Estimate: 50.000 EURBaltic States.
Livonian Order. Gotthard Kettler, 1559-1561.
2 1/2 Ducats n. d., mint probably Riga.
Extremely rare.
Almost extremely fine.
2
Estimate: 15.000 EUREngland.
Elizabeth I, 1558-1603.
Sovereign n. d., (1584-1586), London.
Very rare. Slightly bent, almost extremely fine.
117
Estimate: 4.000 EUREgypt.
Mustafa III, 1757-1774.
2 Zeri Mahbub 1757/1758 (= 1171 AH), Misr (Kairo)
Ziynet pattern. Very rare.
Holed, almost extremely fine.
368
Estimate: 6.000 EURColumbia.
Carlos III, 1759-1788.
8 Escudos 1764, NR-JV,
Santa Fe de Nuevo Reino (Bogota).
NGC AU58. Rare. Extremely fine.
409
Estimate: 50.000 EURGerman States. City of Hamburg.
Bankportugalöser in the weight of 10 Ducats 1689,
by J. Reteke, on the major European banking cities
of Amsterdam, Hamburg, Nuremberg, and Venice.
NGC MS63 PL. Very rare.
Extremely fine-uncirculated.
643
Estimate: 7.500 EURAustralia. George V, 1910-1936.
Penny 1919.
Copper-nickel pattern of the “Kookaburra Penny”
by C. D. Richardson for Stokes & Sons.
Extremely rare. PCGS SP 61.
Tiny edge faults, extremely fine.
1224
Estimate: 10.000 EURKompanie van Verre, 1594-1602.
Vereenigde Amsterdamsche Compagnie.
1/2 Daalder in the weight of 4 Reales 1601, Dordrecht.
Extremely rare.
Fine patina, very fine-extremely fine.
2501
Estimate: 30.000 EURKingdom of the Netherlands.
5 Gulden type 1846.
Highest rarity (RRRR).
PMG Choice Very Fine 35.
3054
Estimate: 30.000 EURKingdom of the Netherlands.
1000 Gulden type 1860.
Highest rarity (RRRR).
PMG Extremely Fine 40.
Pinholes. Pressed.
3312
Estimate: 15.000 EURArchbishopric of Salzburg.
Leonhard von Keutschach, 1495-1519.
3 Ducats 1513.
Extremely rare.
Attractive piece with nice golden toning,
min. bent, extremely fine.
4001
Archive: People and Markets

The Secret of the Success of State Quarters, UNESCO Coins and Federal State Series

Almost exactly a quarter of a century ago, in the spring of 1999, the USA experienced a downright numismatic revolution. The State Quarters Program issued by the United States Mint presented all 50 federal states. Every coin had an individual design representing a specific state. This creative approach attracted millions of people and caused numerous citizens to catch the numismatic bug. All of a sudden, collecting coins was no longer a hobby exclusive to numismatists, but a passion of the general public. Families, school children and collectors were busy looking for the latest issues to complete their collections.

Content

The courtyard of the Alcazár of Seville was immortalised on a 2024 2-euro coin from Spain. Photo: Real Casa de la Moneda (coin), javarman3 / Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro

The courtyard of the Alcazár of Seville was immortalised on a 2024 2-euro coin from Spain. Photo: Real Casa de la Moneda (coin), javarman3 / Getty Images Pro via Canva Pro

Inspired by this enormous success, the Federal Republic of Germany launched its Federal State Series in 2006. This series showcased major landmarks and cultural symbols of Germany’s 16 states on 2-euro coins. The first coin, depicting the Holstentor in Lübeck in Schleswig Holstein, was the beginning of a success story, which was even continued after the first series was complete. Every year, a new coin was issued – thus creating a constant state of excitement and interest in the collecting community. The coins were not only understood as a means of payment, but also seen as cultural representatives that reflect the variety and history of Germany – far beyond the country’s own borders.

