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Latest news on RIO2025, the 5th International Convention of Historians and Numismatists, set for Sept. 2-6, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

11 Aug

Aug. 8, 2025

For Immediate Release

Latest news on RIO2025, the 5th International Convention of Historians and Numismatists, set for Sept. 2-6, 2025 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The 5th International Convention of Historians and Numismatists, RIO2025, is just weeks away. The event will take place in the magnificent city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a city recognized as a World Heritage Cultural Site by UNESCO for its rich history and cultural heritage.

Open to the public, the convention boasts a diverse and stimulating agenda, with lectures by some of the world’s leading researchers and authors, exhibitions, book launches, visits to museums and historical sites, as well as formal and informal social events. In addition, RIO2025 will feature thematic round tables, institutional presentations, specialized workshops, and spaces for academic exchange between researchers, collectors and professionals in the field.

Following a rigorous jurying process, twenty-five previously unpublished academic papers have been selected for presentation at RIO2025, researched, authored and presented by:

Jesse Kraft, PhD, representing the USA; Liesel Gentelli, Australia; Korhaan Mainil, Belgium; Juan Claudio Lechin, Bolívia; Daniel Oropeza Alba, Bolívia; Ana Bustamante Ayala, Brazil; Giovanni Miceli Puperi, Brazil; Pedro M. Zaninetti, Brazil; Alexandre Costa, Brazil; Rogério Bertapeli, Brazil; João Pedro Vieira e Mariana Brum Fonseca, Brazil; Hilton Aparecido Magri Lucio, Brazil; Andrés Felipe Cortazar, Colombia; Maricí Martins Magalhães, Brazil/Italy; Indyra Mendoza, Honduras; Ricardo de León Tallavas, Mexico; Jorge A. Proctor, Panama; Paolo Mario Quenta Loza, Peru; Dr. Glenn Stephen Murray Fantom, Spain; Ana Vico Belmonte, José Mª de Francisco Olmos, and Katharina Nothnagel Vivas, Spain; Ana Vico Belmonte, José Mª de Francisco Olmos, and Patricia Labrador Ballestero, Spain; Mario Alonso Barraco, Uruguay; Javier Avilleira, Uruguay; Daniel Luis Padula Graña, Uruguay; and Hussein Larreal Soto, Venezuela.

Registered RIO2025 attendees will receive a copy of the official RIO2025 Commemorative Medal in their participation kits. The medal’s design was the result of an international competition won by Carlos Alexis Huatuco Nanzer of Peru. Nanzer has established a name for himself in commemorative medal design, as he also produced the winning art for the 2nd and 3rd International Conventions.

For the first time in the Convention’s history, university students have been invited to participate in an academic poster competition. Ten visual format works will be presented at RIO 2025, offering the students the opportunity to share their research and engage in dialog with leading researchers and attendees at the event.

The International Conventions of Historians and Numismatists were launched in 2016 in Potosi, Bolivia, and take place every two years. Potosi 2016 was followed by Arequipa 2018, Cartagena MMXXI, and Santo Domingo MMXXIII.

RIO2025 is being hosted by the Brazilian Numismatic Society (SNB), and organized by a committee helmed by SNB President, Bruno Pellizzari and ICHN co-founder Daniel Oropeza Alba. Founded in 1924, the SNB is a century-old non-profit institution dedicated to the promotion and development of numismatics. It has a long history of collaboration with cultural and academic institutions, organizing events of both national and international significance.

This year’s congress brings together leading historians, numismatists, academics, minting companies, and auction companies from more than 30 countries. Among a “Who’s Who” of eminent international sponsors, Heritage Auctions, Sedwick & Associates, and Stacks Bowers represent U.S.-based contributors to the event.

To register and stay up to date on event schedules, hotel information, and a full list of sponsors, visit the RIO2025 website at https://www.rio2025.com.br/. Information and updates are also available on the RIO2025 Facebook page. For people traveling from North America, questions can be emailed to Augi Garcia, RIO2025 Vice President for the United States, at augi@sedwickcoins.com.

All other inquiries: rio2025@snb.org.br.

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Sidebar Information:

United States citizens planning to attend RIO2025 will need a current passport and a VISA, which can be applied for online at https://online.vfsevisa.com/.

For the VISA application process:

  • Book flights first, as flight information is required;
  • Have a photo of your passport ready to upload;
  • Upload a photo of your face against a white background;
  • Upload a letter about the event (recommended);
  • VISA cost is $80; AMEX not accepted;
  • Complete the process on a desktop or laptop, not a mobile device.

The process takes approximately 20-30 minutes, and applications are typically processed within five business days.

