February 21, 2013 – Downies Australian Coin Auctions, Australia’s oldest numismatic auction house, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2013.
Holding its first auction way back in 1963 – and holding a total of 312 sales to date! – Downies Australian Coin Auctions has established a formidable reputation for expertise, enthusiasm and professionalism. This reputation led to Downies Australian Coin Auctions being called upon to host what is arguably the most exciting public sale in the history of Australian numismatics – the Auction of the Gold Coins of the Reserve Bank of Australia in 2005. This garnered intense worldwide interest and resulted in $4.7 million realised in sales, well above the $3 million projected by the RBA, as well as a remarkable 100% clearance rate.
Known for the quality of the catalogues produced for each auction, Downies Australian Coin Auctions makes these available online for free for the benefit of the Australian and international numismatic community. These form a valuable record and insight into Australian numismatics and the collectables market. They often also contain significant items of international interest.
The first auction of the anniversary year is to be held on the 19th and 20th of February at the auction rooms in the Block Arcade, located in the Melbourne CBD. Marked by both international interest and special vendor commission rates for every 2013 sale, the year continues with Auction 314 in July, and culminates with Auction 315 in October – the special 50th anniversary auction. With sales 313, 314 and 315 already highlighted with an array of important, highly desirable collectables across a wide range of fields, this landmark year in the company’s history is set to be its biggest yet.
The Downies auction catalogues are available for free here.