Decades of Building an Extraordinary Numismatic Collection
For a collector, five years can pass in the blink of an eye. That’s exactly how much extra time Jaroslav Kokolus—undoubtedly the most renowned Central European collector—allowed himself since his last auction to refine the opening chapter of his collection before reaching the decision to release it onto the market and focus more on its core.
As this collection clearly demonstrates, even the most determined collector needs decades to build something truly remarkable. Beyond financial means, it requires thousands of hours of meticulous research and dedication. While narrow and specialized collections often boast an impressive depth of detail, what sets Mr. Kokolus’s collection apart is its astonishing level of precision across an exceptionally broad scope—something rarely, if ever, seen.
Habsburg Coins from the Czech and Slovak Regions
Mr. Kokolus’s primary focus is on coins from Habsburg mints in what is now the Czech Republic and Slovakia, particularly thaler, 60-kreuzer, and ducat issues (including their multiples). Smaller denominations, though present, appear only sporadically.
An Unparalleled Numismatic Collection at Auction
The sheer scope of this collection is evident from a simple comparison:
- In the renowned Chaura collection, there were 204 thalers and 60-kreuzer coins from the mints of Prague, Kuttenberg, Joachimsthal, and Budweis.
- In this auction, Mr. Kokolus’s collection surpasses that number with an impressive 242 pieces.
- A similar comparison of Prague ducats tips the scale in favor of the Kokolus collection as well, with a ratio of 10:8.
- Furthermore, the collection of Maximilian II’s coinage from the Budweis mint is nothing short of unique.
Jaroslav Kokolus
Rarity and Exquisite Detail in Numismatic Coins
In the auction catalog, we adhere to the classification of the rarity of individual coin types within the established typology or the aggregate groups within this typology in general. However, keen observers will undoubtedly notice in the notes that within the deeper structure of individual subtypes, hybrid types, and variants, some pieces stand out as very, if not extremely rare.
May these intricate details and accompanying notes serve as a guide for your further collecting and research, offering valuable insights for both your present and future valuation.
Numismatic Database of Provenance and Coin Movement
The database that Mr. Kokolus has compiled for his own research purposes—tracing the occurrences, origins, and movements of individual pieces across major collections, as well as their circulation in the auction market over nearly 150 years—is truly remarkable and virtually unparalleled, even in the realm of professional auction houses.
This achievement stands as a testament to the immense dedication and effort that Mr. Kokolus has invested in his collecting journey.
Authenticity, Historical Significance, and Collectible Value
Authenticity, rarity, quality, and provenance are undoubtedly key attributes in the perception of value, not only in numismatics but in collecting as a whole. The fascination with a distinguished pedigree is immediately apparent in Mr. Kokolus’s collection. Count Hohenkubin, Horsky, Donebauer, Dietiker, Salgó, and more recent collections such as Pollák, Novák, and Bruna—nothing has escaped the keen eye of Brno-based collector Jaroslav Kokolus.
Useful links:
Online catalog – here
PDF catalog – here
Auction registration – here
Exclusive Auction for Numismatic Collectors
On April 25, 2025, the 35th auction will take place in Prague, featuring the Jaroslav Kokolus Collection. At the same time, the traditional numismatic auction #36 will be held, offering additional rare historical coins and numismatic treasures.
How to participate in the floor auction?
- In person on the floor – Join the auction directly at the venue - Hotel Mandarin Oriental, Prague.
- By phone – Place your bids via a phone call.
- Live bidding via the AUEX auction system – Participate in real-time through the AUEX platform.
- Prebidding via the AUEX auction system – Submit your maximum bid in advance through the AUEX auction system.
Auction #36 will, as always, continue with an eLive auction, where, in addition to coins and medals, you will also find a selection of rare banknotes. The eLive auction will take place from April 27, 2025 – April 30, 2025, starting at 6:00 PM.
How to participate in the eLive auction?
- Live bidding via the AUEX auction system – Participate in real-time through the AUEX platform.
- Prebidding via the AUEX auction system – Submit your maximum bid before the auction starts.
AUEX Auction System: Register to bid
