| World & Ancient Coins |
| MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Perseus (179-168 BC). AR tetradrachm (32mm, 16.78 gm, 11h). NGC AU★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style I wouldn't say Perseus tetradrachms are necessarily rare by any means, but they are definitely hard to find in good condition and fine style. Being struck on such large flans, with a lot of open fields on the obverse, and having circulated for a long time, these are a type that often come with a number of marks and scratches from general handling. This particular coin is a fantastic example with attractive toning and very refined style. It was rightfully given the "star" and "Fine Style" designations by NGC. |
| LYCIA. Phaselis. Ca. 250-220 BC. AR stater (22mm, 10.35 gm, 6h). NGC Choice XF★ 4/5 - 4/5 Phaselis staters of this series are fairly affordable in decent condition, and while there are a large variety of types, there are few that I find particularly appealing or attractive. This piece, however, is the notable exception. The artistically rendered sea horse symbol is extremely rare, with just one other example of the type having been auctioned in the last 20 years. As an added bonus, this particular piece comes from the famous von Aulock Collection! |
| ARABIAN PENINSULA. Uncertain mint. Ca. late 3rd century BC. AR tetradrachm (28mm, 16.92 gm, 2h). NGC Choice XF★ 5/5 - 4/5, flan flaw Though I generally stay away from coins with flan flaws, this one is something special that transcends any particular issues it might have. At first glance it might appear as just any other Eastern mint Alexander the Great tetradrachm, but that belies what it truly is: a local Arabian issue that perfectly illustrates the melding of cultures that took place during the Hellenistic period. Featuring the traditional Greek mythological symbols found on Alexander tetradrachms, as well as the full name of the local Arabian deity Shams, this is one of just 8 known examples, 5 of which are in museums. |
| Nero (AD 54-68). AE dupondius (29mm, 15.87 gm, 6h). NGC Choice AU★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style Roman bronzes are a notoriously tricky area of collecting, because for so long it was considered acceptable in collecting circles to smooth and tool them to some degree. These practices are no longer market-accepted to the same extent, but plenty of pieces still float around that are problematic. This one shines above most, being a stellar example with pristine, untainted surfaces, struck from dies of very refined style. |
| Theodosius III Adramytium (AD 715-717). AV solidus (19mm, 4.48 gm, 5h). NGC Gem MS 5/5 - 5/5 While this is easily the highest-graded example of this type, I think it's also safe to say that this is among the finest, if not the finest, known of the type even accounting for the many raw pieces that still are out there. Gem MS is a rare grade by NGC for any ancient coin, but to find it for a type that is as rare as this is truly remarkable. I suspect that this will draw the attention of many non-Byzantine specialists! |
| Bavaria. Maximilian II Emanuel gold 5 Ducat ND (1685) UNC Details (Edge Filing) NGC What's better than a single ducat? Multiples, of course. This giant 5 ducat from Bavaria has easily racked up views (and bidder interest). Though undated, this commemorative was presented in 1685 upon the marriage of the well-coiffed elector of Bavaria to Maria Antonia, daughter of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I and heir to the Spanish throne. A showpiece in every way, and only the second example of this type that we have offered. |
| Eichstätt - Bishopric. Sede Vacante Taler 1781-KR/OE MS63 PCGS It would be very remiss of me if there wasn't a Taler shout-out among my picks, so here's one that combines a spectacular, aerial city view of the small town Eichstätt and all the shields on the reverse. In the last decade, we've only handled a few examples of this Sede Vacante, or "empty chair" type, which was issued upon the death of Bishop Raimondo Antonio di Strasoldo in 1781. |
| Great Britain: George V 12-Piece Certified gold & silver "Long" Proof Set 1911 NGC What's better than a short set? A long set, of course. The inclusion of the two larger gold denominations--the 2 Pounds and 5 Pounds--is what gives this set its name, further adding to its popularity among collectors. Commemorating the coronation of George V in 1911, the eight silver coins are beautifully toned, due to longtime storage inside the issued red leather case, and the four gold pieces are essentially flawless. Oh, to have been the original recipient of such a set! |
| Guatemala: Central American Republic 8 Reales 1846/2 NG-MA MS63 PCGS Ah, the great outdoors. Beautiful sun rays, mountain peaks, grass, and the emblematic Ceiba tree. Noted as the national tree of Guatemala, the Ceiba has long played an important role in both religious and ancestral history, respected by many cultures, and even cultivated in some parts of the world for its fiber (to fill mattresses, coats, and more!). This issue has a noticeable overdate, as well as the uncorrected 'S' in "Crezca", which makes it an important piece for collectors. And, for me, the eye appeal on this choice example sends it to the top of my list. |
| Netherlands: West Friesland. Provincial silver 'Reopening Maritime Commerce' Medal 1594 AU50 NGC If a crown-sized Maritime medal, toned sea blue and picturing Neptune riding a dolphin doesn't make my list, then I'm doing something wrong. This exceptional piece comes from the Dresden Collection that we offered last year and is packed with bold imagery and outstanding color. Issued during the Eighty Years' War, specifically when control of overseas territories by the Dutch colonial empire was on the rise. |