2017-08-24 Thu

Stack’s Bowers Galleries is happy to declare the results of their August 2017 auction of world coins, world paper money, and ancient coins. In total, the Stack’s Bowers Galleries ANA World’s Fair of Money auction realized over $19 million with the ancient coins, world coins and world paper money realizing $4.54 million.

The ancient coins showcased a pair of Euainetos Decadrachms, one of which was from signed dies. Lots 20006 and 20007 realized $37,600 and $15,275, respectively.

Lot 20105, a superb Mint State solidus of the Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus, gathered $10,575.

The second half of Session A contained world coins, with Australia providing some exciting highlights. A Kookaburra Pattern Penny (lot 20136) and a brilliant Proof 1937 Crown (lot 20139) brought $23,500 and $17,625 respectively. A Brazilian Mint State 1823-R 6,400 Reis nearly doubled its high estimate at $28,200. Just three lots later (lot 20203), a scarce 4,000 Reis of Pedro II realized $21,150.

Selections of 1915 Cuban Proof gold from the Blue Moon Collection also got some amazing results, reassuring the desirability of good eye appeal and high quality. Lot 20312, a Mint State Leopard d’Or of Edward III realized $16,450.

Among German coins, Lot 20389, a Hildesheim Metallic 5 Goldgulden realized $16,450 and lot 20414, a gem quality Schaumburg-Lippe 20 Mark from 1874, brought $15,275.

Great Britain rounded out Session A with a few exceptional pieces. Lot 20434, a Heavy Noble of Henry IV realized $18,800. Back-to-back 5 Guineas of James II and William & Mary realized $36,425 and $42,300, respectively.

Session B opened with a strong section of Guatemalan coinage highlighted by lot 21027, an ex-Eliasberg Collection Mint State 2 Escudos dated 1827 that realized $14,100.

From Italy, the center-stage of the group was lot 21111, a rare 20 Lire struck from Eritrean gold that realized $ 64, 625.

A highly pleasing “MX” Mexican 8 Reales from the beginning of Pillar coinage (lot 21160) realized $17,625. This piece was one of many highlights from a considerable selection of premium Mexican numismatic items. Lot 21264 showcased another great Mexican rarity, the finest-certified 1908 20 Centavos, which hammered at $12,337.

The Peruvian section seemed to be quite appealing, with back-to-back 1715 Plate Fleet 8 Escudos in lots 21320 and 21321 that brought $19,975 and $14,100, respectively.

A highly important discovery piece of Polish numismatics (lot 21361) realized well above its high estimate as numerous bidders eagerly bid this prize up to $51,700.

The substantial section of Russian coinage provided good results, including lot 21392, a 1738 Ducat of Anna that collected $17,625. The massive Birth of Alexander Gold Medal (lot 21406) realized $105,750. This piece was followed closely by an impressive Gold Coronation Medal of Paul I (lot 21410) that sold for $35,250. Another noteworthy Russian piece was a rare 1827 5 Ruble as lot 21421 that brought $36,425.