Sedwick Auctions is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of Treasure Auction 38, held November 13–15 at our new headquarters, with total results hitting $5 million.
Bidding shattered previous records across every major category: shipwreck coins and artifacts, gold and silver cobs, colonial coins, world coins, and rare Latin American issues.
Now we invite collectors and consignors to join our next flagship event. Consignments will be open from the beginning of December 2025 through the first week of March 2026. Mark your calendars: Our next live floor auction will take place May 6–9, 2026 at the SpringHill Suites by Marriott Winter Park, Florida.
Check our travel scheduleto consign in person or contact us to arrange a private visit at your location. We look forward to showcasing your collection in our next auction!
Lot 13 – MEXICO, Mexico City, gold cob 8 escudos “quasi-Royal,” 1714 J, “GRAT” variety with date on reverse, very rare, NGC MS 61, ex-McGregor, Flemming Plate. $ 51,000*
Lot 16 – MEXICO, Mexico City, gold cob 8 escudos, 1714 J, struck with Royal dies, very rare, NGC MS 63, finest in NGC census, ex-McGregor, Flemming Plate. $ 96,000*Lot 38 – PERU, Lima, gold cob 8 escudos, 1712 M, flipover double-strike, NGC MS 64 (1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label), ex-McGregor.$ 39,000*
Lot 44 – PERU, Lima, gold cob 4 escudos, 1712 M, rare, NGC MS 63 (1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label), “top pop,” ex-McGregor. $ 42,000*
Lot 79 – Atocha large silver ingot 296 from Potosí, Class Factor 1.0, 86 lb 5.44 oz troy, marked with mint/date Po1621, (1622). $ 90,000*
Lot 319 – Ex-Whydah Wreck – Mexico City, cob 4 reales, Philip V, (J), style of 1712-14, very rare provenance.$ 27,600*
Lot 518 – MEXICO, Mexico City, 4 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Early Series,” assayer Latin R over Gothic R (Rincón), NGC AU 50, ex-Sedwick-Downing $ 45,000*
Lot 932 – COLOMBIA, Bogotá, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI, 1759 JV, very rare, NGC AU 53, ex-Patterson (cover). $ 42,000*Lot 954 – CUBA, struck at the Gorham Mint, proof 1 peso, 1898, NGC PF 63, “top pop.”$ 36,000*
Lot 966 – DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, pattern 10 reales in solid silver, 1855, extremely rare, NGC MS 62, ex-Whittier (cover), ex-Byrne, KM Plate. $ 78,000*
Lot 1125 – MEXICO, Mexico City, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1732 F, three mouldings atop right pillar, very rare, NGC AU 58, ex-Ortiz $ 156,000*
Lot 1161 – PANAMA, cob ½ real, Philip II, assayer P-M,, extremely rare, NGC mint error AU 50 / flipover double struck. $ 31,200*
Lot 1166 – PANAMA, struck at the Philadelphia mint, proof 50 centésimos, 1904, very rare, NGC PF 63. $ 96,000*
Lot 1167 – PANAMA, copper-nickel 2½ centésimos, 1918, very rare, NGC MS 63 ex-Stuart, finest known.$ 36,000*
Lot 1516 – Gold and red-coral rosary, ex-1715 Fleet. $ 60,000*
For me, beauty and interest outweigh value, although it’s satisfying when the first two intersect with the third. Years ago, I started researching a robust field of coins, the Charles and Joanna coinage of Mexico City, and my interest was quickly piqued. Not only was the story of the first mint in the New World compelling, but the coins minted there were extremely well struck and beautiful, unlike many of the coins that came after that period. I was also taken with the simple “castles and lions” shield on one side and “pillars and waves” motif on the other.
