Aurel Stodola Honored on Slovakia 10 Euro

Slovakia issued it's first 10 Euro commemorative silver coin at the end of April. The piece honors noted engineer Aurel Stodola on the 150th Anniversary of his birth. Stodola was a professor of mechanical engineering at the Swiss Polytechnical Institute in Zurich. He was central to the development of steam, gas and finally electric turbine design with his foundation work in the area of thermodynamics.

Stoloda was not limited to theory, though he published many works, he also spent much of his career working with industrial firms developing actual turbines, such at the one featured on the denominated side of this coin.

Mintage on the Stodola coin is 30,000 in BU and proof. It's a .900 fine silver coin, with a diameter of 34mm and a weight of 18g. Production was completed by the Kremnica Mint for release at the end of April, 2009.

Saturday, May 30, 2009 6:06:17 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Hertiage Auiction Offers Some Special Odds and Ends

To wrap up my coverage of some of the highlights of the super Heritage World Coin Auction going on right now at the Long Beach Coin Expo, I'd like to touch on a few modern gold commemoratives worth watching. These are coins which are rarely encountered for sale in the world coin market and so price guides and estimates mean much less than desireablily and demand.

First is a coin that is highly sought after and almost never offered since it's primary market sale; the 1996 gold Rouble of Belarus. this coin is offered as lot 22541, with an opeing bid of $750 and a web bid of $1100 at time of this posting. The catalog notes that the SCWC value of $4500 is overly optimistic, but in the home market everyone is looking for this coin. The closing bid will give us some good data for adjustments.

Second is an exceptionally rare modern issue specially designed and struck to honor diplomatic relations between Arab Saharawi and Venezuela listed as lot 22548. The reverse of this coin features Bolivar and El Uali, while obverse displays armas of both countries divided by a pillar. It's got an interesting past, a high denomination, 40,000 Pesetas and a low mintage of just 90 pieces. Opening bid was $350, with the top web bid at $650. Catalog value is at $1,000 for this one - so here too we may see some adjustment post closing.

Finally keep an eye on the three Yemen Republic gold commemoratives set as lots 22830, 22831 and 22832. These are not often seen for sale. The roaring lion 2 Riyals is quite highly sought, as is the lovely 1969 50 Riyals illustrated at the beginning of this posting. Opening bid for the standing Lion was at $750, high website bid was $1,900, opening for the roaring Lion was $600 with web bidding ending at $1,800, opening for the 1 Riyal with Camel was $300 with web bidding rising to $750. All should see active floor bidding before the hammer falls, especially with spot prices on gold moving up all week.

Friday, May 29, 2009 9:20:53 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

High Grade 1906 Proof 50 Centavos of Philippines

Amongst a little run of 25 coin lots from the Philippines in tonights Heritage World Coin Auction are 19 scarce and desireable U.S. Administration proof issues. Many of these are very low mintage strikes, so careful numismatic students of Philippines coinage are sure to be watching and waiting to win a few items for their collections.

One of the standouts from this grouping is a gorgeous 1906 50 Centavos which has been graded PR-68 by NGC. This date had a mintage of just 500 pieces, which is not the lowest for Philippines coins of this era, but the grade is surely one of the highest, making this coin a real prize. Statring bid was $4,000 and as of this posting the website bid on Heritage was at $4,250. Expect it to climb a bit higher before finding it's new home.

Friday, May 29, 2009 8:35:28 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Friday Fix

London pm fixes for 5-29-09

Gold $975.50

Silver $15.52

Platinum $1175.00

Palladium $236.00

Friday, May 29, 2009 3:56:24 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Classic British Ionian Islands Proof at Heritage

  This afternoon Heritage World Coin Auctions will offer a classic rarity of Bitish Commonwealth coin collecting, a beautiful PR-64 example of the Ionian Island 2 Oboli copper coin of 1819. There are both medal and coin rotation examples known of this proof type, with the coin strike being a bit more often encountered. This piece is a coin rotation, but it is one of the most beautifully preserved proofs I have seen, from one the scarcest areas of the British Commonwealth series.

The opening bid is set at $3,750, well above current printed Standard Catalog of World Coin value, but keep in mind that the 19th Century edition is three years old already and the proof values listed in the SCWC are for basic PR-60 examples. Check out the online NumisMaster current values and you'll see that this one year type has experienced some serious improvement.