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ICHN attendees have the opportunity to attend presentations given by some of the most prominent numismatic experts in the world. Registration for the 5th International Convention of Historians and Numismatists –RIO2025 – is now open. (Photo: Carol Tedesco)
Rio 2025 – the 5th International Convention of Historians and Numismatists – will take place September 2-6, 2025, in the spectacular Brazilian coastal city of Rio de Janeiro. (Photo: Rafael Rabello De Barros/Wikipedia)
Carlos Huatuco Nanzer of Peru has earned recognition as a master commemorative medal designer with his winning entries for Arequipa 2019, Cartagena MMXXI and RIO2025.
Rio 2025 organizing committee President and Brazilian Numismatic Society President Bruno Pellizzari is pictured giving a presentation at Cartagena 2021, the 3rd International Convention of Historians and Numismatists. (Photo: Carol Tedesco)

Augi Garcia, presenting at the Casa de Moneda in Santo Domingo, serves as RIO2025 Vice President for the United States. (Contributed photo)

Rio2025 organizing committee President Bruno Pellizzari, left, and ICHN President Daniel Oropeza Alba, right, are pictured with the famous silver mountain of Potosi, Bolivia, in the background. The first ICHN was launched in Potosi in 2016. (Contributed photo)

Sedwick Auction 37: Record Prices in a Market for the Advanced Collector

10 May

Sedwick Auction 37 delivered exceptional results, marked by record-breaking prices for standout rarities and a stellar performance by the Almenara Collection of gold coins from Potosí and Lima. With finest known examples, multiple provenances, and strong historical significance, these colonial treasures drew intense bidding, reaffirming the market’s focus on rarity, condition, and pedigree.

The results confirmed a trend we’ve observed across recent sales: this is a market driven by knowledgeable and discerning collectors—those who seek out the most important pieces and are willing to compete for them. From rare milled coinage to hand-struck cobs, buyers responded strongly to top-tier material. Shipwreck coins continued their momentum, with rising prices across the board and sustained interest from collectors who value both history and preservation.

At the same time, Auction 37 offered meaningful opportunities for new and mid-level collectors. Strong bidding across a range of price points demonstrated that there is still room for growth and participation at all levels, making this auction a success not only for established specialists but also for newcomers with a passion for numismatics.

This auction also marked a special milestone—it was the first time we hosted a live sale in our new offices. The in-house event brought together collectors, consignors, and guests for an exclusive and memorable experience.

Over the course of six sessions held from May 7 to 9 at our offices in Maitland, Florida, the following highlights unfolded:

Given the exclusive nature of our auctions, now is the perfect time to start thinking about consigning your collection or select coins for future sales. We thank our consignors and bidders for continuing to choose Sedwick Auctions. More great things are coming soon!

Contact information:

email: office@sedwickcoins.com

phone or whatsapp: +407.975.3325

Schedule and upcoming events – click here

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

Sedwick & Associates: Upcoming Treasure, World, & U.S. Coin & Paper Money Auction 37 – May 7-9 

16 Apr

While we always stress that numismatics is a hobby, there is no denying it can be financially profitable as well. Why? Obviously, soaring precious metal prices help, but there is more to the story. The answer is that rare old coins, paper money, ingots, and artifacts are limited commodities. They were made in a certain quantity and survived at a certain rate, but that’s it: No more will be made. So then it becomes a matter of demand, and when demand is high, there is no limit as to what something rare can be worth.

Our auctions are packed with unique or near-unique items whose current value depends on you, the bidders. Our consignors depend on us to present these coins and artifacts in their best light, but only the bidders can decide the prices. At a time when the world is very concerned about financial matters, this is the time for collectors to put idle money into rare assets.

Shipwreck items are particularly good performers these days. In many cases, certain items are only available from shipwrecks, hence their already limited population is further restricted by whether they were legally commercially recovered, hardly a sure bet these days. That is why original certificates (or those from qualified professionals) are such a big deal.

The other big concern for coins and paper money is quality, which is where third-party certification companies like NGC and PCGS come in. It is not an exact science, to be sure, but just having an unbiased professional opinion about relative quality posted in a public census adds significant value. Anything presented in our auctions with notations like “top pop” or “finest known in the XYZ census” has even more potential value beyond its baseline rarity and demand.

The moral of the story is that we at Sedwick & Associates run a tight ship with academic and ethical integrity, and we bring you the best the market has to offer with the cleanest pedigree and certification possible. Bid with confidence.

