Kagin’s Auctions Shatters Record for Rare Annam 3 Tien Gold Coin

A very rare Annam (Vietnam) 1834 (Year 15) gold 3 Tien, SCHR-206c, NGC certified AU-58 (Lot 201) led all lots in the April 16 ^th, 2022 Kagin’s Auction sale of the Robert Hesselgesser Collection and other World gold coins. Knocked down at $39,600 (including the 20% buyer’s premium) after spirited bidding, it far surpassed the preauction estimate of $10,000-$15,000. The record price was almost double what any 3 Tien gold of any variety has sold for at auction.

The auction featured the Dr. Robert Hesselgesser collection of Japanese Provincial and Fantasy Issues. Many of the coins were certified by PCGS including, for the first time, almost 20 Japanese Fantasy pieces. The collection was highlighted by a gold Tensho Era (1582-1591) gold Taiko Oban (Lot 103). It is listed in the KGZ reference as one of the first oban types made, but this particular coin is considered a fantasy issue, and not listed in the JNDA catalog. Previously from Thomas Elder and later part of the Gibbs Collection auctioned in 1940, the piece brought $7,800.

An additional Hesselgesser Collection highlight was another gold Tensho Naga Oban (Lot 123) deemed to be a Contemporary Imitation. Also from the Gibbs collection, the extremely rare original issue is listed in the JNDA reference as 09-2. This imitation specimen realized $8,700.

Also highlighted in the Kagin’s Auction was a small collection of California Fractional Gold highlighted by the famous 1853 50c Arms of California BG-435 (Lot 415). This PCGS MS-63 specimen brought $9,000.

Limited copies of the auction catalog and additional information are available from Kagin’s Inc. etc. For more information about the Kagin’s auction of the Hesselgesser Collection and additional rare coins, please contact Kagin’s Auctions by email at info@Kagins.com, by phone at 888-8KAGINS (888-852-4467) and online at Kagins.com.