Time and grade will have noted effect on any coins value and of course the market will always finds it's own way. The SCWC series is exceptionally useful, no doubt, but you may find that an electronic online base of knowledge, as offered by NumisMaster, is better suited to remaining current.

Friday, May 29, 2009 3:26:26 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Hertiage Sale Offers Rare Guatemala

Sometimes it's the humble looking, low grade 2 Reales that most catches my eye. Especially when it is a 1765G-P 2 Reales of Guatemala. 1760G-P, 1765G-P and 1766G-P are all exceptionally rare dates for this type of 2 Reales. When you locate an example, you should buy it, regardless of condition, as you may not see another one during your years as a collector. This well worn VG piece fron the Long Beach Heritage World Coin Auction is fairly pleasing, displays a full date, mint mark and assayer initial making it a real treasure for the specialist. In addition, as is true with many of the rare Spanish Colonial minor coins, the price won't brake your bank. It will cross the block on Friday afternoon as lot 21308. Don't miss your chance.

If your your tastes run towards the higher priced rarities, this auction can offer you a few other Guatemalan prizes, such as the exceptionally high grade 1768G-P 8 Reales, lot 21317. This Pillar Dollar is NGC graded at MS64, which is much better than most any example I have seen. The most you can normally hope for in this type is an attractive XF.

But if you are looking for the knock out Guatemala coin, check out lot 21307, a beautiful 1754G-J 8 Escudos of Ferdinand VI. The Heritage catalog describes this coin as KM#7 listed as Rare, but it is actually a KM#19 with an SCWC value of $25,000 in XF. This piece is one of the nicest looking coins of this type you will find and is NGC graded XF-45. I'll be watching to see what this lot brings at auction and adjusting the values accordingly after this sale.

Thursday, May 28, 2009 10:56:12 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Heritage Sells Aluminum 1942 Lincoln Cent Pattern

A nice run of 45 choice United States patterns goes on sale through Heritage Auction at the Long Beach Expo on Firday night. This group includes some very rare patterns, 3 and 4 four know examples of some types, and many are the finest know pieces.

Included in this group is the Judd-2079 plain edge 1942 Lincoln cent struck on a nearly double thick aluminum planchet. According to the new 10th edition United States Pattern Coins book, commonly known as the Judd book, this pattern was said to have been struck in several different metals, only three of which are know to exist today; aluminum, zinc-coated steel and white metal. This particular piece has been graded PR66 by PCGS and is listed in the 10th edition Judd as R-8, indicating 2 to 3 known examples.

This is a rare opportunity for collectors of U.S. patterns and one that should not be missed. The Hertiage website shows 12 internet bidders already participation in this lot's sale, plus an additional 55 watchers. Current bid is at $85,000 as of this posting, but once it gets to live auction tomorrow night in Long Beach, I would expect some serious competition to ensue.

Thursday, May 28, 2009 6:32:46 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Heritage Offers Colombian 1770 NR VJ Pillar Dollar

  This may be the first time many of you are seeing this coin. Tonight will be the first time this coin will be offered for public auction. Rare and extremely desireable, the Pillar Dollars of Colombia are seldom seen on the open market and most often trade hands privately. Lot 20694 in tonights Heritage World Coin Auction at the Long Beach Expo presents a great opportunity for the advanced colletor of world crowns and talers or Colombian coinage.

Today I added this date into NumisMaster under Colombia KM#39 8 Reales and tomorrow, I hope to add an auction quote as a footnote to record it's closing price realized.

The full story of this new date for the KM#39 type Pillar Dollar can be found in detail at the Heritage website as part of the lot listing. In brief, fourteen examples were discovered in the foundation of the Nuestra Senora del Pilar church in Bogota about three years ago, with most being privately sold to Museums and private family collections in Colombia and Spain, making this the first publicly recorded sale. Because this date was not recorded prior to this discovery, it seems likely that these coins were specifically struck for the Church dedication.

Thursday, May 28, 2009 3:57:36 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Heritage Sale - Russia Highlights

The third session of the Long Beach Expo Heritage World Coin Auction setto close Friday night will feature a long run of Russian coins and medals. There are nearly 250 lots of Russian material set to be sold with several rarities and sacrce dates and types. Some of the Elizabeth coins are pretty high grades for these types.

Though many have been predicting a drop in values for Russian coins this year, that has yet to happen. I would say that prices have solidified some, with demand a bit slacker than it was over the last few years, but no drops yet and certainly no bottoms dropping out of this active segment of the world coin market.

