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STACK'S BOWERS: NYINC ANCIENT AND WORLD COINSStack's Bowers will be hosting their NYINC Auction, which includes many Ancient & World Coins, from January 16-18, 2026. Select items are discussed below. -Garrett 
SICILY. Leontini. AR Tetradrachm (17.30 gms), ca. 425-415 B.C. NGC AU, Strike: 4/5 Surface: 4/5. Fine Style. HGC-2, 671; SNG ANS-256-7. Obverse: Laureate head of Apollo left; Reverse: Head of roaring lion left; leaf to right, three barley grains around. Pleasingly toned and with some alluring brilliance peeking out from below, this well centered and well struck example no doubt stands as a fine style representative of the emission. Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000.
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THRACE. Abdera. AR Stater (12.83 gms), Python, magistrate, ca. 375-345 B.C. NGC VF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5. Scuff. HGC-3.2, 1194. Obverse: Griffin springing left off base; Reverse: Tripod surmounted by wreath; within incuse square. A RARE type that does not feature with any frequency at public auction, this impressive stater displays a bold strike, with sharp details and a touch of brilliance yet retained. As one of the more elusive issues from classical Greece, we would expect no shortage of excited bidders seeking out this Stater. Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000. Provenance: From the Peter Jones M.D. Collection (Greek Coin Art pg. 87; #1345). Ex: George Gund III Collection (Stacks 1/2007) Lot #4183.
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Stunning Superb-Gem 8 Reales The Finest Spanish 8 Reales Graded by Either NGC or PCGS SPAIN. 8 Reales, 1711-M J. Madrid Mint. Philip V. NGC MS-67. KM-291; Cal-1338; Cay-9231. Defying belief with its stupefying condition, not only the finest of the date certified by NGC, but the finest of ANY Spanish 8 Reales NGC or PCGS has seen. Words really cannot began to encompass the incorporeal beauty that inheres to this example, with a needle-sharp strike that gives all features of the surface a clarity that is normally reserved for modern issues. The total lack of marks is jarring, as even the best 8 Reales show some chatter, leaving this example as an essentially unique survivor that was likely put away immediately after striking. Given the magnetic draw of the piece, this example expects to draw a plethora of excited bids when it crosses the auction block. Estimate: $40,000 - $50,000.
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Impressive Three Nation Crown GUATEMALA. Guatemala - El Salvador - Peru. 8 Reales, 1839. PCGS MS-62; Countermark: UNC Details. KM-111.5. Type 2 Guatemala sun over mountains countermark and Type 2 El Salvador "Zig-zag" countermark on 1839-LIMA M B 8 Reales. In intriguing specimen bearing not one, but two distinctive countermarks, both Guatemalan and Salvadoran, highlighting rather extensive trading within Latin America, all while not displaying any signs of circulation or drawdown. The countermarks are bold and deep, and the surfaces of the host are sparkling with luster, with a few spots of deeper tone. A piece with a unique story that demands much attention at auction. Estimate: $7,000 - $10,000.
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Impressive Large Size Colonial Gold Ingot SPANISH COLONIAL. Gold Oblong Finger Bar, ND (ca. 1622). Philip IV. EXTREMELY FINE. Weight: 1,078 gms. (34.66 oz); Diameter: 245.31 x 28.37 x 12.17 mm.; AGW: 32.13 oz. Rectangular ingot with seven royal tax stamps spaced across face, five purity stamps "XXII" and "o" (representing 22-1/4 Karats), foundry stamp "SARGOSA/PECARTA" to right; Reverse: "A85-27" engraved to left. This wholesome and original looking large-size ingot displays a light attractive golden tone with faint sunset hued patina in the protected areas. Evidence of sea coral is noticed to the right on all sides as well as in several of the crevasses. Close inspection reveals some light scratches, "IIXX", near the cut end. Based on the orientation of the ingot, the scratched numerals are probably inverted and meant to represent the purity of "XXII". Altogether, an impressive relic that represents the awesome creation of wealth that was being mined in Spain's colonial territories for the intended eventual benefit of the motherland. Estimate: $150,000 - $200,000.