Like any hobbyist who aspires to fill in his or her collection in a purposeful way, I learned as much as I could about the coins that had caught my attention. I bought a copy of Robert A. Nesmith’s 1955 book, The Coinage of the First Mint of the Americas at Mexico City, 1536-1572, and read it cover to cover. It’s still a great reference 70 years after publication! I read the transcript of the Tello de Sandoval investigation into possible mint improprieties during the tenure of assayer G, Juan Gutiérrez, which gave me a lot of information about the inner workings of the mint and who was there. I read about Hernán Cortés’ conquest of the Aztecs, which set the stage for a mint to be established in Mexico in 1536. I read about the Spanish monarchy to know why the coins bear the names of two rulers: Charles and Joanna. The former was the son of the latter, who by all accounts was crazy and certainly wasn’t capable of ruling over an empire. It was like a soap opera!
I began to keep census of all the varieties of all the denominations of coins from what Nesmith termed the “Early Series” and the “Late Series” assayers. The pinnacle of my work came when we were privileged to handle the sale of the Clyde Hubbard collection of Mexican Charles and Joanna coins, several of which were plate coins in Nesmith’s book.
My collection is not exhaustive because I decided early on to concentrate on rare and sometimes unique varieties and smaller denominations, which are harder to find. I never chased grades because I find it more important to have a coin in whatever condition it was found if there are only one or two known. There are so many varieties that you could spend a lifetime trying to acquire each one! Like the coins, I hope the results of my years-long study—which should be available soon and will feature most of the coins in my collection—helps further interest by avid collectors and people like me who just happen to find these coins beautiful.
This exceptionally broad-flan four reales coin represents one of the earliest issues under Francisco del Rincón, the first assayer of the Mexico City Mint. Bearing a doubled R/R mark at the base of the pillars, it displays a bold strike with clear legends and a rich toning. The coin’s design—castles and lions on one side, pillars and waves on the other—captures the aesthetic ideals of the Early Series. Its die pairing reveals the reuse of shield dies by subsequent assayers, underscoring continuity in early minting practice. Pedigreed to the Sedwick–Downing Collection and graded NGC AU 50, it remains one of the finest known examples of the Rincón type.
Among the rarest of the entire Charles and Joanna series, this 4 reales piece struck by the elusive Assayer F is both a Nesmith Plate Coin and a former holding of the Huntington Collection at the Hispanic Society of America. The issue, known by very few specimens, is distinguished by full legends, golden toning, and only minor surface corrosion. As one of the rarest assayers represented, it has been used in modern die-linkage studies to clarify the chronological sequence of early mint operations. The specimen is a cornerstone piece for understanding the earliest evolution of mint production following Rincón’s tenure.
This unique 2 reales coin exhibits an unprecedented rhomboid motto panel enclosing the inscription PLVS. The specimen, attributed to Assayer Rincón, is the only known example of its kind, pairing a rhomboid design with Gothic lettering and a later die used by Assayer P. Its discovery bridges stylistic transitions within the Early Series, providing crucial evidence of experimentation at the Mexico City Mint during the late 1530s. The coin’s rarity and stylistic innovation make it one of the collection’s most academically valuable pieces.
This 1 real coin represents a transitional issue showing evidence of an over-assayer strike, in which an earlier die from Assayer F was repurposed under Gutiérrez. The piece features full interiors, deep toning, and minimal wear. Its die linkage to both preceding and subsequent issues makes it a key specimen for understanding the mint’s workflow and reusability of dies. Such examples are indispensable for reconstructing chronological mint sequences of the Early Series.
A rare survivor of the 1554 Spanish Fleet wrecked off Padre Island, Texas, this 4 reales piece from the rare Assayer S illustrates the culmination of the Charles and Joanna coinage before the reforms of Philip II. Its well-preserved surfaces and dark patina testify to its maritime provenance. Few coins of this assayer are known, and its presence in this collection adds both archaeological and numismatic significance. Graded NGC VF details, it is one of the most compelling shipwreck-related specimens of the Late Series.
This intriguing 2 reales coin from the Late Series displays the assayer’s initial G punched upside down—a remarkable minting blunder known in only eight examples. The coin is cited in Dr. Peter Jones’s *The First Coins of the Americas* (2020) and is considered among the best preserved of its type. Its existence underscores the human variability inherent in early minting, as well as the challenges faced by the Mexico City engravers in maintaining die consistency under growing production demands.
