM7, AU, some field marks, none severe. Type with St. George and dragon, reverse. Tough coin in higher grades.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1891-S, KM10, AU55 NGC. From the Sydney, (S), mint. AGW 0.2354 oz.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1895-M, KM13, MS63 NGC. Veiled Head type, Melbourne, (M), mint. AGW 0.2354 oz.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1896-M, KM13, MS63 NGC. Melbourne, (M), mint. Strong luster. AGW 0.2354 oz.
Edward VII Shilling 1910, KM20, AU-UNC, some minor surface marks. Strong original luster and an attractive example of the type.
George V Halfpenny 1923, KM22, VF Details, significant obverse corrosion. The key date in Australian Halfpenny coinage, and rare.
George V Halfpenny 1926, KM22, MS63 BN PCGS. A deeply toned example and a scarcer date.
George V Threepence 1923, KM24, XF45 NGC. One of the key dates in the series. Appealing gray toning.
George V gold Sovereign 1915-M, KM29, MS61 PCGS. Melbourne, (M), mint.
George V gold Sovereign 1915-M, KM29, MS62 PCGS. Appealing golden luster. AGW 0.2354 oz.
George VI Threepence 1942, KM37, AU55 PCGS. The key coin in this series with the lowest mintage, by far. Melbourne mint.
Elizabeth II Penny 1956, KM56. Proof, from the Melbourne mint, 1,500 mintage.
Elizabeth II Penny 1957, KM56, Proof, from the Perth mint, 1,112 mintage and scarce.
Elizabeth II Penny 1958, KM56, Proof, Perth mint with 1,028 mintage, very choice.
Elizabeth II Penny 1959, KM56, Proof, from the Perth mint, 1,030 mintage. Some spotting, but overall, quite nice.
Elizabeth II Sixpence 1954 Error, KM52, UNC, coin struck 20% off-center.
Twenty Mint Sets, 1975-1989, 1991. Three examples of 1985 & 1986. There are 133 coin in total. All in original mint holders.
Fifteen Different Mint Sets, 1966-1974, 1990, and a 1992-1996 date run (90 coins in total). All in original mint holders.
Seven Proof Sets, (2) 1985, (2) 1986, 1994, 1995, 1996. There are 46 coins in total. All in original cases.
Gold 1/2 Sovereign Pair 1903S and 1915S, 1903 is KM14 and VF. 1915 is KM28 and UNC. Both minted in Sydney. AGW 0.2354 oz.
Trio of Florins 1931, 1934 and 1956, 1931 is KM2, 1934 (Melbourne) is KM 33 and 1956 is KM60. All coins AU or better. These coins are not common in higher grades.
Quartet of Choice silver Minors, 3 Pence 1910, 6 Pence 1910, 1928, 1936. All coins Uncirculated. Tough coins to find in mint state. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Quartet of Uncirculated Commemorative Florins: (2) 1927 Parliament; 1951 Jubilee; and 1954 Royal Visit, all nice UNC. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Four Uncirculated Florins, 1944S, 1951, and (2) 1954. All are choice UNC examples. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Trio of Crowns 1937 and 1938, KM34, 1937 XF cleaned; 1937 UNC; and 1938 XF.
Austria
Archduke Ferdinand Taler ND (1564-1595), Dav-8097, AU. Lovely toning, and virtually as struck. Hall mint.
Rudolph II Taler 1605, Dav-3005, KM37.1. VF, lightly cleaned. Hall mint. Overall, an excellent portrait of the Emperor.
Archduke Leopold Taler 1628 Hall, KM629.2, Dav-3338, MS62 NGC, nicely toned with considerable mint luster, probable 8/7 overdate. Scarce grade for this early dated Taler.
Charles VI Taler 1733 Hall, KM1639.1, Dav-1055, MS63 NGC, an incredibly sharp example with soft gray patina and full mint brilliance. Very attractive.
Maria Theresa Taler 1771AS Hall, KM1838, Dav-1123, AU58 NGC, pretty gray and gold patina, scarce in this condition.
Franz I Taler 1822-A, KM2162, AU58 PCGS. Beautifully toned. Viennamint.
Franz Joseph Taler 1868, KMX-M8, UNC, lightly cleaned. Issued for the third German shooting Festival.
Franz Joseph gold Ducat Error 1951, KM2267, MS66 NGC. This is the scarce date error of the 1915 restrike. AGW 0.1108 oz.
Franz Joseph gold 20 Corona 1908, KM2811, PL61 NGC. 60th anniversary of reign commemorative. Scarce one year type.
Republic gold 25 Schilling 1926, KM2841, MS64 NGC. A prooflike issue. AGW 0.1702 oz.
Republic gold 25 Schilling 1931, KM2841, MS63 NGC. Very reflective surfaces. AGW 0.1702 oz.
Republic gold 100 Schilling 1934, KM2842, PL64 NGC, nicely mirrored surfaces, scarcer date. AGW 0.6807 oz.
Olmutz. Wolfgang Taler 1720, Dav-1218, KM133, AU55 PCGS. Exceptional toning and little wear. Olmutz is in today's Czech Republic.
Azores
Terceira Island. Maria II 80 Reis 1829, KM4.2, crude XF. Cast from gun, or bell, metal. Variety with small legend and small stars.
Belgian Congo
Albert Franc 1930, KM-PN1, MS62 NGC. Aluminum bronze striking. Scarce issue.
Belgium
Leopold I 5 Francs 1832, KM3.1, F-VF, scarce first date of series with 37,000 mintage.
Leopold II Franc 1866, KM28.1, MS66 ANACS, scarce first year of issue of the new king's coinage. An exceptional example of the type.
Leopold II gilt bronze Pattern Essai 20 Francs 1870, Dupriez 1113, MS66 NGC, Coarse Beard - Position A, lightly toned with full mint bloom.
Leopold II gold 20 Francs 1875, KM37, MS65 NGC. Strong golden coloring. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Albert gold 20 Francs 1914, KM78, MS65 NGC, Position A. Variety with French legends. Note the military uniform indicating the wartime atmosphere. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Albert gold 20 Francs 1914, KM79, MS65 NGC. Variety with Flemish legends, Position A. Sparkling luster. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Leopold III 50 Francs 1935, KM106.1, MS64 NGC, position B. Belgian railway centennial commemorative. Variety with French legends.
Bolivia
Carlos II cob 8 Reales 1679-C, KM26, toned VF, lightly porous surfaces, bold date, mintmark and assayer's initial on the obverse.
Philip V 8 Reales Cobs Trio: 1703, 1718, 1719, KM31, VG. All assayer "Y", all clearly dated.
Carlos III 8 Reales Pillar 1770 PTS-JR, KM50, VF, cleaned. Variety with no dot after Carolus. Scarce mint.
Carlos III 2 Reales Error Coinage 1777, KM53, Double struck 50% off center. Holed, overall grade of Fine, and most unusual.
Carlos III 4 Reales 1774JR, KM54, AU Details, Obverse Planchet Flaw, NGC, boldly defined features with original mint luster, flan lamination across the bust and small hairlines on the reverse.
Ferdinand VII silver Proclamation Medal 1811, Fonr-9395, AU50 NGC, lovely old-time cabinet patina, gratitude of the city of Potosi to Josephus Emanuel a Goyeneche. 42 mm.
Republic Bronze Essais 1883 Pair: KM-E2 & KM-E4; Centavo MS63 RB; & 2 Centavos MS64 BN NGC. A seldom offered duo.
Republic gold 4000 Pesos 1979, KM199, Proof. Year of the Child. AGW 0.4968 oz.
Brazil
Pedro II gold 1000 Reis 1699, KM96, VF, but scraped. Damage is evident in the fields. AGW 0.0601 oz.
Pedro II gold 2000 Reis 1699, KM97, VF, cleaned. Decent strike for this usually crude type. AGW 0.1203 oz.
Jose I gold 1000 Reis 1752, KM162.1, VF, lightly cleaned. 11,000 mintage. Good strike.
Jose I gold 2000 Reis 1752, KM182.1, AU50 NGC. 12,000 mintage, a scarce offering.
Maria I gold 6400 Reis 1792-R, KM226.1, XF, rough surfaces indicating probable jewelry use. Rio de Janeiro, (R), mint. AGW 0.4229 oz.
Pedro I 80 Reis 1828SP, KM376, AU53 BN NGC, scarce grade for the Sao Paolo coinage.
Pedro II 40 Reis Pattern in Copper 1863, KM-PN108, MS62 BN NGC. Significant red color in the devices.
Pedro II 40 Reis Essai in Copper 1863, KM-Pn108, MS63 BN NGC, small date variety. Most attractive.
Pedro II 40 Reis Essai in Copper-Nickel 1863, KM-PN110, MS63 NGC, a seldom offered early Brazilian trial piece.
Pedro II gold 5000 Reis 1855, KM470, VF, some obverse abrasions. Scarcer denomination. AGW 0.1321 oz.
Pedro II gold 5000 Reis 1855, KM470, MS62 PCGS. A scarce denomination. AGW 0.1321 oz.
Pedro II gold 10000 Reis 1851, KM460, XF, some obverse field scratches. Scarce three year type with high ruffled collar. 11,000 mintage. AGW 0.2643 oz.
Pedro II gold 10000 Reis 1874, KM467, XF. Strong portrait. AGW 0.2643 oz.
Pedro II gold 10000 Reis 1874, KM467, XF45 NGC. Good luster for the grade. AGW 0.2643 oz.
Pedro II gold 10000 Reis 1886, KM467, about XF, sharp strike. AGW 0.2643 oz.
Pedro II gold 20000 Reis 1851, KM461, XF, some minor reverse scratches. Very desirable type with high ruffled collar. AGW 0.5286 oz.
Pedro II gold 20000 Reis 1851, KM463, AU, some minor field marks, but overall, attractive. The earlier two year type with more narrow head. AGW 0.5286 oz.
Pedro II gold 20000 Reis 1852, KM463, AU, scarce two year type and most attractive. AGW 0.5286 oz.
Pedro II gold 20000 Reis 1853, KM468, VF, noticeable field abrasions. AGW 0.5286 oz.
Pedro II gold 20000 Reis 1856, KM468, AU. Most pleasing golden color. AGW 0.5286 oz.
Pedro II gold 20000 Reis 1867, KM468, VF, later portrait type. AGW 0.5286 oz.
Republic 40 Reis Essai in Copper 1889, KM-Pn171, MS64 RB NGC, type with value in reverse center. A seldom seen type.
Republic 40 Reis Essai in Copper 1889, KM-PN172, MS63 RB NGC, struck at the time of independence. Very choice.
Republic gold 10000 Reis 1889, KM496, XF, some obverse abrasions. 7,302 mintage. First coinage of the republic. Scarcer type.
British North Borneo
Victoria 1/2 Cent 1886-H, KM1, SP64 RB NGC. An outstanding appearance.
British Commonwealth Six Coin Grouping, 1/2 Cent 1886, Cent 1890, 1938, 2 1/2 Cents 1903, 5 Cents 1921, 25 Cents 1929. The 2 1/2 Cents is VF, the rest are AU or UNC. Lot sold as is, no returns.
A Quintet of Labuk Tobacco Company Proof Tokens ND, 10 Cents, 20 Cents (two types), 50 Cents, and 1 Dollar. All certified PF63 or PF64 by NGC. All attributed from Pridmore. A choice and seldom offered grouping.
Group of Four Copper Tokens from the Sandakan Tobacco Co. ND, 10 Cents, PF63 RB NGC; 20 Cents, PF61 BN NGC; 50 Cents, PF64 RB NGC; and Dollar, PF63 RB NGC. All certified Proof by NGC. All attributed with Pridmore numbers and all with outstanding luster.
Bulgaria
Ferdinand gold 20 Leva 1894, KM20, VF/XF, some surface marks, a popular type. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Cambodia
Norodom I 25 Centimes 1860, KMX-E5, Proof 65 NGC, subtle light golden patina with mirror surfaces, very scarce original striking.
Canada
Victoria Cent 1858, KM1, AU53 PCGS. First date of the series and highly sought after.
Victoria Cent 1859, KM1, MS64 RB PCGS. Narrow "9" variety. A premium coin for this grade.
Victoria Cent 1859, KM1, MS64 RB PCGS. Narrow "9" variety.
Victoria Cent 1859/8 Wide 9, KM1, MS62RB PCGS, medal alignment, bold details with considerable mint red.
Victoria Cent 1859 Dpn9 T1, KM1, XF45 PCGS. Scarce type I variety with double punched 9. Chocolate brown in color and with a strong portrait of the queen.
Victoria Cent 1876-H, KM7, MS64 RB PCGS. Struck at the Heaton, (H), mint.
Victoria Cent 1876H, KM7, MS65RB PCGS, highly lustrous and attractive with superior surfaces.
Victoria Cent 1881-H, KM7, MS64RB PCGS, a choice lustrous coin with a small toning spot near the G in REGINA.
Victoria Cent 1884, KM7, MS65RB PCGS, a premium coin with virtually full mint luster.
Victoria Cent 1886, KM7, MS64 RB PCGS. A tougher date in higher grades.
Victoria Cent 1887, KM7, MS64 RB PCGS. Scarcer date. Attractively toned with a pleasing appearance.
Victoria Cent 1890-H, KM7, MS64 RB PCGS. Exceptionally mark free fields.
Victoria Cent 1892, KM7, MS64 RB PCGS. A superior strike and a most appealing. example.
Victoria Cent 1894, KM7, MS65RB PCGS, a highly lustrous original example, the obverse is nearly full red.
Victoria Certified Cents Pair, 1895, MS64 RB, 1900-H, MS64 RB. Both coins cataloged as KM7, both coins certified by PCGS.
Victoria Cent 1897, KM7, MS65RB PCGS, flashy, deep reddish-orange mint luster.
Victoria Cent 1899, KM7, MS65 RB PCGS. Exhilarating luster.
Victoria Cent 1898H, KM7, MS65RB PCGS, plentiful mint red on both sides, scarce date.
Victoria Cent 1900, KM7, MS64 RB PCGS. Striking portrait.
Victoria Cent 1901, KM7, MS65 RB PCGS. Lovely appearance.
Edward VII Exceptional Cent Trio, KM8, 1902 is MS65 BN 1903 & 1904 are MS65 RB. All coins certified by PCGS.
Edward VII Cent 1906, KM8, MS65 RB PCGS. Virtually flawless example.
Edward VII Cent 1907, KM8, MS65 RB PCGS, Ex: Norweb. Mostly red in color and deserving of a premium bid.
Edward VII Cent 1907, KM8, MS65 RB PCGS, an attractive example with considerable mint luster.
Edward VII Cent 1909 & 1910, KM8. Both coins certified MS65 RB PCGS.
George V Cent 1912, KM21, MS66 RB PCGS. A virtually perfect example of this date.
George V Cent 1913, KM21, MS65 RB PCGS. A most appealing gem.
George V Cent 1918, KM21, MS66 RB PCGS. A pristine gem.
George V High-end Cent Trio, KM21, 1917, MS65 RB, 1918, MS64 RB, 1919, MS65 RB. All coins certified by PCGS.
George V Large Cent 1920, KM21, MS65 RB PCGS. Scarce last date of this series.
George V Small Cent 1920, KM28, MS65 RD PCGS. First year of the small cents, and a brilliant Gem example.
George V Cent 1921, KM28, MS64 BN PCGS. A much scarcer date, and near Gem quality.
George V Cent 1924, KM28, MS65 BN PCGS, a lovely coin with glossy brown surfaces and abundant mint luster, especially on the obverse. Very scarce in this lofty designation.
George V Cent 1925, KM28, MS63 RB PCGS. A low mintage, underrated date.
George V Cent 1926, KM28, MS64 RB PCGS. An exquisite example.
George V Cent 1927, KM28, MS65 RB PCGS, very attractive with rich brown patina and virtually perfect surfaces.
George V Cent 1928, KM28, MS65 RB PCGS. Few pieces remain in gem condition.
George V Cent 1929, KM28, MS65 RB PCGS. One of the more difficult small cents to locate in Gem condition.
George V Cent 1931, KM28, MS65 BN PCGS. Wonderful appearance with significant red undertones.
George V Cent 1932, KM28, MS65 RB PCGS. A virtually perfect Gem.
George V Four Certified Cents, KM28, 1933, MS64 RB, 1934, MS64 RB, 1935, MS65 BN, 1936, MS65 RD. All coins certified by PCGS.
George VI Five Certified Cents, 1937, MS65 RD, 1938, MS64 RD, 1939, MS65 RD, 1940, MS65 RD, 1941, MS64 RD. All coins cataloged as KM32. All coins certified by PCGS.
Five George VI Certified Cents, 1942, MS64 RD, 1943, MS65 RB, 1944, MS65 RB, 1945, MS64 RD, 1946, MS65 RD. All coins cataloged as KM32, all coins certified by PCGS.
George VI Specimen Cent 1947 ML, KM32, SP65 RD PCGS. Variety with maple leaf. An outstanding example.
George VI Six Certified Cents: 1947 MS65 RD; 1947 Maple Leaf MS64 RD, KM32; 1948 MS64 RD, KM41, "A" to denticle; and a 1948 MS64 RD "A" between denticles; 1949 MS64 RB "A" to denticle; and a 1949 MS65 RD "A" between denticles. All coins certified by PCGS. An important grouping for the Cent aficionado.
Five Certified Cents, 1950-1954, all certified MS65 RD by PCGS. The first three are of George VI, the last two are Elizabeth II
Nine Elizabeth II PCGS Certified Cents, 1955-1962, 1964. All KM49, all certified MS64 RD-MS66 RD by PCGS.
Victoria 5 Cents 1871, KM2, MS63 PCGS. From the Doaktown hoard. Choice untoned example with great original luster.
Victoria 5 Cents 1883H, KM2, MS61 NGC. Light satiny toning.
Victoria 5 Cents 1886, KM2, MS62 PCGS. Small "6" variety. Light gray toning with strong underlying luster.
Victoria 5 Cents, KM2, the 1887 is AU58 NGC; and the 1888 is AU53 NGC. The 1887 is a significantly better date in this series.
Victoria 5 Cents 1890-H, KM2, MS62 PCGS. Lightly toned and a difficult coin to acquire in Mint State.
Victoria 5 Cents 1890-H, KM2, MS63 PCGS. Bright white example with cartwheel luster, and scarce in this state of preservation.
Victoria 5 Cents 1891, KM2, MS62 NGC. Strong underlying luster beneath gray toning.
Victoria 5 Cents 1899, KM2, MS64 PCGS. Just a wisp of golden toning.
Edward VII 5 Cents 1902-H, KM9, MS65 PCGS, Large H. A bright white sparkling gem.
Edward VII 5 Cents 1902-H, KM9, MS65 PCGS. Variety with large "H". Bright white example with scintillating luster.
Edward VII 5 Cents 1908, KM13, MS64 PCGS. Small "8" variety. Tough coin to acquire in this grade.
George V 5 Cents 1911, KM16, MS67 PCGS, incredible frosty white surfaces, a virtually perfect coin.
George V 5 Cents 1913, KM22, MS65 PCGS. A bright white gem with just a hint of toning.
George V 5 Cent Duo: 1912, MS64, 1913, MS65. Both cataloged as KM22, both certified by PCGS. Two exceptional early coins of George V.
George V 5 Cents 1926 Far 6, KM29, AU50 ANACS, a nice lustrous piece, scarce variety and grade.
George V 5 Cents 1927, KM29, MS64 NGC, a superb fully brilliant piece, sharply struck and very attractive.
George VI Specimen 5 Cents 1943, KM40, SP64 PCGS. Struck in tombac brass. Very few around in specimen quality.
Elizabeth II 5 Cents 1964 XWL Sextet, KM57, all are certified MS64 PCGS, all are variety with extra water line.
Elizabeth II Six Examples of 5 Cents 1964 XWL, KM57, all are MS64 PCGS, all are the variety with an extra waterline.
Elizabeth II 5 Cents 1964 XWL - Ten Examples. KM57, all are MS64 PCGS, all are the variety with an extra water line.
Elizabeth II 5 Cents 1964 Extra Water Line 40 Pieces, KM57, all Brilliant UNC.
Elizabeth II 5 Cents 1964 With Extra Water Line 58 Pieces, KM57, all brilliant UNC examples.
Victoria 10 Cents 1871, KM3, Choice XF, lightly toned, a most attractive example.
Edward VII 10 Cents 1902-H, KM10, MS64 PCGS. Sparkling luster.
George V 10 Cents 1911, KM17, UNC, excellent mark free fields, cleaned long ago.
George V 10 Cents 1914, KM23, MS64 PCGS. Blazing mint luster with a hint of rainbow toning at the peripheries. Very scarce this choice.
George V 10 Cents 1918, KM23, MS65 PCGS. A pristine example and scarce this choice.
George V 10 Cents 1918, KM23, MS65 PCGS. An outstanding example of this date.
George VI Pair of 10 Cent Coins of 1939, KM34, Both certified MS64 by PCGS. One appears to have a re-engraved date.
George VI 10 Cents 1941, KM34, MS65 PCGS. Sparkling cartwheel luster and few surviving in MS65.
George VI Three Certified 10 Cents: 1944, MS65; 1946, MS64; and 1947, MS64. All coins cataloged as KM34, all coins certified by PCGS.
George VI 10 Cents 1948 Duo, KM43, MS64 PCGS (both examples). A 1948 is the lowest mintage date of all 10 Cent coins of George VI.
Victoria 20 Cents 1858, KM4, XF45 PCGS. Lightly toned and the only 20 Cents coin struck for Canada.
Victoria 25 Cents 1892, KM5, AU53 PCGS, gray toning with a strong portrait.
Victoria 25 Cents 1892, KM5, AU55 PCGS, somewhat scarcer date with speckled toning.
Victoria 25 Cents 1892, KM5, AU58 NGC. Attractive silver-gray toning and a striking portrait.
Victoria 25 Cents 1900, KM5, AU55 NGC. Bright white example with just a hint of wear.
Victoria 25 Cents 1900, KM5, AU58 PCGS, just a hint of golden toning.
Victoria 25 Cents 1900, KM5, MS61 NGC. Silver toning with gold and green highlights. A tough coin in mint state.
Edward VII 25 Cents 1904, KM11, Genuine PCGS. Actually, the coin grades XF-AU with some minor discoloration.
Edward VII 25 Cents 1910, KM11a, MS62 PCGS. Lightly toned center with rainbow toning at the peripheries. A great appearance.
George V 25 Cents 1927, KM24a, AU58 PCGS. Key date of the George V series. Light gray toning, and highly sought after in this grade.
George V 25 Cents 1930, KM24a, MS64 PCGS. Fully brilliant with just a touch of toning at the legends. A significant date in higher grades.
George V 25 Cents 1936, KM24a, MS64 PCGS, bright white example with some golden toning at the peripheries, a beautiful coin.
George VI 25 Cents 1946, KM35, MS65 PCGS. An elusive grade for this date.
Victoria 50 Cents 1870, KM6, XF40 PCGS. Variety with "LCW". Far better than usual for a Victorian 50 Cents.
Victoria 50 Cents 1888, KM6, XF details, scattered surface abrasions and lower mintage date (60,000).