Several important collections stand out in this auction, literally from A to Z. Probably the most significant is the Almenara Collection of Colonial Peruvian Gold Coins, including Lima cobs and Potosí bust gold (as the latter mint fell under Peru in colonial times). The run of Lima cob 1 escudos seen here is the most complete ever offered, and the bust series from both Lima and Potosí contain many “finest knowns” and important pedigrees. And at the end of the alphabet you will find the Zbar Collection of Maravillas coins.

You will also find several great offerings of colonial Peruvian silver coins (O’Brien Collection), as well as Colombian colonial and Republic gold and silver (JEAS and Becerra Collections), pillar dollars of most of the colonial mints (Brameld Collection), Mexican cobs (Hubbard Collection), Potosí cob 8 reales plated in the Calbetó reference, Potosí cob 4 reales (Ponte Collection), and even paper money (Busto Collection) from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Disney (yes, Walt Disney World is like its own country).

In addition, there are several important one-off coin trophies scattered throughout that should not be missed, even if you are not a buyer but want to witness numismatic history being made:

-Lot 495, a Mexico 3 reales of Charles-Joanna in XF 40

-Lot 1026, a Costa Rica gold 20 pesos dated 1873 in UNC details

-Lot 1037, a Santo Domingo 4 reales of Charles-Joanna in AU 55

-Lot 1399, a Spanish East Indies proclamation 2 reales dated 1747 in VF20

As always, we also have many important shipwreck gold cobs, including the following standouts:

-Lot 22, a 1715-Fleet Mexico 8 escudos 1714 struck with a Royal obverse die in MS 63

-Lot 60, a 1715-Fleet Cuzco 2 escudos dated 1698 in MS 63

-Lot 124, an Atocha Seville 2 escudos dated 1619 in AU55

ngots include two massive (each almost 1000 troy oz) Atocha silver bars Class -Factor 1.0 (lots 92 and 93) as well as a 21.5-troy oz gold “finger” bar from the “Golden Fleece Wreck” (lot 85).

But best of all, a showpiece for the ages, is lot 1665, an ornate pendant (reliquary or noble neck-badge) made of gold, diamonds, and emeralds from the Tolosa (1724), a fabulous jewel that appeared in multiple publications in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Many thanks to all our consignors, and best of luck to all our bidders. We hope you find your treasure!

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

Day 2 of Sedwick & Associates Auction 36 Reaches New Heights with Record-Breaking Success

10 Nov

Orlando, FL — November 8, 2024

Building on the strong foundation set by Day 1, Day 2 of Sedwick & Associates Auction 36 surpassed expectations with remarkable record-breaking results and standout performances across numerous categories. This historic day showcased an array of Spanish colonial coins, especially the coveted pieces from the Luis Roberto Ponte Collection of Lima & Potosí Cobs, as well as shipwreck coins & ingots, Latin American rarities, and vintage Chinese coins. For the first time in Sedwick & Associates’ history, sales topped $5 million, marking an exciting new milestone and ushering in an era of expansion and continued success.

The day featured these prominent collections:

  • The John M. O’Brien Reference Collection of Peruvian Coins
  • The Emilio M. Ortiz Collection of Cuban Gold Coins, Part I
  • The Jorge Becerra Collection of Colombian Colonial Coins
  • The JEAS Collection of Gold Coins of Independent Colombia

Sedwick & Associates extends its heartfelt gratitude to our consignors for their trust and to our bidders, both in person and online, for making this auction such an outstanding success. Closing out 2024 with this achievement fuels our excitement as we head into 2025, ready to embrace new offices, talented additions, and ambitious growth. Here’s to more excellence and innovation ahead. Thank you for being an essential part of this journey. – Prices realized Auction 36

SOME TOP HIGHLIGHTS SOLD AT AUCTION 36 – November 7-8, 2024:

Gold bar ingot from Colombia, 915 grams, marked with fineness XXII (22K), circular tax stamp, and fo

75 – Gold bar ingot from Colombia, 915 grams, marked with fineness XXII (22K), circular tax stamp, and fo

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

Gold bar ingot from Colombia, 915 grams, marked with fineness XXII (22K), circular tax stamp, and foundry stamp (B)ARBACO(A)S, ex-1715 Fleet, ex-AnderBidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 60,000.00 – 90,000.00

Sold for (95,000.00 + 19,000.00BP) = 114,000.00

Large silver ingot 632 from Potosi, 84 lb 5.12 oz troy, Class Factor 1.0, with markings of mine/date

82 – Large silver ingot 632 from Potosi, 84 lb 5.12 oz troy, Class Factor 1.0, with markings of mine/date

