This Thursday sees an intriguing auction of Feudal, Royal, Modern and Foreign coins being held by the French auction house CGB in the form of their Monnaies 44 sale.
The range of coins on offer is substantial and diverse, including coins ranging from those of the ancient Capetian kings to the Euro ...a currency the kings might have struggled to understand.
Three lots stand out however: first, a very fine gold commemorative medal depicting Pope Innocent XII. Created by Antoine Pignatelli, the image shows the Pope facing right, wearing a small cap. The reverse includes the date: MDCIIIIC. The rare piece is estimated at €15,000.
The two numismatic pieces vying for top lot status, however, are an 1810 Spanish coin showing Napoleon - Joseph Napoleon to be precise - and an 1973 coin depicting Hercules as part of figurative display of 'Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité'.
The former, a gold coin, is in very fine condition. The obverse presents Joseph Napoleon wearing a simple band around his head, facing left, whilst the reverse presents a crowned shield and references to the Castille, Léon, Aragon, Navarre, Grenada and the Indies.
The brilliant uncirculated 1973 20Fr coin presents Hercules wearing the skin of the Nemean lion, joining Liberty and Equality.
Both coins are estimated at €20,000 and provide highlights for collectors with different interests, of for investors, in the auction which takes place on Thursday, June 17 in Paris and online.
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