VICTOR-EMMANUEL III MEDALS OFFERED

Victor-Emmanuel III of Italy (1869–1947) had a scholarly passion for the history of coins and medals. Throughout his life, he assembled one of the most extensive collections, regarded as a benchmark among connoisseurs. His son, King Umberto II (1904–1983), further enriched this prestigious collection, which was later preserved in part by his daughter, H.R.H. Princess Maria-Gabriella of Savoy.

The sale brings together several hundred medals, some of them of great rarity. Each medal stands as a direct witness to Europe's most significant events from the 17th to the 20th century, whether political, military, or dynastic. Among the highlights is an important and rare honorary medal of the Kingdom of Spain, issued in gold, silver, and bronze. Struck in 1707 with the effigies of King Philip V and Queen Maria-Luisa-Gabriella of Savoy, it offers a striking reminder of the European alliances forged during the War of the Spanish Succession and of the political power struggles surrounding the accession of Louis XIV's grandson to the throne (lot 1023, estimated CHF 6,000–8,000).

Lot 1023

The collection also recounts the military achievements of Prince Eugene of Savoy-Carignan (1663–1736), a true military genius considered by many - including Napoleon I - as one of the greatest commanders in history. Raised at the court of Louis XIV but excluded from the French army, he entered the service of the Holy Roman Empire and spent much of his career in memorable battles against France.

Several medals recall these glorious episodes:

Lot 1120: two recent gold and silver medals commemorating his meeting with Victor Amadeus II after the Siege of Turin in 1706, with Pietro Micca on the reverse (estimated CHF 8,000–12,000)

Lot 1026: An early silver medal known as the "Tower of Babel," celebrating the capture of the city of Lille in 1709 (estimated CHF 1,000–1,500)

Lot 1035: A satirical representation from 1708 depicting the defeat of the French at the Battle of Audenarde, with a rooster on a leash (estimated CHF 200–300)

Beyond its value for European history, this exceptional ensemble tells, above all, the story of Italy, intimately linked to that of the House of Savoy. Early medals from the Kingdoms of Italy and Sardinia are presented alongside private issues of the House of Savoy, most often struck in gold, silver, and bronze.

These medals illustrate, among other themes, the modernization of Piedmont, dynastic alliances with the great European courts, and the Italian unification, represented through the effigies of the four reigning kings from 1861 to 1946:

Lot 1096: Victor-Emmanuel II

Lot 1109: Victor-Emmanuel II

Lot 1084: Umberto I

Lot 1126: Umberto I

Lot 1098: Victor-Emmanuel III

Lot 1128: Victor-Emmanuel III

Lot 1115: Umberto II

Lot 1129: Umberto II

"Earning the trust of Europe's great aristocratic families is a rare privilege, and it is our responsibility to ensure that these prestigious objects find a new life with owners worthy of their history."

From a different provenance, the sale on Monday, September 22, also includes a rare commemorative piece struck in the United Kingdom in 2010, limited to only 20 examples and weighing over 1 kg of gold! It bears the profile of Queen Elizabeth II and commemorates the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain (lot 1003, estimated CHF 80,000– 120,000).

Lot 1003

Public Exhibition: September 18–21 at the Hôtel des Ventes, Rue Prévost-Martin 44–51, Geneva Online Auction of the Royal Collection of the House of Savoy: September 10–22, Geneva Dates of the "Online Only" September Sales (including works of art, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, watches, fine wines, and luxury leather goods): September 10–25, 2025 Online Catalogue: September 10

Piguet Auction House announced the auction of an exceptional collection of medals originating directly from the House of Savoy.

These unpublished medals form part of the prestigious collection assembled by the last two Kings of Italy, Their Majesties King Victor-Emmanuel III and King Umberto II, and carefully preserved to this day by the latter's daughter, H.R.H. Princess Maria-Gabriella of Savoy.

Unveiled to the public for the very first time in Geneva, within the galleries of Hôtel des Ventes Piguet from September 18 to 21, this remarkable ensemble of several hundred rare pieces retraces major European events from the 17th to the 20th century through commemorative medals of the House of Savoy and of the Kingdoms of Italy and Sardinia. The auction will take place exclusively online from September 10 to 22.

To read the complete article, see:
Royal treasures unveiled: Medals of Italy's last kings go under the hammer in Geneva (https://artdaily.cc/news/185032/Royal-treasures-unveiled--Medals-of-Italy-s-last-kings-go-under-the-hammer-in-Geneva)

For more information, see:
https://www.piguet.com/

	NBS (coinbooks.org) Web