- A hidden collection of 15,000 rare coins, buried for over half a century, has been rediscovered.
- Dubbed the Traveller Collection, it was hidden from the Nazis and is now valued at over $160 million AUD.
- The first auction of these historic coins is set for May 20, 2025, marking a major numismatic event.
How Did This Treasure Stay Hidden for So Long?
The story of the Traveller Collection begins in the wake of the 1929 Wall Street Crash when a European collector and his wife set out to acquire the world’s rarest coins. They meticulously documented their finds, but as World War II loomed, the collector made a bold decision—he buried the entire collection in cigar boxes and aluminum containers to protect it from the advancing Nazis. After that, he vanished, and the treasure faded into history.
Now, over 50 years later, his heirs have uncovered the collection, revealing a breathtaking hoard of numismatic treasures. Some of these coins have not been seen in public for more than 80 years, while others were never officially recorded.
What Makes This Collection So Special?
Among the most extraordinary pieces is the 100 Ducat gold coin of Ferdinand III of Habsburg (1629), weighing a massive 348.5 grams of pure gold and valued at $1.35 million USD. Another highlight is the 70 Ducat coin of Polish King Sigismund III (1621), weighing 243 grams and estimated to be worth around $471,700 USD. These coins are more than just collector’s items; they are historical artifacts that tell the story of European royalty and geopolitical shifts.
The auction house Numismatica Ars Classica (NAC) will host a multi-year auction series, starting with British machine-struck coins from Charles II to George VI in May 2025. The first wave will be on public display at NAC’s London office in April, drawing global interest from collectors and historians alike.
A Time Capsule of History
The Traveller Collection is more than just a treasure trove of gold—it’s a testament to the resilience of history itself. From the Great Depression to World War II and decades of secrecy, these coins have survived some of the world’s most turbulent times. Now, as they come back into the spotlight, they offer a glimpse into a lost era of currency, power, and wealth.
With its long-buried legacy finally coming to light, the Traveller Collection stands as one of the most remarkable discoveries in numismatic history. Who will claim these lost pieces of the past when they go under the hammer?
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