The Numismatic Bibliomania Society

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The E-Sylum: Volume 29, Number 1, 2026, Article 13

SBG NYINC ANCIENT AND WORLD COINS, PART II

Stack's Bowers will be hosting their NYINC Auction, which includes many Ancient & World Coins, from January 16-18, 2026. Additional select items are discussed below. -Garrett

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 1 Obverse Alluring Gold Mnaieion for the Deified Arsinoe II.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 1 Reverse Alluring Gold Mnaieion for the Deified Arsinoe II.jpg

PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Arsinoe II Philadelphos, Died 270/268 B.C. AV Mnaieion (Oktadrachm/Octodrachm) (27.65 gms), Alexandreia Mint, struck under Ptolemy II, ca. 253/2-246 B.C. NGC AU, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5. Fine Style. CPE-388; Svor-460; SNG Cop-134. Obverse: Veiled head right, with ram's horn and wearing stephanos; lotus-tipped scepter in background, T to left; Reverse: Filleted double cornucopia, with grape bunches hanging at sides. Very well centered across both sides, this lustrous and rather beautiful specimen stands as an above average representative from the popular emission, and one that is undoubtedly of fine style.

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000.

Provenance: From the Peter Jones M.D. Collection.

To read the complete item description, see:
Alluring Gold Mnaieion for the Deified Arsinoe II (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P0AV0/ptolemaic-egypt-arsinoe-ii-philadelphos-died-270268-bc-av-mnaieion-oktadrachmoctodrachm-2765-gms-alexandreia-mint-struck-un)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 2 Obverse Lustrous Mint State Aureus of Faustina the Younger.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 2 Reverse Lustrous Mint State Aureus of Faustina the Younger.jpg

FAUSTINA JUNIOR (DAUGHTER OF ANTONINUS PIUS & WIFE OF MARCUS AURELIUS). AV Aureus (7.26 gms), Rome Mint, ca. A.D. 147-150. NGC MS, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 4/5. Fine Style. Calico-2094; RIC-515a (Pius). Obverse: Draped bust right; Reverse: Venus standing left, holding apple and rudder. Exhibiting a crisp and exacting strike as well as opulent lustrous brilliance, this stunner radiates with tremendous eye appeal and must assuredly reside among the finer known for the type.

Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
Lustrous Mint State Aureus of Faustina the Younger (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P0BP8/faustina-junior-daughter-of-antoninus-pius-wife-of-marcus-aurelius-av-aureus-726-gms-rome-mint-ca-ad-147-150-ngc-ms-strik)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 3 Obverse Stunning Choice Mint State Ducat of Jan III Sobieski.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 3 Reverse Stunning Choice Mint State Ducat of Jan III Sobieski.jpg

POLAND. Danzig. Ducat, 1683-DL. Danzig Mint. John III Sobieski. PCGS MS-63. Fr-36; KM-75.1; H-Cz-2479 (R1); Kop-7692; Kam-1267; Gum-2045. Weight: 3.49 gms. A simply lovely and magnetically alluring Polish Ducat, delivering a refined elegance in the elegant details being boldly impressed on the surfaces. The fields are bright and luminous, with a reflectivity reminiscent of a piece of polished obsidian. About as attractive as Polish gold from this period comes, we expect no shortage of active bidders for this exemplar.

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000.

Provenance: From the Collection of Kazmier Wysocki, former mayor of Hackensack, New Jersey.

