Held in Switzerland, an auction put the Numismática auction house in the spotlight, with a historical rarity motivating bids well above the usual. Between collectors and institutions, the dispute was intense and the record Spanish coin became the focus of an international race.
The piece, minted in 1609 for King Philip III of Spain, was sold for 2,817,500 Swiss francs, which corresponds to more than 3 million euros. According to auctioneer Numismatica Genevensis SA, this is the new maximum for a European coin, surpassing all previous brands registered on the continent.
A single coin from 1609
Known as “Centén”, equivalent to 100 escudos in the old Spanish monetary system, the coin weighs 339 grams and was minted in Segovia. The gold used originated from expeditions to the so-called “New World”, reflecting the ostentation and royal power of the period. “It was a true gift from royalty, a royal gift for other kings or queens”, explains Alain Baron, founder of the auction house, quoted by the British news agency.
The size and value of this issue place it among the largest in modern European history. It was conceived as a demonstration of wealth, representing, at the time, several years of salary and an instrument of diplomatic prestige.
From invisibility to returning to the spotlight
After disappearing from records for centuries, the coin reappeared in the United States around 1950. A New York collector acquired it, later selling it to a Spanish buyer, before going to another private collection, Reuters reports.
The auctioneer describes it as a royal gift, offered between ruling houses. For the new owner, the acquisition functions as a “trophy asset”, a tangible symbol of a history of sovereignty and power.
Enhanced security and global demand
According to Numismatica Genevensis SA, there was interest from buyers in Europe, the United States and the Middle East, as well as institutions. The piece started with a base price of 2 million Swiss francs, around 2.15 million euros, quickly escalating to the final price.
Among the arguments that supported the evaluation are uniqueness, provenance and state of conservation. The auctioneer emphasizes that the combination of these factors is rare, even in pieces of high historical importance.
The previous record belonged to a 100 ducat coin associated with Ferdinand III of Habsburg, sold for 1.95 million Swiss francs, approximately 2.09 million euros, explains Reuters. The new value establishes an unprecedented level and reinforces the international appeal for rarities of royal origin.
In a market where scarcity and history translate into appreciation, the record Spanish currency confirms the trend of demand for assets with their own symbolism and narrative. For collectors, this is a chapter that brings together heritage, diplomacy and power in a single object.
Also read:
