Romania 1939 20 lei
This specimen was lot 25743 in Heritage sale 3032 (Chicago, April 2014), where it sold for $25,850. The catalog description[1] noted, "Carol II gold 20 Lei 1939, Bucharest mint, AU Details (Surface Hairlines) NGC. Much luster remains atop the honey-golden fields with hairlines (some which may be as-produced) running across the surfaces. An rare issue, seldom seen on the market, and struck to celebrate the 100th year anniversary of Carol I's birth. From The Collection of Dr. Roger R. McFadden ." This type is not listed in the regular SCWC. It was likely a presentation piece. It is difficult to imagine gold coins circulating in post-World War One Romania.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 6.45 g, 0.900 fine gold, 21 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-M5, Fr-14, Stamb-101.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Unusual World Coins, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2011..
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3032, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
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