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:
Lot 92 Large silver ingot 728 from Potosí, Class Factor 1.0, 76 lb oz troy, marked with dated 1621 – $66,000*
Lot 46 PERU, Lima, gold cob 2 escudos, 1748 R, very rare, NGC MS 65, finest and only example in NGC census – $39,000*
Lot 495 MEXICO, Mexico City, 3 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Early Series,” assayer Rincón – $48,000*
Lot 1037 SANTO DOMINGO, 4 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Early Series,” assayer F to left – $75,000*
Lot 1026 COSTA RICA, San José, gold 20 pesos, 1873 GW, very rare, NGC UNC details – $54,000*
Lot 848 BOLIVIA, Potosí, gold bust 2 escudos, Charles IV (bust of Charles III) 1789 PR AU 58, finest – $48,000*
Lot 1216 PERU, Lima, gold bust 4 escudos, Charles III, 1765 JM, second bust (“rat nose”), very rare – $42,000*
Lot 1399 PHILIPPINES, GUAM, and the MARIANA ISLANDS (Spanish East Indies), cast 2 Reales-sized Proclamation – $45,000*
Lot 1665 Gold pendant with diamonds and emeralds, ex-Tolosa (1724), Borrell Plate, Smithsonian Plate – $42,000*
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!
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.”
Sedwick’s Treasure, World, U.S. Coin & Paper Money Auction 35 Live Online Auction May 7, 8, & 9, 2024
The variety of rare, historical, and even unique coins, currency, and artifacts within this auction offer a great opportunity to add valuable pieces to your collection!
Gold Cobs: Includes a number of 1715 Fleet shipwreck coins such as a Mexico City, Mexico, (1714) J gold cob 8 escudos struck with Royal dies graded NGC MS 64, pedigreed to Kip Wagner’s 1965 National Geographic article “Drowned Galleons Yield Spanish Gold” (Lot 40), as well as two beautiful Mint State Mexico gold cob 8 escudos dated 1715 J (Lots 43 and 44). Peru gold from the 1715 Fleet is also notable with the finest known Lima, Peru, 1705 H gold cob 8 escudos graded NGC MS 64 (Lot 57) and the unique Lima, Peru, 1709 M 2 escudos struck with the pillars-side die meant for a Royal 2 reales graded NGC MS 65 (Lot 72).
Shipwreck Ingots: Features an impressive, uncut gold ingot weighing 2,274 grams recovered from the famous Atocha shipwreck (Lot 96) and a rare silver piña ingot, one of just three known from the wreck (Lot 107). Shipwreck Coins: Packed with over 600 lots including treasures such as two Seville, Spain, gold cob 2 escudos from the Santa Margarita shipwreck (Lots 278 and 279), a “top pop” Bogota, Colombia, gold cob 2 escudos graded NGC MS 65 from the Maravillas shipwreck (Lot 425), and an NGC-slabbed set of Spanish colonial 1/2, 1, 2, and 8 reales from the “Coconut Wreck,” AKA “Blue Abyss Shipwreck” (Lot 695). Notable collections include the Bill Barman Collection of Atocha Research Coins (Lots 136 to 155) and selections from the Silver Banks Treasures Collection of silver cobs recovered from the Concepcion shipwreck (Lots 315 to 373). Ever-popular shipwreck coin clumps from wrecks such as the Concepcion, the 1733 Fleet, and the Hollandia (just to name a few) should not be missed. Silver Cobs of Mexico: Includes many high-grade Charles-Joanna and Philip II pieces such as the extremely rare Charles-Joanna “Late Series” assayer S 4 reales (Lot 732) and a high-grade 1733 MF klippe 8 reales (Lot 766). Silver Cobs of Lima: Hosts a key rarity, the Lima, Peru, assayer R (Rincon) cob 8 reales of Philip II the first “dollar” coin struck in South America (Lot 768).This piece is one of just sixteen known and represents a crowning achievement in the Luis R. Ponte Collection being offered in this sale. A knowledgeable numismatist and longtime friend, Luis built his collection with an eye for rarity and quality in Spanish colonial coinage, which readily shows in this catalog, from a stunning group of “Star of Lima” coinage (Lots 801 to 814) to an exceptional and extremely rare Lima, Peru, 1686 R cob 8 reales Royal (galano) graded NGC XF 40 (Lot 817).
