Heritage Auctions can think of no better way to kick off 2019 than with our highly anticipated New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) sale, taking place January 6-7 at the Grand Hyatt hotel in New York. NYINC is arguably the most significant international numismatic event of the year, and it serves as an opportunity for coin collectors and dealers alike to come together and share their appreciation for coins from all over the world. Our auction this year consists of nearly 2,300 lots, and alongside the strong selection in our Signature session, we have gathered some truly extraordinary pieces for our Platinum Night session.
The demand for high grade and interesting ancient coins has never been more feverish, and this year we have the distinct honor and privilege of presenting The Morris Collection – a remarkable assembly of stunningly rare and unpublished issues from across the spectrum of the Roman Empire and elsewhere. Medallions, contorniates, solidi and siliquae multiples are sure to excite even the most advanced collector, along with examples from Pertinax Junior, Titiana, Petronius Maximus, Avitus, Majorian, Jotapian, Romulus Augustus, and others almost never seen at auction.
Our Greek section is stronger than ever, with a well-pedigreed Eretria tetradrachm leading the way. The Lydian Kingdom simply sparkles with staters, including a Croesus light stater graded by NGC as Gem Mint State ★ 5/5 – 5/5.
The selection of British coinage is always strong within our auctions, but this year it has exceeded all expectations. We begin with a range of hammered coins spanning from Alfred the Great through to the Commonwealth and proceed to a most spectacular array of milled coinage, including the finest known 1893 Proof set, the single highest graded 5 Guinea pieces from 1686, 1729 and 1741/38, and the celebrated Una and the Lion 5 Pounds of 1839 in NGC PR62+ Ultra Cameo. Further highlights include Wyon’s ‘Three Graces’ pattern Crown of 1817 in NGC PR64+ Cameo, a gold pattern Crown from 1887 graded NGC PR65 Ultra Cameo, and notably a gold pattern Crown struck under Charles II in 1663, a major numismatic rarity and one of just six known.
A veritable treasure trove of Brazilian rarities forms the backbone of our Latin American selection, including a brilliant assortment of pieces from the Paulistana Collection. One of the most notable offerings is the extremely rare João VI gold 4000 Reis, produced in 1820 at the Bahia mint and graded MS62 NGC. Possibly unique, this superb piece was struck at the dawn of Brazilian independence. Additionally, we are pleased to offer a Pedro II 4000 Reis of 1832 graded NGC MS61 (one of only 64 struck), a rare João V 6400 Reis struck in 1734 at Minas Gerais mint, and a 12 Guilders piece produced in 1646 by the Dutch West Indies Company. An emergency currency struck during the Dutch occupation of Brazil, this coin is graded an astounding MS62 by NGC.
Our other notable World Coins are led by such pieces as the Chinese gold pattern Kuping Tael, the rare “Small Clouds” variety, which is graded SP61 by PCGS; the French gold essai 5 Francs of 1814, struck in honor of Alexander I of Russia after the defeat of Napoleon and possibly unique in this elite metal; and last but certainly not least, the Seki Collection. Alongside its exquisite range of high-grade world pieces, this collection includes potentially the finest selection of Netherland East Indies coinage extant, its highlight the 1728 gold proof Ducaton (Rider) graded NGC PR64, a piece issued by the United East India Company and likely created as a presentation strike for a high-ranking official.
We encourage close inspection of the lots in this auction for a true appreciation of the breadth of the offerings. This auction will open for bidding soon at coins.HA.com.
