GENEVA.- Piguet Auction House announced the auction of an exceptional collection of medals originating directly from the House of Savoy.

These unpublished medals form part of the prestigious collection assembled by the last two Kings of Italy, Their Majesties King Victor-Emmanuel III and King Umberto II, and carefully preserved to this day by the latter’s daughter, H.R.H. Princess Maria-Gabriella of Savoy.

Unveiled to the public for the very first time in Geneva, within the galleries of Hôtel des Ventes Piguet from September 18 to 21, this remarkable ensemble of several hundred rare pieces retraces major European events from the 17th to the 20th century through commemorative medals of the House of Savoy and of the Kingdoms of Italy and Sardinia. The auction will take place exclusively online from September 10 to 22.

A Unique Royal Provenance for a landmark collection

Victor-Emmanuel III of Italy (1869–1947) had a scholarly passion for the history of coins and medals. Throughout his life, he assembled one of the most extensive collections, regarded as a benchmark among connoisseurs. His son, King Umberto II (1904–1983), further enriched this prestigious collection, which was later preserved in part by his daughter, H.R.H. Princess Maria-Gabriella of Savoy.

Historic treasures tracing Europe’s major events from the 17th to the 20th Century

The sale brings together several hundred medals, some of them of great rarity. Each medal stands as a direct witness to Europe’s most significant events from the 17th to the 20th century, whether political, military, or dynastic.

Among the highlights is an important and rare honorary medal of the Kingdom of Spain, issued in gold, silver, and bronze. Struck in 1707 with the effigies of King Philip V and Queen Maria-Luisa-Gabriella of Savoy, it offers a striking reminder of the European alliances forged during the War of the Spanish Succession and of the political power struggles surrounding the accession of Louis XIV’s grandson to the throne (lot 1023, estimated CHF 6,000–8,000).

Prince Eugene of Savoy-Carignan, a hero of European history

The collection also recounts the military achievements of Prince Eugene of Savoy Carignan (1663–1736), a true military genius considered by many - including Napoleon I - as one of the greatest commanders in history. Raised at the court of Louis XIV but excluded from the French army, he entered the service of the Holy Roman Empire and spent much of his career in memorable battles against France.

Several medals recall these glorious episodes, such as two recent gold and silver medals commemorating his meeting with Victor Amadeus II after the Siege of Turin in 1706 (lot 1120, estimated CHF 8,000–12,000, with Pietro Micca on the reverse); an early silver medal known as the “Tower of Babel,” celebrating the capture of the city of Lille in 1709 (lot 1026, estimated CHF 1,000–1,500); and even a satirical representation from 1708 depicting the defeat of the French at the Battle of Audenarde, with a rooster on a leash (lot 1035, estimated CHF 200–300).

Testimonies of Italian history and the House of Savoy

Beyond its value for European history, this exceptional ensemble tells, above all, the story of Italy, intimately linked to that of the House of Savoy. Early medals from the Kingdoms of Italy and Sardinia are presented alongside private issues of the House of Savoy, most often struck in gold, silver, and bronze.

These medals illustrate, among other themes, the modernization of Piedmont, dynastic alliances with the great European courts, and the Italian unification, represented through the effigies of the four reigning kings from 1861 to 1946: Victor-Emmanuel II (e.g. lots 1096, 1109), Umberto I (e.g. lots 1084, 1126), Victor-Emmanuel III (e.g. lots 1098, 1128), and Umberto II (e.g. lots 1115, 1129).

Bernard Piguet, auctioneer and director of Piguet Hôtel des ventes, states: “Earning the trust of Europe’s great aristocratic families is a rare privilege, and it is our responsibility to ensure that these prestigious objects find a new life with owners worthy of their history.”

The 70th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain in solid gold

From a different provenance, the sale on Monday, September 22, also includes a rare commemorative piece struck in the United Kingdom in 2010, limited to only 20 examples and weighing over 1 kg of gold! It bears the profile of Queen Elizabeth II and commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain (lot 1003, estimated CHF 80,000–120,000).