Silver Cobs of Potosi: Features more rarities from the Luis R. Ponte Collection, including the finest-ever assemblage of countermarked shield type cob 8 reales (Lots 934 to 1033) and a very rare first-issue Potosi, Bolivia, assayer R (Rincon) cob 8 reales of Philip II (Lot 825), as well as the only known Potosi, Bolivia, 1732 M cob 8 reales Royal (Lot 1067).
World Coins: A beautiful selection of high-grade Vintage Chinese Coin Rarities such as the Hupeh Year 30 (1904) tael graded PCGS MS 62 (Lot 1190) and the gorgeously designed Hsu Shih-chang Year 10 (1921) Pavilion dollar graded PCGS SP 61 (Lot 1198). Also featured is a choice selection of Colombian Republic silver minors from Gregorio Toulemonde Collection Be sure to look for the rare one-year type La Rioja, Argentina, 1842 R Rosas gold 2 escudos graded NGC MS 63 (Lot 1095), the lustrous “top pop” Santiago, Chile, 1820 FD gold 8 escudos graded NGC MS 62 (Lot 1162), and the wonderfully toned Santiago, Chile, 1817 FJ “Volcano” peso graded NGC MS 61 from the Val y Mexia Collection (Lot 1157)—just to name a few of the many choice rarities to be found.
U.S. Coins, Medals, and Tokens: hosts a selection of gold and silver coins recovered from the Marblehead Hoard buried in Massachusetts in the early 1800s (Lots 1482 to 1488) plus a handsome example of the 1795 Draped Bust silver dollar (Lot 1475). Be sure to check out the gold lifesaving medal awarded by President McKinley in 1900 (Lot 1480).
U.S. Paper Money: Features a colorful Rainbow $2 series of 1869 Legal Tender note graded PMG VF 35 (Lot 1497) and colonial and continental currency marked by two Fugio notes of 1776 (Lots 1493 and 1494).
World Paper Money: Includes two great sets of banknote rarities: the finest known PMG-graded San Juan, Argentina, Banco de Cuyo pesos fuertes specimen set (Lot 1499) and an original Thomas de la Rue & Co. Ltd. specimen banknote album (Lot 1510). Also watch for the 1811-dated Venezuela 2- and 1-peso notes that represent Venezuela’s first paper money (Lots 1508 and 1509).
Ancient Coins and Coin Jewelry: Features several nice Ancient Gaul and Greek silver coins and several eye-catching gold cob 8 escudos mounted in gold bezels (Lots 1527 to 1529).
Shipwreck Artifacts: Stands out for two shipwreck-pedigreed gold chains, one from the 1715 Fleet and the other from the Leocadia (Lots 1562 and 1565), as well as a hefty bronze cannon breech block salvaged from the 1733 Fleet (Lot 1564). The Non-Shipwreck Artifacts section holds various historical artifacts like flintlock pistols and signal cannons.
Express Session: The third day of the auction hosts the Express session, where a variety of numismatic rarities is sure to attract many different bidders.
I’m finally able to take a breather from post-auction duties of packing and shipping to share some thoughts with you. First, all of us at Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC want to thank our bidders, consignors, auction speakers, and auction attendees for helping make Treasure Auction #20 one of our best auctions to date. Without YOU, auctions don’t happen. We are grateful for the personal and professional relationships we have nurtured over the years and look forward to many more.
As the Christmas buying season kicks into high gear, there are a few reminders to help you get the most for your money, at least when it comes to buying coins. When you buy a widget, you go to a store that you know sells them. For example, I buy electronics at a place like Best Buy. When you buy a coin, particularly a niche coin like a cob, you need to find a specialty seller, someone who knows what he’s doing.
Can You Tell This is a Counterfeit?
If you don’t, you may buy a fake instead of the real thing. Or, you may buy something less than what it should be for the price because the seller doesn’t really know his product. Either way, you won’t be satisfied with your purchase. Again, always buy from reputable dealers whether you’re buying a shipwreck coin or a dryer.
Next, whether it’s a cob or a car, buy what you like. This is especially true for any commodity that you might consider an “investment” because most things appreciate only after you’ve held onto them for a good period of time. Quick profits don’t happen very often, so plan to enjoy your purchase for years. When you do sell, you’ll be well rewarded.
