World Coins
A magnificent Elizabeth I (1558-1603) gold “Ship” Ryal of 15 Shillings ND (1584-1586) MS63 NGC from The Cara Collection of Highly Provenanced British Rarities, Part II sold for $372,000, setting a world record for an Elizabeth Ship Ryal and leading Heritage’s Nov. 6-7 World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction to $5,725,535.
“This is an incredible coin from an incredible collection, and it’s only appropriate that it produced a record result,” says Kyle Johnson, Heritage’s Managing Director of World & Ancient Coins. “It is one of the most coveted and eagerly pursued pieces among British numismatic collectors and among the last coins struck in this medieval design style. These types are noticeably rare, one of the greatest numismatic rarities of the Elizabethan era.”
More than a dozen bids came in for a Victoria gold Proof “Una and the Lion” 5 Pounds 1839, PR62 Deep Cameo, PCGS, before it closed at $234,000. One of engraver William Wyon’s most celebrated and arguably most famous designs, this Deep Cameo beauty is a stellar example of a coin that enjoys widespread popularity among collectors. Reinforcing the coin’s popularity, another Victoria gold Proof “Una and the Lion” 5 Pounds 1839 UNC Details (Repaired) PCGS brought $81,000.
Another world record was set when a British Colony. George II gold Counterstamped 1/2 Pistole (12 Shilling 6 Pence) ND (1758) VF30 NGC sold for $60,000 — a total that briefly set a world record for any Jamaican coin. The coin is a prized rarity, offered at Heritage Auctions for the first time and either unlisted completely or listed as “Unknown” in the major references. This type has flown under the radar despite such high demand for this Jamaican counterstamped series.
That result stood as the world record for three lots, until a British Colony. George II gold Counterstamped 8 Escudos (Doubloon) ND (c. 1773) XF45 NGC more than doubled it and nearly tripled its high pre-auction estimate at $144,000, the new world record for any Jamaican coin.
Once a part of the Virgil Brand Collection, this plugged piece is one of four incredibly rare counterstamped Jamaican gold coins and one of the most sought-after types in the Jamaican counterstamped series, referred to across references as a Private Token, Doubloon or 8 Escudos.
Cryptocurrency
A wide array of offerings were presented, including a Casascius brass “Double Error” Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2011 MS66 NGC that drew a winning bid of $114,000.
The first “error” refers to the well-known misspelling on the hologram, where “CASACIOUS” leaves out the second “s” in an error that was corrected in later releases.
The second “error” involves the unusual placement of the firstbits, printed approximately 3mm higher than normal.
Other top cryptocurrency lots included, but were not limited to:
- A Casascius gold-plated brass “Storage Bar” Bearer Bar Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2011 Genuine PCGS: $105,000
- A Casascius brass Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2013 MS65 PCGS: $105,000
- A Casascius brass Loaded (Unredeemed) 1 Bitcoin (BTC) 2013 MS64 NGC: $103,200
Ancient Coins
Among the exceptional results among ancients in this auction was a MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Alexander III the Great (336-323 BC). AV distater NGC AU★ 5/5 – 5/5, Fine Style that more than tripled its high pre-auction estimate when it achieved $156,000.
It features one of the most renowned military leaders and conquerors in history, who ascended to the throne after the assassination of his father, Philip II, in 336 BC.
His kingdom brought about significant cultural and political change, spreading Greek culture throughout the known world.
Other examples of the Alexander III the Great AV distater also generated major interest among collectors: one ended at $96,000 after soaring past its pre-auction estimates, while another brought $50,400.
Nineteen bids came in for a Claudius I (AD 41-54). AV aureus NGC Choice AU★ 5/5 – 4/5, light marks to drive it up to $78,000. The reverse features Pax-Nemesis walking to the right, pointing at a coiled serpent and lifting a fold of drapery to spit on her chest — an apotropaic gesture in Ancient Rome to ward off Nemesis and the ill fortunes she brings.
The auction featured treasures for collectors at all levels, including a JUDAEA. Jewish War (AD 66-70). AR shekel NGC XF 4/5 – 3/5 that more than tripled its high pre-auction estimate when it sold for $26,400.
The post Multiple Records Set in Heritage’s $5.7 Million World & Ancient Coins Auction appeared first on CoinWeek: Rare Coin, Currency, and Bullion News for Collectors.
