A rediscovered trove of 15,000 rare coins, once stashed to evade Nazi forces, is set to astonish collectors around the world. Experts say this remarkable find, known as the Traveller Collection, could reshape numismatic history when it goes to auction.
The roots of this hidden fortune date back to the aftermath of the 1929 Wall Street Crash, when a European collector and his wife journeyed through Europe and the Americas to acquire rare coins. As World War II approached, the owner buried his prized pieces in aluminum containers and cigar boxes rather than risk losing them to advancing Nazi troops. Tragically, he died before revealing the location to anyone but his wife, leaving the treasure sealed underground for over half a century.
What makes these 15,000 coins so valuable and historically significant today?
They span more than 100 territories, featuring gold titans such as the 100 Ducat coin of Ferdinand III of Habsburg, minted in 1629 and weighing a hefty 348.5 grams. Collectors might regret losing the opportunity to witness (or even purchase) these rarities. Below is a brief table showcasing standout items:
| Coin | Approximate Weight | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|
| 100 Ducat (Ferdinand III, 1629) | 348.5 g | One of Europe’s largest gold coins |
| 70 Ducat (Sigismund III, 1621) | 243 g | Rare Polish mint masterpiece |
| Rare British machine-struck series | Varies | Never-before-seen pieces |
These coins reflect the artistic, political, and economic developments of their eras, offering a glimpse into vanished empires and shaping how collectors interpret numismatic history.
Historic auction event set to unveil once-secret coins to eager global collectors
Slated for May 20, 2025, the first auction organized by Numismatica Ars Classica (NAC) will highlight British machine-struck coins spanning Charles II to George VI. NAC Director Arturo Russo calls it “the most valuable numismatic collection ever to come to auction in its entirety.” The remaining coins will be introduced over a three-year series, ensuring each treasure receives the attention it deserves.
Before placing bids, some enthusiasts may ask: Is there a particular coin that experts think will break price records? Though difficult to predict, many believe the largest gold pieces—like the Ferdinand III Ducat—could set new auction benchmarks.
A lasting legacy that survived war, economic crisis, and decades of silence
Beyond its immense monetary value, the Traveller Collection stands as a time capsule of resilience and historical intrigue. Each coin tells a story of conquest, exploration, or royalty, while its dramatic concealment underlines the lengths collectors once took to protect cherished possessions.
This grand unveiling merges the excitement of discovery with the reverence of history, promising both scholars and hobbyists an unmissable chance to see treasures once thought lost forever.