Nearly $9 million was realized at the Chicago International Coin Fair’s world and ancient coin Signature Sale conduction by Heritage Auctions, Inc., of Dallas, Texas.
Top bid at the event was $138,000 for an 1822-R gold Brazilian 6400 reis struck for the coronation of Emperor Pedro I.
The coin was graded by Numismatic Guaranty Corp. as VF details with mount removed. It was once in the Eliasberg collection.
“The incredibly rare Pedro I 6400 reis gold of 1822 is undoubtedly the most important and charismatic piece of Brazilian numismatics,” Cristiano Bierrenbach, HA vice president, said before the sale.
“It was a coronation piece made in a hurry to be presented to guests of honor at Pedro’s inauguration ball on Dec. 1 1822. It was subsequently redesigned as the emperor disliked the design of his portrait on the coin as a ‘Roman emperor” and in the coins of 1823 he appears in full military regalia.”
Another 6400 reis gold piece, an 1822-R of King Joao VI, was also bid to $138,000. It was graded AU-58 by NGC.
A much earlier 6400 reis of Maria I and Pedro III of 1777-B realized $80,500. It was graded AU-53 by NGC.
A bid of $69,000 purchased an English gold triple unite of 1643 of King Charles I. NGC graded it VF-35. It was struck at the Oxford Mint with a plume initial mark and is considered to be very rare.
This piece came from the Marston collection.
A modern Greek 2 drachmai silver essai of 1915 of Constantine I sold for $57,500. NGC called it a Proof-64.
The same price was recorded for a gold 6400 reis of Joao V dated 1734-M. NGC graded it AU-55.
The first Chinese coin to break into the top prices realized list was a dollar of Year 33 (1907) of the Manchurian Provinces. It was graded MS-62 by NGC.
A copper 40 reis of Jose I dated 1752 called VF details (bent) by NGC brought $43,125.
Two Australian issues followed.
Bringing $40,250 was a George V florin (2 shillings) struck in Canberra in 1927. It was graded Proof-67 by the Professional Coin Grading Service. It was called “a stunning example of this classic rarity.”
Realizing $34,500 was a gold sovereign of George V. This piece with the “M” mintmark was struck in Melbourne in 1921. NGC graded the coin MS-62.
For more information about the auction, visit the firm’s website at www.HA.com.
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