This December, Spink is delighted to announce that the sale of Ancient, British and Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals will contain a fantastic collection of Polish Coins and Medals.
Earlier this year, Spink was thrilled to offer just a small part of this extensive collection formed in the 1950s and ’60s by a Polish gentleman living in England after the war. Some exceptional prices were realized and the entire sale was a great success. Spink cannot wait to see how the second batch of Polish coins will fare this time around; however, many further rarities and treasures will be offered on December 2-3, 2015 in Spink’s London auction room.
Within the 40 lots that make up the collection are some truly rare and exciting pieces commissioned by some of the most distinguished Polish kings of the early modern era. One of the most beautiful and rare examples is lot 832, a Sigismund I the Old (1506 – 48) Ducat issued one year before his death. Sigismund is most famous for his derision of the so called ‘Chicken War’ of 1537: the rebellion of Lwów was an anti-royalist and anti-absolutist rebellion by the Polish nobility. The damning name was coined by the magnates, who for the most part supported the King and claimed that the “war’s” only effect was the near-extinction of the local chickens, eaten by the nobles in Lesser Poland. Ten years later, however, the local economy had reformed and the new coinage issued, of which this is an exquisite example in wonderful condition.
Subsequently the chicken population was restored.
Lot 832, estimated £20,000 – 25,000 (US$30,600-38,250)
Also amongst the collection is lot 842, issued by Sigismund III Vasa (1587-1632), 10-Ducats, a coin issued in 1612 to finance the war with Muscovy (1608 – 18) partially in order to pacify the restless Polish nobility, a very fine and very rare specimen sure to be popular among collectors.
Lot 842, estimated £20,000-30,000 (US$30,600-45,900)
Finally from the host of rulers in this fantastic collection is lot 854, an undated 4-Ducats issued by John III Sobieski (1674-96) one of the most notable monarchs of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth. It is extremely fine, and excessively rare.
Lot 854, estimated £10,000-12,000 (US$15,300-18,360)
This is a sale not to be missed, however not solely for the Polish collection. There are many treasures and incredible rarities amongst the other varieties of coins available. Of particular note is lot 896, an Anglo-Saxon, Post-Crondall Thrymsa, ‘Concordia’ type. Very little is known about this type of coin; however this example’s surfaces have survived remarkably well, still showing a very crisp, clean strike and a very high gold content and lustre in recesses. Only c. five examples of this type are known with fewer than this number available on the market; it is excessively rare.
Lot 896, estimated: £8,000-12,000 (US$12,240-18,360)
For more information, please contact Richard Bishop at +44 (0)20 7563 4053 or [email protected].
Spink London | 69 Southampton Row | Bloomsbury | London | WC1B 4ET
About Spink
Spink is the world’s leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs, books and wine. Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, they an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide. Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland, the company holds over 70 auctions a year. Catalogues can be accessed through their website (www.spink.com) or via the App for iPhone and iPad.
