Baldwin's Auction 64-65 Baldwin's hosts a two-day auction including lots from The Michael Hall Collection, The Strickland Neville Rolfe Collection and The Bishop’s Wood Hoard of Roman Coins.
coppers (lots 1590-1593), and a magnificent Virginia halfpenny (lot 1594) which, like the two pattern crowns, were all acquired shortly after issue and have been immaculately preserved. The lots from the Rolfe collection continue with an extraordinary series of Norfolk and Suffolk 17th Century tokens (lots 1474-1486), a collection of 365 pieces, formed with obvious pride and dedication. There are numerous rarities for both counties, many in remarkably high grade and this collection was unknown to the key researchers and cataloguers of this series in the 19th and 20th Centuries, William Boyne (1858), George Williamson (1889) and latterly, Michael Dickinson.
Hot on the heels of the Rolfe Collection and the Bishop’s Wood Hoard the third and final session of the day comprises an exceptionally extensive group of World coinage. Notable highlights of the section include: lot 1622, an AD 1519 Sultan Selim I, Gold Altin; lot 1655, an 1813 Westphalia, Hieronymus Napoleon, Restrike 40-Franks; lot 1741, an undated Michael Korybut (1661-1673), Gold Double Ducat; lot 1860, a 1907 Chihli Province, Silver Pattern Pei Yang Tael, Kuang Hs;, lot 1876, a China Republic, Yuan Shih-Kai, Gold Dollar and lot 1939, a 1906 Kuang Mu, Gold 20-Won.
A small collection of Japanese Oban and Koban are one of the more unusual highlights from the sale. Lot 1905, a 1725 Kyoho Oban Kin is one of only 8,515 and is one of the rarest and most valuable pieces in the auction. The name Oban Kin derives from the Japanese word Oban meaning ‘large plate’ and Kin meaning gold. The obverse of the coin has the value written on it in ink and below is the signature of the family member responsible for minting it. There are four stamp marks around the outside of the coin, each depicting a Kiri flower which is the ancient Japanese symbol of power. The reverse, in contrast is reasonably plain aside from three small mint marks in the bottom left corner which are abbreviated names of the employees that minted the coin. These coins were originally only used by the Imperial Court for business transactions or as gifts to foreign dignitaries but later became the first legal currency throughout Japan.
The auction concludes with ‘A Nobleman’s Collection’ of Russian Coinage dating from 1700-1917. Highlights include lot 1946 a Peter I (1689-1725) Poltina ΑΨΔ (1704) МД, lot 1961, a Peter I (1689-1725) Beard Token AΨE and lot 1996, a Peter III (1762) Pattern Rouble.
Baldwin’s Managing Director, Ian Goldbart, commented ‘we are delighted to be offering such an exceptional variety of items in this our 64th and 65th London sale. The diversity and rarity of the lots is outstanding with something to suit all tastes.’
For more information about any of the other lots in the sale please contact Seth Freeman on +44 (0)20 7930 9808 or at seth@baldwin.co.uk .
For press enquiries please contact Caroline Newton on +44 (0)20 7930 9808 or at carolinenewton@baldwin.co.uk.
SALE HIGHLIGHTS
7 RENAISSANCE ITALY. Antonio de Pucci, called Pisanello (c.1394-1455). Cecilia Gonzaga (1426-1451),
