As we reported previously, Hess-Divo ended October with a few coin and medal sales. The medals sold well, in particular some of the Russian lots on which we focussed. But what about the coins, were they dominated by Russia too?
The short answer is: yes. Indeed the Russian coins in the sale tended to exceed their estimates by even more than the medals did.
Perhaps the most remarkable lot was a silver coin from the last year of Paul I's reign, 1801. Bearing the stamp of Karl Leberecht, it features a peculiar-looking profile of Paul facing right on the obverse with a crown imperial double-headed eagle crowned with St George's shield on the chest on the reverse.
An excellent example of a very rare coin, it sold for CHF36,000 ($36,200) against an estimate of just CHF5,000 following a period of frenzied bidding.
The expected top lots were two gold coins: a gold 10 ducat piece from the reign of King Leopold I of Hungary, dating to 1675 and a 10 roubles coin relating to the reign of Peter III. They did not disappoint.
Both coins were in excellent condition. King Leopold beat the CHF50,000 estimate to achieve a very credible CHF72,500, proving itself to be a worthy investment for the owner.
 Peter III 10 roubles Russian gold coin (Click to enlarge) |
But it was the Peter III coin which excelled. The coin is dated to 1762, and whilst he may appear contented on its obverse it was not a happy year for him. He was declared dead - much to his surprise - and the nobles favoured his wife Catherine (the Great) as their leader.
Peter lost power, and his enemies soon corrected the accuracy of their fib ...by having him murdered.
The coin caused excitable bidding and eventually sold for nearly double what was expected: CHF95,000 ($95,500). Collectors interested in rare gold coins may wish to take a look at this range which is currently available.
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