SOUTHAMPTON, Pa. – Numismatics, the study and collecting of coins, is a hobby with noble origins almost as old as the money itself. What sets coins apart from many other types of collectibles is that they have intrinsic value based on the precious metals they contain. Through good economic times and bad, gold and silver coins have been touted as a solid alternative investment to the sometimes-volatile stock market. Gold and silver coins may also be the ultimate holiday stocking stuffers, both for adults and children – no one ever returns a precious coin.

With holiday gift-giving in mind, Stephenson’s Auction in suburban Philadelphia will host a Friday, October 29, 2021 live gallery auction of fine graded examples of US and international gold and silver coins, with absentee and Internet live bidding available exclusively through LiveAuctioneers.

The coins have come to Stephenson’s from two sources, the first being an estate collection and the second, a gentleman’s private collection. In all, 289 lots will cross the auction block, with a choice that ranges from ancient silver coins to modern-era gold issues.

American gold coins are led by an 1893 and two 1904 Liberty Head Double Eagles, each estimated at $2,200-$2,600, and a 1927 $20 St Gaudens gold Double Eagle, $1,800-$2,200. A 2006 W $50 1-oz .9999 fine gold Buffalo gold coin, NGC-graded PF 70 Ultra Cameo and signed by Mike Castle is estimated at $1,500-$2,500.

A 2021 W G $50 Family of Eagles first day of issue gold coin is NGC-graded PF 70 Ultra Cameo and signed by the US Mint’s 12th Chief Engraver, John M Mercanti. It comes in a fitted mahogany box with paperwork, and is estimated at $1,500-$3,000. A beautiful 2015 W $100 high-relief first-strike .999 fine gold coin, PCGS-graded MS 70, features the image of Lady Liberty wearing a laurel wreath and holding a torch in one hand and an American Flag on a pole in the other. Signed by Edmund C Moy, 38th Director of the US Mint, it has expectations of reaching $1,500-$2,500.

An exciting entry from Down Under, a 2015 P $200 first-strike high-relief .9999 fine Australian Kangaroo $200 gold coin is PCGS-graded PR70DCAM. Cast from an exceptionally beautiful work of art, it has an image of the nation’s most famous marsupial on the obverse and a high-relief image of Queen Elizabeth II on reverse. The coin is presented in a fitted wood box and is offered with a $4,000-$8,000 estimate.

A trove of desirable silver coins includes such treasures as an uncirculated 2016 Cook Islands “Gods of Olympus” 1-kilo (2.2 lbs) silver coin with a face value of $50. Executed in multi-layer relief with astounding detail and an antique finish, it comes boxed with a certificate of authenticity and is estimated at $800-$1,600.

Those who are new to coins, either as a hobby or for precious metal investment, might want to consider a 2004 1-ounce US Silver Eagle coin, $40-$80; or start off in royal style with a 2018 UK 10-pound (denomination) .9999 fine silver proof coin with Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse and The Griffin of Edward on verso. Estimate $300-$400

A fine selection of ancient silver coins includes such highlights as an Ionia Miletos silver coin, $250-$500; and a Mark Antony silver coin from 83-30 BC, $200-$400. There are nine examples of Denarius coins, or the standard Roman silver coins produced from the Second Punic War (circa 211 BC) through the reign of Gordian III (238-244 AD). A Severus Alexander Denarius from 222-235 AD is expected to make $100-$200, while a Roman Republic Gens Sauferia Denarius coin carries a $150-$300 estimate. A silver groat with the image of King Henry VI (reigned 1422-1461 and 1470-1471) would make a fine addition to any coin collection and is estimated at $200-$400.

The October 29, 2021 auction will start at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. Inspection will be held from 11 a.m. till auction start time. View the fully illustrated catalog and sign up to bid absentee or live online through LiveAuctioneers. Questions: tel. 215-322-6182 or email info@stephensonsauction.com. The gallery is located at 1005 Industrial Blvd., Southampton, PA 18966, in Bucks County (suburban Philadelphia). Visit Stephenson’s online at www.stephensonsauction.com.