Stephen Album Rare Coins recently held its highly anticipated Auction 47, which exceeded all expectations by fetching a total of $2.32 million, surpassing the initial estimate of $1.7 million. The event, which took place on September 14-17, 2023, saw enthusiastic bidding resulting in a remarkable sell-through rate of 93%.
One of the standout lots from the auction was LOT 652, a CHINA: REPUBLIC AR dollar from the Central Mint in Tientsin. This coin, commemorating the founding of the Republic of China, featured a striking design of Yuan Shih Kai in military attire. The piece, graded MS64 by PCGS, fetched an impressive $66,000, showcasing the allure and value of rare military coins.
Another highlight was LOT 1578, a UNITED STATES AR dollar from 1836 known as the "Gobrecht Dollar Pattern." This original strike coin, graded Proof 62 by PCGS, sold for $31,200, emphasizing the historical significance and collectible appeal of such rare numismatic treasures.
One particularly intriguing piece was LOT 642, a CHINA: REPUBLIC AR medal from 1912 featuring the bust of General Chang Hsi-luan in military uniform. Despite some tooling and repair, this very rare medal, graded AU details by PCGS, fetched $21,600, underscoring the value of coins with unique historical narratives.
Turning to Europe, LOT 1233 presented a BULGARIA AR 2 leva coin from the reign of Ferdinand I. Struck in 1894 at the Kremnitz mint, this mint state example, graded MS62 by PCGS, sold for $21,600, highlighting the enduring appeal of coins from diverse regions and time periods.
Moving to British India, LOT 975 featured an AV mohur coin from the reign of Queen Victoria in 1841. This East India Company issue, graded MS61 by PCGS, fetched $15,600, showcasing the demand for coins from colonial eras with rich historical significance.
Another notable coin from British India was LOT 980, an AR 1/2 rupee from the reign of Empress Victoria in 1879. Graded MS63 by PCGS and tied for the finest graded example, this rare coin sold for $15,600, highlighting the importance of rarity and condition in determining the value of numismatic treasures.
Finally, delving into the ancient world, LOT 42 featured a PHOENICIA AR shekel from Tyre dating back to 115/4 BC. This ancient coin, featuring a laureate head of Melkart and an eagle standing on a prow, sold for an undisclosed amount, showcasing the enduring fascination with coins from antiquity and their unique historical context.
Overall, the success of Stephen Album Rare Coins Auction 47 underscores the enduring allure of rare military coins and numismatic treasures from diverse regions and time periods. With strong bidding driving prices beyond initial estimates, collectors and enthusiasts continue to demonstrate a keen interest in acquiring these pieces of history that tell compelling stories from the past.