George V 50 Cents 1911, KM19, About VF, lightly cleaned. Popular one year type coin and first date of George V coins.
George VI 50 Cents 1937, KM36, SP65 PCGS, mirror. Beautiful toning.
George VI 50 Cents 1948, KM45, MS64 PCGS, nice white example, scarce date in this grade.
Elizabeth II 50 Cents 1953, KM53, MS64 PCGS. Large date and no straps.
Elizabeth II 50 Cents 1956, KM53, PL68 PCGS. A bright white flawless coin.
George V Dollar 1935, KM30, MS65 ICCS, light satiny toning.
George V Dollar 1935, KM30, MS65 PCGS, bright white example with full cartwheel luster.
George V Dollar 1935, KM30, MS66 PCGS. A bright white example with outstanding luster.
George V Dollar 1935, KM30, MS66 PCGS. Silvery gray and violet patina. An exciting appearance.
George V Dollar 1935, KM30, MS66 PCGS. Light silvery toning with reddish highlights. an exceptional example.
George V Dollar 1936, KM31, MS65 PCGS. Bright white in color with sparkling luster.
George VI Dollar Duo, KM37, 1937 is MS64; and 1938 is MS63. Both certified by PCGS.
George VI Dollar 1938, KM37, MS63 PCGS. Bright white example.
George VI Dollar 1946, KM37, MS63 PCGS, fully lustrous.
George VI Dollar 1946, KM37, MS63 PCGS, a very choice example with some Prooflike characteristics.
George VI Dollar 1946, KM37, MS63 PCGS, a bright white example with strong original luster.
George VI Dollar 1947 Blunt "7", KM37, MS62 ICCS, a good looking coin.
George VI Dollar 1947 Blunt "7", KM37, MS62 ICCS, a bright white example.
George VI Dollar 1947 Blunt "7", KM37, MS64 PCGS. A bright white example with very clean fields. A beautiful example.
George VI Dollar 1947, KM37, AU55 ANACS, with the usual surface abrasions. Pointed "7" variety.
George VI Dollar 1947 Pointed 7 3HP, KM37, MS62 PCGS, nice brilliant example, 3HP or 4HP.
George VI Dollar 1947 Maple Leaf, KM37, AU/UNC, some hairlines, but strong luster.
George VI Dollar 1949, KM47, MS67 PCGS. Newfoundland commemorative.
George VI Dollar 1949, KM47, MS67 PCGS. Newfoundland commemorative. Bright white example with impeccable fields.
George VI Dollar 1949, KM47, PL65 PCGS. Newfoundland commemorative.
George VI Dollar 1949, KM47, PL66 PCGS. Newfoundland commemorative.
George VI Dollar 1949, KM47, PL67 PCGS. Newfoundland commemorative. Very seldom seen this choice.
George VI Dollar 1950, KM46, MS65 PCGS. Lightly toned and very attractive.
George VI Dollar 1950, KM46, PL66 PCGS. With three water lines .Very desirable grade for this date.
George VI Dollar 1950 Arnprior, KM46, MS64 NGC. Nicely toned. Arnprior displaying 2 1/2 water lines by canoe. A difficult coin to locate in higher grades.
George VI Dollar 1951 Arnprior, KM46, MS63 PCGS, nice lustrous example.
George VI Dollar 1952, KM46, MS65 PCGS. Full water lines. A bright white example dripping with luster.
George VI Dollar 1952, KM46, PL65 PCGS, No Water Lines
Elizabeth II Dollar 1954, KM54, MS65 PCGS. Very few of this date available in Gem condition.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1954 Trio, KM54. All certified PL66 by PCGS.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1954, KM54, PL67 PCGS. Bright white and virtually flawless, Ex: Pittman.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1955, KM54, PL67 PCGS. A bright white example. Scarce grade for this date.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1956, KM54, PL67 PCGS. A superb specimen.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1956, KM54, PL67 PCGS, flashy mirror surfaces with a deep cameo effect on the bust.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1957, KM54, PL66 PCGS. A bright white example.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1957, KM54, PL67 PCGS. Variety with three water lines. An outstanding coin.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1958, KM55, MS65 PCGS. British Columbia commemorative.
Elizabeth II Dollar 1965, KM64.1, MS65 PCGS. Scarce Type II variety.
Edward VII gold Sovereign 1910C, KM14, MS61 NGC, considerable mint luster, scarce date.
George V gold Sovereign 1911C, KM20, MS64 PCGS, strong original luster.
George V gold Sovereign 1918C, KM20, MS63 PCGS, a scarcer date in higher grades.
Elizabeth II gold 75 Dollars 2008, PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC, for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. AGW 0.2249 oz.
Elizabeth II gold 75 Dollars 2008, PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC, for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. AGW 0.2490 oz. AGW 0.2249 oz.
Edward VII Three Coin Incomplete Specimen Set 1908, Cent, 5 Cents & 10 Cents. KM8, KM10, KM13. Beautifully toned but with some spotting. Comes with the original case of issue.
Specimen Set 1970. Six coins, Penny to Dollar. All certified SP66, SP66 RD or SP67 by PCGS. Included as well, is a Specimen case. Scarce issue.
Prooflike Set 1954. Six coins from Penny to Dollar. Four of the coins have cameo. Variety with shoulder strap. Housed in a lucite holder and a scarce item.
Five Different Prooflike Sets 1956-1960, All are six coin sets, Penny to Dollar--30 coins in all. All are in lucite holders.
Six Uncirculated Sets, 1949, 1950, (Arn), 1951, 1951, 1953, 1955. All sets are comprised of Penny to Dollar, and are housed in lucite or cardboard holders--36 coins in all.
Elizabeth II six-piece Arnprior Prooflike Set 1955, KM-PL6, Cent through the Dollar, all are Choice-Gem Prooflike, some with Cameo. In the original mint issued cardboard holder with cellophane wrapper. The cent is toned.
Elizabeth II six-piece Arnprior Prooflike Set 1955, KM-PL6, Cent through Dollar, all are Choice-Gem Prooflike, some with Cameo. In the original mint issued cardboard holder with cellophane wrapper.
Elizabeth II 2 Dollar Piefort and Bank Note Set. Issued to mark the inauguration of bi-metallic coinage in Canada. Included is the 2 Dollar coin of double thickness 1996, and two uncut 2 Dollar banknotes dated 1986. Comes in its original case of issue with certificate of authenticity.
Governor General silver Medal 1898, MS62 NGC. Large silver medal 51 mm. in diameter presented by the Governor General to the Earl and Countess of Minto. Conjoined portrait of the two honorees, reverse coat of arms.
Complete Collection of Large Cents 1858-1920, Two examples of the 1858, two of the 1859, and three varieties of the 1891. housed in a Whitman holder. Grades range from VF-UNC with many choice examples.
Small Cent Collection 1920-1969, Missing the 1968, otherwise complete. 53 coins housed in a Whitman holder. Grades are VF to UNC, with most at the higher levels.
Collection of 5 Cent Coins 1922-1967, A complete nickel collection including both varieties of the 1926 and 1947. Housed in Whitman holder. Grades are VF-UNC, with most at the higher levels.
A Quartet of Certified High Grade Items, Cent 1946, KM32, MS64. 10 Cents: 1913, KM23; and MS63, 1931, KM23a, AU55. 25 Cents 1913, KM24, MS60. All certified by ICCS. The two 1913 coins are scarce in the presented grades.
A Trio of Certified silver 5 Cent Coins, 1903-H small H, KM13, MS62. Plus a 1914, KM22, MS64, and a 1918, MS64. All coins certified by PCGS. 1914 is especially difficult to find this choice.
Six Certified 5 Cents: 1926, KM29, (near 6)--one XF45 & one AU55. A 1938, KM33, MS62. A 1947, KM39a, (with dot), MS63. Plus two 1953, KM50, (no strap and far leaf)--one MS65 & one MS66. All coins certified by PCGS.
George V Certified 10 Cents Trio: 1916, 1919, KM23, and 1931, KM23a. All coins certified MS64 by PCGS. The 1916 is very scarce in this grade.
Trio of Certified 10 Cents, 1946, KM34, MS65; 1952, KM43, MS65; and 1955, KM51, MS67. All coins certified by PCGS.
A Quintet of Scarce 25 Cents: 1885, 1887, 1889, 1936 Dot, and 1947 Dot. Coins grade Good-Fine. All are difficult dates to acquire. Sold as is, no return.
George VI Mint State 25 Cents Trio, 1937, KM35--one MS64 & one MS65; and a 1939, MS62. All coins certified by PCGS.
George VI 25 Cents Quartet: 1941, KM35, MS64; 1942, MS64; 1947, MS63; and a 1951, KM44, MS65, Canada in hi- relief. All coins certified by PCGS.
Quartet of 25 Cents, 1880-H, KM5, VG10, wide 0 variety; 1953, KM52, MS65, no strap; 1954, PL66; and 1965, KM62, PF65 CAM. All coins certified by PCGS.
Three High Grade Certified 50 Cents, 1940, KM36, MS64; 1954, KM53, PL66; and 1956, KM53, PL67. All coins certified by PCGS.
Five George VI Commemorative Dollars, (3) 1939, KM38, MS64, 1949, KM47, MS65 & MS66. All coins certified by PCGS.
Four Elizabeth II Certified Dollars, (2) 1954, 1955, 1956. All cataloged as KM54, all certified MS64 by PCGS.
A Trio of Certified Dollars, 1935, KM30, MS64 (two pieces); 1937, KM37, MS63. All coins certified by PCGS.
George VI Dollar Pair, KM37, 1946, MS62; plus a 1947, Blunt "7", XF45. Both certified by ICCS.
George VI Exceptional Dollar Trio: 1949, KM47, PL64; 1951, KM46, MS64; and 1952, PL65 with no water lines.
Pair of Choice Dollars, 1936, KM31, MS64 PCGS. 1946, KM37, MS62 PCGS. Both bright white examples.
Silver Dollar Quartet, KM37 1937 brilliant UNC; KM46 1950 FWL MS64 NGC; KM46 1951 PL64 PCGS and KM54 1955 PL65 PCGS.
Three High Grade Certified Dollars, 1935 KM30, MS64; 1937 KM37, MS63; and 1939 KM37, MS63. All certified by PCGS.
Five Elizabeth II Certified Dollars, 1965, KM64.1, MS64, (type 2), MS64, (type 3), PL66, (type 4). 1966 PF65 DCAM & PF65 CAM. All coins certified by PCGS.
Three Elizabeth II Prooflike Dollars, 1958 PL67, KM55; 1960 PL67, KM54; and 1964 PR67, KM58. All certified by PCGS.
A Quintet of High Grade Certified Coins, Cent 1901, KM7, MS64 RB; Cent 1957, KM49, PL67 RD; 10 Cents 1957, KM51, PL68; Dollar 1966 Large Beads, KM64.1, MS64; Dollars 1967, KM70, MS64. All coins certified by PCGS.
Mixed 9 piece Lot: Cent 1931 choice UNC. 10 Cents: 1891 22 leaves VF; 1918 AU/UNC; 1920 UNC; 1930 Choice UNC. 25 Cents: 1902-H AU with obverse scratch; 1910 AU. Newfoundland 10 Cents 1944-C choice UNC; and 50 Cents 1874 VF. A most useful grouping. Sold as is, no return.
A three-piece lot as follows: 5 Cents 1903H, Small H, MS62 ANACS; 10 Cents 1902H, MS62 ANACS; and a 25 Cents 1902H, XF45 ANACS.
A Grouping of Five ANACS Certified Coins, 50 Cents: 1911, XF45 cleaned; 1937, MS63; 1950 AU50, no lines in 0; and 1950 no lines in 0, AU55 cleaned (two pieces); plus a Dollar 1951, MS60 cleaned. Some scarce items here. Sold as is, no return.
A Quintet of Scarce Offerings, 5 Cents 1925, KM29, VF; 5 Cents 1926 Far "6", KM29, VG and Fine, both with surface marks; 50 Cents 1871, KM6, Good; and 50 Cents 1881, KM6, VG/Fine. Some seldom offered pieces included here. Sold as is, no return.
Nine Piece Lot, Cent 1891, small leaves and small date, 5 Cents 1858 (two pieces), large and small date variety, 1889, 1897, 1912, and 1925. 10 Cents: 1858 and 1871H. Grades range from Fine to Uncirculated. Many attractive pieces here. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Two Certified Coins: 5 Cents 1920, KM22a, EF40 ANACS. Plus a gold Sovereign 1911-C, KM20, MS63 NGC. AGW 0.2354 oz.
Edward VII Cents Duo: KM8, 1905 grades MS64 RD, and the 1908 grades MS65 RB. Both coins certified by PCGS.
Victoria Quartet of Certified Cents, KM7, 1893, MS64 RB; 1895, MS63 RB; 1896, MS62 RB; and 1896, MS64 BN. All coins certified by PCGS.
George V Three Choice Certified Cents, 1911, KM15, MS65 RB, 1914, KM21, MS64 RB, 1916, MS65 RB. All coins certified by PCGS.
Victoria Three Certified Cents, 1859, KM1, narrow "9", MS62 RB. 1882-H, KM7, MS63 RB, 1888, MS64 RB. All coins certified by PCGS.
George V Four Outstanding Cents, KM28, 1920 small size MS64 RB, 1933, MS64 RD, 1934, MS64 BN, 1936, MS64 RD. All coins certified by PCGS.
George VI 25 Cents Trio: KM35, 1938, MS64; 1939, MS64; and 1945, MS64. All coins certified by PCGS.
A pair of Gem George VI 10 Cent Coins, 1944, MS65, 1947 Maple Leaf, MS65. Both coins cataloged as KM34 and certified by PCGS.
Newfoundland. George VI 5 Cents 1946-C, KM19a, VF-XF, scratch in right obverse field. Lightly toned and important date with a mintage of only 2,041 pieces.
Newfoundland. George VI 5 Cents 1946-C, KM19a, XF-AU, a wisp of golden toning and very few available in this state of preservation. Mintage of just 2,041 pieces.
Newfoundland. Victoria 10 Cents 1890, KM3, AU53 PCGS. Very few around in AU grade. This example has battleship gray toning with a touch of green. Most desirable.
Newfoundland. Victoria 20 Cents 1865, KM4, AU55 NGC. Very high grade for this first year of issue.
Newfoundland. Victoria 20 Cents 1872-H, KM4, XF45 NGC. Somewhat lower mintage date.
Newfoundland. Victoria 20 Cents 1890, KM4, XF45 NGC, choice for the grade.
Newfoundland. Victoria 50 Cents 1888, KM6, VF35 PCGS. Lowest mintage date of series with 20,000 mintage. Decent portrait for the grade.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1865, KM5, XF, first year of issue.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1865, KM5 AU, some minor field marks. Strong original luster. First year of the series.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1870, KM5, XF, some original luster remaining. Dot before and after Newfoundland. 10,000 mintage date.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1870, KM5, AU, one small mark on cheek. Variety with dot before but not after Newfoundland. Strong pleasing luster.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1870, KM5, AU, some field abrasions. Variety with dot before and after Newfoundland.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1872, KM5, XF-AU, lightly cleaned with a few small abrasions present. Second best date in the series with a mintage of 6,050 pieces.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1881, KM5, sharp XF, good portrait for the grade.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1882-H, KM5 AU, lightly cleaned. Heaton mint.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1885, KM5, AU58 NGC. Lightly abraded with strong golden color. Very nice example.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1885, KM5, MS62 PCGS, lustrous and attractive, some typical tiny contact marks. Scarce type in mint state.
Newfoundland. Victoria gold 2 Dollars 1888, KM5, MS61 NGC, a nice lustrous piece with attractive original toning.
Newfoundland. Eighteen 50 Cents 1870-1907, KM6, for Victoria, KM11 for Edward VII. Both varieties of 1899 are included. Grades range from VG-about XF. Some coins have been cleaned. Careful examination is required. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Central American Union
Confederation 1 & 2 Centavos Essais in Bronze 1889, KMX-E21, Centavo PF63 RB NGC; and KMX-E22, 2 Centavos PF64 RB NGC. The only coins produced for this ill-fated union.
Chile
Carlos III 1/2 Real 1813-So FJ, KM64, bust of Carlos IIII, MS64 NGC, intensely lustrous with an appealing frost to the surfaces and original patina in the legends. Rarely seen this nice!
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1812FJ, KM80, toned AU, flashy prooflike surfaces, oxidation stains along the edges with minor flan flaws and surface marks. Scarce grade and quite collectible despite the blemishes.
Republic Real 1834-IJ, KM91, XF, sharply struck. Popular one-year type with volcano erupting.
Republic 2 Reales 1834-IJ, KM92, sharp AU, blue patina. Volcano erupting. Scarce grade for this one year type.
Republic Peso 1817-FJ, KM82.2, AU50 Details Scratched ANACS. Santiago mint issue. Scratches are evident, yet the detail is outstanding for the type
Republic Peso 1822-FI, KM82.2, XF45 ANACS. Deeply toned. Santiago mint. Known as the Volcano Peso for the erupting volcano dominating the obverse. Very choice for the grade.
Republic Centavo 1853, KM127, PF63 BN NGC. Some original color showing through the otherwise brown surfaces. Ex: Whittier Collection, lot 16477.
Republic Peso 1853, KM129, AU50 Details Cleaned ANACS. Attractively toned.
Republic Peso 1854, KM129, AU50 Details Cleaned ANACS. A well struck example.
Republic Peso 1856/5, KM129, AU50 Details Cleaned ANACS. Toned with little actual wear. Overdate not listed on ANACS holder.
Republic Peso 1858, KM129, AU50 Details Cleaned ANACS. Scarcest date of series with 51,000 mintage. Somewhat toned.
Republic Peso 1862, KM129, AU50 Details Cleaned ANACS. Scarce last date of the series.
Republic gold 100 Pesos 1932, KM175, MS62 PCGS, fully brilliant with small surface marks, scarce first date of the type with a mintage of 9,315. AGW 0.5885 oz.
Republic gold 50 Pesos 1968, KM184, PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC, 150th anniversary of the founding of the military academy. 2,515 mintage. AGW 0.2943 oz.
Republic Lot of Five Scarce Minors, 1/2 Real 1846, KM98.2, AU58 ANACS; Real 1844, KM94.2, XF45 ANACS; 20 Centavos 1861, KM125a, VF-XF; and 50 Centavos 1855 & 1856, KM128--both VF. The last three coins show evidence of being cleaned.
Republic Trio of High Grade Coins, 50 Centavos 1902, KM160, MS63; 50 Centavos 1905, KM160, MS62; and a Peso 1925, KM152.6, MS63. All coins certified by PCGS.
China
Empire. Board of Governors Cast Brass 1000 Cash ND (1851-1861), KM-C1.11, VF, crude, yet choice for the type.
Hupeh. 10 Cash ND (1902-1905), KM-Y120a.4, MS64 RB PCGS. A striking appearance.
Hupeh. 10 Cash ND (1902-1905), KM-Y120a. 9, MS63 RB PCGS. Scarce in top quality.
Kiangnan. 10 Cash 1905, KM-Y135.9, MS64 RB PCGS. Attractive underlying luster.
Kiangnan. Dollar 1904, Y-145a.12, AU58 NGC, a fully lustrous example with just a hint of wear.
Kwangtung. 20 Cents Year 17 (1928), KM-Y426, MS63 PCGS. Scarce date and most attractive.
Szechuan. Dollar ND (1901-1908), KM-Y238.1, XF45 PCGS. A popular Dragon Dollar type.
Szechuan. Dollar 1912, KM-Y456, AU55 PCGS. A lightly toned example.
Szechuan. Pair of Dollars 1912, Y456, coins grade XF, light toning.
Yunnan. 1/2 Tael ND (1943-1944), KM-A1.2, MS62 NGC. Bright white example with strong original luster and unusually attractive for the type.
Republic 10 Cents & 20 Cents 1914, KM-Y326 & KM-Y327. Both coins certified AU55 by PCGS.
Republic Dollar Year 9 (1920), KM-Y329.6, MS63 PCGS. Portrait of Yuan Shih Kai.
Republic Double Die Dollar 1927, L&M49, KM318a.1, VF35 NGC. Significant doubling of reverse legend.
Republic Dollar 1927, KM-Y318a, MS64 PCGS. Portrait of Dr. Sun Yat sen. Few around in this grade.
Republic 5 Cents Pattern in Nickel 1935, KM-PN140, SP64 PCGS. Scarce issue with portrait of Sun Yat sen.
Republic 20 Cents Pattern in Nickel 1935, KM-PN144, SP58 PCGS. Actually, a choice coin with one reverse dig, hence the 58 grade.
Taiwan Republic gold 1000 Yuan ND (1986), KMX-M659, UNC. 75th anniversary of the republic. Comes in the original box and with certificate of authenticity. AGW 0.4695 oz.
Szechuan. Empress Tzu-Hsi Fantasy 50 Cents ND (1835-1908), KMX-M427, Kann-B28, p. 447, XF. Toned, and scarce.
Yunnan. Empress Tzu Hsi Fantasy Dollar ND (1835-1908), KMX-M205, Kann-B26, p. 447, AU, toned. An imposing portrait.
Szechuan. Empress Tzu Hsi Fantasy Dollar ND (1835-1908), Kann- B27, XF, lightly cleaned. Retoning now on its own.
Chekiang. Empress Tzu-Hsi Fantasy Dollar ND (1835-1908), KMX-M225, Kann-B25, p. 447, UNC. Lightly cleaned and struck on a broad planchet. Wonderfully detailed.
Emperor Tao-Kwang Fantasy Dollar ND (1821-1850), Kann-11, p. 447, UNC. Cleaned with some golden toning.
Empress and Wife of Tao Kwang Dollar ND (1821-1850), Kann-B12, p. 447. AU-UNC, lightly cleaned. Great reverse design of peacock.
Li Hung Chang Dollar ND (1823-1901), Kann 39, p. 447, KMX-M290, XF, cleaned. scarce fantasy piece.
Republic. Yuan Shih Kai Fantasy Dollar ND (1859-1916), Kann-B45, p. 447. XF, lightly cleaned,now retoning. Scarce type.
Hung Hsien Fantasy Dollar ND (1916), KMX-M1350, Kann-B60, p. 448. AU, lightly cleaned. Known as the leader of the 72 martyrs.
Kwangtung. Fantasy Dollar ND, Kann-B36, p. 447, XF, lightly cleaned. Seldom offered fantasy type.
Taiwan. Fantasy Tael ND, KMX-M260, Kann-B37, UNC, lightly dipped, "Taiwan Military Pay" inscribed.
Szechuan. Kuang Hsu Fantasy Dollar ND (1875-1908), Kann-B29, p. 447, about XF, cleaned. Scarcer type with Emperor facing left.
People's Republic gold 50 Yuan 1984, KM90, Proof, Temple of Heaven design on reverse. AGW 0.4995 oz.
People's Republic gold 50 Yuan 1986, KM134, Proof. Significant cameo visible. AGW 0.4995 oz.
People's Republic gold 50 Yuan 1986, KM134, Proof. Temple of Heaven displayed. AGW 0.4995 oz.
