A spectacular NGC-certified gold rarity is set to be one of the year’s most closely watched offerings as Numismatica Genevensis SA (NGSA) opens bidding for Auction 22 – Masterpieces, which closes November 24, 2025.
The centerpiece of the sale, and its top NGC-certified highlight, carries an opening bid of CHF 2,000,000 (roughly USD $2.5 million).
Spain 1609 C Segovia 100 Escudos graded NGC AU 58 (lot 314)
Struck in 1609, this historic issue represents the first 100 Escudos ever minted, marking the highest gold denomination produced in Spain during the early 17th century. It is Unique! Weighing just over one-third of a kilogram, it is the only vintage Spanish 100 Escudos recorded in the NGC Census, underscoring its immense rarity.
The obverse bears the distinctive Segovia mintmark, depicting the city’s famed Roman aqueduct—an iconic symbol of the royal mint situated roughly 30 miles north of Madrid. NGC Chief Grader and Senior Vice President for World Coins, Ben Wengel, explores the coin’s history and significance in an NGC video presentation.
“In addition to this being a unique item, there’s also a personal tie-in with Spanish royalty that really elevates this coin’s status as a true trophy piece,” Wengel noted. “This is going to be a very highly anticipated coin when it crosses the auction block.”
With its unmatched pedigree, exceptional preservation, and monumental historical importance, the 1609 Segovia 100 Escudos stands as one of the most important Spanish gold coins ever to appear at public auction.
Another NGC-certified highlight of the auction is a Spain 1611/0 C Segovia 8 Escudos graded NGC AU 58 (lot 315), with a starting price of CHF 300,000 (about $376,000). Another Spanish rarity connected to King Philip III’s reign, which lasted from 1598 until his death in 1621, this is the first 8 Escudos piece (also known as an”onza”) ever struck at the Royal Mint of Segovia. According to the auction house, this particular coin is also the only example of its issue known to exist today.
The auction also includes a rare England (1492) Sovereign – Henry VII graded NGC AU 50 (lot 231), with a starting price of CHF 500,000 (about $627,000). This is among the earliest gold Sovereigns available to collectors, representing not only the beginning of the Tudor dynasty but also the establishment of England as a major world power.
The obverse depicts Henry VII seated on a wooden throne, in robes, and holding an orb and scepter, while the reverse features the quartered shield of England upon a Tudor rose. With a weight of 15.23 grams, this example represents the largest hammered gold coin of the Tudor period.
Another NGC-certified coin expected to realize a price well into the six figures is a Mexico 1729/7MO R/D 8 Escudos – Royal Coinage graded NGC MS 65 (lot 300), with a starting price of CHF 500,000 (about $627,000).
Known as a “Royal” for the superb attention involved in the planchet and strike, this coin is the epitome of Spanish colonial numismatics. According to the auction house, only about 40 struck between 1695 and 1732 are known today, with the 1729 issue being among the rarest.
Other NGC-certified coins in this auction include:
- Poland 1618 Lithuania 10 Ducats graded NGC AU 55 (lot 304), with a starting price of CHF 200,000 (about $251,000)
- England 1662 Gold Crown – Off-Metal Strike graded NGC PF 62 (lot 238), with a starting price of CHF 200,000 (about $251,000)
- England 1662 Gold Crown – Off-Metal Strike graded NGC PF 61 (lot 239), with a starting price of CHF 150,000 (about $188,000)
- Spain 1637/6 R Segovia 8 Escudos graded NGC MS 64 (lot 317), with a starting price of CHF 75,000 (about $94,000)
- England 1643 Oxford Triple Unite – Charles I graded NGC AU 55 (lot 236), with a starting price of CHF 75,000 (about $94,000)
- England 1642 Oxford Triple Unite – Charles I graded NGC AU 55 (lot 234), with a starting price of CHF 50,000 (about $63,000)
- Austria 1686 Salzburg 10 Ducats graded NGC AU 58 (lot 204), with a starting price of CHF 50,000 (about $63,000)
NGSA is also presenting a sale on November 25 titled Auction 23 – Modern Coins – The Half Crown Collection Part II.
Some of the NGC-certified coins in this auction include:
- Sarawak 1906H 50 Cents graded NGC SP 66 (lot 1166), with a starting price of CHF 3,000 (about $3,700)
- Burma CS1214(1852) Kyat graded NGC MS 64 (lot 1002), with a starting price of CHF 1,000 (about $1,200)
- US 1882 Half Dollar graded NGC MS 66 (lot 1430), with a starting price of CHF 500 (about $600)
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