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.”
This auction is one of our biggest to date, with many important rarities in coins, currency, and artifacts! In our Gold Cobs section you will find such trophies as a Seville, Spain, 1681/0/79 S gold cob 8 escudos graded NGC MS 61 (Lot 23) and the finest known Seville, Spain, 1659 (R) gold cob 8 escudos graded NGC MS 63 (Lot 17). Also note a lovely Lima, Peru, 1748 R gold cob 8 escudos graded NGC MS 63 (Lot 37). Shipwreck Ingots hosts one of the finest selections of shipwreck gold bars that we’ve had so far, with several unique gold ingots from the “Golden Fleece” wreck, the Atocha, the 1715 Fleet, the Luz, and the “Nanking Cargo” (Lots 73-77). Four large silver bars from the Atocha in this sale make a veritable grade set with Class Factors 0.7 up to the perfect 1.0 available for bidding (Lots 82-85). A new feature in Shipwreck Coins is that gold cobs are now included with their respective wrecks. The Silver Banks Collection hosts over 60 silver cobs recovered from the Concepción by Captain Tracy Bowden (Lots 132-195). There’s an incredible selection of Capitana and Maravillas cobs from the Luis R. Ponte Collection including numerous countermarked pre-1652 shield-type 8 reales along with transitional and post-transitional types. The popular 1715 Fleet features a strong assortment of high-grade gold cobs including a fantastic Mexico City, Mexico, 1715 J cob 8 escudos graded NGC AU 58 (Lot 296) and the spectacularly rare Cuzco, Peru, 1698 M cob 1 escudo graded NGC AU 58 (Lot 311). A selection of U.S. shipwreck coins from the S.S. New York, S.S. Central America, and the S.S. Republic are up for sale including a rare San Francisco Assay Office gold $10 graded PCGS XF45 recovered from the S.S. Central America (Lot 424). Mexico Silver Cobs has a small but nice group of rare “Early” and “Late” Series Charles-Joanna reales (Lots 448-451). Within Lima Silver Cobs, there are several Philip II rarities including a 4 reales of Assayer Rincón plated in Grunthal-Sellschopp’s The Coinage of Peru (Lot 457) along with many more choice pieces pedigreed to the Luis R. Ponte Collection. Our robust Potosí Silver Cobs section features more key coins from the Luis R. Ponte Collection including a Philip II cob 8 reales of assayer L (1st period) with denomination o-VIII over P-M to right, a rarity also plated in Grunthal-Sellschopp (Lot 518). A number of very rare Royals from the Potosí Mint are being offered: Watch for the finest known 1704/3 Y cob 8 reales Royal graded NGC AU 55 (Lot 654) and the extremely rare 1709 Y cob 8 reales Heart ex-von Schuckmann (Lot 655) in this section. Several very important collections are featured in World Coins including the Jorge Becerra Collection of Colombian Colonial Coins, the JEAS Collection of Gold Coins of Independent Colombia, Part I of the Emilio M. Ortiz Collection of Gold Coins, and Part I of the John M. O’Brien Reference Collection of Peruvian Coins. Collectors of classic Chinese coin rarities should watch for Lots 870 through 911 for numerous vintage Chinese coins from the imperial and republican eras with particular highlights being the eye-appealing Tsao-Kun military attire silver dollar of 1923 graded PCGS MS 64 (Lot 906) and the ever-popular Kweichow Year 17 (1928) “Auto” dollar graded PCGS VF 30 (Lot 909). A key coin in this session is the rare Jamaica GR countermarked of 1758 on a Lima, Peru, gold bust 8 escudos of 1751 J graded NGC c/s AU strong pedigreed to the Farouk and Rudman collections (Lot 1282). Spanish gold milled 8 escudos are well represented with several finest known and “top pop” pieces up for bidding including the gorgeous and finest known Seville, Spain, 1714 M gold 8 escudos graded NGC MS 65 (Lot 1429). Chile is another very strong area in this sale with many Spanish colonial and Republic gold and silver types available for the expert collector including the very rare Coquimbo 1828 TH “volcano” peso graded NGC AU 50 (Lot 830). The curated Medals and Decorations section hosts several tough Bolivian medals and orders including a gold Ingaví millitary decoration of 1841 (Lot 1458). We also present another selection of Admiral Vernon medals from the prestigious John Adams Collection (Lots 1465-1486). Within U.S. Coins, Medals, and Tokens there are several important early American rarities, notably an amazing 1787 Fugio cent graded NGC MS 66 Brown—a lofty “top pop” grade for this historical type (Lot 1500). Other highlights include a 1883-S gold $20 double eagle graded PCGS AU53 from the Saddle Ridge Hoard (Lot 1490) as well as an 1894 gold proof $2½ quarter eagle graded NGC PF 58 (Lot 1491). The U.S. Paper Money section has several tough Obsoletes including two Civil War-era State of Florida notes (Lots 1506 and 1507). World Paper Money hosts many beautiful, high-grade, Latin American specimens and proofs including the finest known Costa Rica Banco Mercantil specimen 20 colones graded PMG Superb Gem UNC 67 EPQ (Lot 1523) and a very rare PMG-graded set of five Dominican Republic progressive proofs from 1978-1982 (Lot 1536). The fifth session of our sale starts with Ancient and Medieval coins with many popular Ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine designs, including a beautifully toned Imperial Roman silver “elephant” denarius of Julius Caesar (Lot 1561) and a lustrous NGC-graded Mint State Byzantine Empire gold solidus of Justinian II (Lot 1565). Following that, the popular Coin Jewelry section hosts many gold and silver shipwreck, Spanish colonial, and ancient coins mounted into settings and ready for wearing. This auction has a very strong Shipwreck Artifacts section featuring many pieces from the Concepción salvage work done by Captain Tracy Bowden as well as pieces he recovered from Bannister’s pirate ship Golden Fleece sunk off the Dominican Republic in 1686—an historic first offering of a new pirate shipwreck!—in addition to items from the Guadalupe and Tolosa of 1724. The Non-Wreck Artifacts section holds an array of fossils (Lots 1640-1650) as well as historical items like a sword presented in 1856 to Heinrich Halfeld for engineering work in Minas Gerais, Brazil (Lot 1654). We close out the sale with the online-only Express session featuring over 400 lots from all categories. We wish you all good luck and hope you find the next great treasures for your collection in this sale!
For more details about the auction email us or call us.
Event Summary Start Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2024 (Lot viewing and educations talks)
Educational Talks: 2:00 – 2:45 PM: Jorge Becerra Leon (Bogotá,) – “Colonial Colombian Coins” 3:00 – 3:45 PM: Jorge Ugaz (Lima,) – “The Cob Coinage of El Peru” (Spanish) 4:00 – 4:45 PM: Ignacio Gutierrez (Madrid) – “Los Doblones de a Ocho” 5:00 – 5:45 PM: Emilio M. Ortiz (Puerto Rico,) – “Gold Coinage of The Caribbean” 6:00 – 6:20 PM: Charlie Winn – (Representing The 1715 Fleet Society) 6:45 – 8:00 PM: Invitation-only cocktail reception at SpringHill Suites.
Thursday, November 7, 2024 9:00 AM: Floor auction with live internet bidding begins Gold Cobs | Shipwreck Ingots | Shipwreck Coins | Silver Cobs by mint
Friday, November 8, 2024 9:00 AM: Floor auction with live internet bidding continues: World Coins (by country) | Medals and Decorations | U.S. Coins | Paper Money Ancient Coins | Coin Jewelry | Artifacts
9:00 PM: Express Session (selected items from all categories)
Saturday, November 9, 2024 9:00 – 11:30 AM: Lot pick-up
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