Stack’s Bowers Galleries is pleased to announce 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 (including the standard buyer’s premium) with the ancient coins, world coins and world paper money realizing $4.54 million.
The ancient coins featured 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, garnered $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 (lot 20200) 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 (starting with lot 20266) brought strong results, reaffirming the desirability of good eye appeal and high quality.
Lot 20312, a Mint State Leopard d’Or of Edward III realized $16,450. This piece introduced a robust section of French coinage that brought strong results. Among German coins, Lot 20389, a Hildesheim Medallic 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 standout pieces. Lot 20434, a Heavy Noble of Henry IV realized $18,800. Back to back 5 Guineas of James II and William & Mary (lots 20452 and 20453) realized $36,425 and $42,300 respectively.
Session B opened on Friday 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. Moving on to Italy, the showstopper of the group was lot 21111 a rare 20 Lire struck from Eritrean gold (dated 1902) that realized $64,625.
A highly desirable "MX" Mexican 8 Reales from the beginning of Pillar coinage (lot 21160) realized $17,625. This piece was one of many highlights from a substantial selection of premium Mexican numismatic items. Lot 21264 featured another great Mexican rarity, the finest certified 1908 20 Centavos, which hammered at $12,337.
The Peruvian section was particularly 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 multiple bidders eagerly bid this prize up to $51,700.
The substantial section of Russian coinage provided many incredible results, including lot 21392, a 1738 Ducat of Anna that garnered $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 significant Russian piece was an extremely rare and finest certified 1827 5 Ruble as lot 21421 that brought $36,425.
A strong performance for world paper money was observed in Australian notes with a group of Specimens from Pick 41s to 48s all reaching high estimate or better, for over $21,500 in total hammer value. These Specimens have been off the market for quite some time and are sure to be treasured in their new homes. The Qatar and Dubai Color Trial set (lot 30354) reached the highest price point of the sale realizing $58,750.
A group of Paraguayan Proofs mounted on cardstock (lot 30333) fetched $17,625 showing that even niche South American markets can attract large interest. One of the most talked about notes of the sale was the large size 100,000 Piso from the Philippines (lot 30339) that realized $15,275. The top note from the Philippines was Pick 33c, a 1906 500 Pesos (lot 30336) that sold for $39,950.
Canada notes also had a strong showing, highlighted by a 1924 5 Dollar DC-27 (lot 30101) that brought $14,100.
Also notable were a 1926 Solomon Islands 1 Pound note (lot 30390) that brought $11,750, a 25 Cent Pick 7 Straits Settlements note (lot 30396) that reached $4,935, a pair of Brazilian Specimens of Pick S628s (lot 30073) that sold for $4,465, and a Pick S629s (lot 30074) that realized $4,700.
This sale proved to be quite exciting for bidders in the room as well as those watching and bidding online. Focus on quality certified pieces was apparent and will likely be a trend in future sales.
Currently Stack’s Bowers Galleries (www.stacksbowers.com) is accepting consignments of world and ancient coins as well as world paper money for the October 2017 Collector’s Choice Online auction, the January 2018 New York International Auction and the April 2018 Hong Kong Showcase Auction.