People's Republic of China two-piece 1987 silver Panda set trio including: (3) two-piece Panda sets 1987. Each set contains a 10 Yuan (1 oz.) and a 50 Yuan (5 oz.)--totaling the count at six coins for this lot. All are Gem Proof in the original cases with certificates.
People's Republic gold 150 Yuan 1988, KM198, Proof. Year of the Dragon. Housed in its original case with certificate of authenticity. AGW 0.2358 oz.
People's Republic gold 25 Yuan 1997, KM1098, Proof, Forbidden City, 4,000 mintage. AGW 0.2497 oz.
People's Republic of China 25-piece lot of silver Panda 3 Yuan 2007, a 25-piece set commemorating the 25th anniversary of the Panda coinage, each piece has the obverse design of the panda coin from 1982-2007, all are Proof 70 Ultra Cameo NGC.
People's Republic Beijing Olympics 1 Kilo silver Proof 300 Yuan Series III 2008, Tug of war/Official 2008 Beijing Olympic logo surrounded by two dragons, 100 mm, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original box and wooden case with no certificate.
People's Republic Beijing Olympics 1 Kilo silver Proof 300 Yuan Series III 2008, Tug of war/Official 2008 Beijing Olympic logo surrounded by two dragons, 100 mm, .999 fine, Gem Proof in the original box and wooden case with certificate.
Order of the Double Dragon Collector's Copy of Badge, second class, a replica made for collectors, XF.
Colombia
Carlos III gold 2 Escudos 1768-J, KM36.2, Genuine PCGS. VF-XF details, but surfaces indicate jewelry use. Popayan mint, and a scarce type.
Provisional Coinage of Nueva Granada 1/4 Real 1821-BA, KM79.2, AU58 PCGS, virtually unknown this choice. An exceptional silver minor.
Cuba
Republic gold Peso 1915, KM16, MS62 ANACS. Scarcer of the two dates with a mintage of 6,850 pieces. Strong golden color.
Republic gold Peso 1916, KM16, MS65 NGC, fully lustrous and sharply detailed, an attractive piece.
Republic gold 2 Pesos 1915, KM17, MS61 NGC, scarce date with 10,000 mintage. Strong luster.
Republic gold 2 Pesos 1916, KM17, MS63 NGC, full mint luster with small contact marks on the obverse.
Republic gold 4 Pesos 1916, KM18, AU58 NGC, a nice lustrous piece.
Republic gold 4 Pesos 1916, KM18, AU58 NGC, sharply struck, close to mint state.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1915, KM19, MS63 NGC, full mint brilliance with very few surface marks.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1915, KM19, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous example. AGW 0.2419 oz.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1916, KM19, MS61 NGC, bright and fully lustrous. AGW 0.2419 oz.
Republic gold 10 Pesos 1916, KM20, AU58 NGC, lustrous with a few small contact marks. AGW 0.4837 oz.
Republic gold 10 Pesos 1916, KM20, MS62 NGC. Fully lustrous, some field abrasions as one would expect in this grade. AGW 0.4837 oz.
Danish West Indies
Frederick VII 5 Cents 1859, KM64, AU-UNC, far nicer than usual for the type.
Christian IX gold 4 Daler - 20 Francs 1905, KM72, XF Details NGC (Rim Damage), ex-jewelry with burnished surfaces but still very collectible.
Danish Colony Four Coin Lot, 12 Skilling 1740, 1764, 1767, 24 Skilling 1767. Average grades are F-VF. All four coins have sailing ship motifs, and all four are tough to find. Sold as is, no return.
Denmark
Frederik V gold 12 Mark 1758W-VH, KM587.3, MS61 NGC, nice bold features with virtually full mint luster. Scarce type when graded mint state. One of the more affordable gold Ducats of the 18th century.
Christian IX gold 20 Kroner 1877-CS, KM791.1, MS66 NGC, lightly toned and original, scarce in this designation. AGW 0.2593 oz.
Christian X gold 20 Kroner 1914-VBP, KM817.1, MS65 PCGS. An example with sparkling luster. AGW 0.2593 oz.
Dominican Rep.
Republic 1 & 2 Centavos Essais in Bronze 1877, KM-E2.2 & KM-E5.2, Proof Details Altered Color NGC & PF62 BN NGC. These are very low mintage issues.
Republic 1 & 2 Centavos Essais in Bronze 1878, KM-E10.2 & KM-E14.2, PF62 RB & PF64 BN NGC. A beautiful pair of Essais.
Republic 1 & 2 Centavos Essais in Bronze 1878, KM-E8.2, & KM-E12.2, PF63 RB & PF63 BN NGC. A very scarce offering.
Republic Peso 1897A, KM16, AU58 NGC, soft grayish gold toning, a nice original piece with only a hint of rub on the highest points. Very scarce type in this grade.
Republic gold 30 Pesos 1955, KM24, MS62 NGC. Portrait of Trujillo. AGW 0.8571 oz.
Republic gold 100 Pesos 1979, KM55, PF68 Ultra Cameo NGC. Pope's visit commemorative. AGW 0.3472 oz.
Ecuador
Republic gold 10 Sucres 1899JM, KM56, AU55 NGC, Birmingham, quite lustrous with the normal scattering of tiny contact marks.
Egypt
Trio of Early gold Coins, Sultani of Murad ibn Selim, AH 982, 5 Piastres of Abdul Hamid II, AH 1293/7 and AH 1293/18. Coins grade VF-XF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Farouk 10 Piastres AH1356 (1937), KM367, PF61 NGC. Some hairlines as befits the grade, yet a scarce offering in Proof. Misattributed as 20 Piastres on the holder.
Republic gold 50 Pounds 1988, KM625, PF69 DCAM PCGS. 1988 Summer Olympics issue. AGW 0.2459 oz.
Republic gold 50 Pounds 1993, KM755, PF67 DCAM PCGS. Shown is king Tutankhamen's burial mask. AGW 0.2459 oz.
Republic gold 50 Pounds 1993, KM756, PF68 DCAM PCGS. Cleopatra commemorative. AGW 0.2459 oz.
Republic gold 50 Pounds 1993, KM776, Proof 69 Ultra Cameo NGC, Sphinx Head design. AGW 0.2459 oz.
Republic gold 100 Pounds 1989, KM656, PF67 NGC. Golden Cat design. AGW 0.4962 oz.
El Salvador
Republic Colon 1925-Mo, KM131, MS64 NGC. Commemorative issued for the founding of El Salvador. Reputed mintage of 2000 pieces.
Republic gold 20 Colones 1925, Fr-5, KM-132, AU Details Rim Damage NCS. Commemorative issued to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of San Salvador. Reputed mintage of 200 pieces. Very seldom seen type.
Ethiopia
Menelik II 1/2 Birr EE1887 (1894A), KM4, MS64 NGC. Outstanding subdued gray toning, and about as nice an example as one might obtain.
Haile Selassie gold Medal EE1948 (1956), Gill S34, AU, some surface marks. Struck to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Emperor's coronation. 14.27 gm. Plain edge.
Finland
Under Russian Rule. Three High Grade Coppers, 1 Penni 1875; plus, 10 Pennia: 1914 and 1917. All coins certified MS64 RB by PCGS.
Nicholas II of Russia gold 20 Markkaa 1913S, KM9.2, MS66 NGC, full gleaming mint brilliance, scarce in this designation.
France
Jean Le Bon gold Mouton d'Or ND, (1350-1364), Fr-280, about XF, mount removed, weighs 4.6g. The lamb of God. A very popular type, and a coin with strong legends, and an outstanding appearance.
Charles V gold Franc a Pied ND (1364-1380), Fr-284, AU details mount removed, NGC. King standing facing front, reverse cross fleuree. Well struck with full legends intact.
Charles IX gold Ecu d'Or 1565-H (La Rochelle), Fr-378, AU58 NGC. La Rochelle, (H), mint. One of the earliest dated gold coins of France. NGC has incorrectly attributed this coin on the holder as Charles X, and incorrectly dated the coin.
Louis XIV Ecu 1695-A, KM298.1, VF, struck over an earlier type. Date and mintmark still legible.
Louis XIIII Ecu 1709A, KM386.1, Dav-1324, AU58 NGC, nicely toned with strong details, appears to be struck on a fresh flan.
Louis XV 1/10 Ecu 1763/2-N, Gad-292, KM511.14, MS61 NGC. An interesting coin. Seldom offered Montpellier, (N), mint, unlisted overdate, and an exceptional grade for the type. Known as the 1/10 Ecu au Bandeau for the hair knot in Louis' hair.
Louis XVI Ecu 1790A, KM564.1, Dav-1333, MS63 NGC, lovely old-time silvery gray and gold toning, scarce in mint state.
Louis XVI gold Louis d'Or 1786A, KM591.1, MS62 NGC, a nice lustrous coin without adjustment marks.
Napoleon as Premier Consul 5 Francs AN XIA, (1803), KM650.1, AU details, surface hairlines, NGC. A scarce early type of Napoleon, and a far better appearance than the certification suggests.
Napoleon 5 Francs An 13A (1805), KM662.1, AU55 NGC. Beautifully toned and exceptional for this normally low grade type.
Napoleon 1/2 Franc 1812A, KM691.1, MS66 PCGS, laureate head type, Paris mint. Deeply toned and a rare grade for the type.
Napoleon 5 Francs 1812A, KM694.1, MS61 NGC, laureate head type, Paris mint, lovely toning, could have been graded a point higher.
Napoleon gold 20 Francs 1810A, KM695.1, MS63 NGC, Paris mint, very undervalued coin in mint state.
Napoleon gold 20 Francs 1811-A, KM695.1, MS64 NGC. Full mint brilliance and most desirable in this grade.
Louis XVIII Decime 1814-BB, KM701, AU58 BN NGC. Strasbourg, (BB), mint, provisional coinage.
Napoleon Decime 1815-BB, KM701, MS62 BN NGC. Strasbourg, (BB), mint. Visible underlying luster and seldom offered in mint state.
Louis XVIII 5 Francs 1814-L, KM706.4, MS64 PCGS. First restoration type. Bayonne, (L), mint. Boldly struck with blazing white mint luster and no significant flaws. Very difficult to find in mint state, bordering on rare in MS64.
Louis XVIII gold 20 Francs 1814-A, KM706.1, AU55 NGC. First Restoration type, Paris mint. Significant original luster and most desirable. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Louis XVIII gold 20 Francs 1814A, KM706.1, MS63 PCGS, Paris mint, first restoration type, very tough to find in MS63.
Louis XVIII 1/2 Franc 1820A, KM708.1, MS65 NGC, light silvery toning with strong original luster. Scarce date with 43,000 mintage, and few this choice.
Louis XVIII 5 Francs 1824MA, KM711.10, MS63 NGC, Marseilles, (MA), mint, bright white example with sparkling luster, and hard to find in this state of preservation.
Louis XVIII 5 Francs 1824-MA, KM711.10, MS65 NGC. Marseille, (MA), mint. Brilliant white in color with cartwheel luster, and worthy of a premium bid.
Louis XVIII gold 20 Francs 1819A, KM712.1, MS64 NGC, fully lustrous and tough to find in this grade.
Louis XVIII gold 40 Francs 1818-W, KM713.6, VF-XF. Lille (W), mint. Accompanied by COA from ANACS. AGW 0.3734 oz.
Louis XVIII gold 40 Francs 1819W, KM713.6, AU58 NGC, fully lustrous with virtually no wear evident. AGW 0.3734 oz.
Charles X 2 Francs 1828-W, KM725.13, MS63 NGC. Lille, (W), mint. An outstanding example and very hard to find this choice.
Charles X 1/2 Franc 1830A, KM723.1, MS65 NGC, wonderful gray and green toning, Paris mint. A superior example of this type.
Louis Philippe 5 Francs 1830A, KM735.1, MS64 NGC. An exceptional example of this two year type with youthful portrait of the king. Lovely silver and gold toning, and bordering on rare in this state of preservation.
Charles X gold 40 Francs 1830A Incuse Lettering, KM721.1, MS61 NGC, sharply struck with some small marks in the obverse fields.
Louis Philippe Franc 1847A, KM748.1, MS65 NGC, Paris mint, superb toning, an outstanding example of the type.
Louis Philippe 2 Francs 1847-A, KM743.1, MS65 NGC. Scarce in mint state, bordering on rare this choice.
Second Republic 50 Centimes 1850A, KM769.1, MS66 NGC, Ceres Head type, Paris mint, virtually unknown in this grade.
Second Republic Franc 1849-A, KM759.1, MS65 NGC. Ceres Head type, Paris mint. Delicate satiny toning and a joy to behold.
Second Republic 5 Francs 1849A, KM756.1, MS65 NGC, Hercules type, Paris mint, a coin with a striking appearance.
Second Republic 5 Francs 1851-A, KM761.1, AU-UNC, bright white example with some minor surface abrasions, yet strong original luster. Ceres Head, Paris mint.
Second Republic 5 Francs 1851A, KM761.1, MS64 NGC, Ceres Head type, bright white example with sparkling luster.
Second republic gold 20 Francs 1851A, KM762, MS63 NGC, Ceres Head type, Paris mint, full original luster. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Second Republic gold 20 Francs 1851-A, KM762, MS63 NGC. Wonderful golden luster. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Second Republic gold 20 Francs 1851-A, KM762, MS64 NGC. Wonderful luster and scarce this choice.
Louis Napoleon 5 Francs 1852A, KM773.1, MS64 NGC. Bright white example and a scarce one year type. Paris mint.
Louis Napoleon gold 20 Francs 1852-A, KM774, MS64 NGC. One year type with Louis Napoleon as president. Paris mint.
Napoleon III 5 Francs 1855BB, KM782.2, MS63 PCGS, Strasbourg, (BB), mint. Light golden toning and scarce in mint state.
Napoleon III gold 5 Francs 1854-A, KM783, MS64 NGC. Reeded edge variety. Fully lustrous and seldom seen in this grade.
Napoleon III gold 20 Francs 1868A, KM801.1, MS64 NGC, a most attractive example. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Napoleon III 5 Francs 1868BB, KM799.2, MS64 NGC, Strasbourg, (BB), mint, lightly toned example with strong underlying luster. Scarce this choice.
Third Republic 2 Francs 1871-A, KM817.1, MS65 NGC. Variety with small "A". Ceres Head type. Outstanding appearance with special multi-colored toning and bordering on rare this choice.
Third Republic 2 Francs 1894A, KM817.1, MS64 NGC, Ceres Head type, Paris mint, lovely toning. Exceptional for the type.
Third Republic 2 Francs 1895A, KM817.1, MS64 NGC, Ceres Head type, Paris mint. lovely toning.
Third Republic 5 Francs 1870A, KM818.1, AU-UNC, some minor marks, strong original luster. Ceres head type, Paris mint. Very Scarce type with no reverse legend.
Third Republic 5 Francs 1870K, KM818.2, XF, mintmark star. Ceres Head type, Bordeaux, (K), mint. A scarce offering.
Third Republic 5 Francs 1870A, KM819, AU, Ceres Head type, Paris mint. Much original luster remaining, and scarce.
Third Republic gold 10 Francs 1899A, KM830, MS65 NGC, Ceres Head type, Paris mint. Beautiful example of the type. AGW 0.0933 oz.
Third Republic gold 20 Francs 1877A, KM825, MS65 NGC, Angel writing type, Paris mint, a fully lustrous example. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Republic gold 20 Francs 1907, KM857, MS65 NGC, fully brilliant, getting scarce in this designation. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Republic gold 20 Francs 1908, KM857, MS65 NGC, intensely lustrous surfaces. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Third Republic gold 20 Francs 1909, KM857, MS65 PCGS, rooster type, with exceptional luster. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Third Republic gold 20 Francs 1910, KM857, MS65 NGC, rooster type, exceptional luster. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Third Republic Piefort Essai 20 Francs 1929, KM-PE299, Prooflike Uncirculated, noticeable hairlines in the exposed fields, of double thickness and very scarce.
Third Republic 20 Francs 1936, Gad-852, KM-879, AU, good luster, some minor marks. A key date with a mintage of 47,584 pieces.
Fifth Republic gold 10 Francs 1988, KM964.1a, PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC, Spirit of the Bastille commemorative. Gold center with palladium and silver ring.
Louis Philippe copper Essai Quartet: Centime, 1840 MS64 (2 pieces); 2 Centimes 1840 MS65; and 2 Centimes 1842, MS65. All coins certified by NGC.
A Quartet of Ecus, Four Ecus of three different kings, they are as follows: 1709B, 1768L, 1785 cow mintmark, 1789L. Average grade is XF. A most desirable grouping. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Trio of 5 Francs: 1848A, 1855BB, 1870A. Grades are VF to AU. Three different types. A desirable grouping. Sold as is, no return.
Second Republic 5 Francs Ceres Head Duo, 1849BB and 1851A, both better than XF and with good color. The 1849BB is quite scarce.
Napoleon III 5 Francs Duo, 1867BB and 1869BB, KM799.2, both coins AU/Uncirculated, both are Strasbourg mint, and both are bright white examples with strong luster. Lot sold as is, no returns.
French Guiana
Republic 10 Centimes Essai in Bronze 1887-E, KMX-E1, PF62 BN NGC. Beautifully toned and choice, but not listed as a Proof striking.
French Somaliland
French Colony Three Piefort Essais 1948, KM-PE1, KM-PE2, KM-PE3. All choice UNC examples, all with mintages of 104 pieces. Housed in a lucite holder.
German East Africa
German Colony Rupie 1890, KM2, MS64 PCGS. Attractively toned and scarce in this grade.
German Colony Rupie 1891, KM2, MS65 PCGS, lovely old-time multicolored patina, very attractive and elusive in this superior quality.
Wilhelm II Rupie 1891, KM2, MS66 PCGS. Ex: Eliasberg Collection. A superb coin.
German New Guinea
German Colonial 10 Pfennig 1894A, KM3, MS63 BN NGC, significant red peeking out, and a magnificent example.
German States
Anhalt-Dessau. Friedrich II 3 Mark 1914-A, KM30, PF64 Cameo NGC. Silver wedding anniversary commemorative with Marie. Only 1,000 proof strikings.
Baden. Friedrich I 1/2 Gulden 1860, KM243, MS65 NGC. A bright white brilliant Uncirculated example.
Baden. Friedrich I gold 10 Mark 1897-G, KM267, AU58 NGC. A scarce coin in higher grades. Striking appearance. Karlsruhe, (G), mint.
Baden. Friedrich I 2 Mark 1907, KM278, MS67 NGC. Essentially a flawless example. Struck upon the Archduke's death.
Baden. Friedrich I 5 Mark 1902, KM273, MS66 NGC. 50th year of reign commemorative. Remarkably free of all distracting marks.
Baden. Friedrich I 5 Mark 1902, KM273, MS63 NGC. 50th year of reign commemorative. Light golden toning.
Baden. Friedrich I 5 Mark 1906, KM277, MS64 NGC. Golden wedding anniversary commemorative with Luisa.. Friedrich would only live one more year past this special moment.
Baden. Friedrich I 5 Mark 1907, KM279, MS63 NGC. Issued upon his death. Attractive golden toning.
Baden. Friedrich I 5 Mark 1907, KM279, MS65 NGC. Struck upon the Archduke's death. Light satiny toning highlights this beauty.
Bavaria. Maximilian I Joseph Taler 1814, KM706, AU55 PCGS. Very lustrous and unusually choice for this type.
Bavaria. Ludwig I Two Historical Talers, 1828, KM734, UNC, lightly cleaned, Blessings of Heaven, & 1832, type of KM761 but with plain shield on the reverse (no cross). Listed by KM as a pattern, (KM-Pn5) and by Davenport as a variety, Dav-568D. Jaeger lists the variety as a Probe (pattern) of type 42. AU, lightly cleaned, Prince Otto accepting crown of Greece.
Bavaria. Ludwig I 2 Taler 1839, KM804, AU, significant surface stains. Issued to celebrate the ascension of Maximilian to Elector of Bavaria.
Bavaria. Ludwig I 2 Taler 1842, KM812.1, MS63 NGC. For the wedding of the crown prince, Maximilian. Some prooflike characteristics and an outstanding example.
Bavaria. Maximilian II 2 Taler 1854, KM845.1, MS63 PL NGC. Glass Palace Exhibition commemorative. Fully reflective fields and an outstanding coin.
Bavaria. Ludwig II Gulden 1868, KM884, MS65 NGC. Silver toning highlights with reflective fields.
Bavaria. Luitpold 5 Mark 1911-D, KM99, MS65 NGC. For the 90th birthday of the Prince Regent. Light satiny toning.
Bavaria. Ludwig III 3 Mark 1914-D, KM1005, MS64 NGC. Few around in this condition.
Brandenburg. Friedrich Wilhelm 18 Groschen 1684-HS, KM468, MS62 NGC. Also valued as 1/5 Taler. Bright white example, as struck and scarce thus.
Bremen. Free City Taler 1871-B, KM249, MS66 NGC. Hannover, (B), mint. Struck to celebrate the German victory in the Franco-Prussian War. The fields are remarkably free from all distracting marks.
Bremen. Free City Taler 1871-B, KM249, MS66 NGC. Issued as a commemorative for the German victory in the Franco-Prussian War. Hannover, (B), mint. Unusually choice rainbow toning.
Bremen. Free City 2 Mark 1904-J, KM250, MS65 NGC. Lightly toned with a very sharp strike.
Brunswick-Wolfenbuttel. Rudolph August & Anton Ulrich 2/3 Taler 1701, KM615, VF-XF. Popular leaping stallion motif.
Frankfurt. Free City Albus 1681, KM108.2, MS66 NGC. Remarkably choice for this normally circulated type.
Frankfurt. Free City 5 Kreuzer 1785-GPCB, KM258, MS65 NGC. Lightly toned with clear underlying luster.
Frankfurt. Free City 10 Kreuzer 1788-GPCB, KM269.1, MS65 NGC. An exceptional example of this, usually, heavily circulated type. Variety with German legends.
Frankfurt. Free City Gulden 1861, KM358, MS64 NGC. Light gray and gold toning. Most attractive.
Frankfurt- Free City. Six exceptional 1 Kreuzer Coins: (4) 1773, KM253; 1778, KM257.1; and 1784, KM267. All coins UNC, most unusual thus.
Hamburg. Free City Taler 1623, Dav-5365, KM47. VF-XF. Attractively toned. Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor is featured in the legend.
Hamburg. Free City silver Medal 1803, AU-UNC, beautifully toned. City view of Hamburg with eye of God looking over the city. Reverse has sailing ships on the Alster. 35 mm. in diameter.
Hamburg. Free City gold 10 Mark 1896-J, KM295, MS65 NGC. Remarkably clear fields and an outstanding coin. Date mistakenly omitted in KM.
Hamburg. Free City gold 20 Mark 1913-J, KM295, MS64 NGC. Interesting motif of two lions supporting the traditional entrance gate of the city. AGW 0.2305 oz.
Hamburg. Free City gold 20 Mark 1913-J, KM295, MS65 NGC. Hamburg, (J), mint. Blazing golden luster, and not so common this choice. AGW 0.2305 oz.
Hannover. Georg IV 2/3 Taler 1826-C, KM140, MS64 NGC. Clausthal, (C), mint. Just exceptional with shimmering luster.