To read the complete item description, see:
Stunning Choice Mint State Ducat of Jan III Sobieski (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P0FU8/poland-danzig-ducat-1683-dl-danzig-mint-john-iii-sobieski-pcgs-ms-63)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 4 Obverse Excessively Rare Novodel 10 Rubles of Elizabeth.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 4 Reverse Excessively Rare Novodel 10 Rubles of Elizabeth.jpg

RUSSIA. Gold 10 Rubles Novodel, 1756-CNB. St. Petersburg Mint. Elizabeth I. NGC MS-63. Fr-Unlisted (though cf. Fr-122 for regular issue); KM-Unlisted (though cf. KM-C-28.2 for regular issue); Bit-H76 (R3). Weight: 16.81 gms. This stunning RARITY almost lacks words to describe its majesty and splendor, as the present piece is exceedingly alluring and provocative. The surfaces glow with a soft sunny glimmer, with more forceful pools of luster in the recesses and crevices. Unblighted by handling or cleaning as occasionally plagues Novodels, the heights to which this 10 Rubles could soar are no doubt extremely difficult to predict, though they should be quite lofty and monumental.

Estimate: $90,000 - $120,000.

Provenance: Ex: Rothschild-Piatigorsky Collection (Stack's Bowers 1/2024) Lot #54306. Ex: Art Trading Company, New York City (bt. ca. 1940/50s); with tag.

To read the complete item description, see:
Excessively Rare Novodel 10 Rubles of Elizabeth (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P0GGZ/russia-gold-10-rubles-novodel-1756-cnb-st-petersburg-mint-elizabeth-i-ngc-ms-63)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 5 Obverse Sensational Quality Premium Gem Noble of Edward III.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 5 Reverse Sensational Quality Premium Gem Noble of Edward III.jpg

GREAT BRITAIN. Noble, ND (1369-77). Calais Mint. Edward III. NGC MS-66. S-1521; Fr-98; N-1281. Weight: 7.72 gms. Fourth coinage, post-Treaty period. The single second finest certified of the type on either the NGC or PCGS population reports, only one finer (NGC MS67+). A bold and impressive large-format hammered gold issue, approaching the crest of perfection, yielding a bold and impressive strike, with a glittering golden eye appeal. The flan is full, and the legends are well impressed on the flan, leaving little design element wanting for strike clarity. Superior than normally encountered this is about as attractive and well preserved as one could hope to find of the type, we expect nothing short of numerous excited bids for this high quality example.

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
Sensational Quality Premium Gem Noble of Edward III (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P0TV1/great-britain-noble-nd-1369-77-calais-mint-edward-iii-ngc-ms-66)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 6 Obverse Marvelous George III Oval Countermark on a French Ecu.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 6 Reverse Marvelous George III Oval Countermark on a French Ecu.jpg

GREAT BRITAIN. Great Britain - France. Dollar (4 Shillings 9 Pence), ND (1797-99). George III. NGC AU-50; Countermark: AU Strong. S-3765B (Extremely Rare); KM-628 (this coin plated); ESC-1861 (R6, this coin plated). Authorized 9 March 1797. Countermark: Bank of England Type I, Bust of George III within oval indent. Applied to the obverse of a 1784-M (Toulouse Mint) France Ecu of Louis XVI (KM-564.10). An EXTREMELY RARE Dollar countermark on a French host, and the sole straight-graded example on an Ecu of any ruler by either NGC or PCGS. The state of preservation is astounding relative to the other known examples, with deeply toned, problem-free surfaces and only mild wear, with some typical strike weakness on the portrait of Louis XVI. The countermark itself is additionally superb, even relative to the typical example on a more common host, with a deeply impressed punch and a sharp, bold portrait of George III.

According to our searches, only two countermarked Dollars with this host type have appeared in public auction over the past 25 years, both bearing significantly more wear than the present piece as well as major surface problems. Our research finds only two other possible examples, which seemingly have not surfaced publicly in decades. In addition to being quite possibly the finest example of this type and bearing an illustrious pedigree, this would additionally appear to be the earliest-dated Louis XVI host with this countermark. As such, its desirability and distinction cannot be understated.

Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
Marvelous George III Oval Countermark on a French Ecu (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P0V14/great-britain-great-britain-france-dollar-4-shillings-9-pence-nd-1797-99-george-iii-ngc-au-50-countermark-au-strong)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 7 Obverse Sublime 5 Ducats with Evocative Depiction of Christ's Circumcision.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 7 Reverse Sublime 5 Ducats with Evocative Depiction of Christ's Circumcision.jpg

GERMANY. Munster. 5 Ducats, ND (ca. 1640). Munster Mint. Ferdinand von Bayern. NGC MS-63. Fr-1765a (Very Rare); KM-Unlisted. Weight: 17.53 gms. By Engelbert Kettler. Struck from Schautaler dies (cf. KM40, Dav-5595). Obverse: Nativity of Christ in manger, with Mary, Joseph and shepherds surrounding, ox and ass leaning over child, angel in radiant clouds above, "Und das wort ist fleisch worden JOH am 1" around; Reverse: Circumcision of Christ in temple, with priest in traditional garb performing the surgery with a scalpel while Mary and Joseph observe the ceremony at either side, "Nam ward Genennet JESUS Luc am 2". PERHAPS UNIQUE in this large gold format, with only a singular 4 Ducats bearing this design (the Paramount Collection example in NGC AU-58) appearing in public auction records according to our searches. In silver, this obverse and reverse pairing may be found in 2 Taler, 1-1/2 Taler, Taler, and 3/4 Taler weights, though all are fairly elusive. Though undated, these issues were almost certainly struck contemporaneous to the other religious-themed issues of Munster mintmaster Engelbert Ketteler that are dated in the 1630s and 1640s.

The condition of the piece is superb and impressive, with gentle gloss to the fields and no offensive marks or hits to note. The design is both intricate and interesting; the depiction of the circumcision of Christ, with the knife itself included, is highly unusual and evocative for a numismatic issue. The legend "Und das wort ist fleisch worden" ("And the Word became flesh") is from the Gospel of John (1:14), signifying the divine birth of Jesus as the physical manifestation of the "Word" of God; on the reverse, "Nam ward Genennet JESUS" ("The naming of Jesus") from the Gospel of Luke (2:21) relates the naming of Jesus upon his circumcision on the eighth day following his birth. All in all, the unique combination of rarity, condition, and design found upon this piece would undoubtedly make it a centerpiece for collectors of biblical issues, multiple ducats, or German RARITIES as a whole.

Estimate: $100,000 - $150,000.

Provenance: Ex: Fritz Rudolf Künker (9/2021) - Lot # 1983 @ €156,000 / $182,876 (including buyer's premium); then in NGC MS-64 holder. Ex: Ludwig Grabow (sold 1953).

To read the complete item description, see:
Sublime 5 Ducats with Evocative Depiction of Christ's Circumcision (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P0X6M/germany-munster-5-ducats-nd-ca-1640-munster-mint-ferdinand-von-bayern-ngc-ms-63)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 8 Obverse Astounding Southeast Asian Trade Coinage With Denomination in Five Different Languages.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 8 Reverse Astounding Southeast Asian Trade Coinage With Denomination in Five Different Languages.jpg

CAMBODIA. Piastre, 1860. Brussels Mint. Norodom I. NGC MS-62. KMX-M9; Lec-88. A remarkable example of a supremely impressive and always coveted type, this pleasing Mint State specimen offers warm surface complexion, with sharp details and minimal handling. Some light marks prevent a higher grade, though these are miniscule and barely worth a mention, as any Mint State example of the type is tremendously RARE. An example that will be most desired when it crosses the auction block.

Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
Astounding Southeast Asian Trade Coinage With Denomination in Five Different Languages (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P0ZJH/cambodia-piastre-1860-brussels-mint-norodom-i-ngc-ms-62)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 9 Obverse The Rarest Date Christian X 20 Kroner.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 9 Reverse The Rarest Date Christian X 20 Kroner.jpg

DENMARK. 20 Kroner, 1927. Copenhagen Mint. Christian X. PCGS SPECIMEN-66. Fr-299; KM-817.2; Sieg-3.2. Mintmaster: Hans Christian Nielsen (HCN). An EXCESSIVELY RARE date, this issue is certainly the most elusive amongst the quartet of 1926, 1927, 1930 and 1931 dates which comprise the last 20th century gold issues of Denmark. Struck in supreme quality, this piece boasts razor sharp detail through the designs with fields that are highly striated and dazzling due to mindful die polishing. Close inspection of the surfaces yields almost no signs of handling, reflecting a considerate chain of ownership over the generations, with delicate apricot-orange tone complementing the raised central designs as well as the far edges. In all likelihood, the very finest example of this date available for collectors, as this offering reflects the only appearance in well over a decade and of the two graded by PCGS and NGC combined, this example is the finer by a good measure. Altogether, a coin that summits the scales of rarity and quality, making it a prime candidate for the collector that treasures the elite.

While the reason for presentation-quality strikes on the never-released dates are not known, it is assumed that a few were made available by the mint for members of the Danish Numismatic Society.

To read the complete item description, see:
The Rarest Date Christian X 20 Kroner (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P0ZV9/denmark-20-kroner-1927-copenhagen-mint-christian-x-pcgs-specimen-66)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 10 Obverse Very Rare United States Half Dollar Countermarked to Identify Japanese Momme Weight Standard.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 10 Reverse Very Rare United States Half Dollar Countermarked to Identify Japanese Momme Weight Standard.jpg

JAPAN. Japan - United States. Hokkaido. Hakodate. 3.32 Momme, ND (ca. 1858). PCGS AU-58. KM-Unlisted; JNDA-Unlisted; JC-Unlisted. Individual Japanese numeral countermarks ? ? ? (3-3-2) in a vertical line applied to the obverse of a United States 1858-S Seated Liberty Half Dollar. This VERY RARE short-lived issue offers a somewhat bright color with plenty remaining cartwheel effect that becomes apparent when rotated in the light. A thin veneer of champagne tone graces the surfaces adding a bit of contrast. The stamps are deeply impressed and clear on a nicely preserved host. Though one of the more available issues from the series, it is still an incredible survivor with few known examples today.

The issues from the port of Hakodate were short-lived, as they proved to be impractical and inefficient. Each piece was weighed and stamped with the corresponding numbers that, when calculated by 3.75 (Momme), were more than 99% accurate to the weight of the coin at time of striking. This is in accordance with Article V of the Harris Treaty of Amity and Commerce signed at Edo on 29 July 1858. The article states that "...Americans and Japanese may freely use foreign coin in making payments to each other" and that "...all foreign coins shall be current in Japan, and pass for its corresponding weight of Japanese coin of the same description." The known host coins for this issue are Russian: 20 Kopeks, 25 Kopeks, and Ruble; American: Seated Liberty Half Dollars; French: 5 Francs; Mexican: Republican 8 Reales. The Russian 20 and 25 Kopeks appear to be the most "common" from this series, with about 6 known of the 20 Kopeks and about 7 of the 25 Kopecks, followed by the American Seated Liberty Half Dollars, with about 7 known; all other denominations should be considered extremely rare to unique.

To read the complete item description, see:
Very Rare United States Half Dollar Countermarked to Identify Japanese Momme Weight Standard (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P11GB/japan-japan-united-states-hokkaido-hakodate-332-momme-nd-ca-1858-pcgs-au-58)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 11 Obverse Iridescent Choice 3 Gulden.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 11 Reverse Iridescent Choice 3 Gulden.jpg

NETHERLANDS. Holland. 3 Gulden, 1680. PCGS MS-63. Dav-4951; KM-58. The finest certified example at PCGS and tied with the finest at NGC. This Choice specimen displays with a rich cabinet patina that leads to flashy iridescence when cradled in hand. A SCARCE issue in just about any grade, EXTREMELY RARE in such a state of preservation. This one year type should see much excitement when it crosses the auction block.

Estimate: $6,000 - $9,000.

Provenance: From the John P. Burnham Collection.

