Dear CoinTalker Friends, If anyone has an 1895 Sotheby's coin sale catalog, I would be most grateful to learn whether a coin in my collection is featured therein. The coin in question is a very worn sestertius of Nerva, whose redeeming feature is a silver eagle insert formerly indicating a Renaissance Este collection provenance, although recent scholarship leans towards the Gonzaga family. When I purchased the coin, it arrived with a late 19th (?) c. tag indicating: "Ex lot 134 United Services Institution Collection Sotheby Sale, 1895. Formerly in the Este Collection". By the phrase "Ex lot", I don't know whether my coin was one of several comprising lot 134, but I would be most grateful if someone who happens to own the catalog could supply me with a scan of the text and illustration of that lot, if there is one. Thank you!
You’ll have to check BNF/ Gallica for it. There are many of them for 1895. Here’s one example : https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/bd6t5370623z/f3.item.r=Sotheby coin
https://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/b...perty of the Royal United Service Institution Matching or not, that is one interesting lot. Then a Nero Ostia sestertius in 'very excellent condition' did not rate a solo listing??? https://www.brooklynmuseum.org/eascfa/dinner_party/place_settings/isabella_d_este At the bottom of this link, it is mentioned that Isabella d'Este left 12,000 letters so with a little reading you might find mention of coins. Match or not, that is a gorgeous strike of the silver countermark on smooth green patina. I would say the countermark is worth many times the base coin.
I assume the "4" by Lot 134 is an estimate in pounds? It doesn't appear to be a post-sale prices realized list. Anyway, it doesn't seem like very much even then. [Never mind! It's the number of coins in the lot.]
I have nothing to add for the catalog but must say that coin is freaking sweet with the Este provenance. I'd love to own one with that provenance someday. Very cool.
Thank you ALL for your wonderful suggestions and comments! Being a luddite, and having spent 50 years at one of the premier library collections of Classical and Byzantine studies, I know print a little, but virtually nothing of internet resources, for everything I could want is 2 minutes walk from my office. Of course, when I am at home, or retired, internet access will be very helpful! Again, maximas gratias vobis omnibus ago!