Some of the best items up for sale include: a pair of Alexander I Roubles 1804 an 1809 is MS61 and choice AU respectively, a Peter I Sun Rouble, a scarce overdated 1840 Rouble of Nicholas I with 4/3 and a really lovely cameo gem Pr-65 Novodel 1 1/2 Family Rouble of 1836. There's plenty of gold, silver, some copper and platinum coins, with lots of proof strikes and high enough grades to create interest.

From my perspective the most interesting Russian lot in the sale, however, is a Soviet Chervonetz dated 1923 and struck to proof standards. This R.S.F.S.R. gold Chervonetz grades Proof 63. Proof issues of this first date of the type are very rare and much sought after, so this coin should be surrounded by a good bit of bidding activity.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 8:30:38 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Meiji Gold at Long Beach Hertiage Auction

Simply said, the Friday session of this weeks Heritage World Coin Auction at the Long Beach Expo will offer nearly 300 pieces of Meiji era Japanese gold coins. These are quality Japanese trade coins spanning a good amount of time from about 1871 to 1912 or so. Most all dates of the Yen, 5 Yen and 10 Yen types are represented, with multiple examples of most.

While these coins are considered to be fairly common gold type issues, with interest in holding physical gold so high at the moment, this is a fine opportunity to grab some nice historical gold coins, with a collectible buffer for any possible downside risk. Check them out at the Heritage website under lot 21623 through lot 21911. Note that while the Heritage auction catalogs do not show images of all lots, their excellent website ususally does!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 5:51:43 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Patterns, Essais and Scarce Honduras Types

There are just 19 lots of Honduars material in the Heritage Wold Coin Auction set for tomorrow at the Long Beach Coin, Stamp & Collectibles Expo, but most of them are precious patterns, essais and very scarce type coins. To my thinking this makes them well worth noting here for collectors of Central American coinage.

For those interested only in circulating types, this group presents three examples of the scarce one year type KM#44 50 Centavos of 1879. Each of these grades VF and each offers different areas of wear and eye appeal. Estimates are quite reasonable at just $500-$600 and lower starting bids may afford some good opportunites for a coupe lucky bidders.

Several of the patterns and essais will provide new value levels for the upcoming 19th Century edition of the Standard Catalog of World Coins, updates since the last edition of which can be found on NumisMaster, our live website.

Of special interest in this Heritage offer are two patterns which were in need of confirmation. Lots 21362 and 21363 are both coins that had come into question back in 2001 when we produced the 3rd edition of the 19th Century SCWC. At the time a contributor expressed concern over the true nature of these coins. It was thought that perhaps the 1871 5 and 10 Pesos patterns were simply off metal strikes of the 5 and 10 Centavos 1871 circulation issues. A note was added to these listings in that book and they were changed to R, NC or reported, not confirmed in hopes of gaining a confirmation from a catalog user, researcher, contributor or any numismatist. By the time the fifth edition of the 19th Century book was completed, one of the catalog editors decided it was time to remove all R, NC listings. The reasoning being that if no one had come forward by then, the coins may not exist. Of course, time is a nebulous thing to numismatics and not everyone participates so well in their hobbies accumulation of knowledge.

So here we are, looking at two auction lots which confirm these patterns. As illustrated in the Heritage catalog and now here, they are clearly denominated as 5 Ps and 10 Ps. Both will find new collections to call home and I will reinstate their pattern status and listings in NumisMaster and for the 6th edition of the 19th Century SCWC, along wiht assigning new values based on this sale.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 4:10:30 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Heritage Long Beach - German Colonial Coins

Tomorrow the Long Beach Heritage World Coin Auction will begin crossing the block. This sale offeres the anticipated wide array of world coins, with several runs and individual coins of special note. This posting will cover soem of the significant runs of specific countries.

First up are 32 lots of high quality German East Africa pieces. I think just about all denominations are represented, with a large selection of the silver coins, a few coppers and a good number of the gold 15 Rupien Elephant coins, which always remain so very popular. Some stellar proof issues will be found by the careful bidder, including a few which were formerly unlisted in the Standard Catalog of World Coins. Many exhibit mottled toning, as illustrated above and several are white, so everyone should be able to find an appealing piece to add to thier collection. 

