01-01-2012 – 02-01-2012
World & Ancient Coins Signature Auction New York #3016
South African Rarities open Heritage Auctions 2012
A pair of South African rarities led all lots as Heritage’s first auction of 2012 brought in over $9 million in New York, January 2 and 3. All prices include a 15% Buyer’s Premium.
25093: George V bronze pattern Sovereign 1928-SA, reeded edge. Not listed in KM. Hern-U14A (unique). Matte PR64 NGC. Believed to be unique. Estimate: $40,000-$50,000. Realized: $184,000.
South African numismatics is hot, and the prices in this auction show why. Atop the auction results was a unique bronze 1928-SA pattern sovereign. Graded Matte Proof 64 by NGC, this coin appealed to countless collectors worldwide – collectors of sovereigns, patterns, George V coinage, or simply super-rare coins. Estimated at $40,000-$50,000, this coin realized $184,000 when bidding ended.
25061: Republic Proof 5 Shillings 1892, KM8.2, Hern-Z36, Double Shaft, estimated mintage 25 pieces, PR66 Cameo NGC. Very rare. From The Orange River Collection. Estimate: $75,000-$100,000. Realized: $161,000.
Right behind this rarity was a spectacular proof 5 shilling piece dated 1892 and graded Proof 66 Cameo by NGC. This beauty from the Orange River Collection is one of an estimated mintage of only 25 pieces and perhaps the finest they have ever seen at Heritage’s. With a final price of $161,000, it roughly doubled the pre-auction estimate.
23413: Joao V 6400 Reis 1727R, KM136, Russo-188, AU Details NGC, improperly cleaned. Estimate: $70,000-$90,000. Realized: $143,750.
Two other numismatic hotbeds contributed the next three results from this auction. From Brazil, a pair of extremely rare 6400 Reis coins from 1827 – one from the Rio mint and one from Bahia – realized $143,750 and $126,500 respectively. From Australia came a very rare 1919 George V copper-nickel pattern Kookaburra penny, a choice and original piece that sold for $86,250.
Others among the many highlights of this auction included:
- South Africa: Republic gold Burgers Pond 1874, KM1.2, MS64 NGC. Sold for $71,875.
- Regensburg. Free City gold 8 Ducats, ND (1765-90), Fr-2558, MS63 Prooflike NGC. Sold for $69,000.
- Poland: Nicholas I Proof 10 Zlotych-11/2 Roubles 1833 (St. Petersburg), KM-C134, Proof 67 NGC. Sold for $63,250.
- Australia: George V copper-nickel Kookaburra Pattern Penny 1921, KM-Pn20, SP63 PCGS. Sold for $57,500.
- Russia: Nicholas I Novodel Family 1-1/2 Roubles 1836, KM-C172.2, MS61 NGC. Sold for $57,500.
- Argentina: La Rioja gold 8 Escudos General Rosas 1842R, KM14, XF40 NGC. Sold for $51,750.
- Cuba: Republic gold 2 Pesos 1916, KM17, Proof 65 PCGS. Sold for $51,750.
- South Africa: George VI “Short” Proof Set 1939, 8 pieces, farthing to 2 1/2 shillings, KM-PS14. Sold for $51,750.
- South Africa: Republic gold Veld Pond 1902, KM11, MS64 NGC. Sold for $48,875.
- China: Hupeh. Tael Year 30 (1904), KM-Y128.2, MS64 NGC. Sold for $46,000.
- South Africa: Republic gold Threepence 1898, KM-PnA23, MS64 NGC. Sold for $46,000.
To view all coins of this auction, please click here.