NGC-certified Italian Coin Realizes More than $300,000 at Auction

Ancient and vintage European coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) excelled at an auction presented by Editions V. Gadoury in Monaco, held November 15 and 16, 2019. The sale included more than 400 numismatic rarities from the House of Savoy, which was the ruling dynasty of Italy from 1861 to 1946.

The highest-realizing coin from the Savoy collection, and in the entire sale, was an Italy 1684 20 Scudi d’Oro graded NGC AU Details that achieved €290,000 (about $321,000 USD). This impressive gold coin, featuring Victor Amadeus II (who was Duke of Savoy at the time), was likely meant to be a diplomatic gift. Indeed, the late 17th century was a dynamic period for Victor Amadeus II, as he ousted his mother from power, married (in the same year this coin was struck) and rotated alliances among France, England, the Dutch Republic and Venice.

Italy 1684 20 Scudi d'Oro graded NGC AU Details that realized €290,000 (about $321,000 USD) Click images to enlarge.

Another Savoy collection coin that achieved six figures was an Italy 1641 10 Scudi d’Oro graded NGC MS 61 that realized €135,000 (about $149,000 USD). This coin features Victor Amadeus I, who died in 1637, and his young son, Prince Charles Emmanuel (Victor Amadeus II’s father), who became Duke of Savoy upon his father’s death.

Italy 1641 10 Scudi d'Oro graded NGC MS 61 that realized €135,000 (about $149,000 USD). Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified coins from the Savoy collection that realized significant prices included:

• An Italy 1831 80 Lire graded NGC AU 55 that realized €82,500 (about $91,000 USD).
• An Italy Undated (1637-38) 8 Scudi d’Oro graded NGC MS 62 that realized €80,000 (about $88,600 USD).
• An Italy 1757 5 Doppie graded NGC MS 61 that realized €61,000 (about $67,600 USD).
• An Italy 1901 5 Lire graded NGC MS 63+ that realized €60,000 (about $66,000 USD).

Outside the Savoy collection, NGC-certified highlights included:

• A Canada 1670 15 Solis graded NGC XF 45 that realized €165,000 (about $183,000 USD).
• An Italy 1913 5 Lire Proof graded NGC MS 60 Matte that realized €53,000 (about $58,700 USD).
• An Italy 5 Doppie graded NGC MS 63+ that realized €52,000 (about $57,600 USD).
• An England 1687 5 Guineas graded NGC MS 61 that realized €50,000 (about $55,400 USD).

All prices realized include buyer’s premium.