Heritage Long Beach World Coins
The Heritage Auctions ANA sales are still a month off, yet such is the way of today’s numismatic world that shortly after these concludes in mid-August Long Beach waits just…
The Heritage Auctions ANA sales are still a month off, yet such is the way of today’s numismatic world that shortly after these concludes in mid-August Long Beach waits just around the corner.
In point of fact consignments for that Sept. 4-9 sale closed on July 5. Internet bidding is scheduled to open pre-ANA on Aug. 12. As a consequence the catalog was a well-advanced work-in-progress come early July.
Some fine lots have already been posted on the Heritage website. They are somewhat like a wedding in having both somethings old and somethings new.
The oldest item in the catalog is a light 8.08 g, gold stater of Croesus [Kroisus] struck at Sardes c. 553-539 BCE. It displays the classic headshot design of lion versus bull and comes in a highly acceptable NGC MS 4/5 - 4/5.
A similar lion-on-bull motif figures on a choice 17.36 g silver Macedonian tetradrachm from Acanthus [Akanthos] c. 470-430 BCE. Here the superb design presents both beasts full-bodied and engaged in a life-and-death struggle. The lion has leapt onto the bull and while gnawing on its hindquarters is likely getting gored by the bull’s right horn. This gem goes to the block with a NGC Choice AU★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style grade.
From the Middle Age comes a 600+ year-old, mint state Edward III gold noble (S-1490; N-1180). Struck in the pre-Treaty Period the obverse legend spells-out the king’s claim to the French throne. It comes well-centered on a round planchet. Areas of softness are likely from worn dies as there is no evidence of wear. Hence the MS62 NGC grade.
Moving along to the 19th century is a gorgeously-toned, 1847 Victoria proof crown from the Queen’s gothic phase (KM-744; S-3883). The grade says it all: PR63 PCGS.
Almost contemporaneous is a beautiful example of an Ecuadorian Republic 8 escudos of 1843 MV-S produced at Quito (KM-3.2; Fr-3). The details are well defined, the surfaces lustrous, and the grade a more than acceptable AU55 NGC.
And the 20th century is by no means overlooked. Leading this particular charge is an ever-popular 1915 Cuban Republic proof 20 pesos (KM-21). This is the fella engraved by Charles E. Barber and struck at Philadelphia Mint. For collectors the PR62 Cameo NGC grading should make it irresistible.
Detailed descriptions, grades and estimates of these and the many other lots on offer are available online at www.HA.com.
