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1609 Spanish Gold Coin Sets European Record at 2.8 Million Francs in Geneva

The auction house cites rarity plus a 340-gram weight as evidence of a ceremonial origin.

Overview

  • Numismatica Genevensis said the Centén Segoviano realized 2.8 million Swiss francs including the buyer’s premium, topping €3 million.
  • The sale establishes the most expensive European coin on record, surpassing a 100-ducat Ferdinand III piece sold for 1.95 million francs days earlier.
  • NGSA describes the piece as the very first Centén struck in 1609 and emphasizes its exceptional scarcity.
  • The seller and buyer were not identified, and the lot opened with a starting price of 2 million Swiss francs.
  • Background from NGSA links the Segovia mint’s technology to Tyrolean expertise introduced under Philip II, with the Centén appearing later under Philip III.