Current auction sales

Auction 443 begins with a fine selection of 50 Celtic gold coins from a private collection assembled between approximately 1950 and 2002. This is a first glimpse into an impressive special collection comprising well over 1,000 Celtic gold coins, which we are preparing for our spring auction in 2026. It also includes Greek coins that we are already able to offer, such as a gold decadrachm from Syracuse signed by the die cutter Euainetos and a later coin of the same denomination minted under Hieron II (276-216 BC). Overall, Sicily is particularly well represented. We are also offering one of the rare tetradrachms minted by the commander Hamilcar, which depicts a female head with a tiara and a lion on the reverse – both symbols of Carthaginian rule in the conflict with the Syracusans. A stater of the Locrians, minted in Opous, is also of particular quality. The Macedonian Empire is unusually well represented, including a di-stater of Alexander the Great and a double dareik for the satrapy of Babylonia.

The Roman Empire is represented by 48 aurei, including those of Augustus from the Montagu and Mazzini collections and an exquisite specimen from the Leo Biaggi de Blasys collection. The section on late antique coins has some real rarities to offer, such as a solidus of Constantine the Great for his son Crispus and several solidi listed as reference specimens in the RIC. Late antiquity also shines in silver, for example with an extremely rare siliqua of the short-lived usurper Priscus Attalus, which has an auction history as illustrious as the previous ones and many of the pieces not specifically mentioned here.

The section of Byzantine coins in this auction is exceptionally extensive, comprising no fewer than 200 solidi, including a solidus of Constans II minted in Syracuse and coins of Irene.

Finally, the rarities from the Migration Period are likely to be of particular interest, forming a bridge to the medieval section, which begins the following day with further coins from this era.

The sell of World Coins begins on November 5 at 9:00 a.m. with a numismatic treat. We will start with the auction of the third part of the Bonhoff Collection. The first two parts were auctioned by Dr. Busso Peus Nachf. in 1977 and 1978. The first part, German Coins of the Middle Ages (Auction 293, October 1977), is still considered a reference work of medieval numismatics due to its completeness. Now we are pleased to be able to auction an important peripheral area of the collection that the heirs had previously withheld. BONHOFF COLLECTION III – WESTERN EUROPEAN COINS FROM THE MIDDLE AGES. Approximately 200 lots from the North Sea to the Mediterranean, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy, are on offer. The historical framework ranges from the Merovingian Realm to the 15th century. Of particular significance are the coins of the Carolingians from Charlemagne to the 10th century from numerous mints of the Frankish Empire.

This will be followed on the same day by Non-German coins from mixed collections. Particularly noteworthy here are two series of exceptionally well-preserved gold coins from Spanish South America and India.

Also on Wednesday morning, numerous coins and medals from the Habsburg realms will be offered for sale. Of particular note is a special collection of silver medals dedicated to Maria Theresa and her family, ranging from her parents to her large brood of children, including lesser-known archdukes and princesses.

The afternoon will begin with feudal German coins from Anhalt to Oldenburg. An old collection of magnificently preserved Thalers, Guldens, and small denomination coins from the 1800s covers the entire range of feudal German coins and offers treasures for lovers of the finest specimens. On the first day, there will be a long series of Frankfurt coins in particular.

Thursday, November 6, begins with a very extensive selection of coins from the PALATINATE. Two collections add up to 200 lots in gold and silver. Beautiful specimens and great rarities can be found throughout the rest of the auction.

As always, the day concludes with German coins from 1871 onwards and lots with favorable valuations.

Overall, we present a well-balanced auction featuring gold and silver coins from the Middle Ages to the 20th century in all price ranges. It’s well worth taking a look!