Auction 120 Highlights

Welcome to Smalls Auctions Sale 120.

Although we have labelled this sale the ‘Gold Sale’ there are other factors that make some of the items.

Certainly, the standout coin of the Sale  is a 1702 ‘Pre-Union’ Queen Anne Gold Guinea NGC MS62. From the famous Millenia Sale of 2008 it was then described as “extremely rare as a type and also as a date in this grade.” The description goes on to state that it was “believed by in-the-know dealers to be the finest Pre-Union guinea seen in the past 50 or more years.” It exhibits slight proof-like characteristics and stands out as a truly international rarity. Other British coins to excite are an 1893 ‘Queen Victoria’ Proof £2 PCGS PR65 Cam an exceptionally high grade for this coin and a 1902 ‘Edward VII’ Matte Proof £5 NGC PF61 which to our eye is harshly graded.

There is a strong selection of Australian Gold Sovereigns across all types including an 1872 M Shield Reverse Sovereign PCGS AU55 with a ‘medal alignment.’ This coin was one of about 50 that were distributed amongst the dignitaries in attendance at the opening of the Melbourne Mint in 1872 and were distinct from the normal circulation coins which had a ‘coin alignment.’ As a testament to its rarity, it was not represented in the 'Quartermaster' Collection which was described as "the most comprehensive collection of Australian Ingots, Patterns, Proofs, Sovereigns and Half Sovereigns ever assembled by a private collector or public institution."

From South America we have a Chile. 1845 - So IJ 8 Escudos PCGS MS62 which is the equal finest known. A similar coin graded NGC MS62 sold in the April 2019 Heritage Sale for USD $8,400.

For those who admire shipwreck coins we have on offer the ultimate paperweight in the form of sea-salvaged Gold Sovereigns (14 visible) subsumed into the surface of the iron holding safe that was recovered from shipwreck of the Royal Mail Steamer 'Douro.' A stunning reminder of the perils of sea travel in past centuries.

All in all, there is plenty in this sale to inspire the gold bugs.

Smalls Auctions