To read the complete item description, see:
Iridescent Choice 3 Gulden (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P11PH/netherlands-holland-3-gulden-1680-pcgs-ms-63)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 12 Obverse Amazing Proof-68 Peso.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 12 Reverse Amazing Proof-68 Peso.jpg

PHILIPPINES. Peso, 1904. Philadelphia Mint. PCGS PROOF-68. KM-168; Allen-16.03. About as impressive an example of the type as one could ever hope to find, reaching upwards towards the lofty peak of perfection, with this Peso falling a mere two points short of the designation. Delivering all the precision one would expect from a Philadelphia Mint Proof that was just pulled off the presses, with an exacting strike and crisp well formed rims. The tone at the peripheries is entrancing and colorful and dazzling, with lovely glassy reflectivity in the fields.

Estimate: $15,000 - $25,000.

To read the complete item description, see:
Amazing Proof-68 Peso (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P121X/philippines-peso-1904-philadelphia-mint-pcgs-proof-68)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 13 Obverse An Extraordinary Year 4 Shekel of the Jewish War.jpg Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 13 Reverse An Extraordinary Year 4 Shekel of the Jewish War.jpg

JUDAEA. First Jewish War, 66-70 C.E. AR Shekel (13.42 gms), Jerusalem Mint, dated Year 4 (69/70 C.E.). NGC AU, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5. Die Shift. Meshorer-207; Hendin-6393. Obverse: Omer cup; Reverse: Sprig of three pomegranates. A magnificent Shekel from the RARE fourth and penultimate year of the Jewish War. Struck on a broad flan, it offers nearly complete borders for both dies. The bold detail and evident metal flow suggest it received a forceful strike, with a trace of die shift on the reverse. Of great metal quality and only gently toned, the coin projects an elegant, lustrous character throughout its fields. This remarkable survivor ranks among the most treasured rarities of the entire Judaean series.

By the fourth year of the Great Jewish Revolt, momentum had shifted decisively in favor of the Romans. Vespasian's campaign pacified much of the Judaean hinterlands, driving the rebels to consolidate around Jerusalem and setting the stage for his son Titus' siege of the great city. This deteriorating situation is reflected in the coinage by the pronounced scarcity of year 4 coinage relative to the preceding three years; David Hendin notes just 53 examples of the Shekel and 6 for the Half Shekel of this year. Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000.

Provenance: From the Rabbi Victor H. Weissberg and Tamar Weissberg Collection.

Ex: Privately purchased from Superior Galleries (7/1987).

To read the complete item description, see:
An Extraordinary Year 4 Shekel of the Jewish War (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P01SX/judaea-first-jewish-war-66-70-ce-ar-shekel-1342-gms-jerusalem-mint-dated-year-4-6970-ce-ngc-au-strike-45-surface-45)

Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 14 Obverse Impressive Sbg Nyinc Ancient And World Coins, Part Ii Item 14 Reverse Impressive

VESPASIAN, 69-79 C.E. AV Aureus (7.22 gms), Rome Mint, 69-70 C.E. NGC Ch F, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 2/5. Scratches. RIC-1; Calico-643; Hendin-6492. "Judaea Capta" commemorative. Obverse: Laureate bust right; Reverse: Judaea seated right in attitude of mourning, resting head upon hand; trophy to left. The ever popular commemorative type, despite evidence of handling, provides a nicely centered and bold strike. Always demanded, no matter any technical wear.

Estimate: $5,000 - $7,000.

Provenance: From the Rabbi Victor H. Weissberg and Tamar Weissberg Collection.

To read the complete item description, see:
Impressive "Judaea Capta" Aureus (https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots/view/3-1P02H0/vespasian-69-79-ce-av-aureus-722-gms-rome-mint-69-70-ce-ngc-ch-f-strike-55-surface-25-scratches)

Numismagram E-Sylum 2026-01-04 Beards
 



Wayne Homren, Editor

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