DALLAS, TX.- An extraordinary Ionia electrum stater dating to the late sixth century BC sold for $97,600 to lead Heritage’s Nov. 5–6 World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature Auction to $3,378,120.
“Prices were strong all across the board, with Indian material bringing some of the strongest prices in the sale, though there are still surprises, like the 1715 Escudo that generated an impressive, record bid of $91,500 ” says Kyle Johnson, Heritage’s Managing Director of World & Ancient Coins.
The Ionia electrum stater, one of just three examples of the rare ancient Greek coin identified in sales archives, topped an auction that featured nearly 400 lots spanning centuries of numismatic history. Struck circa 540-500 BC, it features the conjoined foreparts of a bull and roaring lion on the obverse, an unusual composition in which the animals’ forms create a striking optical effect. Its reverse bears three geometric incuse punches, characteristic of early electrum coinage. The issue has long attracted scholarly attention because of its relationship to the development of ancient Greek coinage. Traditionally associated with the monetary reforms of Croesus, the coin belongs to a series whose precise origins remain debated. Recent research has challenged earlier assumptions about when electrum coinage ceased, suggesting that the gold-and-silver alloy continued to be used long after the introduction of separate gold and silver currencies.
A magnificent Philip V gold Cob Escudo from 1715 followed at $91,500. It was minted at the Mexico City Casa de Moneda, one of the most important colonial mints, and represents the gold currency that financed Spain’s vast transatlantic trade. Produced using royal dies, the coin displays its full date, mintmark and assayer’s initials with exceptional clarity, characteristics that distinguish it from many surviving Spanish colonial gold cobs. Its 1715 date also evokes one of the most recognized episodes in Spanish maritime history: the loss of the Spanish treasure fleet off Florida’s coast that year.
Indian numismatics produced several notable results, led by a Kutch Khengarji III silver Pattern 10 Kori VS 1998 (1942) MS64 NGC that realized $43,920. The Pattern 10 Kori represents the highest denomination of Kutch’s pattern series and is distinguished by its small portrait of Khengarji III, a departure from the predominantly inscription-based designs associated with the region’s coinage. Cataloged as “rare” in Krause Mishler’s Unusual World Coins, the piece is the lone example certified by NGC. Its scarcity is underscored by the absence of other examples.
Another important Indian rarity, a Kutch Khengarji III silver Pattern 5 Kori VS 1985 (1928) MS64 NGC, brought $41,480. Like its higher-denomination counterpart, the Pattern 5 Kori features a portrait of Khengarji III, an unusual characteristic among Kutch issues. Its reverse is particularly noteworthy because it differs from the patterns documented in Unusual World Coins, making it an intriguing example for specialists pursuing the region’s scarce experimental coinage.
Spanish colonial gold delivered additional highlights, including a Charles III gold 8 Escudos 1778/7/6 So-DA MS63 NGC from the Santiago mint that achieved $39,040. The coin’s unusual double overdate provides much of its appeal. The issue is especially elusive in Choice condition, with the catalog identifying only one previous certified example of the date and mint type offered publicly, sold by Heritage in 2022.
Collectors of British coinage also found an important opportunity in a Victoria Proof “Gothic” Crown 1847 PR64 NGCthat realized $36,600. Designed by celebrated engraver William Wyon, the Gothic Crown remains one of the most recognizable achievements of Victorian numismatic artistry. The example offered in this auction displayed particularly rich royal-blue and cobalt toning across the obverse, enhancing the visual impact of Wyon’s portrait. Its combination of historical significance, artistry and preservation made it a fitting highlight among the auction's British offerings.
Another exceptional example of Santiago mint gold, a Ferdinand VII gold 8 Escudos 1817 So-FJ MS64 NGC, also brought $36,600. From the Coleccin Val y Mexa, the coin displays fresh mint luster and unusually strong preservation despite characteristics associated with the Santiago mint during the final stages of the Spanish colonial era, including evidence of worn dies. Its MS64 assignment places it at the top of the NGC census for the date.
The auction also featured an impressive selection from the Otoh Collection of Physical Cryptocurrency, with four notable pieces demonstrating the continued crossover between traditional numismatics and the earliest years of digital currency.
