Künker Auctions 100 Pieces from the Ronus Collection to Benefit the ANS

The American Numismatic Society: by Collectors for Collectors and Scholars

The story of the ANS began on 15 March 1858, when a group of coin collectors, at the invitation of 16-year-old Augustus B. Sage, decided to hold regular meetings over numismatics. To this end, they founded the American Numismatic Society. What began as a small group of coin collectors is now one of the most important numismatic institutions in the world.

The ANS has a world-class collection of more than 700,000 numismatic objects and one of the world’s most extensive numismatic research libraries comprising more than 100,000 volumes. But the ANS is much more than its holdings: its embrace of modern technology has placed it at the forefront of numismatic digitalization and international networking. A number of special data basis, compiled by numismatists from all over the world at the initiative of the ANS, are now available to all users through the ANS website.

More than twenty employees, including world-renowned numismatists, are at the heart of the ANS. Their salaries, as well as the collection and its infrastructure, are funded entirely by members and sponsors. The ANS receives little to no government funding. Thus, the ANS owes its $5m annual budget entirely to the generosity of its members and sponsors. Without the support of collectors, coin dealers and coin enthusiasts, the ANS would not be able to continue its research and educate the broad public about the importance of numismatics.

Lot 6607: Great Britain. William IV. Crown 1831, London. Only 100 specimens minted. Proof, minimally worn. Estimate: 10,000 euros.

Patronage and Numismatics

The ANS is perhaps the largest numismatic organization funded entirely by private patrons. But it is not the only example of the important role that patronage has traditionally played in numismatics. Particularly noteworthy is the range of social backgrounds of these patrons. In contrast to the fine arts, the collector base of the numismatic world is much wider and the interaction between museum curators, collectors and dealers are more intense. Scholars, curators, collectors and dealers meet worldwide in countless small and local clubs, associations and societies to discuss their numismatic passion. In Germany alone, the umbrella organization of numismatic clubs counts more than 70 institutional members.

Lot 6730: Russia. Ivan III. Rouble 1741, St. Petersburg. Very rare. Extremely fine. Estimate: 7,500 euros

This close cooperation comes with the advantage that private individuals are well informed about the financial constraints of numismatic institutions. They support “their” institution to the extent of their means and possibilities. This can range from small items of infrastructure such as a second-hand coin box, to grants for printing important numismatic works, or the financing of major acquisitions. Each and every patron is important, regardless of whether their means allow them to contribute a small or a large sum.

Lot 7447: Prussia. Frederick II. Speciestaler 1741, Berlin. Very rare. Splendid patina. Extremely fine. Estimate: 7,500 euros.

The Ronus Collection as the Most Recent Example

The Ronus Collection is therefore just the most recent example of the great commitment that coin collectors continue to demonstrate to keep the numismatic field alive. Ulrich Künker comments: “Many coin collectors see themselves as part of a large international community, and they want to give something back to this community. We at Künker are delighted to be able to support this. I hope that as many people as possible take part in this auction and buy coins from the Ronus Collection. Because every euro spent on one of these coins will benefit the ANS and thus numismatics.”

Lot 7932: Freiburg. Taler 1713. Extremely rare. Very fine +. Estimate: 7,500 euros

Coins from the Ronus Collection

The part of the Robert Ronus Collection to be auctioned in Künker’s eLive Auction 87 from 19 to 23 May includes some very rare early modern coins from Europe, with a focus on Germany. All pieces are in exquisite condition. The collector also paid attention to the quality of the minting and the patina. None of the pieces are graded or slabbed, as is often the case in the USA.