Directly following these will be a nice selection of 23 German New Guinea coins featuring highly sought after Bird of Paradise design. Again most all denominations from this tight numismatic area are represented, making this a good opportunity for near instant completion of a small country collection. Some folks like to attack these limited countries with real zeal. With a small number of types and dates, an aggressive specialist can really build a collection quickly and then sit back and enjoy, or work on upgrading. Looking closely at this group you will find that upgrading may never be necessary, as most all are attractive high grade examples, like the Pr-63 5 Mark illustrated here.

Wednesday, May 27, 2009 3:44:27 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Past Meets Present in Upcoming Ancient Coin Auctions

Over the next few weeks there are several Ancient coin auctions crossing the block and each will offer great selections. In this and subsequent postings I'll give you a quick overview of what's coming your way in Ancient coins during May and June 2009.

First up is the Numismatik Lanz Munich Auction 146 set to close on May 25th. The first half of this sale, nearly 700 lots, is all ancinet coins. They come from a variety of areas and cultures and span a broad value range, allowing for most any collector to find something of interest. Of special interest should be the long run of about 16 gold Hekte's from Mytilene, the capital city on the Greek Island of Lesbos. This is a big group of these little 2.5g nuggets and more than I have normally seen in any other sale of late. It presents itself as a fine study group and a good opportunity for anyone considering building a Lesbos collection.

In the Roman section of the Numismatik Lanz Munich sale you will find a good number of hidden rarities, such as this outstanding Domitilla Denar, mixed in with a a large selection of high grade and reasonably estimated material. There is a nice run of Denar of Caracalla all in XF condition with estimates arround 200 Euro. The same can be said for the selection of Severus Alexander, and several others, so opportunity awaits the careful buyer.

For those interested in later date material there are several pages of Byzantine coins, including nearly 20 gold pieces. The second half of the sale features an equally large number of German States minors, so I will pass my copy of this catalog along to friend and fellow numismatist, Doug Nicol, to help with his current work on a third edition of the Standard Catalog of German Coins.

Friday, May 22, 2009 9:18:52 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Friday Fix

London pm fixes for 5-22-09

Gold $959.75

Silver $14.66

Platinum $1149.00

Palladium $234.00

Friday, May 22, 2009 3:48:14 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Pobjoy Mint issues First Coin for British Indian Ocean Territories

The British Indian Ocean Territories is a selection of Islands located halfway between India and Indonesia in the Chagos Archipelago. They were administered by Mauritius until 1965 and in 1976 some of the Islands were granted to Seychelles when it attained independence. The remaining six groups of Islands has held it's status as a British Overseas Territory through to today.

In earlier days a number of the BIOT Islands were inhabited, but UK policy forced relocation of most people to Mauritius or Seychelles over the years. Chagossians have fought against this forced relocation and have won some compensation, but in the end the UK court system has upheld their own immigration policies, leaving mose of the islands uninhabitied, with the exception of Diego Garcia, which houses a very strategic joint UK-US naval support base. It's a messy situation between the US, UK and the Chagossians, who want to return to thier Islands.

Two coins are being struck for the British Indian Ocean Territories by the Pobjoy Mint. Both host the same design which features QE II on the obverse and BIOT Arms supported indigenous sea turtles on the reverse. The legend on the reverse indicates that this is indeed the first commemorative issue from this territory. The copper nickel versious is priced at 8.65 Pounds and the silver proof strike is available from Pobjoy for 39.09 Pounds. Check this link to the Pobjoy website for ordering information.

While I really do enjoy adding new countries into the Standard Catalog of World Coins 2001-Date edition, I have mixed feelings about this issue. On the up side, it's great for collectors to have commemorative coins finally issued for the BIOT, on the down side it's a shame that native Chagossians are no longer able to enjoy their homelands.

Friday, May 22, 2009 3:11:34 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [1]

More Iranian Gold Medals at Heritage

In looking through my pile of upcoming auction catalogs, I noticed that the Heritage World Coin Auction scheduled for May 28-29 at Long Beach is also offering a wide selection of Iranian gold coins, plus several gold medals.

Included is a nice 1960 issue which features conjoined busts of Mohamed Reza and Farah. This piece is struck to the weight of a 5 Pahlavi and is considered rare struck in gold. The pre-auction estimate range for this piece is $1,250 to $1,750.