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

Large silver ingot 632 from Potosi, 84 lb 5.12 oz troy, Class Factor 1.0, with markings of mine/date Po1622, manifest IULXXIX (1079), fineness IIUCCCLBidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 35,000.00 – 70,000.00

Sold for (70,000.00 + 14,000.00BP) = 84,000.00

PERU, Lima, "Star of Lima" type, cob 8 reales presentation strike, 1659 V, mintmark * above LIMA, V

263 – PERU, Lima, “Star of Lima” type, cob 8 reales presentation strike, 1659 V, mintmark * above LIMA, V

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

PERU, Lima, “Star of Lima” type, cob 8 reales presentation strike, 1659 V, mintmark * above LIMA, V to left and 8 to right, rare, NGC AU d…Bidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 25,000.00 – 50,000.00

Sold for (70,000.00 + 14,000.00BP) = 84,000.00

Gold oval ingot, 645.26 grams, tested at 0.819 fine gold (19.656K), marked with V-over-upside-down-V

77 – Gold oval ingot, 645.26 grams, tested at 0.819 fine gold (19.656K), marked with V-over-upside-down-V

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

Gold oval ingot, 645.26 grams, tested at 0.819 fine gold (19.656K), marked with V-over-upside-down-V monogram and XXIII, ex-Luz (1752), ex-Sotheby&#…Bidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 40,000.00 – 60,000.00

Sold for (55,000.00 + 11,000.00BP) = 66,000.00

CHINA, Kansu, Kanzhou mint, dollar, Sun Yat-sen, Year 17 (1928), 民国17年

908 – CHINA, Kansu, Kanzhou mint, dollar, Sun Yat-sen, Year 17 (1928), 民国17年

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

CHINA, Kansu, Kanzhou mint, dollar, Sun Yat-sen, Year 17 (1928), 民国17年甘肃省造Bidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 20,000.00 – 30,000.00

Sold for (55,000.00 + 11,000.00BP) = 66,000.00

CHINA, Tientsin mint, dollar, Tsao-Kun, (1923), military attire, very rare, 曹锟[x

906 – CHINA, Tientsin mint, dollar, Tsao-Kun, (1923), military attire, very rare, 曹锟[x

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

CHINA, Tientsin mint, dollar, Tsao-Kun, (1923), military attire, very rare, 曹锟像宪法成Bidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 50,000.00 – 75,000.00

Sold for (47,500.00 + 9,500.00BP) = 57,000.00

PERU, Cuzco, gold cob 1 escudo, 1698 M, extremely rare, NGC AU 58 (1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label).

311 – PERU, Cuzco, gold cob 1 escudo, 1698 M, extremely rare, NGC AU 58 (1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label).

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

PERU, Cuzco, gold cob 1 escudo, 1698 M, extremely rare, NGC AU 58 (1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label). S-CZ1; KM-A27; Cal-811; Fr-6. 3.36 grams. Excellent fuBidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 30,000.00 – 60,000.00

Sold for (45,000.00 + 9,000.00BP) = 54,000.00

SPAIN, Seville, gold milled 8 escudos, Philip V, 1714 M, NGC MS 65, finest known in NGC census.

1429 – SPAIN, Seville, gold milled 8 escudos, Philip V, 1714 M, NGC MS 65, finest known in NGC census.

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

SPAIN, Seville, gold milled 8 escudos, Philip V, 1714 M, NGC MS 65, finest known in NGC census. Cal-2284; KM-260; Fr-247. A very lustrous and pristineBidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 50,000.00 – 100,000.00

Sold for (45,000.00 + 9,000.00BP) = 54,000.00

PERU, Cuzco, gold cob 2 escudos, 1698 M, HISPANIRVM error, broad flan ("Lima" cut), very rare, NGC M

310 – PERU, Cuzco, gold cob 2 escudos, 1698 M, HISPANIRVM error, broad flan (“Lima” cut), very rare, NGC M

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

PERU, Cuzco, gold cob 2 escudos, 1698 M, HISPANIRVM error, broad flan (“Lima” cut), very rare, NGC MS 64 (1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label), &qu…Bidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 20,000.00 – 40,000.00

Sold for (37,500.00 + 7,500.00BP) = 45,000.00

BOLIVIA, Potosí, cob 8 reales Heart, 1709 Y, NGC XF details / environmental damage, finest and only

655 – BOLIVIA, Potosí, cob 8 reales Heart, 1709 Y, NGC XF details / environmental damage, finest and only

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

BOLIVIA, Potosí, cob 8 reales Heart, 1709 Y, NGC XF details / environmental damage, finest and only example in NGC census, ex-von Schuckmann. S…Bidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 25,000.00 – 50,000.00

