The 100 ducat coin of Ferdinand III.
On 6 November 2025, collectors can look forward to a numismatic highlight: in auction 162 of the traditional Numismatica Ars Classica auction house, a gold coin that had been considered lost for decades will go under the hammer. It is a spectacular 100 ducat coin minted in 1625 by Ferdinand III. It was discovered in the legendary Traveller Collection, one of the most fascinating and valuable coin collections in the world.
The Traveller Collection – a treasure from the past
The Traveller Collection is considered one of the most extraordinary collections in numismatics. It comprises around 15,000 coins with an estimated total value of over 100 million US dollars. It was started in the 1930s when a passionate collector sold his shares in a company and travelled around the world with his wife to purchase coins at major auctions and from renowned dealers.
The meticulousness with which the collector proceeded is charming: almost every purchase was recorded in diaries, supplemented by anecdotes about encounters with collectors and dealers, as well as notes on hotels and restaurants visited during the trip. Many coins were stored in hand-labelled envelopes, which still bear witness to this unique collector’s passion today.
However, the outbreak of the Second World War brought this journey to an abrupt end. Faced with the threat of German invasion, the collector buried most of his collection on his estate. Shortly afterwards, he passed away. It was not until the 1990s that the treasure was brought back to light by family members on the instructions of his widow.
Ferdinand III and the 100 ducat coin minted in 1625
Ferdinand III (1608–1657) was not only King of Hungary, but also Holy Roman Emperor from 1637 onwards. His early gold coins are of particular historical value as they represent a political symbol. Large gold coins such as the 100 ducat piece were not intended for circulation, but were objects of representation – an expression of power, wealth and dynastic self-confidence.
The coin offered here depicts Ferdinand III of Habsburg and was minted as a gift from the young king to German princes who had been won over to the Habsburgs during the Thirty Years’ War. It thus combined political utility with symbolic appeal: it was a splendid gift that secured loyalty and consolidated the Habsburgs’ position in the empire.
The rarity of 100 ducat coins
Coins worth 100 ducats are among the largest and heaviest gold coins of their time. Even in the 17th century, they were absolute rarities, as their production required enormous quantities of precious metal and the highest precision. They were only minted on special occasions and were almost exclusively intended for ruling houses or as gifts for important dignitaries.
Today, 100 ducat coins are among the most spectacular objects in numismatics. Hardly any collector ever has the opportunity to see such a coin in real life, let alone acquire one.
The fourth known specimen
The specimen offered in Auction 162 is the fourth known piece of this minting. It was lost for decades until it was rediscovered by the Traveller Collection. Its condition is exceptional, and its minting quality remarkable – another factor that makes this piece a numismatic event.
Starting price and estimate
Given its significance, it is not surprising that this masterpiece is going under the hammer with a starting price of CHF 1,000,000. The estimated price is CHF 1,250,000. However, given its rarity and historical significance, the final price could be much higher.
A unique opportunity
The appearance of this 100 ducat coin opens a new chapter in European coin history. It combines rarity, historical context and a fascinating provenance from one of the most legendary collections of the 20th century. For collectors at the highest level, the auction on 6 November offers a rare chance to acquire a piece of world history in gold.
Pre Bids for this 100 ducat coin can be submitted on Sixbid.com until November 6 at 8:00 a.m. CET.