SPINK USA | It seems collectors and dealers alike find the Royal Mint's foibles quite interesting as heated bidding on lots from the Bill Snyder Collection of British Error Coins proved last week. Sold as part of the offerings in the Spink New York Sale, September 24, the Snyder Collection cumulatively realized above the pre-sale high estimate with most lots selling in estimate range or higher.

A James II double struck Halfcrown with the second strike 20% off center (lot 172) brought $3,250, while an impressive George IV 1826 Shilling obverse brockage, double strike in MS 62 (lot 245) sold for $1,500 - over double the estimate. Dramatic double-strike Coppers did very well, and collector interest in brockages showed strong. A Bank of England full obverse 3 Shillings brockage in About Uncirculated (lot 240) brought $675 -- more than twice the estimate; and a full obverse brockage George IV Shilling (lot 244) commanded a price of $450 nearly four times estimate. The highlight, though, of the collection, was a spectacular 1872 Gothic Florin Die Cap (of over 6mm depth) in Uncirculated (lot 263) which hammered for $8,500.

Lot 263, realised $8,500 

Other highlights of the NY Sale include an important and very rare 1876 "Mauritius" Medal in Gold (lot 271). Awarded for the 'Heroic Conduct of the Captain, Officers and Crew of the American Barque "Young Phoenix" in the Rescue of the Survivors from the Ship "Strathmore" Wrecked on Crozet Islands in 1875," the handsome medal realized $8,000. An 1866 U.S. fractional currency presentation book of Spencer M. Clark, first superintendent of the National Currency Bureau (lot 79) saw a winning bid of $20,000. Meanwhile, an extraordinary 1864 letter signed by US Treasury Secretary Francis Elias Spinner concerning Civil War counterfeiting, framed with a contemporary forgery and a 50 Cent fractional note (with Spinner's portrait) sold for $11,500 (over 20 times its low estimate).

Lot 79, realised $20,000

For further information, please contact Gregory Cole or Amit Ramprashad:

Tel: +212-262-8400 Email: [email protected]

Spink New York | 145 West 57^th Street, New York, NY 10019.

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Spink is the world's leading auctioneer of stamps, coins, banknotes, medals, bonds & shares, autographs, books and wine.  Since its foundation in 1666, the Spink name has become synonymous with tradition, experience and integrity. Holder of royal warrants and numerous records for prices achieved at auction, Spink offers an unparalleled range of services to collectors worldwide.  Headquartered in London, with offices in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore and Switzerland, Spink holds over 70 auctions a year.  Catalogues can be accessed through the Spink website(www.spink.com) or via the Spink App for iPhone and iPad.