Lubeck. Free City 2 Mark 1904-A, KM212, PF65 NGC. Berlinmint. Fully reflective fields. Reported mintage of 200 pieces.
Lubeck. Free City 2 Mark 1907-A, KM212, MS64 PCGS. Berlinmint. Deeply toned with pristine surfaces.
Lubeck. Free City 3 Mark 1908-A, KM215, PF66 NGC. Berlinmint. Lovely toning with reflective fields. NGC holder is cracked.
Mainz. Anselm Franz 12 Kreuzer 1694-CB, KM208, MS63 NGC. Bright white example with strong original luster. Struck with roller dies.
Nassau. Adolph 2 Gulden 1846, KM70, Dav-746, MS64 NGC. Full mint frost with light golden toning and a few light contact marks. Very few around in this state of preservation.
Prussia. Wilhelm I gold 10 Mark 1873-A, KM502, MS66 PCGS. For the finest of collections.
Prussia. Wilhelm I gold 20 Mark 1872-A, KM501, MS62 NGC. An outstanding portrait and a premium coin in mint state. AGW 0.2305 oz.
Prussia. Friedrich III 5 Mark 1888-A, KM512, PF64 NGC. Berlinmint. Strong cameo features present. Few examples to be found in Proof.
Prussia. Friedrich III gold 10 Mark 1888-A, KM514, MS63 NGC. Berlinmint. Lovely sparkling golden color. AGW 0.1152 oz.
Prussia. Wilhelm II gold 10 Mark 1901-A, KM520, PF63 NGC. Strong Cameo features, minimal abrasions, but overall, a most acceptable Proof. Berlinmint.
Prussia. Wilhelm II gold 20 Mark 1900-A, KM521, MS63 NGC. A specimen with outstanding luster. AGW 0.2503 oz.
Prussia. Wilhelm II gold 20 Mark 1888-A, KM516, Proof, significant hairlines present. Berlinmint. Scarce two year type.
Prussia. Wilhelm II 3 Mark 1911-A, KM531, PF64 NGC. Berlinmint. Breslau University commemorative.
Prussia. Lot of Five Coins, 1/24 Taler 1783-A, KM296.1, Taler 1866-A, KM494, Taler 1871-A, KM500, 5 Mark 1906-A, KM523, 3 Mark 1911-A, KM531. Grades range from XF to UNC. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Prussia. Wilhelm II Three High Grade Coins, 2 Mark 1901A, KM525, MS63; 3 Mark 1913A, KM534, MS64; and 5 Mark 1913A, KM536, MS64. All coins certified by NGC.
Regensburg. Free City 1/2 Taler 1782-GCB, KM444, choice AU-UNC. Beautifully toned with an impressive city view on the reverse. Portrait of Joseph II, as Holy Roman Emperor.
Reuss-Greiz. Heinrich XXII 2 Mark 1901-A, KM128, MS63 NGC. Full mint brilliance and one of the scarcer Empire coins of the 20th century. Mintage of 10,000 pieces.
Rhenish Confederation. Pair of 1 Kreuzer Coins, 1808BH, 1809BH, Both KM-C3.1, both lustrous UNC specimens. An interesting Napoleonic duo.
Saxe-Altenburg. Ernst I Taler 1869-B, KM-C16, UNC details, surface hairlines NGC. This is actually an Uncirculated coin that was lightly cleaned. 22,700 mintage and scarce.
Saxe-Altenburg. Ernst I Taler 1858-F, KM-C16, PF64 Cameo NGC. A special coin, so few around in true Proof. This example has incredible cameo features.
Saxe-Meiningen. Bernhard I 2 Gulden 1854, KM166, MS63 NGC. An exquisite appearance with full mint luster. A premium coin.
Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. Wilhelm Ernst 5 Mark 1908-A, KM220, MS62 NGC. 350th anniversary of the founding of Jena University.
Saxony. Johann George I gold Ducat 1616, KM126, MS62 NGC. Known as a Sophie Ducat, and restruck until 1812. A choice example of this type.
Saxony. Friedrich August I Taler 1821-IGS, KM1077, MS63 NGC. Light silvery toning with strong underlying luster.
Saxony. Johann V Taler 1871-B, KM1230, MS66 NGC. Dresden, (B), mint. Light satiny toning and a superior example. This coin commemorates Germany's victory over France in the Franco-Prussian War.
Saxony. Friedrich August III 5 Mark 1909, KM1269, MS65 NGC. Wonderful golden highlights at the peripheries. Leipzig University commemorative.
Saxony. Friedrich August III gold 20 Mark 1913-E, KM1265, MS63 NGC. Dresden, (E), mint. A striking appearance and a significantly better type in mint state.
Schwarzburg-Sondershausen. Karl Gunther 2 Mark 1905, KM153, PF64 Cameo NGC. Variety with thin rim. Commemorating 25 years of rule. Strong cameo features and mark free fields.
Wurttemberg. Wilhelm Taler 1825W, KM561, MS61 NGC, pewter gray and gold toning over full mint brilliance, quite attractive.
Wurttemberg. Wilhelm I Taler 1857, KM601, UNC. A lightly toned beauty. Very scarce in mint state.
Wurttemberg. Karl Taler 1867, KM615, MS65 NGC. An outstanding example, and quite hard to find in this state of preservation.
Wurttemberg. Wilhelm II 3 Mark 1914-F, KM635, MS66 NGC. Stuttgart, (F), mint. Reflective multi-colored toning.
Wurttemberg. Wilhelm II 3 Mark 1911-F, KM636, MS66 NGC. Silver wedding anniversary commemorative. A sparkling gem.
Wurttemberg. Wilhelm II gold 10 Mark 1903-F, KM633, MS61 NGC. Very lustrous and a scarce type in mint state. Stuttgart, (F), mint.
Germany
Weimar Republic 3 Mark 1927-A Bremerhaven, KM50, MS65 NGC. An exceptional example of this popular type, with clipper ship motif.
Weimar Republic 3 Mark 1927-A Bremerhaven, KM50, PF66 PCGS. Struck for the 100th anniversary of Bremerhaven. Deep iridescent blue green patina.
Weimar Republic 3 Mark 1927-A Marburg, KM53, MS63 ANACS. Struck to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of the University of Marburg.
Weimar Republic 3 Mark 1928-A Naumburg, KM57, MS65 NGC. Issued to commemorate the 900th anniversary of the founding of the city. Lovely satiny toning.
Weimar Republic 5 Mark 1927-A, KM56, MS65 NGC. Berlin, (A), mint. Oaktree type. Bright white example with scintillating luster.
Weimar Republic 5 Mark 1928-J, KM56, AU-UNC. Oaktree type. Scarcer Hamburg, (J), mint. An attractive example.
Weimar Republic 5 Mark 1931-A, KM56, MS64 NGC. Oaktree type, regular issue. Berlinmint. Just a wisp of toning.
Weimar Republic 5 Mark 1930-F Zeppelin, KM68, MS65 NGC. Scarcer Stuttgart, (F), mint. A sterling example.
Third Reich 2 Mark 1937-A, KM93, PF65 Cameo NGC. Hindenburg issue with swastika, Berlinmint. An outstanding appearance.
Federal Republic 5 Mark 1957J Eichendorff, KM117, AU58 NGC. Centenary of the death of Eichendorff.
Two Choice Commemoratives, Prussia 3 Mark 1913, KM534, defeat of Napoleon. Saxony Pattern Taler 1871 in silver, J-XII, victory in Franco-Prussian War. Both coins lustrous UNC.
Mixed Lot of Thirteen Coins. We have here a very useful grouping of coins from German East Africa as well as coins from Bavaria, Bremen, Hessen, Trier, and more. Grades range from Fine to UNC. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Lot of Six German States Coins, Saxony 2 Mark 1902, KM1255, 1904, KM1261, 1909, KM1268, 5 Mark 1875, KM1237. Saxe-Meiningen Taler 1866, KM167, Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt Taler 1862, KM177. Coins range in grade from VF to AU. Sold as is , no return lot.
Mixed Lot of Five High Grade Examples, Bavaria 10 Mark Pattern in Copper 1913, KM-PN23, PF65 NGC. Bremen 2 Mark 1904, KM250, MS64 PCGS. Lippe Detmold Pfennig 1851-A, KM260, MS64 RB NGC. Prussia 3 Mark 1911-A, KM531, MS64 ANACS. East Germany 10 Pfennig 1963-A, KM10, MS64 ANACS. A most attractive grouping. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Great Britain
Aethelred II Two Silver Pennies ND (978-1016), Small cross Penny, S-1154, Fine and holed. Long cross Penny, S-1151, Fine. Sold as is , no return lot.
Edward III gold 1/2 Noble ND (1351-1377), S-1491, Fr-90, Fine, pre-treaty issue with title as king of France. Struck during the 100 Years War. 3.79 gm.
James I gold Crown (1603-25), S2624, 2nd coinage, 1st bust, escallop mm (struck 1606-07), Fine, reverse sharper.
Charles I gold Crown ND (1625), S-2703, KM-135, VF, somewhat double struck legends. Tower mint, first bust, lis mintmark which establishes the 1625 date. Attractive for the type.
Philip & Mary Shilling ND (1554-58), S2501A, undated, English titles only, Good, old toning, ancient plug center obverse.
Elizabeth I Sixpence 1562, S2594, Milled Coinage, XF40 NGC, two-tone gray surfaces, scarce.
William III Sixpence 1696, KM484.1, MS63 NGC. Minor haymarking, yet clearly mint state and scarce thus.
William III Shilling 1697, S3497, MS62 NGC, lustrous and brilliant but struck through grease, a common phenomenon at the time as the dies rusted quickly, a typical piece lacking detail where the dies could not fill up with silver.
William III Shilling 1700, S3516, normal date, MS62 NGC, sharp strike, deep golden gray toning, nice coin.
Anne Shilling 1708, S3610, MS61 NGC, nice coin, Choice UNC, bold strike, original surfaces, handsome toning.
Anne silver Edinburgh pair: Shilling 1707-E, S3612, Fine; Halfcrown 1708-E, S3605, Fine. Uncertified, both lightly toned.
George II Sixpence 1746-LIMA, S3610A, MS64 PCGS, gorgeous coin, sharp strike, original golden gray toning.
George II Halfcrown 1746-LIMA, S3695A, UNC Details (reverse scratched) NGC, premium silvery golden gray toning, sharp strike. The apparent scratch in the reverse field may actually be a die-tooling mark, as made at the mint at the time of manufacture. If so, it may be unfortunate but it is not a scratch, and the value may be higher than our estimate.
George II silver Coronation Medal 1727, Eimer 510, About XF. George is facing left on the obverse. Reverse has Britannia crowning the seated monarch. 34 mm.
George III Farthing 1773, S3775, Laureate and Cuirassed Bust, stops, MS64 RB PCGS, an almost flawless coin of great beauty, seemingly net-graded for strike, but in fact the strike on this coin, while seeming to be soft, is still one of the best seen on any farthing of this type, which was normally struck from shallow dies. Other qualities: flan broad with deep denticles or toothed borders, totally original surfaces, brownish red in areas but much original, deep red luster remains, mostly firey red on obverse and outlining the details of the portrait in particular. Along with the rare condition, however, this extraordinary coin has 3 unlisted errors, as follows: the digit "3" in the date is double-punched with the second "3" high and clearly separated from the top bar of the 1st "3"; the 2nd "G" in GEORGIVS is a "C" instead of a "G"; and the "B" in BRITANNIA on reverse is badly broken at the top. This is really a coin for the numismatic student, and besides is just a stunning coin!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
George III 2 Pence Cartwheel 1797, KM619, MS63 BN NGC. A very seldom offered type in mint state. Strong chocolate brown color.
George III Sixpence 1816, S3791, MS66 PCGS, first year of the New Coinage, made by steam press at the then-new Tower Hill Mint, Superb Gem Uncirculated, boldly struck, lovely silvery gold and light blue iridescence. Exceptional eye-appeal, and easily the nicest "66" we have seen.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
George III Shilling 1817, KM666, MS66 NGC. An example of a common coin in a most uncommon grade. Some prooflike characteristics. A true gem.
George III Halfcrown 1817, S3788, Bull Head, MS63 NGC, Choice UNC, sharp strike, golden gray toning.
George III Halfcrown 1819, S3789, Small Head, MS63 NGC, two-toned gray surfaces, nice coin.
George III Crown 1820, S3787, LX edge, MS60 NGC, sharp, slightly prooflike, light hairlines otherwise nearly choice, pleasing silvery gold iridescent toning. Very nice for the grade.
George III gold 1/3 Guinea 1798, S3738, AU55 NGC.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III gold 1/3 Guinea 1810, S3740, AU58 NGC, sharp, almost fully lustrous.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III gold 1/3 Guinea 1810, S3740, AU58 NGC, sharp, almost fully lustrous.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III Fantasy Restrike Pattern copper 1/2 Guinea 1788, similar to WR130 and to S3735 (a gold piece) in style but not 1787, Reeded Edge, uncertified, Proof or Prooflike, a choice piece with lovely brown surfaces, hints of mint red, sharply detailed. Probably struck in the early 19th century.
George III gold 1/2 Guinea 1801, S3736, AU58 NGC, sharp, almost fully lustrous.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III gold 1/2 Guinea 1809, S3737, AU55 NGC, sharp and choice, almost fully lustrous.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III gold Rose Guinea 1777, S3728, XF Details (scratches) NGC, some luster, scuffs on obverse mainly, probably a "dug" coin found by a metal-detecting enthusiast.
George III gold Rose Guinea 1783, S3728, VF Details (hairlines) NGC, high-end VF in details with remnants of luster but cleaned.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III gold Spade Guinea 1790, S3729, XF45 NGC, particularly nice for the grade, with some luster.
George III gold Half Sovereign 1817, S3786, AU55 NGC, lustrous.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George III Bank Dollar 1804, KM-Tn1, XF, toned. Initials "DG" inscribed on reverse. Very strong portrait.
George III Bank Dollar 1804, S3768, ESC144, AU Details (hairlines) NGC, sharp strike, virtually no marks, faintest scattered swirling hairlines, premium golden gray toning, the look of an AU58 coin.
George III Bank Dollar 1804, S3768, ESC144, AU50 NGC, pleasing, medium, silvery golden gray toning.
George III 18 Pence 1811, S3771, ESC969, AU58 NGC, even gray toning.
George III 3 Shillings 1812, S3770, ESC416, AU58 NGC, even gray toning.
George III 3 Shillings 1812, S3770, ESC416, MS64 NGC, sharp strike, original light silvery gold iridescent toning, nice coin!
George IV Penny 1826, S3823, Bare Laureate Head, MS64 BN PCGS, Very Choice glossy brown UNC, only scattered tiny abrasions, sharp strike for this issue (often seen poorly struck) with a wonderful pale-green hue on top of the pure copper, very scarce type in a condition not often found, this certainly the nicest "64" we have encountered.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
George IV Halfcrown 1825, S3809, Bare Head, UNC Details (hairlines) NGC, sharp strike, dipped and brilliant.
George IV gold Half Sovereign 1824, S3803, Laureate Head, AU58 NGC, sharp, golden red toning, a lovely piece.
George IV gold Half Sovereign 1825, S3803, Laureate Head, UNC Details (hairlines) NGC, mark on face, normal strike, lots of luster.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George IV gold Sovereign 1827, S3801, Bare Head, uncertified, Fine, slightly porous.
William IV Penny 1834, S3845, AU55 BN NGC, very scarce, dark chocolate brown in color with some small areas of black oxidation (on reverse).
William IV Sixpence 1831, S3836, MS65 PCGS, first year of type and a Gem UNC coin, boldly struck and blessed with beautiful silvery gold iridescent toning. Quite scarce in this exceptional grade.
William IV Halfcrown 1834, KM714.2, About XF, lightly toned. A scarce ruler type.
William IV gold Sovereign 1832, S3829B, uncertified, Fine, slightly porous.
Victoria Half Farthing 1844, S3951, Young Head, MS65 RB PCGS, Gem UNC, a little jewel of a Victorian copper having a hint of toning but mostly mint red, the strike bold; a subtle diebreak curls through the bottom letters of much of the obverse legend. Unlike other fractional farthings, the Half Farthing was made for use in the homeland; in 1844 one of these could buy a pint of beer at the local pub. Engraving is interesting: in the obverse legend, the "T" and "A" above the queen's head are out of alignment, and the digits of the date are also slightly uneven, so obviously the features of the dies were largely hand positioned. Finding a truly reddish gem like this is not easy.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1848, S3950, Young Head, MS65 RB PCGS, Gem UNC, a gorgeous coin with about 50% deep golden orange mint red luster still in evidence, and boldly struck with great detail. Study the coin and you will see the first "A" of GRATIA is doubled and the last "8" in the date is ghosted. A very scarce, early date Farthing in the finest grade seen. We would not be surprised to see our estimate well exceeded.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1853/2, S3950, Young Head, MS64 RB PCGS, bold strike, scattered tiny marks, this coin among the prettiest of its type seen: light brown with flashes of golden mint red and an exquisite pale green and mauve iridescence! To the cataloguer's eye, this is a Gem UNC farthing. The "W.W." is raised. Overdate unlisted in Spink but clear. Our estimate may be conservative.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1853/2, S3950, Young Head, MS65 BN PCGS, a marvelous Gem UNC coin, boldly struck, the surfaces smooth as a Hershey's milk-chocolate bar, gleaming luscious brown with a blush of blue iridescence, and hardly a tiny mark. Raised "W.W." on truncation; overdate very clear. One of the technically finest Farthings seen.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1855, S3950, Young Head, MS65 BN PCGS, Superb Gem UNC, so boldly struck that it resembles a proof in its detail, splendid deep brown surfaces with a blush of mint color and some bluish iridescence, tiny diebreaks. The "W.W." is raised. Technically as fine as any Farthing seen, this would seem to be undergraded as a "65." Serious collectors will see our estimate to be modest.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1856, S3950, Young Head, MS65 BN PCGS, Gem UNC, bold strike, another exquisite farthing from this fabulous collection, where quality was the watchword for the selection of every piece, this coin just a glowing copper jewel, with perfect reddish brown color, the model for what a great Farthing should look like!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1859, S3950, Young Head, MS65 BN PCGS, "9" in date ghosted, small scuffs at the base of Victoria's neck but PCGS was overwhelmed by the beautiful eye appeal of this coin, and awarded it a grade so hard to get. Fully struck except in the center of Britannia, which in most farthings is just plain flat, not struck up at all. The color here is just overwhelming: a lush mahogany brown with subdued mint red, the obverse having an exquisite sheen of bluish mauve. Wow! Victoria's early farthings just do not show up looking like this very often. Our estimate deserves to be trumped.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1862, S3958, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RD PCGS, an immaculate Superb Gem of a coin, with full blazing mint red luster, a bold strike, and all but perfect surfaces. Best one seen! The eye appeal here is spectacular.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1867, S3958, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RB PCGS, shimmering reddish brown surfaces with considerable mint red luster, bold strike, a lovely coin with strong eye appeal.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1869, S3958, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RD PCGS, rare date the real value of which is not reflected (in high quality) in the SCBC reference, a gem that glows with full golden red luster and is sharp in strike, the satiny surfaces all but flawless. Big bold date with slight ghosting to the two center digits. Go find another one this nice!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1872, S3958, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RB PCGS, struck from obviously clashed dies, a tad soft in detail as a result, the surfaces a beautiful reddish brown as reflected by the high numerical grade given, slight ghosting to the digit "8" in date.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1873, S3958, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RD PCGS, bold strike, full mint red luster, just gorgeous surfaces. Struck from gently clashed dies, showing around Britannia and above "8" of the date. This is just the best 1873 farthing the cataloguer has seen, a comment that relates to many other coins in this collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1875-H, S3959, Laureate or Bun Head, Heaton Mint, MS65 RB NGC, normal somewhat soft strike as seen on most coins of this contract mint, surfaces super nice and brick-red in color, one of the best ones seen. This variety shows the queen with "older features," also known as Freeman-532, which he rates as rare.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Farthing 1882-H, S3959, Laureate or Bun Head, Heaton Mint, MS65 RD PCGS, sharp strike, full mint red with some faint carbon flecking on reverse, really sharp on the mintmark.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1838, S3949, Young Head, MS65 BN PCGS, first year of issue and seldom seen in MS, this piece not just MS but Gem UNC, light chocolate-brown in color with more than a hint of golden mint red, bold strike, and excellent eye appeal. "W:W." incuse as it appears on proofs of the next year with a colon after the first initial. The best example of this date seen by the cataloguer in decades.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1841, S3949, Young Head, MS65 RB PCGS, bold strike, luscious light brown with a golden reddish hue, surfaces as smooth as a still pond.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1853, S3949, Young Head, MS64 RB PCGS, an extraordinary piece with nearly full mint color, faded ever so slightly, light abrasions accounting for the "64" grade but this coin is unusually sharp and appealing. In the date, the digit "3" is ghosted, the "5" slightly so. Variety with several incuse dots on the shield. You could go to Britain many times and visit all the shows, and not see a single halfpenny of this type in a grade comparable to this one.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1854, KM726, MS64 RB NGC. Youthful portrait of the queen. Britannia seated reverse.
Victoria "overdate" Halfpenny 1856, S3949, Young Head, MS64 RB PCGS, Gem UNC, the numerical grade a mystery to the cataloguer , as there are only light scattered abrasions, while the strike is bold, the surface texture incredibly smooth and satiny, the luster glowing, and the eye appeal just superb because of exquisite golden mauve iridescence with greenish hues. Most extraordinary, however, is the date, which is entirely ghosted, and the "5" appears to be cut over an inverted "9" -- unlisted in any reference book but crystal clear. As well, the entire obverse legend is ghosted. A really special halfpenny!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1860, S3956, Laureate or Bun Head, Beaded Borders, MS64 RB PCGS, an alluring coin with a nice sharp strike and lovely auburn, or light golden brown, surfaces, ever so slightly prooflike, and just "fresh looking" compared to most others seen. This variety is distinguished by the "1" in the date being smashed into the circular line inside of the beading. Very high-end for a "64" grade.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1861, S3956, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RB PCGS, a beautiful gem, bold strike, immaculate surfaces, golden brown with iridescent green hues, struck from gently clashed dies, much of obverse legend ghosted. Tiny incuse door on lighthouse.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1862, S3956, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RD PCGS, a stunning coin, best piece from a small "find" of these about two decades ago, this one full red in color, fully struck, without blemishing carbon spots (most in the find had lots of carbon), fully original, and a coin that glows with satiny cartwheel luster. If this coin is almost perfect, what pray tell is a "66" or finer piece to look like?
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1863, S3956, Laureate or Bun Head, MS64 BN PCGS, a really delightful coin with a crisp strike, "hard" or semi-prooflike luster, and rich bluish gold iridescence over dark brown surfaces, struck from clashed dies. Every tiny detail is boldly struck up! This coin has more sheer eye appeal than some coins even in MS65 grade.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1877, S3956, Laureate or Bun Head, MS64 RB PCGS, high-end for the grade and very choice, sharp strike, mostly golden red surfaces just slightly faded, long diebreak curls through the entire obverse legend and date, marks are just some tiny ticks.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfpenny 1889, S3956, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RD PCGS, full glowing golden mint red, bold strike, and of course wonderful surfaces to get the coveted "65" grade. The sharpness of detail on the shield being held by Britannia is something to behold in the art of die engraving!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1844, S3948, Young Head, OT, MS64 BN PCGS, exceptionally choice, bold strike with full details except for the very highest point of Britannia, the portrait almost medallic in detail, wonderful "hard" luster and super-smooth surfaces showing only a few tiny scattered abrasions, the color golden brown with greenish iridescent hues. Various diebreaks, including several through the date. Exceptional eye appeal. About as fine an 1844 Penny as we have seen, and as high-end a "64" as a 64 can get.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1853, S3948, Young Head, OT, far colon, MS65 BN PCGS, Gem UNC, immaculate chocolate-brown surfaces combine with a superb bold strike to make for outstanding eye appeal, and a coveted grade given to almost no copper pennies. Light ghosting of the "3" in date and some letters of the legend.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1854, S3948, Young Head, PT, MS64 RB PCGS, luscious reddish golden brown surfaces, exquisite satiny luster, bold obverse, reverse struck from a worn die producing slight softness of some details, overall impression is of a sharp coin, "5" in date ghosted. Why this beautiful coin is not in a "65" slab is anyone's guess.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1855, KM739, MS64 BN NGC. Variety with plain trident. Significant red combining with the brown. Youthful portrait of the queen.
Victoria Penny 1857, S3948, Young Head, PT, close colon, MS65 BN PCGS, an immaculate gem that seems almost undergraded, even with this lofty numerical grade on it, which is so seldom given to coppers or bronzes, this one glowing with brown luster and having a bold portrait and sharp reverse with just slight softness to the highest point of Britannia, a faint scuff through the bust but fantastic fields, glossy medium chocolate brown in color with purplish red glints of remaining mint red and wonderful greenish blue iridescent hues. Diebreak from the rim to the queen's eye, another on reverse through "G of REG, and a slight ghost to the digit "1" in the date. If you ever see a prettier copper penny of Victoria, do let us know!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1859, KM739, MS64 BN NGC, an outstanding example of this Young Head type.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1862, S3954, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 BN PCGS, fully struck with immaculate surfaces, reddish brown, only slight mint red remaining but still an exquisitely beautiful bronze penny!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1877, S3954, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RD PCGS, satiny surfaces close to flawless, portrait nice but not bold, Britannia side all bold in detail, die clashing shows around Britannia; long diebreak trails through the trident and PENNY. Not a hint of carbon, and thus a wonderful coin! Go to Britain and search endlessly for a coin this nice, or place a simple bid and this one is yours.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1881, S3954, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RB PCGS, a beauty with a bold strike and booming luster, almost fully golden mint red as struck.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1882-H, S3955, Laureate or Bun Head, MS65 RB NGC, bold strike, wonderful surfaces, and honey-gold in color. The mm is very clear. Ex Cheshire Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1886, Bust left/Britannia seated right, S-3954, KM755, MS63 Red and Brown NGC. Sharply struck with fading mint red.
Victoria Penny 1888, S3954, Laureate or Bun Head, MS64 RB PCGS, very high-end for the grade as the coin is essentially a gem with only the tiniest contact marks, fairly sharp in strike, and the surfaces are a pleasing reddish brown, far more golden red than brown. A nice example of this popular type.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Penny 1895, S3961, Old or Veiled Head, MS64 RB PCGS, immaculate obverse, reverse has some faint scuffs and marks, strike quite sharp, color mostly golden red.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Maundy Pence 1869, S3920, Young Head, MS67 PCGS, exquisite eye appeal, technically superb, fully struck with awesome surfaces, satiny luster, and marvelous amber-gold and silvery blue iridescent toning. A splendid jewel of a coin!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Maundy Twopence 1893, S3946, Old or Veiled Head, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, bold strike, golden blue iridescent toning.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Currency Threepence 1879, S3914C, Young Head, MS66 PCGS, a superb coin with extraordinary eye appeal, nearly flawless, satiny luster, bluish gold iridescent toning. Clashed dies, tiny diebreak.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Currency Threepence 1887, S3931, Jubilee Head, MS66 PCGS, Superb Gem Uncirculated, perfect full strike, elegant deep bluish green and gray toning.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Maundy Threepence 1893, S3945, Old or Veiled Head, MS67 PCGS, just a superb coin, fully struck, slightly prooflike, with bright golden blue iridescent toning. Wow!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Currency Threepence 1896, S3942, Old or Veiled Head, MS67 PCGS, fully struck, almost perfect surfaces, sparkling semi-prooflike silvery luster with a hint of russet-blue peripheral toning.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Britannia Groat 1838, S3913, Young Head, MS66 PCGS, superb original surfaces and technically splendid, with a bold strike and exquisite bluish gold iridescence. Obverse legend ghosted; various diebreaks. First year of issue. Among the finest graded.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Britannia Groat 1840, S3913, Young Head, MS65 NGC, a grade that belies how fabulous this particular specimen is, struck so deeply that it resembles a medal, date digits almost in high relief, portrait like something seen on a marble bust, on reverse Britannia crisp in all tiny details, rims deeply beaded and high, surfaces immaculate (as good as seen on any high-end 66 this cataloguer, BL, has encountered), and wonderful eye appeal thanks to deep seagreen iridescent toning. Digit "0" in date split at bottom.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Maundy Fourpence 1864, S3917, Young Head, MS66 PCGS, a gorgeous and superb coin taken from a Maundy Set, fully struck with almost perfect surfaces, totally original, seagreen and silvery gold iridescent toning. Scarce date, too.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Britannia Groat 1888, S3930, Jubilee Head, 1-year type with this portrait, MS66 PCGS, fully struck with perfect detail, immaculate satiny surfaces sheathed in awesome bright blue and mauve iridescent toning. Wow! As beautiful a Groat as we have seen.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Maundy Fourpence 1893, S3944, Old or Veiled Head, MS67 PCGS, fully struck and nearly perfect with gorgeous, 100% original surfaces, slightly prooflike, with an exquisite blend of silvery gold and blue iridescent toning. Exquisite!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Sixpence 1839, S3908, Young Head, MS65 PCGS, brilliant with a hint of gold toning, sharp strike. A gem example of this early date from the reign.
Victoria Sixpence 1846, KM733.1, MS65 NGC, beautiful sea green and gray toning. Young Head type.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Sixpence 1855, S3908, Young Head, MS64 PCGS, exceptionally choice, sharp strike, rich iridescent gray toning, struck from clashed dies, obverse diebreak.
Victoria Sixpence 1865, S3909, Young Head, Die #5, MS64 PCGS, brilliant with iridescent silvery golden blue toning.
Victoria Sixpence 1873, S3910, Young Head, Die #13, MS64 PCGS, brilliant and sharply struck, tiny obverse diebreak to point of bust, struck from clashed dies.
Victoria Sixpence 1873, S3910, Young Head, Die #79, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, rich silvery gold and blue iridescent toning, sharp strike, one of the finest graded.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Sixpence 1888, S3929, Jubilee Head, MS65 PCGS, bold strike, frosty white luster on obverse with delicate golden blue iridescence, the reverse golden bluish green. It would not be a stretch to see this in a higher grade holder. Super coin!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Sixpence 1892, S3929, Jubilee Head, MS64 PCGS, scarcest date of this type (save the major rarity of 1893), a prooflike jewel with exquisite golden blue iridescent toning, the surfaces really sparkling bright. Prooflike surfaces are seldom seen on these.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Sixpence 1893, S3941, Old or Veiled Head, MS65 PCGS, bold strike, satiny luster, immaculate surfaces with exquisite, 100% original, blue and pinkish golden gray iridescent toning. Really high-end for the grade given.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Sixpence 1901, S3941, Old or Veiled Head, MS66 PCGS, bold strike, a superb piece with almost perfect satiny surfaces, and light silvery blue pastel toning. If you are seeking virtual perfection, this would seem to be it.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Shilling 1852, S3904, Young Head, MS64 PCGS, a grade that confounds the cataloguer as there are no apparent marks, the strike is bold, the gorgeous original surfaces shimmer with luster and are sheathed in a beautiful, delicate pastel silvery blue and golden iridescence. Most interestingly, the "A"s in the obverse legend are all blundered, each one with the bottom serifs closed, touching each other; they may be inverted "V" letters with a crossbar added. Several letters are also ghosted. This is a superb coin!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Shilling 1887, S3926, Small Jubilee Head, MS66 PCGS, bold strike, a few scuffs hidden in the shield but still superb, as the "66" grade implies, with beautiful iridescent golden bluish green toning. Totally "fresh" in eye appeal.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Shilling 1890, S3927, Large Jubilee Head, MS65 PCGS, bold strike, superb eye appeal with delightful, fully original iridescent silvery gold toned surfaces, a very scarce date not often found with such a fresh look and great quality combined. This would be impossible to find in the UK at anywhere near the SCBC book value.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Shilling 1897, S3940A, Old Head, MS63 NGC, particularly choice, rich silvery green and lilac pink iridescent toning, bold strike, high-end for the grade.
Victoria Shilling 1900, S3940A, Old or Veiled Head, MS64 PCGS, exceptionally choice with a sharp strike and vivid iridescent blue toning, center of the reverse reddish rose-gold. Old Head shillings are rarely seen with such beautiful color. This coin is so pretty that most collectors would look at it and think "gem." The reverse is certainly superb.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria "Godless" Florin 1849, S3890, clear WW, uncertified, AU, sharp detail, long obv field scratch, golden gray toning.
Victoria "Godless" Florin 1849, S3890, WW clear, AU58 NGC, super-sharp strike, pleasing old toning.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1852, S3891, AU58 NGC, super-sharp strike, brilliant frosty luster.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1852, S3891, MS64 NGC, light iridescent toning.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1855, S3891, MS64 NGC, soft strike centers, light silvery gold.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1856, S3891, MS61 NGC, frosty brilliance.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1857, S3891, MS63 NGC, old gray toning, very even color, a premium piece.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1858, S3891, MS63 NGC, very sharp strike for type, frosty white surfaces.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1859, S3891, AU Details (hairlines) NGC, silvery blue toning, sharp strike with a premium look despite the NGC assessment.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1876, S3893, Die #23, MS62 NGC, golden gray toning.
Victoria Gothic Florin 1881, S3900, MS61 NGC, slightly prooflike, brilliant.
Victoria Florin 1897, S3939, Old or Veiled Head, MS66 NGC, a beautiful gem coin having a sharp strike and rich, deep gray and bluish mauve iridescent toning.
Victoria Florin 1901, S3939, Old or Veiled Head, MS64 PCGS, a really beautiful coin having shimmering satiny luster, golden green and silvery blue iridescence evenly toned on both sides, and a bold strike. There are only a few scattered tiny abrasions. Certainly a strong candidate for upgrading if you've a mind for such, but in any case this is a premium coin, about as fine as can be found in truth.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfcrown 1846, S3888, Young Head, AU58 NGC, sharp and brilliant.
Victoria Halfcrown 1875, S3889, Young Head, MS61 NGC, brilliant silvery gray surfaces.
Victoria Halfcrown 1878, S3889, Young Head, MS61 NGC, brilliant gray surfaces.
Victoria Halfcrown 1881, S3889, Young Head, MS61 NGC, brilliant silvery gray surfaces.
Victoria Halfcrown 1882, S3889, Young Head, MS64 PCGS, Gem UNC, the numerical grade assigned confusing as this coin has a marvelous look, only faint stray marks, wonderful satiny luster, bold strike with full details on the often-weak shield, and delicate silvery luster with golden hues. As well, the planchet or flan is superior, perfectly made, as is the engraving style on this piece, from a period known as the "wretched flan" era in Victoriana. This coin should be in an MS65 holder and may be the nicest 1882 you will ever find.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfcrown 1892, S3924, Jubilee Head, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, bold strike with essentially every tiny detail struck up, wonderful surfaces, rich greenish gray toning which looks dull until you rotate the coin and it lights up. A rare date in this short, often overlooked series, although it does have the highest SCBC value of the various dates.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfcrown 1894, S3938, Old or Veiled Head, MS64 PCGS, best date of this series, very choice, bright luster under lovely silvery gold, and reddish blue, iridescent toning. "Only" a 64, this is among the nicest 1894 halfcrowns this cataloguer has seen over many years.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfcrown 1896, S3938, Old or Veiled Head, MS66 PCGS, a superb coin with nearly flawless, 100% original surfaces and thick, gorgeous frosty luster, sheathed in rich silvery gold iridescent toning with bluish highlights. It takes a great coin to be given this grade, and this is a great type coin.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Halfcrown 1899, S3938, Old or Veiled Head, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, exceptionally fine, delicate silvery gold obverse toning, rich golden green and silvery reverse toning. This date is actually scarcer than most of the others of this reign in higher grades.
Victoria Crown 1844, S3882, Young Head, cinquefoil edge stops, uncertified, choice About XF.
Victoria Gothic Crown 1847, KM744, Proof but harshly cleaned with numerous field marks. One of the world's classic crowns.
Victoria Crown 1887, KM765, MS63 PCGS. Jubilee type. Just a wisp of golden toning.
Victoria Crown 1887, S3921, Jubilee Head, MS65 PCGS, Gem UNC, sharply struck for type, only the highest points of the knight just slightly soft in fine detail, surfaces fully original, silvery gray with some golden iridescent highlights, a satiny and frosty beauty. This coin is common in dipped BU with loads of marks, but finding such a nice "65" as this is not easy.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Crown 1889, S3921, Jubilee Head, MS61 NGC, pleasing iridescent toning, scarce.
Victoria Crown 1889, S3921, Jubilee Head, MS63 NGC, appealing deep iridescent toning.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
Victoria Crown 1890, S3921, Jubilee Head, scarce date, MS64 PCGS, a coin which looks like a gem, and could regrade MS65 possibly, as it has a very faint scuff in the right obverse field but otherwise is a solid gem with a bold strike and beautiful light silvery golden blue iridescent surfaces. One of the best 1890 crowns to be found anywhere, a really premium coin and not many can equal its eye appeal in any grade.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Crown 1893, S3937, Old or Veiled Head, LVI edge, MS62 PCGS, but despite this numerical grade here is a beautiful Choice UNC example of the type, in fact as nice as most "64"s seen, the luster strong and brilliant, surfaces showing very little abrasion, sharp strike, most pleasing and bright gold toning. Have a look and you will understand how nice this coin truly is.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria Crown 1893, S3937, LVII edge, Old or Veiled Head, uncertified, XF with some luster, small scratches. The scarce version of this date with this edge.
Victoria Crown 1899, S-3937, KM783, XF-AU with light rim bumps. LXII edge.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1856, S3859, Young head, MS62 NGC, sharp strike, satiny luster, diebreak right obverse rim through legend.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1887, S3869, Jubilee Head, MS64 PCGS, bold strike, beautiful color and choice satiny surfaces, scarce so fine and high-end for the grade.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1887, S3869, Jubilee Head, MS65 PCGS, a Gem UNC example with a bold strike, immaculate surfaces, glowing satiny luster, and beautiful old-gold color. Wow!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1893, S3878, Old or Veiled Head, uncertified but a nice piece, UNC with satiny luster.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1893, S3878, Old or Veiled Head, uncertified, satiny UNC and quite pleasing.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1894, S3878, Old or Veiled Head, MS64 PCGS, not a date seen very often in this kind of condition, a Very Choice UNC with beautiful satiny luster and old-time gold color, sharp as can be except on the high points of the horseman; a couple of diebreaks connect from the rim to the portrait on obverse. Probably the best 1894 half sovereign we have encountered. Ex Terner Collection noted on grading insert.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victoria gold Half Sovereign 1901, S3878, Old Head, MS63 PCGS, an especially pleasing and choice coin with satiny luster, high-end for the grade and scarce thus.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1842, S3852, Young Head, XF45 NGC, some luster, closed 2, normal dies.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1851, S3852C, Young Head, uncertified, lustrous XF or better, especially sharp strike, small abrasions, scarce.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1873, S3856A, Young Head, St George reverse, AU55 NGC, numerous heavy marks.
Victoria gold Sovereign 1887, S3866, Jubilee Head, MS64 NGC, very choice, satiny luster.
Edward VII Halfpenny 1902, S3991, MS65 RB PCGS, a beauty with nearly full golden red luster, as sharp as most seen; fine diebreak winds through the king's name in the legend.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Edward VII Penny 1902, S3990, MS65 RB PCGS, an immaculate and fully original coin having almost full mint luster, just subdued slightly into a mellow reddish gold color, almost no abrasions, sharp details, no carbon spots or dull areas, thus truly exceptional. Purchased by the consignor from a collection assembled in the early 1970s, believed to be from C. Wilson Peck's duplicates collection because of the source.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Edward VII Shilling 1907, S3982, MS62 NGC, choice for issue, frosty white luster, only small abrasions, nice full face on the lion!
Edward VII Halfcrown 1902, S3980, MS63 NGC, silvery brilliance with light golden blue iridescence, bold strike, strong luster, only tiny abrasions, high-end for the grade.
Edward VII Crown 1902, KM803, AU-UNC, lightly toned example.
Edward VII Matte Proof Crown 1902, S3979, uncertified, original light silvery gold toning.
Edward VII Matte Proof gold Sovereign 1902, S3969, PF61 Matte NGC, choice looking and much nicer than it sounds.
Edward VII gold Sovereign 1909, S3969, uncertified, brilliant UNC and quite nice.
George V 1/2 Penny 1925, KM809, MS65 RD NGC. Original bust type. Ex-Cheshire collection.
George V Penny 1912-H, S4052, Heaton Mint, MS66 RB NGC, a gem that is well struck (including the tiny mm) for the issue and has most pleasing reddish brown surfaces, the color fairly evenly distributed and mostly dark red. Only three dates were made on contract by this mint, at Birmingham, this being the most plentiful and most often seen, but most 1912-H pennies, even in high grade, do not have the strike or the eye appeal of this one. Ex Cheshire Collection, so noted on the grading insert.
George V Proof Sixpence 1911, S4014, PF67 PCGS, a superb coin with deeply mirrored fields, perfect proof strike, and fabulous, bright golden blue iridescent toning. About as nice as exists!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
George V Halfcrown 1918, KM818.1, MS65 NGC. Superb light satiny toning.
George V Crown 1927, KM836, S4036, 4th Coinage, PF64 NGC, very choice, a handsome piece having bright silvery surfaces and delicate iridescent toning. Mintage was 15,030 pieces, according to the Spink reference. Most seen are not quite this attractive.
George V Wreath Crown 1933, S4036, XF and exceptionally nice for the grade, toned.
George V Wreath Crown 1936, S4036, MS62 NGC, pleasing medium gray toning and decent surfaces consistent with the numerical grade assigned; mintage was 2473 pieces during this final year of this coinage type.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
From the Highlands Park Collection of British Coins.
George V gold Half Sovereign 1913, S4006, MS63 PCGS, choice, lovely color, long thin vertical diebreak through the horse's forequarters, usual strike, scarce so nice.
George V gold Sovereign 1925, KM820, MS66 NGC. Exceptional quality for a British Sovereign. Worth a premium bid. AGW 0.2354 oz.
George VI Crown 1937, S4078, 1-year type, MS63 NGC, frosty brilliance, exceptional, about as nice as these come, scarce so fine. Most UNC crowns of this type fall short of this coin in quality.
George VI gold Proof Half Sovereign 1937, S4077, PF64 NGC, particularly brilliant, delicate cameo but not so noted on the grading insert. Almost all half sovereigns of 1937 have some cameo contrast, whereas many sovereigns do not. This is how they were made.
George II/III Sixpence Lot 1757-1787, (4) 1757-58, S3711, F to VF; (5) 1787 hearts, S3749, (1) VF+, (4) XF or slightly nicer, all pleasingly toned.
Three Coin Copper Certified Lot, 1/3 Farthing 1913, KM823, MS64 RD PCGS. 1/2 Penny 1799, KM647, MS63 BN NGC. Penny 1920, KM810, MS65 RB PCGS.
Victoria Halfpenny type pair: 1859/8 S3949, Young Head, MS63 BN PCGS, old oxidation stain on Britannia's right arm, otherwise lovely brown surfaces with tinges of red; and 1887, S3956, Bun Head, MS64 RB PCGS, mostly red with some light fingerprint oxidation.
Victoria and her son, a super trio of type coins: Victoria currency Threepence 1898, S3942, Old or Veiled Head, MS66 NGC (noted as Maundy on grading insert; the cataloguer disagrees), a superb coin with fantastic eye appeal, vividly toned in iridescent hues; Victoria Farthing 1861, S3958, Laureate or Bun Head, 5 berries, MS65 RB NGC, a gem with awesome golden red color and hues of green iridescence; and her son, Edward VII, the tiny Third Farthing 1902, S3993, MS65 RB NGC, fully struck, brownish red with iridescent hues. Wow, a wonderful little group!
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
From the Guilford Courthouse Collection.
Victorian type trio: Threepence 1895, S3942, Old Head, MS65 NGC, a gem with deep iridescent gold toning, marked Cheshire Collection on grading insert; also Sixpence 1887, S3929, Jubilee Head, value reverse, MS65 NGC, a gem with deep iridescent golden mauve toning; and finally Florin 1894, S3939, Old Head, MS64 NGC, best date of type, rich bluish golden gray iridescent toning.
Mixed lot of Three Certified Coins, Threepence 1920, KM813, MS65 PCGS. Sixpence 1874, KM751.1, MS64 NGC. Sixpence 1901, KM779, MS66 NGC. Three very choice coins.
Four silver types: Victoria Threepence 1889, S3931, MS63 NGC; George II Shilling 1758, S3704, XF45 ANACS; Victoria Florin 1889, S3925, MS63 NGC, choice, iridescent toning, scarce date; and Edward VII era Trade Dollar 1908-B, KM-T5, MS63 ICG, sharp, frosty brilliance.
Victorian type trio: Florin 1893, S3939, nice frosty UNC; Britannia Groat 1888, S3930, nice frosty UNC; 1/4 Farthing 1839, S3953, sharp R&B UNC.
Victoria Jubilee Head type coins 1887, Threepence, Sixpence Shield, Shilling, Florin, Halfcrown, Double-Florin (Roman I), and Crown, uncertified, grades range from AXF to UNC.
Victorian silver type pair: Gothic Florin 1870, S3893, AU Details (obv scratched) NGC, way better than it sounds, almost full luster, light hairlines scratching the portrait; together with Halfcrown 1887, S3924, Jubilee Head, AU58 NGC, sharp strike, handsome silvery gold iridescent toning, an excellent coin for the grade.
Victoria Sixpence type pair: 1890, S3929, Jubilee Head, better date, MS65 PCGS, gem, brilliant with light gold iridescent toning; and 1896, S3941, Old Head, MS65 PCGS, a gem with lovely golden blue iridescent toning.
Victoria Seven Coin Jubilee silver Set 1887, Threepence choice AU-UNC, Sixpence choice AU, Shilling cleaned XF-AU, Florin AU, Halfcrown choice AU, Double Florin Roman 1 cleaned XF-AU with hairlines, Crown XF-AU with hairlines.
