A unique 1897 Republic gold proof pattern 6 Pence of South Africa is expected to fetch $200,000+ in Heritage Auctions’ World Coins & Ancient Coins Signature Auction held in conjunction with the New York International Coin Show (NYINC) at the Waldorf Astoria, Jan. 4-5 in New York. The two-day event marks the first time the South African gold proof has ever crossed the block at a public auction, which is highlighted by several important, private collections.
Inside the auctions’ extensive selection of extraordinary coins is an 1839 Victoria ‘Una & the Lion’ 5 Pounds, in an almost unheard-of grade of Proof 64 ($150,000+). The coin, a widely acknowledged masterpiece due to its inspiring design, has seen great growth in value over the past decade as a result of its transcendent beauty. Also on offer is a Korean Kuang Mu gold 20 Won, a very rare one-year type and possibly the finest known (est. $130,000) and a one of 100 Australian proof sets from 1934 (est. $100,000+);
and A Joao V gold 6400 1732-B Reis (Peça), one of only two known for this date and the finest available example of the entire type, is expected to sell for $150,000+ as part of The Santa Catarina Collection. It also holds an italic shield 1731-R Joao V gold 12800 Reis, an extreme rarity in the Brazilian Colonial series (est. $70,000+) and a 1727 3200 Joao V gold Reis, ex Norweb Collection and one of only three examples known, and the only piece that has been on the open market in 35 years (est. $70,000+).
