GENEVA.- This week, Piguet Auction House successfully concluded the sale of the rare medals coming directly from the House of Savoy. These medals came from the prestigious collection of the last two Kings of Italy, Their Majesties King Victor Emmanuel III and King Umberto II, part of which had been carefully preserved until now by the daughter of the latter: H.R.H. Princess Maria Gabriella of Savoy. This unique provenance played a decisive role in the success of the sale, as did the historical significance of the medals selected by Fabrice Van Rutten, Head of the Numismatics Department. All the lots found buyers, and several results stood out for prices far exceeding the initial estimates.

“We are very pleased with these results, which demonstrate that even in a niche field such as commemorative medals, an exceptional provenance attracts international buyers and drives strong bidding,” emphasized Bernard Piguet, Director and Auctioneer.

Major witnesses of European history

Beyond their prestigious provenance, the historical importance of the medals sparked strong enthusiasm among collectors. Following extensive historical research, Fabrice Van Rutten was able to assemble a coherent group of medals highlighting the influence of the House of Savoy during major European events from the 17th to the 20th century. The pieces linked to the War of the Spanish Succession and to Prince Eugene of Savoy-Carignano were particularly noteworthy:

• The important gold honorary medal struck in Madrid in 1707 by Isodoro Párraga, depicting King Philip V of Spain and Queen Marie Louise Gabriella of Savoy, soared to nearly CHF 20,000 (lot 1023), more than three times its low estimate.

• The medal commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Capture of Rome was sold for CHF 12,000 (lot 1084), also tripling its estimate.

• A satirical silver medal illustrating the French defeat at the Siege of Audenarde in 1708, featuring a rooster on a leash, achieved eight times its estimate, fetching CHF 1,600 (lot 1035).

A spectacular rise for the Battle of Britain

From another provenance, lot 1003 depicting the profile of Queen Elizabeth II sold for over CHF 100,000! This spectacular solid gold medal was struck in the United Kingdom in 2010 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Britain.