The Carol F. Ross Collection of Ancient Roman Coins Tops $1 Million!
Every lot sold at highly anticipated Doyle auction.
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle’s highly anticipated auction on June 12, 2025, of The Carol F. Ross Collection of Ancient Roman Coins drew hundreds of numismatists and history enthusiasts from across the nation and around the globe. This remarkable collection comprised exceptionally attractive Roman Republican and Early Imperial coinage assembled by Carol F. Ross, a respected Latin teacher and former head of the Latin Department at the Foote School in New Haven, Connecticut.
Estimated to realize between $301,850 and $494,450, the sale far exceeded expectations, totaling an impressive $1,040,116—more than doubling its high estimate. A “White Glove Sale”—all 134 lots sold!
The centerpiece of the auction was a Rare and Important Aureus of Marcus Junius Brutus, 43-42 BCE. Estimated at $100,000–$150,000, it achieved a stunning $314,600. Struck at a mobile mint of Brutus in Greece during his campaign against the Second Triumvirate, the coin is among a very limited number of aureii known to have been issued under his authority. Its portrait of Brutus offers a powerful visual connection to one of the most infamous figures in Roman history.
Another standout was an Aureus of Augustus, 27–20 BCE, which soared to $181,500—many times its $30,000–$40,000 estimate. Featuring imagery associated with Augustus’ symbolic restoration of power to the Roman Senate following his victory over Mark Antony, the aureus is of a rare type, thought to have originated from a small hoard uncovered around 1990 and believed to have been minted in Rome or possibly in Spain. Wrote Carol Ross, “Too important a symbolism to relegate this to a Spanish mint. Implication strong that it is Italian.”
A Selection of Auction Highlights
Lot 62 Marcus Junius Brutus and P. Servilius Casca Longus. c. 43-42 B.C.E. AV Aureus (7.32g, 19mm). Sold for $314,600.
Lot 81 Augustus. c. 27-20 B.C.E. AV Aureus (7.84g, 20mm). Sold for $181,500.
Lot 121 Septimius Severus. c. 193-194 C.E. AV Aureus (7.34 grams, 20mm). Sold for $30, 250.
Lot 59 L. Cestius and C. Norbanus, c. 43 B.C.E. AV Aureus (8.08g, 20mm). Sold for $14,520.
Lot 94 Augustus. c. 7-8 C.E. AV Quinarius (3.98g, 15mm). Sold for $18,150.
Lot 120 Commodus. c. 189 C.E. AV Aureus (7.33g, 20mm). Sold for $18,150.
You may also like:
