Ancients Find New Life at Auction
Ancient coins commanded strong prices at August auctions, with Greek and Roman issues proving that collectors’ fascination with the ancient world is hardly a Hollywood trend.
450–440 BCE AR tetradrachm from Sicily, Gela. Courtesy Doyle.
Although The Odyssey has had the public obsessing over the ancient world, the coin industry has been on trend well before the Hollywood film’s release. This past August, auction houses found their journey with ancient coins to be profitable destinations.
At Doyle’s August 12 "Coins, Stamps, Paper Money & Sports Memorabilia" auction, coinage performed well. “We are very pleased with the results achieved with a diverse range of property,” explains Doyle Coins, Bank Notes & Stamps Consultant Appraiser Christopher Bulfinch. “Across categories, bidders showed strong interest, underscoring the strength of the collectibles market.”
One of the standouts of the event among the world currencies was a silver tetradrachm. Originating from circa 450–440 BCE, the issue derives from Gela, Sicily, which was self-governing at the time of the coin’s issue. The obverse shows a quadriga in motion with the goddess Nike flying above, while a bull-headed river god representing Sicily is featured on the reverse. The ultimate bidding price flew above its $1,000-$1,250 estimate and landed at $1,694.
421–450 Galla Placidia AV solidus. NGC Choice AU 5/5–4/5. Courtesy Heritage Auctions.
A celebration of ancients continued at Heritage Auction’s August 16–17 sale of part 1 of the Dr. Charles Jay Deur Collection. Roman coins were especially high earners at the event, such as an AV solidus (NGC Choice AU 5/5–4/5) from the Western Roman Empire in 430–445.
The obverse shows Galla Placidia, who was the daughter of Roman emperor Theodosius I. She ruled the Western Empire as regent from 425 to 437 until her son came of age. The issue portrays her wearing a double beaded necklace and earrings, with her hair tucked under a diadem, as a wreath by the hand of God hovers above. The reverse shows the goddess Victory with a jeweled cross in hand and a star floating above. The issue sold for $12,200, making it the highest-selling item of the auction.
Information about the respective sales is found at doyle.com and coins.ha.com.
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