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.  

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). These two lots performed especially strong, at $10,000 and $11,250, respectively. Another popular lot was forty-eight early British hammered silver coins bearing the likenesses of Edward I, II, and III, Elizabeth I, and Henry VI and VII (lot 1136, estimated at $600-800 and selling for $5,313). Numerous lots of world crown-sized coins were popular with collectors, be it a 1940 Greek 100 drachmai selling for $2,125, a 1912 Republic of China low stars dollar selling for $2,500, or a small group of early Russian roubles at $1,250.

American type coins also saw high prices, with eight 1955 double-die Lincoln cents selling for between $1,188 and $2,375 each, a complete set of Indian head cents (lot 1017) for $2,625, and a choice 1914-D $10 Indian head gold coin (lot 1197) at $4,063. The success of Skinner February 2020, auction, only confirms the strength of the numismatic market. 

Consignments are welcome for the August 2020 auction. Department specialist Kyle Johnson would be happy to discuss the appraisal and consignment process for collections or notable examples of American, colonial, foreign, or ancient coins and currency. 

About Skinner

Skinner attracts top consignments and commands record-breaking prices in the international auction marketplace. With renowned expertise and extraordinary service, Skinner is the place for buyers, sellers, and the passionately curious. Skinner appraisers are familiar faces on PBS’s 17-time Emmy Award-nominated ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. Visit us in Boston, Marlborough, New York, Maine, or Florida, or online at https://www.skinnerinc.com