First Medieval & Modern Coins Auction of Leu

Leu Numismatik presents its Auction 18 – their inaugural floor sale devoted exclusively to the coins and medals of the Middle Ages and the modern era. This event represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the firm and a further step in the ongoing expansion of their numismatic program. The commitment to excellence remains unchanged: the same rigorous standards of quality that have long defined our auctions of ancient coins apply equally here.

The scholarly curation of this sale and the compilation of the present catalogue were entrusted to Til Horna, who, since October 2024, has not only overseen the extensive web auctions with great dedication but also assumed the leadership of the newly established department for medieval and modern numismatics.

Lot 1286: United States. 1776-pres. Dollar 1799 (Silver, 39 mm, 27.00 g, 6 h), Draped Bust type, heraldic eagle variety with 7/6 stars (obverse), 13 stars (reverse), berries, and regular date. By R. Scot, Philadelphia. Estimate: 15,000 CHF

With these newly established biannual floor sales, Leu aims to showcase the rich diversity and cultural depth of numismatics beyond antiquity. As always, the focus lies on quality, rarity, historical resonance, and provenance. What truly distinguishes Leu is not only the beauty of the objects, but the way in which they present them: with detailed descriptions, faithfully rendered legends and iconography, insightful historical commentary, meticulous provenance research, and high-resolution photography – including the internationally acclaimed still-life photographs, which highlight particularly special pieces in a striking visual context.

Lot 1257: Switzerland. Neuenburg/Neuchâtel. Henri II d’Orléans-Longueville, 1595-1663. Medal of 20 Ducats, on his marriage with Anne-Geneviève de Bourbon-Condé. By J. Warin. No date (1642). Estimate: 25.000 CHF.

Among the many highlights of this auction are several rare and superbly preserved series from Switzerland, Germany (with a focus on Saxony), France and Flanders, as well as Italy and the United States.

The cover piece is an exceptional rarity: a 20-ducat Swiss medal by Jean Warin from Neuchâtel, struck to commemorate the marriage of Henri II d’Orléans-Longueville and Anne-Geneviève de Bourbon-Condé (lot 1257). Known in only two gold specimens, it is a work of the utmost importance and a true masterpiece of numismatic art.

Lot 1015: Islamic, Umayyad Caliphate. ‘Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, AH 65-86 / AD 685-705. Drachm, Arab-Sasanian ‘Miḥrāb and ʿAnāza’ type, without mint, possibly struck in Dimashq, around AH 75 = AD 694/5. Estimate: 25.000 CHF.

Equally remarkable is an Arab-Sasanian drachm of Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan (lot 1015) – a key issue in early Islamic coinage, rich in both iconographic and historical significance. And last but not least, Leu would like to draw your attention to a unique and previously unpublished Medio Maravedi of Sancho IV el Bravo, struck in Seville (lot 1216). Unknown until now, this coin represents a major discovery in the context of Spain’s medieval monetary history, and its numismatic and art-historical relevance cannot be overstated.

Lot 1216: Spain, Castile & León. Sancho IV el Bravo (the Brave), 1284-1295. Medio Maravedi, Sevilla (Seville), 1284-1295. Estimate: 25.000 CHF

These examples illustrate the extraordinary breadth and depth of medieval and modern numismatics – and the compelling narratives that lie behind so many of these coins.