This lot of 7 Greek bronzes had an estimate of $150 in CNG's most recent e-auction (E-Auction 479, Lot 590), yet ending up selling for $1,200 plus buyer's fees. Apparently at least two people noticed something about it, but I can't figure out what that could be. Obv: Rev: Does anyone see what made this lot of coins worth so much?
Sicilian islands are expensive and hard to find in nice condition. My guess is someone really wanted at least one of these.
Certainly don't know enough to say.. but isn't that coin on the top left from Melita? Reminds me of @TIF 's post on their coinage (her 3rd coin down). https://www.cointalk.com/threads/ancient-coins-of-melita.342722/ I do not see any examples on VCoins or MA-Shops to understand the price but must be fairly rare. But its pretty rough..
I was thinking that too, but there were two other Melitan issues in this same auction that both went for under 200 (If I remember correctly - I’m kicking myself for not bidding, but I already spent too much on the previous auction)
Good thread. There are many group lots I wonder the same, and I always wonder what it was. I am sure sometimes it just people going crazy, but know many times it had a real reason, I just do not know it. A friend is one of the world's great experts in coins of Thasos. A couple of months ago there was a group lot, (maybe NN), that went for 6 times estimate and they all looked crude junk to me, I would not have placed an opening bid. He was the buyer. In it, there was a unique coin of Thasos never published anywhere, only speculated it might exist. As far as he knows, (and he has an extensive listing of every known coin of Thasos from every auction catalog and museum), its unique. I usually chalk it up to what I do not know. I would love to understand the lot posted here as well.
