Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3051 8-9 January 2017
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Afghanistan
Amanullah gold Specimen 2-1/2 Amani SH 1306//9 (1927) SP64 NGC, Afghanistan mint, KM914 (the plate specimen), Fr-33. A very rare emission, and almost never encountered in any state, let alone as a near-Gem. The present coin, largely due to its gleaming prooflike reflectivity, has been given the Specimen designation from NGC, a descriptor that accurately describes its appearance and could reflect its status as a very early (possibly first) striking from the die. As one might expect, the design is also rather pronounced, rising boldly from the fields, with sharp edges that go hand-in-hand with special strikings. Almost no handling is present, but several strike-throughs are noted for pedigree identifying purposes. In the field to the left of the upper extension of the toughra, a pair of natural oval indentions are seen, and just to to the right of the left spire on the mosque on the reverse sits a similar circular depression. These as-made indentions clearly identify it as the example plated in the Standard Catalog of World Coins. With its impressive chain of previous owners, there can be little doubt that this coin is the most famous and desirable of all known survivors...and for the collector of elite world gold, the appeal could hardly be greater!
Ex. King Farouk (Sotheby's 1954); John Pittman Collection (David Aker's 1999), Lot 4645.
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD
Amanullah gold Specimen 2-1/2 Amani SH 1306//9 (1927) SP64 NGC, Afghanistan mint, KM914 (the plate specimen), Fr-33. A very rare emission, and almost never encountered in any state, let alone as a near-Gem. The present coin, largely due to its gleaming prooflike reflectivity, has been given the Specimen designation from NGC, a descriptor that accurately describes its appearance and could reflect its status as a very early (possibly first) striking from the die. As one might expect, the design is also rather pronounced, rising boldly from the fields, with sharp edges that go hand-in-hand with special strikings. Almost no handling is present, but several strike-throughs are noted for pedigree identifying purposes. In the field to the left of the upper extension of the toughra, a pair of natural oval indentions are seen, and just to to the right of the left spire on the mosque on the reverse sits a similar circular depression. These as-made indentions clearly identify it as the example plated in the Standard Catalog of World Coins. With its impressive chain of previous owners, there can be little doubt that this coin is the most famous and desirable of all known survivors...and for the collector of elite world gold, the appeal could hardly be greater!
Ex. King Farouk (Sotheby's 1954); John Pittman Collection (David Aker's 1999), Lot 4645.
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD