Premium lots from the upper segment of Schulman auctions
Schulman b.v. has more than 145 years of experience in auctioning coins and medals at an international level. Within this broad and carefully curated offering is a select group of objects that belong to the upper segment of the numismatic market. These premium lots are distinguished by their exceptional rarity, superior quality and strong historical and cultural significance.
On this page, we explain what defines a premium lot and provide a documented overview of outstanding objects offered through Schulman auctions.
What defines a premium lot?
Premium lots at Schulman auctions are typically characterised by a combination of factors:
- Extreme rarity or unique execution
- Outstanding state of preservation and an impeccable patina
- An important place in the history of coinage
- Limited availability on the international market
- Sustained interest among advanced collectors and institutions
The emphasis is firmly on numismatic and cultural-historical quality, not on speculative value. The assessment always considers how the value of a coin is determined: rarity, state of preservation, provenance and historical context.
Examples of premium lots
Kingdom of Holland — 20 Guilder 1808
Louis Napoleon (1806–1810)
Schulman b.v., Auction 365, Lot 1867
Gold, 13.66 g
A key piece in Dutch Napoleonic numismatics. Only four examples of this type are known in private hands. The coin had not appeared on the market for decades and is considered one of the rarest Dutch gold coins.
Realised: €120,000 (22 October 2020)
Holland — Gold ducaton (ten-ducat weight) 1687
Province of Holland
Schulman b.v., Auction 368, Lot 661
Gold, struck at the weight of ten ducats
An exceptional provincial issue based on the silver rider (ducaton). Such large gold pieces rank among the absolute top segment of the Republic of the United Netherlands and are of great importance for the study of provincial coinage.
Realised: €110,000 (28 October 2021)
Kingdom of the Netherlands — 10 Guilder 1828
William I (1815–1840)
Schulman b.v., Auction 375, Lot 1055
An extremely rare early issue of the gold ten-guilder. This type is absent from several major collections and is renowned for its limited mintage and historical significance.
Realised: €110,000 (6 April 2023)
Great Britain — 5 Guineas 1753
George II (1727–1760)
Schulman b.v., Auction 376, Lot 62
The last regular issue of this major gold denomination. This type marks a significant moment in British coinage history and ranks among the most sought-after guineas.
Realised: €95,000 (22 June 2023)
Holland — Gold ducaton (ten-ducat weight) 1703
Province of Holland
Schulman b.v., Auction 377, Lot 334
A monumental provincial gold piece, based on the iconography of the silver ducaton. The combination of size, execution and provenance makes this a standout premium lot.
Realised: €110,000 (19 October 2023)
Zeeland — Pattern gold rijksdaalder 1682
Province of Zeeland
Schulman b.v., Auction 365, Lot 1866
An exceptional pattern piece, struck at the weight of ten ducats. The combination of design, size and provenance places this object in the highest echelon of Zeeland's coinage.
Realised: €85,000 (22 October 2020)
Transylvania — 3 Ducats 1694
Leopold I (1657–1705)
Schulman b.v., Auction 365, Lot 1626
An extremely rare multiple-ducat piece from Central Europe. The powerful baroque portrait and sharply struck imperial eagle make this an internationally prized collector's piece.
Realised: €55,000 (22 October 2020)
South Africa — ½ Pound 1892 (Proof)
South African Republic, Paul Kruger
Schulman b.v., Auction 370, Lot 63
An iconic South African gold coin with an extremely limited mintage. This type is considered a key piece in South African numismatics.
Realised: €45,000 (12 April 2022)
Russia — Coronation medal Nicholas I 1826
Nicholas I (1825–1855)
Schulman b.v., Auction 383, Lot 240
A monumental gold medal issued to commemorate the coronation of Tsar Nicholas I. The design reflects the ceremonial and ideological significance of the Russian Empire in the early nineteenth century.
Realised: €60,000 (26 March 2025)
Why these premium lots at Schulman?
Schulman combines specialist knowledge with meticulous selection. Premium lots are always thoroughly researched, placed in their historical context and professionally presented, ensuring they reach an international audience in the proper setting.
The descriptions in our auction catalogues are based on rigorous research and consultation of the numismatic bibliography. For every premium lot, provenance, physical condition and historical context are carefully documented.
Who is the upper segment for?
The upper segment appeals primarily to:
- Advanced collectors seeking to add the finest pieces to their collection
- Heirs with historically significant collections who require expert guidance in selling or appraising
- Museums and institutions wishing to strengthen their numismatic holdings
- Enthusiasts seeking depth in quality, provenance and the history of coinage
Do you believe you may have a premium piece? Schedule an appointment for a complimentary appraisal in Amsterdam, or get in touch for an initial assessment.
