NGC-certified 100 Ducats Realizes Nearly $3 Million in NAC Auction

A coin from Bohemia that is certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®) has made numismatic history, realizing nearly $3 million at an auction of Traveller Collection rarities presented by Numismatica Ars Classica (NAC). In a testament to the depth of this stunning collection, another 19 vintage European coins also realized prices of more than $100,000 in NAC’s Auction 162 on November 6, 2025.

Leading the way with a price realized of 2,388,750 CHF (about $2,950,000) was the Bohemia 1629 Prague 100 Ducats graded NGC AU 58 (lot 1008). Easily eclipsing its pre-auction estimate of 1,250,000 CHF, this extraordinary numismatic rarity is one of the largest denominations ever minted in Europe. Struck after Ferdinand III became King of Bohemia in 1627, this coin is notable not just for its historical significance but also for its sheer size and weight, boasting a 74 mm diameter and weighing about a third of a kilogram.

Another top highlight was a 1937 Czechoslovakia 5 Ducats graded NGC MS 64+ (lot 1470), which realized 673,750 CHF (about $832,000). This extraordinary rarity represents one of the final high-denomination gold issues before the outbreak of World War II in Europe. It is among the rarest Czechoslovakian coins ever produced, with only four examples struck, of which only two remain in private hands today, according to the auction house.

The Traveller Collection was formed by a numismatic enthusiast who had acquired some of the greatest rarities in Europe and subsequently buried them in a field as Nazi forces threatened his country. Sadly, he died following a stroke a short time later, and his wife left the collection unearthed for half a century.

They are now being offered in a series of auctions, and NGC was selected to certify them, encapsulating the Traveller Collection coins with a special label that highlights their prestigious pedigree. Even before the latest sale, the collection had made news when a rare variety of the Great Britain 1839 Una and the Lion 5 Sovereign graded NGC PF 64 Ultra Cameo realized CHF 980,000 (about $1.2 million) in May 2025.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the November 2025 auction included:

• a Hungary 1729 Transylvania 10 Ducats graded NGC MS 61 (lot 1016), which realized 343,000 CHF (about $424,000)
• a Netherlands 1898 Gold Gulden graded NGC PF 64 Cameo (lot 1358), which realized 196,000 CHF (about $242,000)
• a Netherlands 1790 Holland Gold Ducat graded NGC PF 62 Cameo (lot 1327), which realized 196,000 CHF (about $242,000)
• a Hungary 1696KV Transylvania 10 Ducats graded NGC MS 63+ (lot 1014), which realized 183,750 CHF (about $227,000)
• a Netherlands 1687 Gold 10 Ducats graded NGC PF 63+ Ultra Cameo (lot 1316), which realized 183,750 CHF (about $227,000)
• a Germany 1744 IT Augsburg 10 Ducats graded NGC MS 61 (lot 1054), which realized 171,500 CHF (about $212,000)
• a Germany 1685 HB Brunswick-Luneburg-Calenberg 10 Ducats graded NGC MS 61 (lot 1119), which realized 159,250 CHF (about $197,000)
• a Czechoslovakia 1938 10 Ducats graded NGC MS 67+ (lot 1471), which realized 159,250 CHF (about $197,000)
• a Germany 1729 Fulda 12 Ducat graded NGC MS 63 (lot 1145), which realized 159,250 CHF (about $197,000)
• a Belgian Congo 1896 Gold 5 Francs (lot 1308), which realized 159,250 CHF (about $197,000)
• a Germany 1866-dated Gold Victory Over Austria Medal graded NGC MS 66 (lot 1112), which realized 134,750 CHF (about $166,000)
• a Germany 1702 Trier 10 Ducats graded NGC MS 62 (lot 1258), which realized 128,625 CHF (about $159,000)
• a Netherlands 1820 10 Gulden graded NGC MS 65 (lot 1353), which realized 122,500 CHF (about $151,000)
• a Sweden 1700-dated Victory at Narva Gold Medal graded NGC MS 61 (lot 1364), which realized 116,375 CHF (about $144,000)
• a Germany 1732 Brandenburg-Ansbach 5 Carolin graded NGC AU Details (lot 1093), which realized 104,125 CHF (about $129,000)
• a Germany 1846 Wurttemberg 2 Taler - Gold Restrike graded NGC MS 62 PL (lot 1266), which realized 85,750 CHF (about $106,000)
• a Germany 1864 Bavaria 2 Taler - 1902 Gold Ferrari Issue graded NGC SP 63+ Cameo (lot 1089), which realized 82,688 CHF (about $102,000)
• a Germany 1848 Bavaria 2 Taler - 1902 Gold Ferrari Issue graded NGC SP 66 (lot 1084), which realized 82,688 CHF (about $102,000)

Prices realized include buyer's premium. The $ symbol represents US Dollars.