A story of success: UNESCO World Heritage Site coins from Spain. This is the first year (2010) in honour of the city of Córdoba, and the year 2014 with Park Güell. Photos: Wieschowski

A story of success: UNESCO World Heritage Site coins from Spain. This is the first year (2010) in honour of the city of Córdoba, and the year 2014 with Park Güell. Photos: Wieschowski

Spain Round Trip on Coins

Spain also followed this trend and started its UNESCO World Heritage Site series in 2010. This series honours Spanish cities that are recognised by the UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. The first coin in this series celebrated the historical centre of Córdoba, which is well known for its impressive Mosque-Cathedral. In 2014, Park Güell in Barcelona with its unique architecture by Antoni Gaudí was immortalised on a coin. The 2018 issue was dedicated to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the famous Camino de Santiago – this coin is one of the contemporary rarities that can actually be found in circulation. Depending on its condition, its market value is about 20-40 euros. One of the latest issues from 2023 depicts the old town of Cáceres, which is known for its well-preserved mediaeval architecture. A total of 15 motifs have been released up to 2024 – and it is quite obvious that the Spanish Mint is not thinking about putting an end to this success.

A modern rarity: the 2018 issue of Spain’s UNESCO series is sold for 20-40 euros and, if you are lucky, can be found in circulation. In 2023, the old town of Cáceres was depicted on the coins. Photos: Wieschowski

A modern rarity: the 2018 issue of Spain’s UNESCO series is sold for 20-40 euros and, if you are lucky, can be found in circulation. In 2023, the old town of Cáceres was depicted on the coins. Photos: Wieschowski

Several Success Factors

The success of such coin programs can be traced back to several factors. For one there is the aspect of a continuing series. Collecting these coins becomes an ongoing project, with every new coin being perceived as a small reward. Collectors and interested parties are eagerly awaiting the next issue, which causes demand to remain at a high level. Secondly, there is the regional theme: coins with regional motifs are considered particularly attractive, as they promote the pride in and the identification with one’s region or a popular travel destination.

Deep Meaning Thanks to Regionalism

This connection to a specific region lends a deeper meaning to the coins. They are not mere blanks of metal, but small works of art, which tells stories and represent culture. People feel attracted to these coins because they create a connection to their own identity or to their travels. In this way, coins become tangible memories and symbols of cultural heritage.

Another reason for the popularity of these coins is that they are very accessible. While traditional  collectables are often expensive and hard to find, 2-euro coins with commemorative motifs can easily turn up in your daily life. Therefore, they make it easy to start or expand your own collection without having to overcome financial obstacles.

Aesthetics and Education: Two Additional Delights for Coin Collectors

The combination of attractive aesthetics and an educational value is another important aspect. Every coin tells a story and promotes interest in history and culture. Collectors learn more about the various regions, their history and importance while expanding the collection. This makes collecting a valuable experience that goes beyond the materialistic aspect.

It is therefore hardly surprising that another country will jump on the bandwagon in of July 2024: Croatia will also start a new series, depicting Croatian cities. This series will present further regional motifs in the upcoming years, and is likely to be just as successful as its predecessors from the USA, Germany and Spain. The first issue will depict the old town of Varaždin. The next cities have not been announced yet, but fans of Croatia will immediately think of places such as Dubrovnik, Split and Rovinj.

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17Gaetani, P.A. Museum Mazzuchellianum.
2 Bände.
Full vellum.
Estimate: 2.400 EUR

74Alfen, P. van / Wartenberg, U. / u.v.W. White
Gold Studies in Early Electrum Coinage.
Estimate: 120 EUR

130Calciati, R. Pegasi.
Complete Set aus 2 Bänden.
Estimate: 400 EUR

260Kellner, H.-J.
Die Münzfunde von Manching.
Estimate: 250 EUR

480Visconti, E.Q.
Iconographie ancienne ou
Recueil des portraits authentiques.
3 Bände, complete.
Estimate: 750 EUR

668Friederich, K.
Die Münzen und Medaillen des Hauses Stolberg.
Half leather.
Estimate: 750 EUR

665Friedensburg, F. Schlesiens Münzgeschichte im Mittelalter.
2 Teile und Ergänzungsband.
Half leather.
Estimate: 550 EUR

839Nocq, H. Les Duvivier.
Jean Duvivier, 1687 - 1761
Benjamin Duvier, 1730 - 1819.
Half leather.
Estimate: 400 EUR

1155Hess, A., Frankfurt a.M. Auktion 6
vom 22.09.1880.
Collectio Montenuovo.
Die Siebenbürgischen Münzen und Medaillen des
Fürstlich Montenuovo’schen Münzcabinets. Cloth.
Estimate: 300 EUR

1104Sammelband Christie, Manson & Woods, London.
10 catalogues.
Mostly with a list of results and a list of buyers.
Cloth.
Estimate: 1.000 EUR