Floor auction

In a numismatic context, the term “auction” refers to a public sale of coins, medals, banknotes, or other objects of monetary historical interest. At such auctions, collectors, dealers, and investors bid on rare and valuable items, with the highest bidder winning the lot. Coin auctions have a long tradition dating back to the 18th century, when specialized auction houses began selling complete collections or significant individual items. Today, auctions take place both in traditional auction halls and increasingly online, making it easier for collectors worldwide to access coveted numismatic rarities. Auctions play an important role in the coin trade, as they often determine the market value of rare coins and enable transparent pricing. For many numismatists, auctions are not only trading platforms, but also opportunities to discover extraordinary objects, obtain historical information, and foster exchanges within the collector community.