Eye-catching coins up for bid at CICF 2016 auction

Heritage Numismatic Auctions is sure to turn both ancient and world coin collectors’ heads when it calls the CICF 2016 Signature Auction.

They will present the official auction of the 2016 Chicago International Coin Fair, taking place April 12-16, 2016, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

Queen of the sale is lot 30904, a 1646 4 ducat from the Swedish possession of Riga, graded AU-53. It features a well executed portrait of Queen Christina of Sweden, minimal handling marks and an exceptional strike. It is one gorgeous coin. Being an extremely rare issue in a high grade, the coin has a $100,000 to $125,000 estimate.

Another top lot is a PCGS-graded MS-64+ Canadian 1870 Queen Victoria half dollar, lot 29584, missing the designer’s initials. Estimate on the coin is $40,000 to $50,000.

The half dollar variety is noted for the absence of designer Leonard Charles Wyon’s initials at the truncation of the Queen’s neck. Very few of the 450,000 1870 half dollars minted lack the LCW initials, making it a rarity in all grades.

With this example graded MS-64+, it is the finest known by both PCGS and NGC, Heritage said. A specimen strike 1870 No LCW half dollar graded SP-64 sold in January 2003 for $103,500 on a $100,000 estimate.

Australian collectors will also have a very scarce coin to view. A PCGS-graded AU-50 1930 King George V penny is making an appearance as lot 29458.

A well-known rarity in the Australian penny series, the example is tied as the highest graded with just one other at PCGS. Heritage notes the coin boasts red-brown toning throughout and sharp design elements. Estimated value is placed at $40,000 to $60,000.

Ancient coin collectors will have their pick of a number of quality coins. Reigning supreme is lot 29025, a Sicily, Syracuse decadrachm of Dionysus I (405-367 B.C.E.). NGC rates its strike as 5/5 and surface as 4/5, but it is clear that this is one amazing survivor. Estimate on the coin runs from $45,000 to $60,000.

Other top lots for the sale include:

• Lot 29038, a Macedonian stater of Alexander the Great. Estimate: $6,000 to $8,000.

• Lot 29193, a Egypt drachm of Roman emperor Otho, who reigned for only three months in 69 C.E.. The example listed is one of just 11 known, with only three in private hands. Estimate: $15,000 to $20,000.

• Lot 29735, a 1855 Costa Rica gold 2 escudos graded NGC MS-64 and one of only two Mint State examples known. Estimate: $2,000 to $3,000.

• Lot 29975, a 1-1/2 taler of Philipp Klippe of the Pomerania-Stettin German State graded as XF-45. Estimate: $90,000 to $100,000.

• Lot 30053, an NGC MS-64 1688 King James II English silver crown. Estimate: $12,000 to $14,000.

• Lot 30202, a proof 1911 India King George V rupee, graded by NGC as PR-63. Estimate: $4,000 to $6,000.

• Lot 30446, the finest known 1866 Mexico Maximilian peso, graded by NGC as MS-65. Estimate: $6,000 to $8,000.

• Lot 30924, a 1925-B Swiss gold 100 francs graded by NGC as MS-66. Estimate: $15,000 to $20,000.

Lot viewing is from Tuesday, April 12 to Saturday, April 16. Live auction sessions are at 5 p.m. Thursday, April 14; 1 p.m. and 6 p.m., Friday, April 15. Online sessions are held 10 a.m. Monday, April 18 and 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 19. For more details or to view the online catalog, visit www.ha.com.

More Collecting Resources
• Come on down to the Chicago International Coin Fair in Rosemont, Ill. on April 14 to 17, 2016 to see impressive world coins, meet new collectors and participate in Heritage Auction’s fantastic coin auction.
• The Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 8th Edition is your guide to images, prices and information on the century's coins.