A major new reference has arrived for collectors and specialists of Spanish colonial gold. Arce’s Doubloons by Daniel Frank Sedwick is the first comprehensive die study devoted to Bogotá-minted 2 escudos produced under assayer Buenaventura de Arce Penagos between 1692 and 1714, all struck in the name of Charles II.
Built on the examination of hundreds of specimens, this work goes far beyond a traditional catalog. By reconstructing the chronological sequence of dies, it provides a clear framework for understanding how these coins were actually produced during one of the most dynamic periods in Spanish colonial history. The study spans the final years of Charles II, whose death in 1700 triggered the War of the Spanish Succession, a conflict that coincided with increased piracy across the Caribbean and ultimately the loss of fleets such as the famous 1715 Fleet.
A significant portion of the coins analyzed comes from modern recoveries of that very fleet off the east coast of Florida. Many of these pieces now reside in the State of Florida Collection, which the author studied extensively, giving this book an unusually strong foundation in both numismatic and archaeological evidence.
The book is organized into three principal phases of production:
Lifetime issues, 1692 to 1699
Transitional issues, 1700 to 1704
Post-Transitional issues, 1703 to 1714, with the overlap defined as Half-Transitionals
Each section presents detailed diagrams of obverse shield types and key reverse cross characteristics, accompanied by photographic plates and a complete listing of known die combinations. This structured approach allows collectors to attribute coins with a level of precision not previously possible.
Among the most important discoveries documented in this study are:
Clear evidence of muling between 2 escudo and 1 escudo dies
Systematic use of transposed and retrograde punches
Identification of a previously unrecognized debasement
Two appendices expand the scope further, covering Arce 2 escudos under Philip V from 1718 to 1722 and the full range of Arce 1 escudos from 1692 to 1722, making this an essential reference not only for doubloons but for Bogotá gold coinage of the era as a whole.
For collectors of shipwreck coins, especially those tied to the 1715 Fleet, this book provides critical insight into origin, classification, and rarity. For specialists, it establishes a new standard for die analysis in the Spanish colonial series.
Publication details Author: Daniel Frank Sedwick Format: Softcover and hardcover versions Pages: 132, fully illustrated ISBN: 979-8-9937390-0-7 Publication year: 2026
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.
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.
###
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 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!
Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC booth at the 2018 FUN show in Tampa
At the show, I was fortunate enough to renew my acquaintance with Ursula Kampmann, founder of CoinsWeekly, a popular online newsletter for the trade. Aside from that newsletter, she is launching companion newsletter called AuctionsWeekly which will list every Friday ”all auctions that will take place during the following week as well as just published fixed price lists.” What a great way to keep up with all the auctions that take place around the world, especially during very busy auction times! You can subscribe here: https://www.coinsweekly.com/en/Subscribe-to-CoinsWeekly-Newsletter/37. You’ll see us listed as time gets closer to our next auction.
Cori Downing, left, with Ursula Kampmann, right
By the way, if you’re in the New York City area, find us at our table at the New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) January 11-14 now held in the Empire State Ballroom of the Grand Hyatt, located at 109 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10022, between Park and Lexington Avenues. We hope to see you there!
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.
SEDWICKCOINS BLOG 