HUNGARIAN GOLD COIN SELLS FOR £4,800 AT NOONANS

A Gold coin (goldgulden) from Hungary from the era of Ladislaus I Jagiello (1440-53) that was undated but believed to date from 1443-4 sold a hammer price of £4,800 at Noonans Mayfair in their auction of World Coins on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. It was estimated to fetch £400-600 [lot 1017].

Jim Brown, Coin Specialist at Noonans commented: “The Hungarian gold market is very good at the moment, but the strength of the prices realised surprised even the cataloguer!”

He continued: “Rare and interesting coins which are obviously highly sought after now in Hungary. It will be going back home.”

From a highly specialised collection of Egyptian coins belonging to a late collector was an 80 para pattern coin that sold for a hammer price of £4,600 against an estimate of £1,000-1,200. The rare and desirable coin was not struck for circulation - so made in very small quantities and went to an Egyptian collector [lot 956].

An Indian coin from the Bombay Presidency dating from 1804, fetched £3,200 against an estimate of £300-400. It was bought by an Indian buyer.

As Mr Brown explained: “This coin is a so-called ‘mule’ - a pairing of two sides that should not normally go together. Perhaps in error, perhaps deliberately to create a rare collector's item.” [lot 1047].