George V Two Certified Proof Coins, Shilling 1911, KM816, PF67. 1/2 Crown, 1927, KM835, PF64. Both coins certified by PCGS.
George V Two Choice Florins, 1913 UNC, & 1914, MS64 PCGS. Both KM817, 1913 is a scarcer date.
Five High Grade Coins, 1/2 Crown 1929, KM835, MS64 NGC, 1931, UNC, 1935, UNC. 1/2 Crown 1953, KM893, Proof. Crown 1937, KM857, UNC.
Thirteen Maundy Coins, 1893 Set, MDS149, 1946 Set, MDS205, 1947 Set, MDS206, plus 1929 Threepence single. All coins UNC.
Greece
Chios. Philip Maria Visconti Zecchino ND (1421-1436), Friedberg 4, MS62 NGC, crudely struck, central details clear. Scarce issue by Milanese Dukes.
Guatemala
Ferdinand VI 4 Reales 1755 G-J, KM17.1, XF, cleaned long ago, now retoned on its own. Scarce and a pleasing example of this highly sought after type.
Ferdinand VII 1/2 Real 1814 NG-M, KM65, MS62 NGC, original toning and bold details.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1869-R, KM191, AU58 NGC. Portrait of Carrera, a scarce and desirable one year type.
Republic gold 5 Quetzales 1926, KM244, AU58 NGC. Fully lustrous, just a hint of wear, and most desirable.
Haiti
Republic 20 Centimes Essai in Copper 1877, KM-PN75, MS64 BN NGC. Choice example with much red in the devices.
Hawaii
Kalakaua I 25 Cents 1883, KM5, MS62 NGC. Light golden toning. A tough coin in mint state to locate.
Hong Kong
Victoria Cent 1900-H, KM4.3, MS65 RD NGC. This is how a collector would want all his coins to appear.
Edward VII Cent 1905-H, KM11, MS65 RB NGC. An outstanding example of the type.
Hungary
Leopold I 1/2 Taler 1700-KB, KM251, AU-UNC. Wonderful toning, essentially as struck, and very desirable thus. From the Kremnitz, (KB), mint.
Leopold I Broad Taler 1693-KB, Dav-3263A, KM-214.7, choice XF-AU. Kremnitz, (KB), mint. Lightly toned and a superior example of the type.
Leopold I gold Ducat 1702-KB, Fr-128, KM151, AU55 NGC. Strong details present. Somewhat double struck. Kremnitz, (KB), mint. Leopold was Holy Roman Emperor and king of Hungary.
Iceland
Republic gold 500 Kronur 1961, KM14, MS65 NGC. Jon Sigurdsson commemorative. 10,000 mintage. AGW 0.2593 oz.
Republic gold 500 Kronur 1961, KM14, MS65 NGC. Brilliant in color with shimmering luster. AGW 0.2593 oz.
Republic gold 500 Kronur 1961, KM14, MS65 NGC, Sigurdsson commemorative. 10,000 mintage. AGW 0.2593 oz.
India
Bengal Presidency. Four Silver Coins, 1/4 Rupee AH1204, KM96, MS65 PCGS. 1/2 Rupee ND, (1819), KM97, MS62 PCGS, KM105, MS63 PCGS, KM116, MS64 PCGS. Four choice examples.
Rohilkhand. Gold Mohur AH1185 Year 13, KM100, MS65 NGC, full mint brilliance. The regnal year 13 is bold and well-centered and the 85 of the accession date is visible near the rim.
Goa Maria II Pardao 1839, KM268, VF35 NGC. Youthful portrait of Maria.
Goa Maria II Pardao 1851, KM276, VF25 NGC. Scarce one year type.
Goa. Maria II Rupia 1839, KM269, VF35 NGC. A bit crude, but with good details for the type.
Goa Maria II Rupia 1847, KM273, XF40 NGC. Unusually attractive for this normally well worn type..
Goa Pedro V Pardao 1857, KM278, VF35 NGC. A deeply toned example.
Goa Pedro V Pardao 1857, KM278, VF35 NGC. Strong portrait of the king.
Goa. Pedro V Rupia 1856, KM279, XF45 NGC. One of the best examples of this type available.
Goa Pedro V Rupia 1857, KM279, VF25 NGC. Attractively toned and scarce.
Goa. Pedro V Rupia 1857, KM279, XF40 NGC. Very appealing portrait.
Goa Pedro V Rupia 1861, KM279, XF40 NGC. Nicely toned example.
Grouping of Twelve Uncirculated Coins, British India 1/4 Anna 1862, 2 Annas 1841, (five pieces), 1/4 Rupee 1840, (three pieces), Rupee 1840, 1901. Hyderbad Rupee AH1343. All coins very choice examples.
An Octet of UNC silver Rupees, 1900-B, 1901-B, 1914-C(two pieces), 1916-C, 1919-B, 1919-C, 1920-B. A choice grouping and a perfect starter set.
Iran
A Quartet of silver Crowns, 5 Kran 1902, KM976(two pieces), 1927-L, 1928, KM1106. Three are UNC, one XF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Iraq
Republic Six Coin Proof Set 1959, Coins individually are 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 & 100 Fils. Cataloged as KM-PS3. Housed in its original case of issue. 400 mintage.
Ireland
Two Early Hammered Coins, Penny of Edward I, ND, S-6246, F-VF. Groat of Philip and Mary, 1557, S-6501B, Fine. A scarce pair.
George III Farthing 1760, KM135, AU58 BN NGC. Remarkably well struck for this normally well worn type.
George III Farthing 1806, KM146.2, PF65 RB PCGS. Clearly the copper issue, and probably the restrike. A beautiful example with outstanding luster.
George III Bronzed Farthing 1806, KM146.2, PF65 PCGS. Most likely the restrike issue. Extraordinary appearance.
Republic 1/2 Penny 1933, KM2, MS64 BN NGC. Lovely chocolate brown coloring, and a seldom seen issue in mint state.
Republic 1/2 Penny 1933, KM2, MS64 RB NGC. A stunning example of this scarce item.
Republic 1/2 Penny 1939, KM10, choice UNC, seldom found in this state of preservation.
Republic Mixed Lot of Eleven Coins, 1/4 Penny 1939, 1/2 Penny 1942, Penny 1937, 1943, Threepence 1934, 1942, Sixpence 1942, Shilling 1941, 1/2 Crown 1941, plus Gunmoney Shilling and 1/2 Crown 1689. Grades run from VF to UNC. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Islamic Dynasties
Fatimids. Al-Mustansir gold Dinar AH441 Misr (Cairo), Nicol 2123, type W1, Friedberg 30, lustrous AU, slightly wavy flan.
Fatimids. Al-Mustansir gold Dinar AH444 Misr (Cairo), Nicol 2126, type W1, Friedberg 30, choice AU, fully lustrous and well-centered.
Fatimids. Al-Mustansir gold Dinar AH449 Misr (Cairo), Nicol 2132, type W1, Friedberg 30, nice AU-UNC, fully lustrous and sharply detailed.
Fatimids. Al-Mustansir gold Dinar AH456 Misr (Cairo), Nicol 2140, type W1, Friedberg 30, lustrous AU, fully struck and attractive.
Fatimids. Al-Mustansir gold Dinar AH460 Misr (Cairo), Nicol 2145, type W1, Friedberg 30, choice brilliant UNC with full glowing mint luster, slight bend at the edge, as made.
Fatimids. Al-Mustansir gold Dinar AH464 Misr (Cairo), Nicol 2149, type W1, Friedberg 30, nice XF-AU, slightly out of round.
Fatimids. Al-Mustansir gold Dinar AH451 Sur (Tyre in Lebanon), Nicol 1924, type W1, Friedberg 30, nice lustrous AU, scarce and popular mint in modern day Lebanon.
Ayyubids. Al-Kamil Mohammed gold Dinar AH627 Alexandria, Balog 394, Friedberg 5, choice UNC, bold details, very attractive.
Isle of Man
George III Halfpenny 1786, KM8, MS65 BN NGC, engrailed edge, very appealing with chocolate brown surfaces and red-orange mint luster in the legends.
Israel
Republic gold 50 Lirot 1964, KM44, UNC. Bank of Israel commemorative. With original case of issue. AGW 0.3933 oz.
Italy
Ancona. Thirteen Medieval Denaro ND (ca. 1250-1350), Biaggi 33 and Biaggi 42, VF-XF. The coins were issued during the short lived Republican Era. A scarce grouping.
Kingdom of Napoleon gold 20 Lire 1809-M, KM11, XF45 NGC, scarce denomination. Milan, (M), mint.
Kingdom of Napoleon gold 40 Lire 1812-M, KM12, VF, Milan, (M), mint. AGW 0.3733 oz.
Kingdom of Napoleon gold 40 Lire 1814-M, KM12, VF, popular Napoleonic type. AGW 0.3733 oz.
Lombardy-Venetia. Provisional 5 Lire 1848M, KM-C22, MS63 PCGS, a choice example with attractive silvery gray patina. Struck under the auspices of the Revolutionary Government.
Papal States. Pius IX Scudo 1853R, KM1336.2, AU55 NGC. Dated Anno VIII. Rome, (R), mint.
Sardinia. Carlo Alberto gold 20 Lire 1839-P, KM-C115.2, VF details, obverse damage, NGC. Eagle mintmark indicating Turin mint. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Tuscany. Carlo Luigi and Maria Luisa Francescone 1807, KM-C50.1, XF, deeply toned. A most attractive example.
Tuscany. Leopold II Fiorino 1828, KM-C72, MS64 NGC. A remarkable example of this type. As choice as it gets.
Venice. Francesco Dona gold Zecchino ND (1545-1553), Fr-1250, VF, somewhat rough surfaces, possibly ex-jewelry.
Mixed Lot of Five High Grade Minors, Papal States 10 Soldi 1868, MS62, 20 Baiocchi 1859, AU58. Roman Republic 4 Baiocchi 1849, MS62. Tuscany 5 Centesimi 1859, MS63 BN, 1/2 Paolo 1857, MS63. The 20 Baiocchi is certified by ANACS, the rest by NGC.
Vittorio Emanuele II Four Exceptional Coppers, 1 Centesimo 1861-M, KM1.1, MS63 RB. 2 Centesimi 1861-M, KM2.1, MS64 RB. 5 Centesimi 1861-M, KM3.1, MS64 RB. 10 Centesimi 1866-H, KM11.3, MS63 RB. All coins certified by ANACS. Unusually high grade examples.
Vittorio Emanuele II gold 20 Lire 1865-T BN, KM10.1, MS62 NGC. Well deserving of the grade with full mint luster. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Vittorio Emanuele II gold 20 Lire 1865-T BN, KM10.1, MS62 NGC. Strong portrait of Italy's first king. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Vittorio Emanuele III 20 Lire 1928-R, KM69, XF, lightly cleaned. Rome, (R), mint. Dated Anno VI.
Vittorio Emanuele III gold 50 Lire 1931-R, KM71, MS64 NGC. Dated year IX. 19,750 mintage. A superb example.
Vittorio Emanuele III gold 50 Lire 1931R IX, KM71, MS66 NGC, superb satiny surfaces with brilliant mint luster, very scarce in this lofty designation and worth a premium.
Ten ANACS Certified Coins, 25 Centesimi 1903(two pieces). 50 Centesimi 1921, 1925. 1 Lira 1922, 1924(two pieces). 5 Lire 1926(two pieces). 500 Lire 1968. Certifications from EF45 to MS67. A lot to be carefully examined. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Jamaica
Republic gold 100 Dollars 1976, KM72, PF70 Ultra Cameo NGC. Admiral Nelson is portrayed. The theoretical perfect coin. AGW 0.2266 oz.
Republic gold 100 Dollars 1976, KM72, MS67 NGC. Admiral Nelson commemorative. AGW 0.2266 oz.
Japan
Kage Province Silver Plate Money ca. 1600, Undated, but originally struck around 1600. This is probably a later striking. Known as Hanafuri Ichi Mai silver plate money, or a silver Oban of 10 Ryo. From the Pacific Coast Auction Galleries Sept. 1989 auction, lot 881. Measuring 83x110 mm.
City of Yonezawa. 200 Mon in Lead ND (1866), KM82, Fine. Crude as always, and all details clear. Quite scarce.
Mutsuhito 1/2 Sen Meiji 6 (1873), KM-Y16.1, MS64 RB NGC. The first year of issue for the type and few around in this state of preservation.
Mutsuhito 1/2 Sen Meiji 13 (1880), KM-Y16.2, MS66 Red NGC. Of museum quality.
Mutsuhito Sen Meiji 6 (1873), KM-Y17.1, MS65 RB NGC. Just a fantastic coin, and bordering on rare this choice.
Mutsuhito Sen Meiji 21 (1888), KM-Y17.2, MS65 RD NGC. Outstanding example.
Mutsuhito 1 Sen Meiji 21 (1888), KM-Y17.2, MS65 RD NGC. An extraordinary grade, and very deserving.
Mutsuhito 2 Sen Meiji 6 (1873), KM-Y18.1, MS62 RB NGC. Key first date in the series. A most appealing example.
Mutsuhito 2 Sen Meiji 7 (1874), Y18.1, MS64 RB PCGS. These large size 2 Sen coins are very scarce in top grades, and 1874 is a key date.
Mutsuhito 2 Sen Meiji 9 (1876), KM-Y18.1, MS63 BN NGC. Attractive underlying luster.
Mutsuhito 2 Sen Meiji 9 (1876), KM-Y18.1, MS64 RB PCGS. More red than brown coloring and very scarce this choice.
Mutsuhito 2 Sen Meiji 10 (1877), KM-Y18.1, MS63 RB PCGS. Scarce type with square scales. An exciting coin.
Mutsuhito 2 Sen Meiji 10 (1877), KM-Y18.2, MS64 BN NGC. Variety with "V" shaped scales. Of exceptional quality.
Mutsuhito 2 Sen Meiji 17 (1884), Y18.2, MS64 RB NGC, a choice example of the scarce large 2 Sen coinage.
Mutsuhito 5 Sen Meiji 9 (1876), KM-Y22, MS67 NGC. Type I variety. Extraordinary condition.
Mutsuhito 5 Sen Meiji 9 (1876), KM Y-22, MS67 PCGS. Semi-prooflike cameo surfaces.
Mutsuhito 10 Sen Meiji 29 (1896), KM-Y23, MS66 NGC. Lovely multi-colored toning.
Mutsuhito 20 Sen Meiji 9 (1876), KM-Y24, MS66 PL NGC, Type I with characters separated, fully prooflike and an exceptional coin.
Mutsuhito 20 Sen Meiji 18 (1885), KM-Y24, MS66 PCGS. Near-flawless surfaces.
Mutsuhito 20 Sen Meiji 32 (1899), KM-Y24, MS66 NGC. Stunning eye-appeal, with a flawless strike and superb toning and wonderful satin surfaces.
Mutsuhito 20 Sen Meiji 43 (1910), KM-Y30, MS66 NGC. Beautifully toned.
Mutsuhito Yen Meiji 3 (1870), KM-Y5.1, MS64 PCGS, Type I. Sharply struck with bluish-gray and russet cabinet toning and fully prooflike fields. A few light marks are noted, but the overall stunning combination of the original toning and mirrored fields more than offsets the minor imperfections.
Mutsuhito Yen Meiji 3 (1870), KM-Y5.1, MS64 NGC. Bright white example with sparkling luster. An outstanding example.
Mutsuhito Yen Meiji 36 (1903), KM-YA25.3, MS66 NGC. Exceptional rainbow toning..
Mutsuhito gold Yen Meiji 4 (1871), KM-Y9, MS62 NGC. High dot variety. A lustrous, well struck example.
Mutsuhito gold 5 Yen Meiji 44 (1911), KM-Y32, XF, scarce date and a difficult denomination to acquire.
Mutsuhito gold 10 Yen Meiji 30 (1897), KM-Y33, MS61 NGC. A popular world gold type.
Mutsuhito gold 10 Yen Meiji 42 (1909), KM33, JNDA-1.7, MS64 NGC. Housed in the Japanese mint holder.
Mutsuhito Duo: 1/2 Sen 1873, KM-Y16.1, MS63 BN NGC; plus, 2 Sen 1881, KM-Y18.2, AU Details Altered Color NGC.
Two Choice Meiji Era Coins, 5 Sen 1898, KM-Y21, MS64 PCGS. Yen 1901, KM-YA25.3, MS63 NGC.
Korea
Emperor Yung Hi 20 Chon Year 2 (1908), KM1140, AU55 NGC. This type normally shows up in lower grades and often damaged.
Emperor Yung Hi 20 Chon Year 2 (1908), KM1140, MS64 NGC. A virtually unheard of grade for this type.
Liberia
Republic Cent 1847, KM1, PF64 BN NGC. Variety with two stars in reverse circle. An outstanding example of the type.
Republic gold 40 Dollars 2002, PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Reproduction of the Flowing Hair Stella coinage.
Republic gold 40 Dollars 2002, PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC. Reproduction of the gold coiled hair Stella of 1879.
Liechtenstein
Johann II 5 Kronen 1904, KM-Y4, MS64 NGC. Outstanding light silvery toning. 15,000 mintage.
Franz I gold 20 Franken 1930, KM-Y12, MS63 PCGS. Very scarce one year issue with a mintage of 2,500 pieces.
Franz Josef II gold 50 Franken 1956, KM-Y16, MS64 NGC. The Prince is depicted with Princess Gina. AGW 0.3267 oz.
Mauritius
Victoria 10 Cents 1889H Duo, KM10.1, MS62 & MS63 NGC. One bright white, the other with silver toning.
Mexico
Felipe V 8 Reales Cob 1732 Mo-(F), KM47a, crude VG, full date visible, assayer is not, but "F" is only possibility.
Felipe V Klippe 8 Reales Cob 1733 Mo-MF, KM48, sharp VF, holed and plugged. A well struck example.
Felipe V Pillar 8 Reales 1734 Mo-MF, KM103, XF, toned, a choice early Pillar Dollar.
Felipe V Pillar 8 Reales 1736 Mo-MF, KM103, VF-XF, cleaned, strong strike.
Felipe V 8 Pillar 8 Reales 1736 Mo-MF, KM103, VF, scarce early date. Attractively toned.
Felipe V 8 Pillar Reales 1736 Mo-MF, KM103, AU, wonderful reflective luster. Outstanding toning.
Felipe V Pillar 8 Reales 1737 Mo-MF, KM103, VF, corrosion in fields. Likely sea salvage.
Felipe V Pillar 8 Reales 1738 Mo-MF, KM103, VF, a problem free early example.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1747 Mo-MF, KM104.1, VF-XF, somewhat toned, and an attractive example of the type.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1748 Mo-MF, KM104.1, XF, cleaned. Strong details present.
Ferdinando VI Pillar 8 Reales 1750 Mo-MF, KM104.1, VF-XF, even original toning.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1752 Mo-MF, KM104.1, VF-XF, cleaned with some minor reverse adjustments.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1752 Mo-MF, KM104.1, XF, attractively toned. A most pleasing appearance.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1753 Mo-MF, KM104.1, VF-XF, some obverse scratches visible under magnification.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1753 Mo-MF, KM104.1, XF, lovely toning, a most attractive example.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1756 Mo-MM, KM104.2, VF, evenly worn with good color. A standard for the Very Fine grade.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1756 Mo-MM. KM104.2, about XF, some reverse patination, strong details present.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1757 Mo-MM, KM104.2, VF-XF, lightly cleaned, strong strike.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1758 Mo-MM, KM104.2, about XF, cleaned and retoned.
Ferdinand VI Pillar 8 Reales 1759 Mo-MM, KM104.2, sharp VF. A well struck example.
Carlos III Pillar 4 Reales 1764 Mo-MM, KM96, VF, moderate corrosion. Likely sea salvage, scarce denomination.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1760 Mo-MM, KM105, XF, toned with underlying luster.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1761 Mo-MM, KM105, XF, light field corrosion. Possibly sea salvage, but a well struck example.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1762 Mo-MM, KM105, XF, toned. Strong "plus ultra".
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1763 Mo-MF, KM105, XF, numerous field scratches and abrasions.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1765 Mo-MF, KM105, VF-XF, cleaned. Obverse abrasions noted.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1766 Mo-MF, KM105, toned VF-XF, a few minor marks above the obverse crown. A well struck example.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1770 Mo-FM, KM105, sharp VF, a well struck example.
Carlos III Pillar 8 Reales 1771 Mo-FM, KM105, XF, evenly toned, an excellent type example for this classic trade coin.
Carlos III 8 Reales 1772 Mo-FM, Cay. 12000, KM106.1, XF. Inverted "FM" assayer and "Mo" mintmark. First year of portrait 8 Reales of Mexico. Nicely toned.
Carlos III 8 Reales 1777 Mo-FM, KM106.2, MS61 NGC. Strong original luster and scarce in mint state.
Carlos III 8 Reales 1787-Mo FM, KM106.2a, AU58 NGC, bright white example with a strong portrait.
Carlos IV 8 Reales 1790 Mo-FM, KM107, AU58 NGC, gold and gray toning, scarcer "Carolus IV" type with Carlos III bust.
Carlos IV 8 Reales 1796 Mo-FM, KM109, AU55 NGC. Fully lustrous, and a coin that could easily have been graded a bit higher.
Carlos IV 8 Reales 1803 Mo-FT, KM109, MS62 NGC. Very lustrous and a scarce coin in mint state.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1809 Mo-TH, KM110, AU-UNC, cleaned with hairlines visible under magnification, yet virtually no wear.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales 1821 Zs-RG, KM111.5, MS63 NGC. Light golden toning and exceptional for this normally crude Zacatecas issue.
Ferdinand VII gold 1/2 Escudo 1816 Mo-JJ, KM112, VF-XF, reverse center a bit flat, but portrait very strong. Probable mount trace.
Augustin Iturbide 8 Reales 1822 Mo-JM, KM304, strong VF, a one year type and very much sought after.
Augustin Iturbide 8 Reales 1823 Mo-JM, KM310 VF, somewhat toned and problem free.
Republic Real 1832 Mo-JM, KM372.8, MS64 NGC. Multi-colored toning with shimmering underlying luster. A special coin.
Republic 2 Reales 1824Mo-JM, KM373.4, F-VF, somewhat flatly struck in centers as per usual, scarce Hook Neck Eagle type.
Republic 2 Reales 1847 Mo-RC, KM374.10, UNC, toned, strong underlying luster.
Republic High Grade silver Duo, KM372.10, 1 Real 1858MO-Zs, nice brilliant AU-UNC and KM374.10 2 Reales 1859FH-Mo, UNC, flat struck center reverse, as expected, but nicely toned and a pleasing appearance.
Republic 2 Reales 1861 Mo-CH, KM374.10, golden toned UNC. A superb example.
Republic 8 Reales 1824 Do-RL, KM376.2, VF-XF, lightly cleaned, some rim imperfections. Strong breast feathers for a Durango mint example, and an excellent representative of the "Hook Neck" type.
