Sale 122 Preface

Welcome to auction Sale 122, our third and final auction for 2019. Once again there is a wide range of material on offer with consignments from deceased estates and living collectors. Highlights include an outstanding New South Wales holey dollar, 1813, formerly in the famous Virgil Brand Collection (lot 1128; est. $225,000) and three high grade New South Wales fifteen pences or dumps, 1813. Of particular importance is the Mark Freehill Collection of British hammered coins both gold and silver of which the Elizabeth I fine gold sovereign (lot 2633; est. $30,000) and the Civil War Pontefract besieged shilling 1648 (lot 2975; est. $6,000) are noteworthy. To complement the Freehill Collection, there are the Oliver Cromwell coins from the collection of the late Neal Archer of which the gold pattern broad 1656 (lot 2643, est. $25,000) and half broad by Tanner (lot 2644, est. $12,500) are outstanding.

In ancient coins several choice Greek and Roman gold coins are offered of which the ‘Boscoreale’ aureus of Nero (lot 3004; est. $12,000) may be the pick. In Greek silver there are three dekadrachms of Syracuse (lots 3039-41). Of the multiple Roman Imperial lots the Vitellius sestertius (lot 3223; est. $3,000) is one of the finest seen in Australia. Spink (via George Muller) originally sold this to Neal Archer in 1981 for £2,850, reflecting its quality. 

An emergency ‘Rainbow’ pound 1914-1915 (lot 4283; est. $8,000) is a highlight in Australian banknotes, along with war related issues from both WWI and WWII from the Rabaul Treasury,  German New Guinea and Hay Internment Camps and a specimen one hundred dollars note pair 1984 (lot 4409; est. $12,000). 

Part 2 of the W. ‘Bill’ Woolmore Collection heads up the military medal section at 2.30pm on Thursday the 21st November. This includes a selection of medals for the Zulu War 1877-79 and several interesting singles and groups including a bravery group to prominent artist, Charles Wheeler OBE, DCM (lot 3571; est. $5,500) and included as a separate lot is one of his original portraits of Captain John A.Collins CB, RAN (lot 3589; est. $3,500).

The other properties on offer include a great selection of singles and groups including several with orders and decorations. There are two lots that include the Australian Star of Courage, one of these to the most decorated NSW fireman (lot 3708; est. $35,000). There are several groups with connections to the Gallipoli campaign including a DSO group of six to a medical officer who served with ‘Simpson the Donkey Man’ (lot 3666; est. $15,000). There is another group of twelve to Australia’s most distinguished Naval Reserve officer (lot 3664). Another item that should create great interest is a Distinguished Flying Medal named to one of the Dam Busters (lot 3597; est. $5,000). This lot also includes his log book as well as other documents and a large amount of memorabilia for the premiere and repeat premiere of the 1955 movie, The Dam Busters, both of which he and his wife were invited to as official guests.

On behalf of the company I would like to express my thanks to all the consignors who together have helped make this another memorable auction. Please feel free to approach any one of our team for advice at the viewing or at the auction and I wish you every success in your bidding.

Jim Noble