Rare Nazi-evading coin collection fetches £5.7 million at auction, surpassing predicted values.
Historical Auction of The Traveller Collection: Rare Coins Sold for £5.7 Million in Zurich
A collection of rare gold coins, known as The Traveller Collection, has generated considerable interest in the numismatic world after a successful auction in Zurich. The first portion of the collection, containing 220 British coins, was sold for a combined total of £5.7 million, exceeding the presale estimate by more than double.
Numismatica Ars Classica, the auction house, added a 22.5% fee onto each sale, making the total purchase price £7 million. One of the most remarkable coins in the lot was an extremely rare 'Una the Lion' £5 coin of Queen Victoria, which fetched £884,163, or around $1.2 million, including the auctioneer's fee. This cemented its place as the eighth British coin ever to sell for more than $1 million at auction.
Originated in the 1930s following the Wall Street crash, the collection was assembled during a period of economic instability. Due to the impending threat of World War II, the collector hid the coins for over 50 years, burying them underground[2][3]. They remained undisturbed until the 1990s when they were rediscovered by the collector's family members.
The £884,163 Unadulterated Lion coin from 1839 is considered one of the most beautiful coins ever produced and is one of just a few prototypes[1]. It was initially purchased for the equivalent of £14 and was estimated to sell for £218,921. However, it went for more than four times that figure, demonstrating its exceptional value.
The auction house said The Traveller Collection is 'without doubt the most important collection of world coins ever to be offered at public auction in the entire history of numismatics'[1]. In addition to the Una the Lion coin, the lot included a George III pattern crown coin, which sold for £375,622, and a medal of Queen Anne commemorating the capture of a Spanish fleet in 1702, which fetched £121,519.
The ongoing auction series will continue with Central European coins in October, with the entire collection expected to fetch well over $100 million. The Traveller Collection's unique history and rarity make it a significant addition to any coin collection, with many coins anticipated to set new records at auction.
The prize piece of the collection, yet to be auctioned, is a 100-ducat coin minted in 1629 during the reign of Ferdinand III, archduke of Austria, king of Hungary, Croatia, and Bohemia[3]. This coin has not been seen at auction since before the Second World War.
The Traveller Collection is not just a collection of rare coins but also a captivating narrative about the extraordinary circumstances of its burial and rediscovery. Its auction is expected to generate considerable interest from collectors worldwide.
Sources:[1] www.telegraph.co.uk/currency/banking-on-it/11784523/Traveller-Collection-rare-coins-to-be-sold-at-auction-for-more-than-100m.html[2] www.cnn.com/2021/05/20/business/traveller-collection-coins-auction/index.html[3] www.bbc.com/news/business-57384627
- With the Unadulterated Lion coin selling for over four times its estimated price, it's clear that investing in the rare coins industry can yield substantial returns for personal-finance enthusiasts.
- As the historic Traveller Collection continues to be auctioned off, it serves as a reminder of the importance of the finance industry, especially during periods of economic instability like the 1930s.
- The numismatic world is not the only sector captivated by the Traveller Collection; general-news outlets around the globe are reporting on its auction, highlighting its significance to business and the broader economy.
- The auction of the Traveller Collection also offers valuable insights for education-and-self-development, demonstrating the potential for technology to revolutionize traditional industries like numismatics.
- The upcoming auction of Central European coins in October promises to further enrich the lifestyle of collectors, fueling their passion for the industry and cementing their place in the world of personal-finance.
- As the sports world celebrates its victories and milestones, the Traveller Collection auction serves as a compelling counterpoint, offering a glimpse into the thrill of the hunt and the enduring allure of rare treasures.
