Tennants Auctioneers’ Coins & Banknotes Sale on 7th May will feature a diverse selection of lots to cater to various interests. The sale includes an impressive section of ancient coins, several high-grade British milled issues, and a strong assortment of gold and silver coins.
Leading the ancient section is an extremely rare Ancient Greek Silver Stater from the town of Orchomenos in the region of Boeotia, dating from around 371-364 BC. This coin appears to be unrecorded in existing literature, with only one other example having been offered at auction (Roma Numismatics Auction XXV, Lot 246). It is in extremely fine condition, showcasing a beautiful deep blue cabinet tone, and is estimated to sell for £1,500 to £2,500 (all figures exclude buyer’s premium).
Another rarity in the banknote section is a Chinese note from The Yue Soo Imperial Bank, dated September 1st, 1908, for one silver dollar. While this note is recorded (Pick S1232 var.), it is a rare variety with a colour scheme not typically seen and does not feature a Western serial number. Although well circulated, this note is extremely rare and is also estimated to sell for £1,500 to £2,500. An identical note was sold at a Shanghai auction house (Shanghai Yangming Auction Co., 2014 Autumn Auction, December 7, 2014, lot 57), with the catalogue indicating that one example is housed in the collection of the Shanghai Museum and that their example will be the first of its kind offered at public auction. It is possible that this could be the second.
Additional highlights of the sale include an extremely fine George III Guinea dated 1799 (£1,500-1,800), several high-quality Roman sestertii, and a selection of gold and silver sets from the Royal Mint.
The sale will be on view at Tennants in Leyburn on Tuesday 6th May.
