NGC-certified British Coin Realizes Almost $600,000 — More than Triple Its Pre-auction Estimate

An extremely rare British coin led the way in an auction that featured over 200 vintage rarities certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®) including 11 that realized prices over $100,000. Künker Münzauktionen und Goldhandel's Auction 400 was held February 1, 2024.

The top lot was one of the most desirable coins in British numismatics: a 1820 Gold Pattern 5 Sovereign. Graded NGC PF 64★ Cameo (lot 497), this example realized € 552,000 (about $597,000), more than triple its pre-auction estimate of € 150,000. The obverse shows King George III, who reigned from 1760 to 1820, while the reverse shows Benedetto Pistrucci's masterful Saint George and the Dragon, which is still in use today. This extremely rare coin is of the W&R-178 variety, which has a plain edge.

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Another highlight in the auction was an Italy (circa 1780) Milan Gold Medal in the weight of 10 Ducats graded NGC XF 45 and pedigreed to the Paramount Collection (lot 378). This possibly unique medal realized € 156,000 (about $169,000). It shows Holy Roman Emperor Joseph II, who was enthroned from 1765 to 1790, and his mother, Empress Maria Theresa, with whom he shared power until 1780.

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Other NGC-certified coins in the auction included:

• an Austria 1754 Vienna 10 Ducats - Maria Theresa graded NGC AU 55 and pedigreed to the Koehlmoos Collection (lot 373), which realized € 156,000 (about $169,000)
• a Russia 1836 10 Roubles Medallic Issue - Coronation Anniversary graded NGC PF 62 Cameo (lot 633), which realized € 156,000 (about $169,000)
• an Austria 1660 CA Vienna 10 Ducats graded NGC MS 61 (lot 344), which realized € 144,000 (about $156,000)
• a Great Britain 1732 Gold Royal Family Medal graded NGC UNC Details (lot 496), which realized € 132,000 (about $143,000)
• a Poland 1596-dated Herman Rudiger Gold Medal graded NGC AU 58 (lot 584), which realized € 120,000 (about $130,000)
• a Hungary 1695KV Transylvania 10 Ducats graded NGC AU 58 (lot 360), which realized € 120,000 (about $130,000)
• a Hungary 1607 Transylvania 10 Ducats graded NGC AU 55+ (lot 705), which realized € 114,000 (about $123,000)
• an Italy 1810 Naples and Sicily 40 Franchi graded NGC AU 55 (lot 529), which realized € 114,000 (about $123,000)
• a Belgium 1853 Gold 100 Francs - Royal Wedding, Hyphen Between Dates graded NGC PF 65+ Cameo (lot 443), which realized € 96,000 (about $104,000)
• an England 1701 Plain Sceptres 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 61 (lot 494), which realized € 84,000 (about $91,000)
• an Austria 1690/89 IAN Graz 5 Ducats graded NGC MS 62 (lot 357), which realized € 78,000 (about $84,000)

Prices realized include a 20% buyer's premium. The $ symbol represents US Dollars.