The Frank S. Robinson Collection of Coins from Palembang, on Sumatra

Triton XIX, Lot: 994. Estimate $2000. Sold for $6500. This amount does not include the buyer’s fee.

WORLD. Miscellaneous. Lot of two-hundred-ninety-one (291) coins from Palembang, on Sumatra. Includes: The Frank S. Robinson collection as catalogued in his 2015 book, Palembang Coins, comprising all 291 distinctive varieties therein, the actual coins photographed. Robinson is a well-known dealer in world and ancient coins, and the author of various books including Confessions of a Numismatic Fanatic. Mostly EF. LOT SOLD AS IS, NO RETURNS. Two-hundred-ninety-one (291) coins in lot.

From the Frank S. Robinson Collection.

Palembang, on Sumatra (Netherlands East Indies, today’s Indonesia), was a sultanate until 1821, issuing mainly uniface lead-tin coins inscribed in Arabic. They have been quite scarce in numismatic commerce until recent river finds. Robinson’s catalog was based on intensive analysis of 35,000 coins, selecting the best preserved example of each variety for illustration. Coins are in envelopes labeled with Robinson numbers. Most are individually very scarce; over half have rarity ratings of 9 or 10 on Robinson’s 10-point scale. Probably the most complete, and the finest, collection of Palembang coins in existence. Accompanied by a signed copy of the book.