Republic 8 Reales 1824 Mo-JM, KMA-376.2, strong VF. The famed "Hook Neck" eagle. Lightly toned, flat struck centers as expected, yet a pleasing appearance and an important coin of Mexico.
Republic 8 Reales 1852 Do-JMR, KM377.4, choice XF, strong reverse for this earlier date.
Republic 8 Reales 1853 Do-CP/JMR, KM377.4, XF, toned. Scarce overassayer issue.
Republic 8 Reales 1848 Gc-MP, KM377.7, VF, a bit crude as expected for this scarce mint.
Republic 8 Reales 1876 Go-FR, KM377.8, MS64 NGC. Beautifully toned with sharp underlying luster. Most desirable in this grade.
Republic 8 Reales 1863 O-FR, KM377.11, MS64 PCGS. A wonderful example of this normally well worn date.
Republic 8 Reales 1896 Zs-FZ, KM-377.13, MS67 NGC. Bright white example with a superb strike.
Republic gold 1/2 & 1 Escudo Coins, 1/2 Escudo 1862/1 Zs-VL, KM378.6, XF. Escudo 1860/59, Zs-VL, KM379.6, XF, obverse scratch. Both comes show some remaining luster.
Republic gold Escudo 1848 Gc-MP, KM379.3, AU. Significant planchet crack and some corrosion noted. Scarce Guadalupe y Calvo, (GC), mint and quite lustrous.
Maximilian Centavo 1864-M, KM384, MS62 BN NGC. Mexico City mint. Scarce issue with good underlying luster.
Maximilian 50 Centavos 1866-Mo, KM387, XF40 NGC. Deeply toned and a scarce denomination. Mintage of 31,000 and few extant.
Maximilian Peso 1866-Pi, KM388.2, sharp XF, unusually choice for the San Luis Potosi mint.
Republic Centavo 1863-Mo, KM390, UNC Details Surface Hairlines NGC, Round Top 3, Reeded Edge. Graded harshly, not really a problem coin. Scarce in mint state.
Republic 8 Reales 1892 Cn-AM, KM377.3, MS66 NGC, fully lustrous and very attractive.
Republic Balance Scale Peso 1873 Go-S, KM408.4, MS62 NGC. A tough type in mint state to locate.
Estados Unidos 2 Centavos 1920 Mo, KM419, MS64 BN PCGS. Desirable chocolate brown color and a difficult coin to find in mint state.
Estados Unidos 10 Centavos 1919-M, KM429, MS65 NGC. One year type of small size. Exceptional example.
Estados Unidos 10 Centavos 1921 Mo, KM430, MS62 BN PCGS. Very high catalog value in UNC.
Estados Unidos 20 Centavos 1908, KM435, AU58 NGC. A very rare coin in mint state, and this example just misses.
Estados Unidos Peso 1910, KM453, MS63 ANACS, appealing magenta and green toning.
Estados Unidos Peso 1911, KM453 AU-UNC, lightly cleaned. Scarce short ray variety. Most attractive for this issue.
Estados Unidos Peso 1912, KM453, AU-UNC, scarcer date.
Estados Unidos Peso 1913, KM453, UNC, fully brilliant.
Estados Unidos Peso 1914, KM453, VF, cleaned with some field marks. The key of the Caballito Peso series.
Estados Unidos Peso 1919, KM454, AU, nicely toned. Tough to find in higher states of preservation.
Estados Unidos Peso 1921/621, KM455, XF, the "9" in the date shows clearly a "6" or inverted "9" underneath. We can find no records of this occurrence.
Estados Unidos 2 Pesos 1921, KM462, UNC, centennial of independence commemorative, and scarce in mint state.
Revolution Chihuahua Peso 1915, KM619, MS63 PCGS, but with planchet flaw reverse. Army of the North issue.
Estados Unidos Bi-Metallic gold and silver 100 Pesos 2003, KM696, Proof. Celebrating the 180th anniversary of federation. Housed in its original case with certificate of authenticity. 17.154 gm. of gold contained.
Estados Unidos Bi-Metallic gold & silver 100 Pesos 2003, KM697, Proof. Struck to celebrate 180 years of Federation. 17.154 gm of gold contained. With original case and certificate of authenticity.
Estados Unidos Bi-Metallic gold and silver 100 Pesos 2003, KM698, Proof. Celebrating the 180th anniversary of federation. Housed in its original case with certificate of authenticity. 17.154 gm. of gold contained.
Estados Unidos Bi-Metallic gold and silver 100 Pesos 2003, KM699, Proof. Celebrating the 180th anniversary of federation. Housed in its original case with certificate of authenticity. 17.154 gm. of gold contained.
Estados Unidos Bi-Metallic gold and silver 100 Pesos 2004, KM700, Proof. Celebrating the 180th anniversary of federation. Housed in its original case with certificate of authenticity. 17.154 gm. of gold contained.
Estados Unidos Bi-Metallic gold and silver 100 Pesos 2004, KM701, Proof. Celebrating the 180th anniversary of federation. Housed in its original case with certificate of authenticity. 17.154 gm. of gold contained.
Durango - Revolutionary Peso 1914 Muera Huerta, KM622, toned AU-UNC, tiny flan flaw, variety with dot-dash border on the reverse.
Estados Unidos Eight Coin Proof Set 1982 1983, KM-PS1, All coins certified MS65 or MS66 DCAM by PCGS. 20 Centavos-1 Onza.
Carlos III Trio of Pillar Dollars, 1770 Mo-MF, 1770 Mo-FM, 1771 Mo-FM. All cataloged as KM105. Each coin has either been cleaned or has light corrosion. Grades range from VF to XF. All have good eye appeal. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Lot of Seven Pillar Dollars 1740-1761, 1740, 1741, 1750, 1752, 1760, 1761, 1763/2. One is chopmarked, two are sea salvage. Average grade VF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Ferdinand VII Eight Colonial 8 Reales Coins, KM111, dates range from 1814-1820, grades are VF or XF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Ferdinand VII Six Armored Bust 8 Reales, 1809 (three pieces); 1810; plus 1811 (two pieces). All catalog as KM111. Average grade VF or XF.
Zacatecas. Ferdinand VII Seven 8 Reales Coins, 1816 (two pieces), 1817, 1820 (two pieces), 1821 (two pieces). All KM111.5. Grades range from about Good to AU. A lot to be carefully viewed. Sold as is, a no return lot.
Carlos IV Fifteen Colonial 8 Reales coins, KM109, coins dated from 1793-1807. Grades range from VF to XF. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Augustin Iturbide & Republic silver Trio, KM310, two Augustin Iturbide 8 Reales 1823JM-Mo, one is VF and cleaned, the other is F-VF with an obverse scratch and Republic 8 Reales 1828MJ-Go, sharp VF+.
Republic Mixed Six Coin Lot, 1/2 Real 1828 Mo-JM, 1848/7 Mo-GC/RC. 2 Reales 1830 Mo-JM. Gold 1/2 Escudo 1851 Mo-GC. 5 Centavos 1897 Go-R. 1/10 ounce silver round. Grades range from VF-UNC. Careful examination is suggested. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Republic 1/2 Real 1852 Go-PF, and 8 Reales 1834 Go-PJ, The 1/2 Real is KM370.7, MS63, and the 8 Reales is KM377.8, MS64. Both are certified by NGC, and both are much nicer than what is usually seen in the market.
Maximilian Two Pesos 1866, 1867, KM388.1, 1866 is XF+, 1867 is VF-XF. Both Mexico City mint.
Modern Grouping of 18 High Grade Decimals, 1 Centavo to 1 Peso examples. Many AU and UNC. A lot to be carefully examined. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Estados Unidos Trio of Caballito Pesos, 1910(two pieces), and 1911 long ray. All are KM453, and the grades are XF or a bit better.
Trio of Crowns, Peso 1911, KM453, AU, long ray variety. Peso 1911, KM453, VF, short ray variety and scarce. 2 Pesos 1921, KM462, AU58 ANACS.
Estados Unidos Trio of Uncirculated Coppers, 5 Centavos 1927, KM422(two pieces), 20 Centavos 1920, KM437. Very tough coins to acquire in mint state.
A Trio of Choice Certified silver Minors, 10 Centavos 1911, KM428, narrow date, MS63, 1926, KM431, MS65. 50 Centavos 1939, KM447, MS67. All coins certified by NGC. A very nice grouping.
Four Uncirculated Coins, 5 Centavos 1933, KM422. 10 Centavos 1935, KM430. Peso 1933, KM455. 10 Pesos 1957, KM475.
Estados Unidos Eight 5 Pesos Coins, 1950, Railroad, KM466 (5 pieces); plus 1954, Hidalgo, KM467 (3 pieces). All coins UNC. Note the Hidalgo coins are the scarce 1954 examples with 30,000 mintage.
Estados Unidos Ten Examples of the 10 Pesos of 1957, KM475, UNC, all pieces brilliant Uncirculated
Five higher Grade Pesos, 1910, 1911, (long ray), 1912, 1913/2, and 1915 Army of the North. All coins grade between XF and AU. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Mixed Lot of Ten Varied Coins, From Iturbide to provisional Oaxacan coins, a small overview of Mexican republican numismatics. Careful viewing is urged. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Quartet of Revolutionary Coins, Army of the North Peso 1915, KM619. Guerrero Peso 1914, KM643(two pieces). Campo Morado Peso 1915, KM662. Coins grade VF or XF.
Mombasa
British Commonwealth 1/2 Rupee 1890-H, KM4, MS66 PCGS. Lovely gray, gold, and blue green patina. Ex. Eliasberg collection.
Monaco
Ranier III 10 Franc Piefort Essai in gold 1974, KM-PE18A, MS63 NGC. Of double weight, and mintage of just 250 pieces. Prooflike appearance.
Morocco
Al-Hassan II gold 250 Dirhams AH 1397 (1977), KM-Y66, PF67 DCAM PCGS. On the birthday of the king. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Al-Hassan II gold 250 Dirhams AH1398 (1978), KM-Y66, MS64 PCGS. For the birthday of the king. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Mohammed V Seven Piece Essai Set AH1370 &1371 (1951), KM-E37-E43, UNC. 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 Francs. 1100 mintage. Coins are choice, but case is damaged.
Nepal
Tribhuvana Bir Bikram gold Ashraphi VS1981 (1924), KM703.1, MS62 NGC. Beautiful design. Approximately 1/3 ounce of gold contained.
Mahendra Bir Bikram gold Asarphi VS2018 (1960), KM798, MS63 NGC. A stellar example of the type. Weight is 11.66 gm.
Netherlands
Holland. Lion Daalder 1589, Dav-8838, AU58 NGC. An outstanding example for this normally low grade type. Lion Daalders dated prior to 1600 command a significant premium.
Holland. Gold Ducat 1729, KM12, MS63 NGC. Exceptional for this normally crude type. Superb luster.
Utrecht. Gulden 1792, KM110, MS62 NGC. A bright white example with full original luster.
Utrecht. Gulden 1793, KM102, MS63 NGC. Standing maiden type. Light golden toning.
Utrecht. 3 Gulden 1786, Dav-1852, KM117, MS64 NGC. Standing maiden type. Light golden toning and an exceptional representation of this design.
Utrecht. Gold Ducat 1649, KM7, AU55 NGC. exceptional strike and good color for this often crude type.
Utrecht. Gold Ducat 1710, KM7, XF details, surface hairlines, NGC. Some hairlines are present, but none severe. A well struck coin.
Utrecht. Gold Ducat 1724, KM7, MS63 NGC. Presumably from the Akerandam Wreck, since all known Ducats dated 1724 are from that source.
Utrecht. Gold Ducat 1729, KM7, MS64 NGC. Every detail sharp, most unusual thus.
Utrecht. Gold Ducat 1774, KM7, MS64 NGC, brilliant surfaces with well-struck design features.
Utrecht. Gold Ducat 1788, KM7, MS62 NGC. Strong luster and well struck for this often crude type.
Utrecht. Gold 7 Gulden 1760, KM103, AU58 NGC. Also known as a 1/2 Golden Rider. Wonderful deep golden toning. Very popular issue.
Westfriesland. 3 Gulden 1764, KM141.1, MS63 NGC. Standing maiden type. A most pleasing appearance and a most elusive grade.
Zeeland. 1/8 Daalder 1774, KM98, MS64 NGC. Stunning light gray toning.
Zeeland gold Double Ducat 1659, Fr-306, KM-35, VF-XF, somewhat crude. Very scarce.
Kingdom of Holland gold Ducat 1807, KM26.2, XF, slight crease. A popular Napoleonic type.
Willem I gold Ducat 1818, KM50.1, AU, one significant crease present. Popular trade coinage.
Willem I gold 5 Gulden 1827-B, KM60, about XF, scarce two year type. Good portrait.
Willem I gold 10 Gulden 1825B, KM56, MS62 NGC, a nice lustrous example, scarce in mint state.
Wilhelmina 2 1/2 Gulden 1898, KM123, VF, some surface abrasions. A scarce one year type.
Order of Orange-Nassau Knight Grand Cross Breast Star, eight pointed silver star with enameled center, in the center is a gold rampant lion holding a sword and seven arrows, around is the phrase JE MAINTIENDRAI (I Shall Support), on the back is a single pin with hallmarks, the enameling is perfect and the overall condition a splendid XF.
Netherlands East Indies
Java. Rupee 1803-Z, KM208, UNC, lightly cleaned. Struck on a thick planchet. Few around this choice.
Nicaragua
Republic 50 Centavos 1912-H, KM14, MS64 NGC, popular first year of issue struck at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham, England. Very choice brilliant UNC, ever so lightly toned in pale aqua and golden tan. Scarce this nice.
Republic 50 Centavos 1912-H, KM15, MS64 NGC, A deeply toned example with exceptionally sharp details.
Norway
Christian VII 1/2 Speciedaler 1776-HIAB, KM252, XF40 NGC. A popular date and a well struck example.
Haakon VII 2 Kroner 1906, KM363, MS67 NGC, Norwegian independence commemorative. Bright white example and essentially flawless.
Oman
Sultanate gold 15 Ryals AH 1381 (1961), FR-1, MS66 NGC. A remarkable example of this seldom offered type. AGW 0.2354 oz.
Sultanate gold 50 Ryals AH1391 (1971), KMX-M4, UNC. Prominent sailing ships for the ship collector. AGW 0.1179 oz.
Panama
Republic 1/2 Balboa 1934, KM11.1, MS62 PCGS. A scarce coin in mint state, and this lightly toned example surely qualifies.
Republic platinum 200 Balboas 1979-FM, KM61, PF66 DCAM PCGS. Panama Canal treaty implementation. APW 0.2993 oz.
Paraguay
Republic 2 Centavos Pattern in Brass 1868, KM-PN21, PF64 NGC. A wonderful seldom seen pattern.
Peru
Carlos IV 8 Reales 1801-IJ, KM97, AU-UNC. Lima mint. Bright white example and most attractive.
Carlos IV 8 Reales 1801-IJ, KM97, MS62 NGC. A bright white coin with full original luster. Sure to please.
Carlos IV silver Proclamation 1790, Medina 177, Herrera 153, proclamation for Huancavelica, toned AU, superb obverse with some light patination and scratches on the reverse. A very attractive medal, 13.89 grams.
Ferdinand VII 8 Reales Spectacular Mint Error ND (1809-1811), KM106.2. Double Struck with the second strike rotated 180 degrees. Reverse second strike at a somewhat different angle. Holed, with date not visible. Overall grade VG and presumably unique!
Republic 8 Reales 1838-MS, KM170.4, AU55 NGC. Issued at Cuzco in south Peru. Very high grade for this type.
Republic silver Proclamation Medal 1834 Cuzco, Fonr-9219, choice toned AU-UNC, highly attractive and original, struck to commemorate the new constitution. 25.87 grams, 39 mm.
Republic gold 10 Soles 1863YB, KM193, AU58 PCGS, scarce one year type. AGW 0.4667 oz.
Philippines
Isabella II 10 Centimos 1868, KM145, MS65 NGC. Superb cartwheel luster highlights this beauty.
Isabella II gold 4 Pesos 1868, KM144, XF45 NGC. Strong portrait for the grade. AGW 0.1867 oz.
USA Administration 5 Centavos 1903, KM164, PF64 PCGS, exceptionally choice with smooth original surfaces.
US Administration 5 Centavos 1903, KM164, PF66 NGC. An exceptional grade for this Proof example.
USA Administration 10 Centavos 1903, KM165, PF66 PCGS, a brilliant gem of a coin, hint of gold iridescence.
USA Administration 10 Centavos 1903, KM165, PF66 PCGS, a superb piece having rich golden green iridescent toning.
USA Administration 20 Centavos 1903, KM166, PF66 PCGS, a superb coin in full brilliance, deeply mirrored, a blazer!
USA Administration 50 Centavos 1903, KM167, PF64 NGC. Beautiful deep magenta toning. 2,558 mintage.
USA Administration 50 Centavos 1904, KM167, PF65 NGC, a brilliant gem with deeply mirrored silvery surfaces.
USA Administration Peso 1903, KM168, PF63 NGC. 2,558 mintage in Proof and lovely deep magenta toning.
USA Administration Peso 1908, KM172, Proof, lightly cleaned. Very scarce with a mintage of 500 pieces.
USA Administration Peso 1909-S, KM172, MS62 NGC. A tough coin to find in mint state.
USA Administration Peso 1936, KM178, MS63 NGC. Murphy-Quezon issue. A bright white example with full original luster. 10,000 mintage.
USA Administration Peso 1936, KM177, MS64 NGC. Conjoined portraits of Roosevelt and Quezon. Deeply toned. 10,000 mintage.
USA Administration Peso 1936, KM177, MS66 NGC. Roosevelt-Quezon issue. Virtually unbeatable appearance.
USA Administration 1936 Silver Trio, Establishment of the Commonwealth silver commemoratives featuring: KM176 50 Centavos, lightly toned UNC; KM177 Peso, brilliant UNC and KM178 Peso, brilliant UNC.
Republic gold 2500 Piso 1980-FM, KM231, Proof 69 PCGS, 100th anniversary of the birth of General Douglas MacArthur. AGW 0.2342 oz.
USA Administration Group of Four Proof Coins, 5 Centavos 1905, 10 Centavos 1903, 20 Centavos 1903, 50 Centavos 1903. KM164-167. The 50 Centavos has been cleaned.
USA Administration Trio of Silver Minors, 10 Centavos 1908-S, KM169, 20 Centavos 1921, KM170, 50 Centavos 1907S, KM171. All coins UNC. A choice little group.
Poland
Danzig. Sigismund III 1/4 Taler 1616-SA, Gum-1384, KM14, AU58 NGC. Stunning example of this early type.
Danzig. Sigismund III 1/4 Talar 1626, KM15.2, Gumowski 1393, MS63 NGC, fully lustrous and untoned, slightly crude surfaces. Scarce in this designation.
Nicholas I of Russia 15 Kopeks 1 Zloty 1835, KM-C129, MS62 NGC. Struck under Russian rule. Fully lustrous example and hard to find in mint state.
Revolutionary Coinage 2 Zlote 1831-KG, KM-C123, AU58 NGC. Strong original luster, and a scarce type.
Nicholas I of Russia 10 Groszy 1840-MW, KM-C113a, MS62 NGC. Very lofty grade for this normally well worn type.
Republic gold 10 Zlotych 1925, KM-Y32, MS65 NGC, fully brilliant.
Republic Pair of 5 Zlotych Coins, KM-Y18, 1928(w) AU53; and KM-Y19.1, 1930 AU50, Revolution commemorative. Both certified by PCGS.
East Prussia Elizabeth 2 Grossus 1759, KM-C43, Bit. 763, VG/Fine. Porous, struck during the period of Russian occupation. Very scarce.
Portugal
Joao V gold 400 Reis 1723, KM201, XF. Wonderful original luster. Far better than what is normally found.
John V gold 1000 Reis 1738, KM182, XF45 NGC, very sharp and attractive, scarce grade.
Luiz I gold 5000 Reis 1869, KM516, AU55 NGC. Bright with a few hairlines and scruffs on the fields.
Luiz I gold 5000 Reis 1869, KM516, AU58 NGC. Some minor scuffs, yet a strong portrait.
Order Of St. James for Scientific, Literary, and Artistic Merit, 1862-1910, Commander's breast star, multi-rayed silver star, order's cross in center on white enamel surrounded by band of red enamel inscribed SCIENCIAS, LETRAS, E ARTES, a sacred heart appears in the upper rays of the badge which denotes that this piece was made no later than 1910. The manufacturer's mark from da Costa, in Lisbon, is on the reverse, it comes with a single pin, the condition is superb XF with no enamel chipping.
Order of St. James for Scientific, Literary, and Artistical Merit Grand Cross Collar, with 10 cross and 10 laurel wreath links, silver gilt and enameled, most of enameling near-flawless, in original case of manufacturer, J.A. da Costa of Lisbon, nice XF.
Military Order of Christ Grand Cross Badge Type II (1910), Vernon-63, Werlich pg. 346, fig. 1027, gold rimmed with oval white enamel medallion, in the center is a gold-rimmed cross with red and white enamel, a radiant Sacred heart appears above the cross, both sides are identical, there appears to have been some hand engraving on the gold rim, otherwise, the enameling is near-flawless.
Puerto Rico
Alfonso XIII 40 Centavos 1896-PGV, KM23, VF, some surface abrasions. The scarcest of all regular issue denominations.
Alfonso XIII Peso 1895-PGV, KM24, VF, some minor surface patination. One of the world's most popular crowns.
Romania
Carol I Proof Copper 1867-H Trio: 1 Banu, KM1.1, PF65 RB; 2 Bani, KM2.1, PF65 RD; and a 5 Bani, KM3.1, PF65 RB. All coins certified by NGC. A most attractive grouping.
Carol I 5 Lei 1880-B, KM12, AU-UNC, dipped, very difficult coin to locate in this grade.
Carol I 5 Lei 1885-B, KM17.1, VF25 NGC. The scarcest date of Romanian 19th century crowns with a mintage of 40,000.
Carol I gold 20 Lei 1883-B, KM20, MS64 NGC. Fully lustrous and a superior example of this type.
Carol I gold 20 Lei 1890-B, KM20, AU58 NGC. Bucharest mint.
Carol I gold 20 Lei 1906, KM37, MS62 NGC. 40th anniversary of reign commemorative. 15,000 mintage.
Mihai I gold 20 Lei 1944, KMX-M13, MS64 NGC. Three kings commemorative. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Nine Early Silver Coins, 1 Leu 1906, 1914. 2 Lei 1875, 1881, 1900, 1911. 5 Lei 1901. Grades range from VF-AU. A lot that requires careful examination. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Russia
Peter II Rouble 1729, Bust right/Cross of four Russian P's with the date, Diakov 11, Petr 8 (4), VF. Light porosity, with a few minor flan flaws.
Elizabeth 1/4 Rouble 1756 ММД, KM-C17b, VF. Moscow mint.
Elizabeth Rouble 1748 СПБ, KM-C19b.4, sharp VF, problem free planchet. Saint Petersburg mint. Lightly toned.
Elizabeth gold 1/2 Rouble 1756, KM-C21.1, AU details, reverse spot removed, NGC. Variety with large crown. Wonderful portrait of the Czarina.