Sold for (36,250.00 + 7,250.00BP) = 43,500.00

PERU, Lima, gold cob 8 escudos, 1711 M, legend starting at 6 o'clock, NGC MS 64 (1715 Fleet Shipwrec

307 – PERU, Lima, gold cob 8 escudos, 1711 M, legend starting at 6 o’clock, NGC MS 64 (1715 Fleet Shipwrec

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

PERU, Lima, gold cob 8 escudos, 1711 M, legend starting at 6 o’clock, NGC MS 64 (1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label). S-L28; KM-38.2; Cal-2119; Fr-7. 26…Bidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 20,000.00 – 30,000.00

Sold for (32,500.00 + 6,500.00BP) = 39,000.00

BOLIVIA, Potosí, cob 8 reales Royal (galano), 1704/3 Y, rare, NGC AU 55, finest known in NGC census.

654 – BOLIVIA, Potosí, cob 8 reales Royal (galano), 1704/3 Y, rare, NGC AU 55, finest known in NGC census.

Sedwick & Associates, LLC

BOLIVIA, Potosí, cob 8 reales Royal (galano), 1704/3 Y, rare, NGC AU 55, finest known in NGC census. S-P43a; KM-unl (R31 for type); Cal-unl (Ty…Bidding Has Concluded

Estimate : 15,000.00 – 30,000.00

Sold for (30,000.00 + 6,000.00BP) = 36,000.00

The Great Cob Collector: Luis Roberto Ponte Puigbó

13 Oct

We are honored to present the second part of the remarkable collection of Luis Roberto Ponte Puigbó, focusing on rare 4 reales and 8 reales cobs from Lima and Potosí. Luis Roberto’s passion for South American cobs was unmatched, and his collection reflects years of dedication to acquiring some of the finest and rarest examples. It’s a privilege for us to now offer these exceptional pieces to collectors around the world.

In this publication, we also share a tribute from his brother, Alejandro, which beautifully captures Luis Roberto’s love for numismatics and the legacy he leaves behind.

Luis Roberto Ponte Puigbó

Luis Roberto Ponte Puigbó
17/04/1962 – 14/03/2023

“Born in Caracas, Venezuela, descended from an ancient lineage linked to the culture, history, and science of his country, he was a passionate numismatist and historian, a respected lawyer, graduating with Honors from the prestigious Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in 1986. He pursued his profession successfully and brilliantly, being one of the best lawyers in Venezuela, legally representing major companies of the country, demonstrating his dedication and commitment to excellence. His legal background, combined with his passion for history, provided him with a unique and valuable perspective that he applied both in his professional life and in his personal interests.
“Numismatics fascinated him so much that he became an eminent researcher and one of the most outstanding collectors in the world, with vast knowledge of macuquinas (cobs), Hispano-American mints such as Lima, Potosí, and expertise in Venezuelan coins. He presented countless conferences, publications in national and international forums, contributing significant discoveries to this world. He served as Secretary and Legal Advisor of the Venezuelan Numismatic Society. He was a Corresponding Member, Secretary, and Legal Advisor of the Venezuelan Numismatic Society (Sonuve); Lifetime Member of the American Numismatic Society (ANS); Corresponding Member and District Representative for Venezuela of the American Numismatic Association (ANA); Member of the Spanish Numismatic Association (ANE); Member of the Numismatic Association of Chile (ANUCH), Member of Colombian Numismatists (Numiscol); Member of the Philatelic and Numismatic Circle of Barcelona (CNFB); Corresponding Member of the Federal Institute of Numismatic Researchers of the Argentine Republic (IFINRA); Number Member of the Dominican Numismatic Society (SND); among others.
“Luis Roberto dedicated the last years of his life to meticulous research in the historical archives of the Indies in Seville, Spain, leaving several of his findings in progress, which will be published in the near future. He was not just a coin collector; he was an investigator and explorer of the past. Each coin in his collection told a story, which was a small piece of the puzzle of our civilization. As a historian, his insatiable curiosity and meticulous attention to detail allowed him to delve into the mysteries of the past in a way that few could. Luis was always an exemplary, virtuous, cultured, brilliant, dedicated, and enthusiastic human being, whose generosity, simplicity, and humility transcended in all those who had the opportunity to know him. Despite the sadness we feel, he will be remembered for his love of life, his dedication, and passion for history and numismatics. His loss is irreparable, but his legacy will endure for decades in his research, his coins, and in our memories.”

ALEJANDRO LUIS PONTE PUIGBÓ

Link to his collection