In this section, we present auctions that have set several price records at once. Let’s start off with the auction of the Paramount Collection by Heritage Auctions. The large gold coins made for lots of new records. The auction was held from 25 to 27 March 2021 in Dallas. The 701 lots consisted almost exclusively of large gold coins, international and ancient – the US coins had already been auctioned before.
“The March 25-27 event will go down in numismatic history as the most valuable World & Ancient coins auctions held anywhere in the world”, said Cristiano Bierrenbach, Executive Vice President of International Numismatics.
The lots fetched a total of 41,941,592 US dollars and set a series of new price records, which you can read about below. The prices include the sales fee.
01Lot 31052: British Overseas Territories. Falkland Islands. Elizabeth II. Gold Proof 50 Pence 1983, “150th Anniversary of British Rule”. PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC. Most expensive coin of the Falkland Islands: 21,600 dollars. Previously held by Heritage for a 1979 conservation series seal 150 pounds, sold for 7,637.50 dollars in 2012.
02Lot 30077: Albania. Zog I. 100 Frange Ani 1938, struck to commemorate the wedding of the king. Rome Mint. MS63+ NGC. Most expensive coin of Albania: 31,200 dollars, previously held by a separate 100 Franga Ari five lots prior, sold for 26,400 dollars.
03Lot 30408: Madagascar. Ranavalona III. Gold Proof Pattern 5 Francs 1895. PR62 Cameo NGC “Possibly Unique”. Most expensive coin of Madagascar: 102,000 dollars, previously held by a 5 francs in platinum, sold by Auction World for 60,818 dollars in 2019.
04Lot 30439: Romania. Carol II. Gold “Angel over Arms” 100 Lei, 1939. Bucharest mint. MS62 NGC. Most expensive coin of Romania: 156,000 dollars. Previously held by another “Angel over Arms” 100 lei, sold by Baldwin’s for 142,518 dollars in 2014.
05Lot 30066: Roman Empire. Magnentius. Gold medallion of 3 solidi. Aquileia, ca. AD 351. NGC MS★ 5/5 – 3/5. Most expensive coin of Magnentius: 336,000 dollars. Previously held by a 2 solidi sold by Dr. Busso Peus Nachfolger for 328,219 dollars in 2016.
06Lot 30130: Bohemia. Matthias II. “Three Emperors” 5 Ducat, ND. Prague Mint. MS63 NGC. Most expensive Bohemian coin: 408,000 dollars. Previously held by a Ferdinand III coronation 50 ducat, sold by CNG for 295,000 dollars in 2016.
07Lot 30081: Australia. Queen Victoria. Gold Proof 5 Pounds, 1887. Sydney mint. PR64 Cameo NGC. “was postulated to be one of only two held in private hands.” Most expensive Australian coin issued under Victoria: 660,000 dollars. Previously held by an 1855 Sydney sovereign, sold by Kunker for 196,575 dollars in 2019.
08Lot 30294: Great Britain. King Charles II. Crown 1662. Proof Pattern by Jan Roettiers. NGC PR63 Cameo. Most expensive coin of Charles II: 780,000 dollars. Previously held by a petition crown, sold by Sovereign Rarities for $660,000 in 2019.
09Lot 30339: Great Britain. King Edard VIII. Sovereign, 1936 (1937 on the coin). Pattern that was never put into circulation. NGC PR67 Ultra Cameo. Most expensive British coin: 2,280,000 dollars.
On the Heritage website you can find all resources of the Paramount Collection sale.
