The February 2020 Skinner Coins and Currency auction offered choice older collections; and experienced spirited bidding with many lots far surpassing their high estimates, with particularly strong results for ancient and world coins, with American rarities, peppered throughout the auction. The auction was 99% sold by lot. Three of the more prominent collections were amassed in the mid-20th century, creating excitement with our buyers for such fresh-to-market material.  

Approximately 128 Mostly Roman and Byzantine Ae Coins, sold for $11,250 1940 Greek George II Proof 100 Drachmai, NGC PF65, sold for $2,125

Some of the more notable groups of ancient Greek and Roman coins included denarii of Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Cassius, and Marc Antony (lot 1002), and sestertii of Nero, Trajan, Caligula, and Nerva (lot 1008).… Read More

The top lot in the sale a Judaea, Bar Kokhba Revolt, AR Sela, undated issue of year 3, obverse depicting the Jerusalem Temple and the holy ark, the verso with a lulav and etrog, approx. XF, 14.57 grams, sold for $8,610 versus a $4,000-6,000 estimate.  Department specialist, Kyle Johnson commented that “Hand-hammered coins from the ancient world can be inconsistent and examples without real circulation or wear adds to the success of their sale – many sold in mid-high end of estimates as a result.”

 

 

 

A Group of Confederate and Southern States Currency and a Framed 1928 $10 Gold Certificate, sold exceptionally well.  Manuscript signatures acknowledging interest payments garnered interest for the historically interesting personalities such as Captain T.A.… Read More

MARLBOROUGH, MA – January 28, 2019 – Coins and currency are seen not only as a utilitarian tool for commerce but also as miniature works of art. These small sculptures and engravings historically feature gods and goddesses, rulers, and allegorical figures, rendered in an artistic manner. The Skinner February auction, online from February 13-22, of coins and currency highlights some of the most desirable and beautiful of these designs.… Read More

While much of numismatics and connoisseurship focuses around type, years, mintages, and condition, there are other nuances worth considering while enjoying coin collecting. Many individuals build their collections around a type that they enjoy, whether that be the Morgan dollar series, Barber coinage, or period, such as the early Federal era. From here, they attempt to collect each year, mintmark, and major/minor variety, sometimes with a focus on pieces in mint state, other times just what they can afford at the time.… Read More

Ancient coins, especially those from early Roman and Greek cultures, have been captivating the interest of collectors for centuries. The recent slews of coin hoards being unearthed all across Europe have made international headlines, causing resurgence in their popularity. Most recently, a construction crew in Spain happened upon 1,300 pounds of bronze Roman coins, dating from the 3rd century AD, stashed in amphoras, while digging a trench.… Read More