The recent coin auction held by Künker from October 8th to 12th was a remarkable event for collectors and dealers. A total of 5,500 lots were up for bidding, showcasing a wide range of rare and valuable coins. Among them, a quadruple thaler from King Christian V of Norway stole the show, selling for an astounding 130,000 EUR. This auction not only highlighted the incredible value of historical coins but also revealed the growing interest among collectors.
Exciting Auction Highlights
Overview of the Auction
During the auction, collectors had a unique opportunity to explore three catalogues filled with ancient, medieval, and modern coins. Out of about 5,500 items, only 277 remained unsold, showing the high demand for these collectibles. The excitement was palpable as bidders competed for various lots, which featured many rare pieces.
The Star of the Auction
The standout item of the auction was the quadruple thaler from King Christian V of Norway, which sold for a staggering 130,000 EUR to an anonymous telephone bidder. This coin, estimated at 50,000 EUR, became the highest-selling item of the event, proving that rare coins can fetch prices far above their estimates.
Ancient Coins: A Wealth of Choices
Ancient Coins Perform Exceptionally Well
The auction kicked off with around 1,600 ancient coins listed in catalogue 216. Collectively, these coins generated an impressive total of 3.3 million EUR in final sales, exceeding the estimated figure of 2.6 million EUR.
Some notable highlights include:
- A Pannonian tetradrachm estimated at 300 EUR sold for an incredible 2,600 EUR.
- A second ancient coin exceeded its estimate of 750 EUR, fetching 5,500 EUR.
Rare Greek Coins
Greek coins also performed exceptionally well during the auction. An exceedingly rare bronze coin from Populonia soared from 150 EUR to 2,800 EUR. Another remarkable piece, a tetradrachm from Syracuse once owned by the Kunstfreund Collection, surged fivefold to reach a final price of 50,000 EUR. Additionally, a gold stater featuring a satyr and gryphon doubled its estimate, selling for 80,000 EUR.
Roman Coins: A Rich History
Impressive Sales of Roman Coins
The Roman coins in the auction attracted a lot of attention as well. Notable sales included:
- Domitian’s aureus from the year 82, which was estimated at 20,000 EUR and sold for 42,000 EUR.
- Hadrian’s aureus from 134/138, which achieved a final price of 40,000 EUR, surpassing its estimate of 35,000 EUR.
Even less precious items proved to be valuable. For instance, a sestertius of Commodus, estimated at 1,500 EUR, fetched 5,000 EUR.
Medieval and Modern Coins: Rare Finds
Success of Medieval and Modern Coins
The auction also featured over 2,600 lots from medieval and modern times, which brought in a total of 2.7 million EUR, surpassing the initial estimate of 1.7 million EUR.
Some key sales included:
- A silver medallion from the royal seal of Danish sovereign Frederick III sold for 21,000 EUR (Estimate: 15,000 EUR).
- A denarius from Louis the Pious reached 14,000 EUR, exceeding its estimate of 10,000 EUR.
Highlights from Modern Coinage
Gold Coins Shine Bright
Catalogue 218 included roughly 850 gold pieces, yielding 1.85 million EUR, surpassing the expected total of 1.4 million EUR. Highlights included:
- A golden solidus of Louis the Pious, which sold for 16,000 EUR (Estimate: 20,000 EUR).
- A stunning 1839 five-pound coin featuring Queen Victoria as a lion tamer, sold for 75,000 EUR (Estimate: 40,000 EUR).
German Coins and Their Success
Finally, about 300 German coins from after 1871 brought in 500,000 EUR, exceeding the estimate of 370,000 EUR. Notable sales included:
- A rare 1875 20-mark piece of Reuss, Elder Line, sold for 30,000 EUR (Estimate: 28,000 EUR).
- A stunning five-mark piece from Wurtemberg, estimated at 10,000 EUR, fetched 26,000 EUR.
The U.S. Coin Segment
Rare U.S. Coins Capture Attention
Although there were fewer U.S. coins available, those that were featured were highly valuable. An 1831 quarter in excellent condition was estimated at 2,500 EUR but sold for an astonishing 17,000 EUR. Another notable piece, an 1854 large cent, exceeded its modest estimate of 150 EUR and sold for 1,700 EUR.
Conclusion
The recent auction at Künker was not just about numbers; it reflected the vibrant world of coin collecting. The record-breaking sale of Christian V’s quadruple thaler and other impressive sales reveal the high demand for rare coins. As collectors continue to seek unique items, it is clear that the coin market remains a fascinating area filled with opportunities for both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike. This auction set a remarkable standard, showcasing how the right coin can change hands for incredible amounts and ignite interest in the historical significance behind each piece.
FAQ’s
What is a quadruple thaler?
A quadruple thaler is a large silver coin that was historically used in Europe. It usually features a specific monarch or emblem.
Why do collectors value rare coins?
Rare coins are valued for their historical significance, limited availability, and the potential for future appreciation in value.
How do auction prices compare to estimates?
Auction prices can exceed estimates significantly, especially for rare items in high demand, as seen in recent auctions.
Where can I find information about upcoming coin auctions?
You can visit auction house websites like Künker or subscribe to numismatic newsletters for updates on future events.
Is coin collecting a good investment?
Yes, many collectors view rare coins as a valuable investment, as they can appreciate over time and offer both monetary and historical value.