Also present in this sale are several gold medals from 1976 including issues from Bank Melli and the 50th Anniversary of Pahlavi rule in Iran. The one illustrated below displays conjoined busts of Mohamed Reza and his father Reza Shah, along with the Bank Melli building on the reverse. Pre-auction estimate on this piece falls in a range from $1,000 to $1,500.

Thursday, May 21, 2009 11:31:35 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Gold Medals of Iran at St. James Auction 11

St. James Auction 11, which closed earlier this month, offered a group of about 30 lots of Iranian gold medals. Most oft hese are pretty tough to find and some are quite scarce if not rare. The Mother Day gold medal shown above here was one of the top lots, realizing 5,000 British Pounds. This piece features a left facing bust of Empress Farah Diba on the obverse and a seated Empress, with mother and children on the reverse. This medal was issued by the University's Credit Foundation in 1975.

Another highlight of this grouping of Iranian gold featured this stellar 1971 issue commemorating the 2500th Anniversary of the Founding of the Persia Empire. This piece realized 3,700 British Pounds. The obverse hosts conjoined busts of King Cyrus and the Shah of Iran. The reverse displays an ancient cylinder tablet with Imperial Arms above. This tablet is known as the first written description of human rights. The original can be found in the British Museum.

While Iranian gold medals can be difficult to locate, gold coins of Iran are often available. Check out the recently issued Spring/Summer 2009 price list from Steinberg's, Inc. or visit their website at www.steinbergs.com for a good offering of reasonably prices Iranian gold coins. Steinberg's specialize in modern gold coins and always have a nice selection of gold coins of the entire world. Steinberg's website is a great place to explore and expand the collection for both the beginning and experienced gold coin specialist.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009 9:12:28 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Friday Fix

London pm fixes for 5-15-09

Gold $929.50

Silver $13.92

Platinum $1109.00

Palladium $224.50

Friday, May 15, 2009 3:24:21 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Caballero de las Yndias

June 3, 2009 – Part II – Europa

The second installment of the massive Caballero de las Yndias collection of Spanish related gold coinage is set to be sold by the auction firm of Aureo & Calico on June 3, 2009 at the Hotel Arts in Barcelona. This section of the collection offers a wide selection of European gold from the Holy Roman Empire, Italian States, Netherlands, Portugal and early Spain. In addition there are important offerings of coins from Besancon, the Papal States and England. The Besancon is the largest grouping of these gold types I have seen at auction in a long time, if ever.

The Italian section includes gold strikes from Sardinia, Milan, Naples, Parma, Piacenza and Gustalla, Sicily and Tuscany. One of two known 1579 Milan Triple Doppias will be offered in this sale. The debate over this high lovely high grade coin continues as to its status as a Triple Doppia strike, or a pattern gold strike from the ½ Ducaton dies. Regardless, this is a rare opportunity for the coin to remain in private hands.

Some of the standout lots for the Spanish section of this sale include a number of extremely rare and high grade Segovia Mint coins including: a very rare Segovia Mint 8 Escudos dated 1637/6 and a startlingly beautiful 1611 Segovia 4 Escudos. If you are looking for a nice Double Excelente, this sale offers a long run of them, with many mints represented. There is a rare Zaragoza Double Ducato and a medieval Ducado of Navarra, plus some early Valencia pieces, including a rare ½ Ducado of Ferran II.

The Portuguese gold includes a nice run of 4 Cruzados, plus two extremely rare Double Cruzados of Felipe II and Felipe III which will bring big prices. But some of the best selection of both moderate price and high end gold comes in the large section of this sale devoted to areas of the Spanish Netherlands. Here you will find coins from Artois, Brabant, Flanders, Holland, Zeeland and Overijssel, Utrecht and Tournai. Many of the gold coins from this section of the Caballero de las Yndias Europa sale are not often seen offered for sale and most of these coins have good eye appeal and are high grades for the type. Given this, there are solid opportunities for the serious numismatist to advance, upgrade and expand their collection.

How often do you think you will have the chance to buy both the 1697 Antwerp 4 Souverain D’Or and the1698 Antwerp 8 Souverain D’Or in the same sale? After all the 4 Souverain D’Or is extremely rare and it is believed that only 23 of the 8 Souverain D’Or’s were ever struck!

Thursday, May 14, 2009 2:40:59 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]

Friday Fix

London pm fixes for 5-8-09

Gold $970.00

Silver $13.90

Platinum $1149.00

Palladium $242.00

Friday, May 08, 2009 7:29:55 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)    Comments [0]