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The Endlessly Sought "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds GREAT BRITAIN. Gold "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds Pattern, 1839. London Mint. Victoria. PCGS PROOF-62+ Deep Cameo. S-3851; Fr-386; KM-742; WR-278 (R4). By William Wyon. Wilson and Rasmussen lists a total of eight die varieties for this type, with the present example identified by its "DIRIGE..." reverse legend, small lettered edge, and six full scrolls on the obverse headband. Masterfully produced in medallic high relief, this hefty gold five sovereign issue is often found with thick frost over the devices, rendering the portrait and the figures of Victoria and the Lion in stark, striking detail that accentuates the beauty of Wyon's artistry and serves as a testament to the superior capabilities of the Royal Mint for the period. The present example is no exception, the matte-like texture of the raised portions of the design granting eye-catching contrast to the watery and deeply mirrored yellow-golden fields beneath. A near-Choice representative of one of the most iconic issues in numismatic history. William Wyon (1795-1851) led a long and illustrious career as an engraver of British medals and coinage, hailing from a family of diesinkers in Birmingham and serving as Chief Engraver of the Royal Mint from 1828 until his death in 1851. He was a prolific and highly regarded artist in his lifetime, the creator of such famed pieces as the 1817 "Three Graces" and "Incorrupta" pattern Crowns, the 1847 "Gothic" Crown, and the 1831 coronation medal for William IV, among many others. His work can primarily be classified under Neoclassicism, a popular art movement of the 18th and 19th centuries that drew heavily upon works of the Renaissance and classical antiquity, featuring themes of grandeur in conjunction with a simplicity of style. Wyon's most renowned work may be his 1839 "Una and the Lion" 5 Pounds issue, produced for the delayed coronation of Queen Victoria, who ascended to the throne in 1837. The design, in characteristic Neoclassical fashion, draws direct inspiration from Edmund Spenser's Renaissance-era epic poem, "The Faerie Queen." Book I of the epic follows the adventures of the noble Redcrosse Knight and his lady, Una. In one scene, Una is charged upon by a wild lion after becoming separated from her companion, but in the face of Una's beauty and purity, the lion is instantly tamed, and thereafter accompanies her as a faithful protector.
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Stunning Jubilee 5 Pounds With Incredible Cameo Contrast The Single Finest Example Graded by NGC GREAT BRITAIN. 5 Pounds, 1887. London Mint. Victoria. NGC PROOF-66+ Ultra Cameo. S-3864; Fr-390A; KM-769; W&R-285. Mintage: 797. Variety with initials "B.P." on reverse. Surmounting the NGC Census, with no peers on the same plane of beauty, this simply magnificent Quintuple Sovereign can lay claim to being on of the highest peaks of the entire British Milled series, much less of the 19th Century. The 1887 Jubilee issues are RARE in proof no matter the grade, though to find one in such status so close to perfection truly embodies the height of numismatic beauty and allure. The fields are watery with all the depth of field of a mirror, with snowy frost capped devices. The cameo contrast is exquisite, and it is nearly impossible to find anything negative worth a mention on this example. As stunning as stunning comes is perhaps the best bit of brevity that can accurately describe this example. Estimate: $125,000 - $175,000.
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Beautifully Preserved Uncirculated Guldengroschen GERMANY. Saxony. Guldengroschen, ND (1512). Hall Mint. Friedrich III The Wise. PCGS MS-63. Dav-9699; Schnee-37. The single finest certified on either the NGC or PCGS population reports, though at one point NGC also had a single example in the same grade. Wholly original looking and very attractive, this lovely early Guldengroschen boasts a bold strike in high-relief with somewhat subdued luster in the fields with plenty remaining flash the in the legends and amongst the devices. Seldom encountered in this elite state of preservation and as such should be considered VERY RARE and highly desirable in such elevated condition. Estimate: $10,000 - $20,000. Provenance: From the John P. Burnham Collection.
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Stunning Naples & Sicily 30 Ducati with both a "Star" and "Plus" Grade ITALY. Naples & Sicily (as the Two Sicilies). 30 Ducati, 1852. Naples Mint. Ferdinand II. NGC MS-62+?. Fr-866; KM-368. A splendid example bearing both a "star" and "plus" modifier, this alluring and hulking gold issue is sharply detailed, with bounding luster that emanates from the surfaces. Presenting better than even the enhanced grade might suggest, this handsome example certainly does not lack for appeal. A specimen that will doubtlessly command much attention when offered. Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000.