Finally, buy the best you can afford if you really want to be happy with your purchase. Buyer’s remorse from letting the coin you really wanted get away from you stays with you for a long time. If you’re building a collection, it’s much easier to buy great quality at the beginning than spend time and effort to upgrade later. That said, if what you can afford isn’t the best quality, don’t worry. You’ll be happy to simply own the piece in the first place.
We can help you build the collection of your dreams. Just ask us! And, you can visit us in person at the following 2017 shows where we will have a table:
Happy Holidays to all and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year.
In this blog, we will cover some of the big-ticket items (i.e. gold and gold and silver bars) you can find in our upcoming auction. These coins and bars are important for either their rarity, their quality, their provenance or all of the above. They are for the discerning advanced collector who can afford the best. These lots also represent historical treasures which anyone can appreciate whether they can buy them or not.
Lot 30, Sedwick Treasure Auction #20
The above Lima 8 escudos cob is the finest known of its type in the NGC census with a grade of MS 63. Dan has described it as “a superb specimen all around, befitting the top honors.” Over and above that, it’s from the 1715 Fleet!
Lot 35, Sedwick Treasure Auction #20
Another Lima 8 escudos cob, this coin is tied for finest known in the NGC census with a grade of MS 62. Dan’s description: “Clearly top grade but probably also the best in terms of strike, and apparently one of very few of this date and denomination recovered” from the Luz. ‘Nuff said!
Lot 48, Sedwick Treasure Auction #20
A Bogota 8 escudos cob, this coin is the finest and only specimen in the NGC census with a grade of XF 45. Per Dan’s description it’s a “royal-like specimen on a broad flan with 100% full and bold date and king’s name in legend….one of just a handful of full-date specimens from this mint that seem to have been intended as presentation pieces, so great is the contrast between them and the regular issues with only partially or non-visible dates.” Furthermore, he notes that “this Philip V issue is much tougher than the Ferdinand VI type that followed.”
Lot 89, Sedwick Treasure Auction #20
This Potosi bust 4 escudos is the finest and only known in the NGC census with a grade of AU 58. As Dan has noted, only 170 pieces (both laureate and non-laureate types) were minted and this date is the rarest bust-type issue in any denomination from this mint. It’s “a trophy gem and has no equal in any sales records known to us,” with “trophy” seeming like an understatement!
Lot 161, Sedwick Treasure Auction #20
The above is a Lima, Peru, bust 8 escudos from the time of Ferdinand VI and dated 1751. This lot is “one of only two of this ‘large wigged bust’ type” from the Luz shipwreck. Pretty rare stuff!
Lot 202, Sedwick Treasure Auction #20
On to bars! Above is a complete gold “strap” ingot for making oro corriente pieces, marked five times with circular tax stamp of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor (Charles I of Spain) from an unidentified early 1500s wreck in the Caribbean. As Dan states, “its near-uniform flatness and its markings all indicate that this piece is the first example ever recorded of a complete ‘strap’ (in Spanish: riel) for cutting into the known (but very rare) money pieces (small) known as ‘oro corriente,’ which were used in place of actual gold coins (which were in short supply) in the colonies and thus represent the ‘first fish out of the lake’ from the colonies in terms of local gold coinage.” It dates to the 1520s and hence is “unique in importance, especially as the earliest form of Spanish colonial gold treasure we have ever offered.”
Lot 203, Sedwick Treasure Auction #20
Another important bar, the above gold “finger” bar is encrusted with coral as from the “Golden Fleece wreck” and was made “in a period when gold coins were not yet made in the New World and ‘oro corriente’ was being phased out” says Dan. Shipwreck bars are always in demand in our auctions.
Lot 210, Sedwick Treasure Auction #20
A very unusual silver “tumbaga” bar (#M-61) whose “most intriguing aspect is a large area of exposed pure copper, revealing how most ‘tumbaga’ silver was created by hammering silver and copper together and therefore showing the true nature of ‘metal of Michoacan’,” according to Dan. You should read The Tumbaga Saga by Agustin Garcia Barneche to learn more about these important and fascinating early silver bars.
Lot 211, Sedwick Treasure Auction #20
What’s an auction without a large silver Atocha bar (#451)? As Dan notes of special importance, accompanying this bar is a “complete manifest report, which was an optional (and mostly declined) item when the bars were first distributed.” Rarity and provenance!
That’s all for now, and we hope this note will whet your appetite for our auction.
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