Alexander I Rouble 1818 CПБ-ПC, KM-C130, UNC details, reverse scratched NGC. Scratches not severe. Much original luster. St. Petersburg mint.
Alexander I Rouble 1823 CПБ-ПД, KM-C130, AU58 NGC. Lightly abraded with essentially full luster. An excellent representation of this type.
Nicholas I Rouble 1851 CПБ-ПA, KM-C.168.1, AU details, surface hairlines NGC. St. Petersburg mint. Nicely toned and actually not nearly as bad as it sounds.
Nicholas I gold 5 Roubles 1850 CПБ-AГ, KM-C175.3, XF, cleaned. Strong details present.
Alexander III gold 5 Roubles 1888 AГ, KM-Y42, AU55 NGC. A highly sought after type. Incorrectly holdered as 10 Roubles.
Nicholas II Proof 1 Kopeck 1900 СПБ, struck at Rosenkranz Works in St. Petersburg, Imperial eagle/Date and value, Bit 305, Proof 64 Red Cameo NGC. Well struck, with nicely mirrored fields and a few minor spots on the reverse.
Nicholas II 5 Kopeks 1914 СПБ, KM-Y19a.1, MS64 NGC. Very lightly toned with strong underlying luster. A choice coin.
Nicholas II 50 Kopeks 1899 ★ and 1911 ЭБ, KM-Y58.1 1899 Star on rim, nice AU, and KM-Y58.2, 1911, UNC, minor hairlines, but good luster.
Nicholas II 50 Kopeks 1913 BC, KM-Y58.2, UNC, attractively toned.
Nicholas II gold 5 Roubles 1900 ФЗ, KM-Y62, MS66 NGC. Superb Strike.
Nicholas II gold 5 Roubles 1901 AP, KM-Y62, AU, good luster. AGW 0.1245 oz.
Nicholas II gold 5 Roubles 1902 AP, KM Y-62, MS66 NGC. Very sharp strike.
Nicholas II gold 5 Roubles 1902 AP, KM-Y62, MS67 NGC, exceptionally choice.
Nicholas II gold 5 Roubles 1904 AP, KM-Y62, MS66 NGC. Full golden brilliance.
Nicholas II gold 7 1/2 Roubles 1897 AГ, Bust left/Crowned Imperial eagle with date and value, Bit-17, AU58 NGC. Nicely struck, with full mint brilliance and a touch of rubbing on the high points. About as close as one will find to Mint State without having the coins certified as such.
Nicholas II gold 7 1/2 Roubles 1897 AГ, KM-Y63, AU58 NGC. A very lustrous example
Nicholas II gold 10 Roubles 1899 AГ, KM-YA63, MS63 NGC. Very choice example and scarce in this state of preservation.
Nicholas II gold 10 Roubles 1911 ЭБ, KM-Y64, UNC details, rim damage NGC. AGW 0.2489 oz.
Nicholas II gold 15 Roubles 1897 AГ, KM-Y65.1, XF45 NGC. Very popular one year type.
USSR Rouble 1924 ПЛ, KM-Y90.1, MS65 NGC. Fully brilliant, and scarce in gem condition.
USSR gold 100 Roubles 1978, KM-Y162, Matte Proof. Olympic commemorative with waterside grandstand displayed. AGW 0.5000 oz.
Two commemorative Roubles, 1883, KM-Y43, VF, coronation of Alexander III; and a 1913, KM-Y70, XF, Romanov dynasty issue.
San Marino
Republic 2 Lire 1898R, KM5, MS62 NGC. 10,000 mintage and scarce. especially in mint state.
Republic Five Choice Certified Minors, 5 Centesimi 1864, KM1, MS62 BN. 10 Centesimi 1875, KM2, MS61 BN, 1893, KM2, MS63 BN. Lira 1898, KM4, MS62, and MS63 PL. All coins certified by NGC. An unusually high grade grouping. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Republic A Trio of Scarce Certified Coins, 5 Lire 1933, KM9, MS62. 10 Lire 1933, KM10, MS61. 20 Lire 1933, KM11, MS62. All coins certified by NGC.
Saudi Arabia
Hejaz. Hussein ibn Ali gold Hashimi Dinar AH1334 Year 8 (1923), KM31, VF with burnished surfaces, ex-jewelry with a mount mark at the top. Very popular type, struck in Mecca. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Scotland
Mary Testoon 1560, S5617, 2nd Period, issued with Francis's name, VF, gray toning, struck the same year as her widowhood began.
South Africa
Republic 2 1/2 Shillings 1893, KM7, VF details, polished, NGC. Scarcer date.
Republic Two Scarce 2 1/2 Shillings 1894 & 1895, KM7, 1894 VF30 and 1895 VF35. Both certified by PCGS.
Republic 2 1/2 Shillings 1897, KM7, MS61 NGC, a bright white fully lustrous coin.
Republic gold Pond 1898, KM10.2, VF. Portrait of president Kruger. AGW 0.2352 oz.
Republic gold Pond 1898, KM10.2, AU58 NGC. Portrait of President Kruger.
Trio of Commonwealth Beauties, Threepence 1927, KM15.1, AU55. Sixpence 1927, KM16.1, AU55. Sixpence 1933, KM16.2, Genuine. All coins certified by PCGS.
George V gold Sovereign 1928-SA, KM21, UNC, fully brilliant. AGW 0.2354 oz.
Spain
Felipe IV 4 Reales 1628-P, Cay-6025, KM98, AU. Segovia mint, as choice as is possible for a 17th century 4 Reales of Spain.
Carlos III 4 Reales 1761 S-JV, KM396.2, VF25 PCGS. somewhat toned and showing even wear. Sevilla, (S), mint.
Carlos III gold 2 Escudos 1788-M, KM417.1a, VF-XF, Madrid, (M), mint. Strong portrait for the grade.
Carlos IV gold 4 Escudos 1795-MF, KM436.1, VF. Madrid mint. A well struck, problem free example.
Ferdinand VII gold 2 Escudos 1829AJ Madrid, KM483.1, MS62 NGC, full crisp details with lustrous surfaces, an attractive coin and elusive in mint state.
Isabella II gold 100 Reales 1862, KM605.2, MS62 NGC. Madrid mint. Great golden color. AGW 0.2412 oz.
Isabella II gold 100 Reales 1864, KM617.1, AU58 NGC. Six pointed star indicating Madrid mint. AGW 0.2412 oz.
Isabella II gold 10 Escudos 1868(68), KM636.1, MS62 NGC. Madrid mint. Strong golden color. AGW 0.2427 oz.
Isabella II gold 10 Escudos 1868(68), KM636.1, MS62 NGC. Madrid mint. AGW 0.2427 oz.
Isabella II gold 10 Escudos 1868(68), KM636.1, MS63 ANACS. Minor surface abrasions, yet still most attractive. AGW 0.2427 oz.
Isabella II gold 10 Escudos 1868(73), KM636.3, MS62 NGC. Madrid mint. Attractive example. AGW 0.2427 oz.
Isabella II gold 10 Escudos 1868(73), KM636.3, MS62 PCGS. A very lustrous coin. AGW 0.2427 oz.
Alfonso XII gold 25 Pesetas 1878(78) DEM, KM673, MS63 NGC. Very choice for the type. AGW 0.2333 oz.
Alfonso XII gold 25 Pesetas 1880(80) MSM, KM673, MS64 NGC. A striking appearance. AGW 0.2333 oz.
Alfonso XII gold 25 Pesetas 1881(81) MSM, KM687, UNC details, bent, NGC. Madrid mint, older portrait. AGW 0.2333 oz.
Alfonso XII gold 25 Pesetas 1881(81) MSM, KM687, MS65 NGC. A common type in a most uncommon state of preservation.
Straits Settlements
Victoria 1/2 Cent 1883, KM8, AU details, environmental damage, NGC. Discoloration is what caused the NGC grade. Very seldom encountered date, especially in mint state.
Victoria 1/2 Cent 1889, KM15, MS62 RB NGC. A striking appearance.
Victoria 1/2 Cent 1889, KM15, UNC details, environmental damage, NGC. Red in color with the wrong KM number on the holder.
Victoria 1/2 Cent 1889, KM15, MS62 RB NGC. An appealing strike and bordering on rare in mint state.
Edward VII 1/2 Cent 1908, KM18, AU58 BN NGC. Beautiful red and magenta toning. A premium coin for the grade.
Victoria Trio of High Grade Coppers, 1/2 Cent 1845, KM2, Cent 1845, KM3, Cent 1862, KM6. Average grade is XF-AU. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Trio of Copper Cents, 1874H, KM9, About XF. 1897, KM16, XF-AU. 1901, KM16, XF. A scarce grouping.
A Mixed Nine Coin Grouping: 1/4 Cent 1898; Cent 1897; 10 Cents 1902 (two pieces); 20 Cents 1898; 50 Cents: 1898, 1903, and 1921 (two pieces). Coins grade Fine-AU. A Lot to be carefully studied. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Sudan
Republic Four Pieforts and Patterns 1979, 25 Pounds obverse and reverse uniface types in silver of KM83. 5 Pounds uniface Prueba in aluminum. 50 Pounds Copper Piefort similar to P12. All examples fully Prooflike. Seldom encountered types.
Sweden
Gustavus III Riksdaler 1776-OL, KM-514, AU55 NGC. Variety with large cross. Attractively toned. Popular 1776 date.
Oscar I 4 Riksdaler 1856-ST, KM689, XF details, excessive surface hairlines NGC. Variety with long goatee. Hairlines not as bad as it sounds.
Oscar II 5 Ore 1888, KM736, F15 BN NGC. Large lettering variety. The key date of the 5 Ore series. All details are clear.
Oscar II Two High Grade Certified Minors, 10 Ore 1890, KM755, MS63; and 25 Ore 1889, KM739, MS64. Both coins certified by NGC and scarce in mint state.
Oscar II 50 Ore 1883-EB, KM740, MS64 NGC. Wonderfully toned, and a tough coin to acquire in mint state.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1875-ST, KM733, MS65 NGC. Wonderful definition in the portrait. AGW 0.2593 oz.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1876-EB, KM744, MS66 NGC. Full cartwheel luster. AGW 0.2593 oz.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1876-EB, KM744, MS66 NGC. A most appealing example. AGW 0.2593 oz.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1877-EB, KM744, MS65 NGC. Variety with "O" in title.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1899-EB, KM748, MS65 NGC. Bright golden strike.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1890EB, KM748, MS66 NGC. An exceptional offering of the type.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1895-EB, KM748, MS65 NGC. Some prooflike characteristics evident.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1895-EB, KM748, MS65 NGC. An outstanding example of the type. AGW 0.2593 oz.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1899-EB, KM748, MS65 NGC. Wonderful coloring. AGW 0.2593 oz.
Oscar II gold 20 Kronor 1901EB, KM765, MS64 NGC. A coin with shimmering luster.
Gustaf V 2 Kronor 1910-W KM787, MS65 NGC, variety with "W" far from date. Just beginning to tone.
Royal Order of Vasa Knight's Badge, Knight 1st Class, Gold rimmed, eight pointed, white enamel cross, beneath each arm of the cross a gold crown. The center is oval with the gold coat of arms of the family of Vasa surrounded by a red enamel band. Attached is the original green ribbon and a gold crown. The condition is near-perfect with all enamel essentially like new.
Switzerland
Vaud. 5 Batzen 1813, KM13, MS66 PCGS. Shimmering luster with light silver toning. A great coin.
Vaud. 10 Batzen 1810, KM15, MS65 NGC. 1/4 Taler size. Mintage of 1,234 pieces. Light gold and gray toning.
Zurich. 20 Batzen 1826, KM192, MS65 NGC. Scarcer date and with a gray patina and strong underlying luster. Worthy of a premium bid.
Zurich. 40 Batzen 1813B, KM190, MS64 NGC, iridescent deep gray and purple patina with somewhat prooflike surfaces. A choice example and highly attractive.
Zurich gold 1/4 Ducat 1756, KM138, MS63 NGC. Outstanding luster, and a superb example of this type.
Zurich gold Ducat 1819, KMX-M2, MS64 NGC. Portrait of Zwingli. Reformation commemorative.
Confederation 5 Rappen 1877B, KM5, MS67 PCGS. A virtually perfect coin with golden toning and a scarce date.
Confederation 5 Rappen 1902B, KM26, MS65 NGC. Variety with "T" over "L" in Helvetica. Striking appearance.
Confederation 2 Francs 1928-B, KM21, SP66 NGC. An incredibly choice example. Fully reflective surfaces.
Confederation 2 Francs 1936-B, KM21, SP66 NGC. A pristine coin and worthy of a premium bid.
Confederation 5 Francs 1851-A, KM11, XF, cleaned. Paris mint. Somewhat scarcer date.
Confederation 5 Francs Shooting Taler 1879, KMX-S14, MS65 NGC. Canton Basel. Lovely silvery toning.
Confederation 5 Francs 1881, KMX-S15, MS64 NGC. For the shooting festival in canton Fribourg. Beautifully toned.
Confederation gold 10 Francs 1911-B, KM36, MS65 NGC. An outstanding appearance for the scarcest date of this type.
Confederation gold 10 Francs 1911-B Trio: KM36, MS61, MS63, MS64--all NGC. The lowest mintage date in the 10 Franc series. AGW 0.2800 oz.
Confederation Four gold 10 Franc Coins 1911-B, KM36, AU55, AU58, MS62(two pieces). All coins certified by NGC. Scarcest date in the series. AGW 0.3734 oz.
Confederation gold 20 Francs 1883, KM31.1, MS62 NGC. Variety with reeded edge. Vrenelli type. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Confederation gold 20 Francs 1896-B, KM31.3, UNC details, obverse brushed NGC. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Confederation gold 20 Francs 1896-B, KM31.3, MS63 NGC. Vrenelli type and somewhat prooflike in appearance. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Confederation gold 20 Francs 1926B, KM35.1, MS67 NGC, a virtually flawless coin and a scarcer date with a mintage of 50,000. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Confederation gold 100 Francs 1939-B, KMX-S21, MS63 PCGS. For the shooting festival at Luzern. 6,000 mintage. AGW 0.5064 oz.
Confederation gold 100 Francs 1939-B, KMX-S21, MS63 NGC. For the shooting Festival at Luzern. 6,000 mintage. AGW 0.5064 oz.
Geneva. Ar Military Medal 1892, MS64 NGC. For the Reunion of the Officers. Attractive reddish golden toning. Diameter of 45 mm.
Confederation Trio of High Grade Coins, 1/2 Franc: 1910B KM23, MS66; and 1928B, KM23, MS67. Plus, a 5 Francs 1951B, KM40, SP64. All coins certified by NGC. A choice grouping.
Ten Modern Shooting Talers 1987-1994. Eight different dates with two duplicates. All examples are choice Proofs
Confederation gold 1000 Francs 1987, KMS-29, Proof, for the shooting festival at Glarus. Mintage of 300 pieces. With original case of issue. AGW 0.7523 oz.
Confederation gold 1000 Francs 1990, KMS-75, Proof, for the shooting Festival in Winterthur. Mintage estimated at 400 pieces. With original case of issue. AGW 0.7523 oz. AGW 0.7523 oz.
Thailand
Rama IV 1/2 Baht 1860, KM-Y10.1, AU-UNC, lightly toned, old time cleaning evident under magnification. Popular elephant coinage.
Rama IX gold 4000 Baht 1981, KM-Y153, PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC. International year of the Child. AGW 0.4968 oz.
A Quartet of Coins of Rama V, 1/2 Att 1899, KM-Y21, 1/8 Baht ND, KM-Y32, 1/4 Baht ND, KM-Y33, Baht ND KM-Y34. All coins AU or UNC. A desirable grouping.
Tunisia
Ahmad Pasha Bey gold 100 Francs AH 1349 (1930), KM257, MS64 NGC. exceptional quality for this low mintage, (3000), issue.
Ahmad Pasha Bey gold 100 Francs AH 1349 (1930), KM257, MS65 NGC. As choice as can be found for this type.
Turkey
Abdul Aziz copper Medal Visit to London 1867, BHM-2872, Eimer-1591, glossy brown UNC, very attractive. Part of the City of London series. 350 struck.
Uruguay
Republic 5 Centesimos 1855, KM6, bold VF, reverse scratches, strong sunface. Scarce type.
Republic Three Choice Copper Minors 1869H, 1 Centesimo KM11, MS64 RB, 2 Centesimos KM12, MS64 RB, 4 Centesimos KM13, MS64 RD. All coins certified by NGC.
Republic gold 5 Pesos 1930, KM27, MS63 NGC. Designed by the French artist Bazor. AGW 0.2501 oz.
Vatican
Pius XI gold 100 Lire 1933-34, KM19, MS65 PCGS, fully brilliant and attractive, Jubilee issue. AGW 0.2546 oz.
Pius XII gold 100 Lire 1944 VI, KM39, MS62 NGC, fully lustrous with very minor handling.
Venezuela
Republic 1/4 Centavo 1852, KM-Y4, XF, first coinage of the republic and very scarce. Variety with no initials under the bust.
Republic Real 1858, KM-Y9, about VF, scarce and highly sought after.
Republic gold 5 Venezolanos 1875A, KM-Y17, AU55 NGC, Paris mint. Very scarce 1 year type.
Republic gold 5 Venezolanos 1875A, KM-Y17, AU55 NGC. Paris mint. Much original luster present.
Republic gold 5 Venezolanos 1875-A, KM-Y17, AU58 NGC. Paris mint. Most desirable one year type coin.
Republic gold 5 Venezolanos 1875A, KM-Y17, MS62 PCGS, lightly toned and original, small contact marks on the obverse. Scarce type in mint state.
Republic gold 10 Bolivares 1930, KM-Y31, MS64 PCGS. An outstanding specimen.
Republic gold 10 Bolivares 1930, KM-Y31, MS65 NGC. A superb coin.
Republic gold 20 Bolivares 1879, KM-Y32, XF40 PCGS, scarce and popular type. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Republic gold 20 Bolivares 1880, KM-Y32, XF40 NGC, 18 Apart. A seldom seen date. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Republic gold 20 Bolivares 1886, KM-Y32, XF40 NGC. Variety with low "6". A well struck example. The 1886 varieties have the lowest mintages (23,000 total pieces) of all the issues of this type. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Republic gold 20 Bolivares 1887, KM-Y32, VF35 NGC. Red and gold coloring. Very scarce. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Republic gold 20 Bolivares 1888, KM-Y32, VF30 NGC. Seldom seen and underrated date. Perhaps, the most difficult date of this type to acquire. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Republic gold 20 Bolivares 1904, KM-Y32, MS61 NGC. Very lustrous example. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Republic gold 20 Bolivares 1905, KM-Y32, MS62 NGC. An excellent type coin candidate.
Republic gold 20 Bolivares 1911, KM-Y32, MS62 ANACS, Lamination. Strong golden color. AGW 0.1867 oz.
Republic gold 20 Bolivares 1912, KM-Y32, MS63 NGC. Last date of the type and of exceptional quality.
Republic gold 50 Bolivares 1990, KM-Y67, PF65 PCGS. 50th anniversary of the central bank. AGW 0.4499 oz.
Republic gold 50 Bolivares 1990, KM-Y67, PF66 Ultra Cameo NGC. 50th anniversary of the central bank. AGW 0.4499 oz.
Republic gold 5000 Bolivares 1995, KM-Y73, PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC. 200th anniversary of Sucre's birth. AGW 0.4499 oz. AGW 0.4499 oz.
Windward Islands
French Protectorate 12 Soles 1731-H, KM-C2, AU58 NGC. Also known as the Isles du Vent. Portrait of Louis XV, and produced at La Rochelle, (H), mint.
Yemen
Sulayhid Dynasty gold Dinar ND (ca. 1050), Mitchner 535, UNC. Struck in Aden. A seldom offered type.
Yugoslavia
Alexander I gold Ducat 1932, KM12.2, MS64 NGC. Corn countermark indicating Serbia. Shimmering luster and a superior example.
World Lots
Mixed Lot of World Coins, Frankfurt Taler 1860, Prussia 3 Mark 1912, Weimar 1 Mark 1925, Great Britain Shilling and Florin 1887, Mexico Peso 1904 Mo-AM, Russia Rouble 1924, Switzerland 2 Francs 1928. Many of these coins are UNC. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Mixed Scandinavian 14 Coin Lot, Norway 24 Skilling 1853, 10 Ore 1874, 1889, 25 Ore 1876, Krone 1882, 2 Kroner 1902. Sweden 1 Ore 1877, 1878, 5 Ore 1877(two pieces), 10 Ore 1876, 1881, 25 Ore 1880, 50 Ore 1875. Grades are Fine-XF. A lot that needs careful study. Lot sold as is, no returns.
A Mixed Grouping of Fourteen Coins from Ten Countries, Most XF or better. A worthwhile offering. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Mixed lot of Irish and Russian Coins. Ireland 1/2 Penny 1933: KM2, MS63 RB and MS63 BN; and 1/2 Crown 1931, KM8, VF-XF. Russia Rouble 1843, KM-C168.1, VF with minor rim bumps.
Mixed Lot of Four World Coins. Canada 50 Cents 1919, KM25, about XF. Kiau Chau 5 Cents 1909, KM1, XF. Portuguese Guinea 5 Centavos 1933, KM1, UNC. Thailand 1/4 Baht ND, KM33, AU-UNC. Four high-end coins.
Mixed Lot of Certified Latin Coins. Bolivia: 8 Reales 1787, VF details, chopmarked; and 8 Soles 1839, VF30. Cuba Centavo 1916, MS64. Mexico: 8 Reales 1821-ZS, VF details surface hairlines; and 5 Pesos Railroad 1950, MS65 (two pieces). All coins certified by NGC. Lot sold as is, no returns.
Mixed Lot of Four British Commonwealth Coins. Australia Shilling 1917, AU55 ANACS. South Africa: Sixpence 1943, MS61 NGC; and 2 Shillings 1932, AU58 NGC. Straits Settlements 5 Cents 1910, MS65 NGC. Four high grade attractive items.
Quintet of Five Exceptional European Coins. Austria: 2 Gulden 1859-B, KM2230, MS61 NGC; 2 Groschen 1967, KM2876, PF66 ANACS. Denmark 2 Kroner: 1888HC CS, KM799, MS63 NGC; 1903P GJ, KM802, MS63 NGC. Iceland 1000 Kronur 2000, KM37, PF69 Ultra Cameo NGC. A very attractive grouping.
Ivory & Porcelain Lot, Keeling Cocos Island Plastic Ivory Rupee 1913 and Meissen three-piece porcelain set produced for Limpurg-Gaildorfer in 1922. The porcelain set comes in its original case of issue.
Four World Proof Sets, South African 1955 Set (9 coins). Plus, Great Britain sets: 1950 (9 coins), 1951 (10 coins), and 1953 (10 coins). All sets are in their original cases. No gold coins are included.
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Dallas, TX 75261-6199
Street Address:
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Dallas, Texas 75261-4127
(Northwest corner of W. Airport Freeway & Valley View Lane)
All Rights Reserved
1-800-872-6467 / (214) 528-3500 / Fax: (214) 443-842