A rare gold coin from the Spanish Golden Age is heading to auction in Geneva next month, potentially rewriting the record books for numismatic sales. The 1609 Segovia centén, originally minted during the reign of Philip III, previously sold for 800,000 euros in 2009 and is now slated to begin bidding at 2.17 million euros (two million Swiss francs) on November 24th [[3]]. This exceptionally well-preserved piece-the only known example of its kind-offers a tangible link to a period of immense Spanish power and colonial wealth.
A 1609 Segovia centén – a large gold coin from the reign of Philip III that became the most expensive piece of Spanish numismatics when it auctioned for 800,000 euros in 2009 – is going up for sale again in Geneva, with a starting price of two million Swiss francs (2.17 million euros).
Numismatica Genevensis, which showed EFE the coin and others slated for auction on November 24 at the Hotel Mandarin Oriental in the Swiss city, anticipates strong interest from collectors and hopes the coin will surpass its previous record, potentially even becoming the most expensive coin sold in Western Europe.
The current record for a coin sold at auction is held by a 100 ducat coin from 1629, minted in the Holy Roman Empire during the reign of Emperor Ferdinand III, which fetched 1.95 million Swiss francs (2.11 million euros) in September.
Metaphor of Hispanic Power
The Segovia centén, of which only this single example is known, weighs 339.35 grams, making it the largest gold coin of the 17th century. This was a period when Spain demonstrated its wealth and dominance through such coinage, fueled by riches from the New World, according to Numismatica Genevensis. The coin’s value reflects the historical significance of Spanish colonial power.
“It’s fortunate that it has been preserved to this day, because often these large gold objects disappear during times of socio-political unrest,” Numismatica Genevensis President Frank Baldacci told EFE.
“We are talking about an exceptional gold coin, historically very important, that has everything to likely break records,” he added.
The coin previously belonged to the Caballero de Yndias collection, one of the most renowned in the Hispanic numismatic world. Assembled by a Basque collector residing in Cuba, the collection was auctioned in Barcelona in 2009 by Áureo & Calico.
A Swiss buyer acquired the coin at that time, and it subsequently changed hands – the identities of both owners remain private – and will now be offered for sale at an event also featuring four other notable coins minted at the Segovia mint, one of the most important royal mints of the 17th century.
Segovia, a Prestigious Mint
According to Numismatica Genevensis, the Segovia mint was established by Philip II, who, with the intercession of his cousin Archduke Ferdinand II, brought engineers from what was then considered the best mint in Europe, located in the Austrian Tyrol.
Built in a former paper mill, the Segovia mint ultimately created “some of the most beautiful coins the world has ever seen,” Numismatica Genevensis asserts, noting that the coin’s origin is indicated by the small aqueduct adorning its obverse.
The centén, representing the pinnacle of minting technology achieved in Segovia, was never intended for everyday circulation but was instead presented by the Habsburgs as a diplomatic gift showcasing their prestige.
Its value of 100 escudos equated to several years’ salary for a worker, and theoretically could have purchased two or three mules – a highly valued animal at the time.
A second series of centenes was minted in 1633 during the reign of Philip IV, and one of these is now held by the National Archaeological Museum, where it has been featured in several exhibitions.
The world record for the highest price paid for a coin at auction is currently held by a 1933 U.S. $20 coin, which sold for over 18 million U.S. dollars (15.4 million euros) in 2021.
Source: EFE