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Sensational Zog I 100 Frangi Ari in Gem Quality ALBANIA. 100 Franga Ari, 1938-R. Rome Mint. Zog I. PCGS MS-65. Fr-13; KM-23. Mintage: 500. Commemorating the marriage of Zog and Geraldine. A most impressive and desirable hefty 20th Century gold issue, delivering rich lustrous beauty with a Gem allure of sloshing luster that pours forth from the surfaces. A lovely piece that will doubtlessly act as a capstone example to any collection of gold RARITES. Estimate: $7,000 - $10,000.
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Original Striking of the Legendary Ferdinand III City View Issue AUSTRIA. Holy Roman Empire. 2 Ducats, 1642. Hall Mint. Ferdinand III. PCGS AU-58. Fr-247; KM-899. Obverse: Armored figure of Archduke Ferdinand III on horseback riding to right with staff in hand, city view of Innsbruck behind, date below; Reverse: Saint Leopold standing with flag of Old Austria, church in hand, all within circle of fourteen coats of arms. An iconic RARITY as an original striking, the first example we can recall offering as such and far more frequently encountered as a modern restrike. An enviable survivor with flashy problem-free surfaces, plenty of luster abounding in the fields, and little to no evident wear. All in all, a premium piece that would be difficult to improve upon given the infrequency of its appearances in public auctions. Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000.
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Impressive Specimen Victorian Half Dollar CANADA. 50 Cents, 1870-LCW. London Mint. Victoria. PCGS SPECIMEN-63. KM-6.Variety with L.C.W. on neck truncation. A beautiful and EXTREMELY RARE ISSUE in Specimen quality, offering luminous fields and frosty devices providing a crisp nearly-Cameo distinction. Largely unblighted by marking, a small touch of friction likely accounts for the grade, though this minor notation does little to dampen the overall appeal of the representative. Distinguished in nearly every way, this lovely minor is certain to achieve dazzling heights when offered at auction. Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000.
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The Menorah Prutah -- The First Coin with Purely Jewish Iconography JUDAEA. Mattathias Antigonus, 40-37 B.C.E. AE Prutah (1.45 gms), Jerusalem Mint. NGC EF?, Strike: 3/5 Surface: 3/5. Meshorer-41; Hendin-6203. Obverse: Showbread table; Reverse: Menorah. Struck upon a fairly irregular flan--a typical aspect of the type--this EXCEPTIONALLY RARE and extremely important example represents the pinnacle within Jewish numismatics, as it stands as the first coin to feature definitive Jewish iconography in the form of the showbread table and the menorah--both synonymous with the Temple of Jerusalem. Though the design upon each side is incomplete, as is always the case, given that the flans used were simply too small to contain all design elements, the parts that are present upon this monumental example are rather bold and clear, with parts of the surrounding legends (in Hebrew, around the showbread table, and in Greek, around the menorah) very evident as well. The surfaces are mostly deep green in hue, with some lighter dusty highlights acting as a delightful accent. A tremendously pivotal and consequential offering for an ever-desirable type that has been off the market for nearly three-and-a-half decades. Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000. Provenance: From the Rabbi Victor H. Weissberg and Tamar Weissberg Collection. Ex: Numismatic Fine Arts XXVI (8/1991) Lot # 135 @ $12,500 hammer.
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Exceptional Pedigreed Year 1 Sela JUDAEA. Bar Kochba Revolt, 132-135 C.E. AR Sela (Tetradrachm) (13.96 gms), Jerusalem Mint, Year 1 (132/3 C.E.). NGC Ch EF, Strike: 5/5 Surface: 3/5. Die Shift. Mildenberg-1.4 (O1/R1; this coin cited); Meshorer-218b; Hendin-6402. Obverse: Facade of the Temple of Jerusalem containing showbread table (Ark of the Covenant); Reverse: Lulav; etrog to left. A very well centered example, this EXTREMELY RARE specimen is highly prized and sought after. Though a minor die shift is observed, the coin offers a pleasing overall strike with some darker hints around the Temple's interior, all while some glints of brilliance emerge from the fields. An exceptional representative from the beginning of the series, and one that yields a stellar pedigree as well. Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000. Provenance: From the Rabbi Victor H. Weissberg and Tamar Weissberg Collection. Ex: New York Sale LI (1/2021) Lot # 37. Ex: Josef Samel Collection (Kunker 334, 3/2020) Lot # 2374. Ex: El Fawar 1978 Hoard.
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