On the heels of our Platinum Night auction in Denver just a month ago, we’ve pulled together another outstanding group of coins – nearly 4,000 in number – to offer in our September 7-12 auction of World and Ancient coins. While there are many reasons to get excited about this offering, we think diversity is its greatest asset. From ancient to modern, circulation strike to presentation proof, and valued from a few hundred dollars to many thousands, this auction truly has something for everyone.
This auction kicks off with nearly 700 lots of Ancient Greek, Judaean, Roman and Byzantine coins. Highlighting our section of Greek coins are a pair of rarities: a beautiful gold stater of Ephesus and a hitherto unpublished gold stater of Ionia, Magnesia, one of only two surviving specimens thus far ever offered at auction. The Greek section also features long runs of Mint State Athenian “owl” tetradrachms, electrum hectes of Cyzicus, Mytilene and Phocaea, and Persian gold darics.
Highlights of the Roman section include a splendid early Republican didrachm, a choice denarius of the assassin Brutus, a run of spectacular Augustus silver denarii featuring many rare portrait and reverse types, a charming gold aureus of Lucilla, and an exceptional offering of late Roman and Byzantine gold solidi, all graded Choice AU to Mint State or better by NGC.
Within the World section, the selection of Russian coins is particularly notable, with a handful of proofs standing out. In addition to the many minor denominations, we present a remarkable run of proof Roubles dated 1831, 1842, 1851 and 1900; the 1831 “wings down” piece, with its attractive toning band over the obverse, is especially pleasing. Another proof Russian rarity is a pattern 2 Kopecks of Nicholas I dated 1828. The last time an example crossed the auction block, it realized far in excess of $20,000.
Another highlight is an MS62-graded Palestine 1931 100 Mils. Long known as the key to the 59-coin series in uncirculated grade, this piece is only the fourth Mint State example thus far graded by PCGS. Because of the historic nature of the Palestine series, and the achievable goal of assembling a complete set, this type remains in constant demand.
Several exceptional Chinese coins also demand attention. Among the auction’s most highly estimated coins are two dollars from the reign of Kuang-hsu; one is a general imperial issue and the other from the province of Kiangnan. Graded MS64+ and MS63+ respectively by NGC, both examples remain exceptionally brilliant, with traces of light golden tone at the edges. Type collectors of Chinese dollars would be hard-pressed to find better examples.
Finally, fans of Latin American coins will delight in a run of Mexican Cap & Scales 10 and 20 pesos. Nearly complete by issuing mint, this group offers a mixture of coins with elite grades, dates that are extremely rare, and issues from short-lived and seldom-seen mints.
This auction is open for bidding now at www.HA.com/coins. As always, best of luck and happy bidding!
