Interesting scenario Sovereign Auctions 5 for the price of one! Tribute Penny and Marc Anthony Fleet coins.

[Dafydd]

I seldom sell coins but Sovereign Auctions have  a deal where you can consign coins for something you want and they give you a credit.

The coins on this page are mine. https://auctions.sovr.co.uk/index.php?option=com_timed_auction&auction_id=26&gridtype=listview

This firm is somewhat elitist and these were my "cull" coins but I suggested that the Marc Anthony denarii should be a separate lot.

They have mixed them with a Tribute penny and other coins

I am chasing something they have but was somewhat taken aback when they ignored my view that mixing Republican with Imperial was not the best idea as I felt the Marc Anthony would attract "Fleet" collectors who may have little interest in Imperial coins. I have seen the "Tribute Penny", which is quite a decent coin sell for more than the estimate of these 5 coins.  This is a gamble for me and I am curious to see the result which will influence my future dealings. 

The Constantius  Argenteus is superb and I somewhat regret parting with it.

What do you think ? Crazy mixed lot or not?

[wuntbedruv]

I wouldn't sell anything with them. Not particularly competent, from what I've seen. In the UK I rate Naville and Coin Cabinet for ancients, CNG more widely. SOVR lack expertise. 

[Dafydd]

Thanks @wuntbedruv my concern about the mixed lots would concur with your opinion, the reason I used them was to secure a coin I wanted that they have and this allowed me to do this without spending anything. I raised the point with them during cataloging but they didn't listen to my concerns.

[wuntbedruv]

44 minutes ago, Dafydd said:

Thanks @wuntbedruv my concern about the mixed lots would concur with your opinion, the reason I used them was to secure a coin I wanted that they have and this allowed me to do this without spending anything. I raised the point with them during cataloging but they didn't listen to my concerns.

If they are so arrogant as to not to sit down with you and at least discuss your concerns (given that you are a customer, and they are providing you a service), I would pull your coins and not do business with them. Improper conduct on their part.

[DonnaML]

In my opinion, based on reviewing their listings for some years,  Sovereign Rarities' primary area of experience and expertise is in higher-end modern (i.e., post-1500) English/British gold and silver coins, as well as coronation and other commemorative medals. Not in ancient coins. I would not rely on their expertise as ancient coin dealers, or assume that they know better than you do.

Edited November 18, 2024 by DonnaML

[John Conduitt]

I would think many auction houses with those coins would put them in one lot, especially in an auction without a big ancients focus. Whoever buys them is only going to sell most of them on, so they just need to know what they are. You're not going to get the best price for each coin but people might bid higher thinking they're getting them for £80 each.

[Dafydd]

All very well considered and well received comments, thank you

[Dafydd]

My concerns about the bizarre multiple lotting of Republican and Imperial denarii were not unfounded but thankfully they did not attract a bid at the low reserve and I have withdrawn them.

On the whole the sale for me was a non-event but compensated by an exciting find on the weekend which created some diversion from this situation.