NGC-certified Ancient Coin Tops CNG’s January Auction

World and ancient coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) highlight a January Classical Numismatic Group (CNG) auction. Online bidding is now open, with live bidding beginning on January 19, 2021.

Among the most anticipated coins in the sale is a Sicily, Syracuse circa 405-370 B.C. Silver Decadrachm graded NGC Ancients AU★, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface with Fine Style (photo cert), with an estimated sales price of $50,000. This rare coin is widely believed to be one of the most beautiful coins ever struck.

The obverse features a charioteer driving a quadriga while holding a kentron and reins. Nike, the divine charioteer, can be seen flying toward the victor to crown them with a wreath. The reverse side of the coin features the Head of Arethousa (a nymph of a sacred spring) surrounded by dolphins. The reverse die is also signed by Euainetos, who was one of two Greek master engravers in Syracuse, Sicily during the fifth century.

Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights include:

• a Roman Empire – Caracalla, A.D. 198-217 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Gem MS, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface with Fine Style, with an estimate of $40,000
• a Roman Empire – Caligula, A.D. 37-41 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch VF, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface, with an estimate of $30,000
• a Roman Empire – Galba, A.D. 68-69 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients XF, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface with Fine Style, with an estimate of $30,000
• a Roman Empire – Commodus, A.D. 177-192 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch MS, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface, with an estimate of $30,000
• a China 1904 Hupeh L&M-180 Tael graded NGC AU 58, with an estimate of $30,000
• an England (1551-53) Edward VI Gold 1 Sovereign, with an estimate of $25,000
• an England 1680 Gold 5 Guineas, with an estimate of $25,000
• a Roman Empire – Domitian, A.D. 81-96 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients AU★, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface with Fine Style, with an estimate of $20,000
• a Roman Empire – Lucius Verus, A.D. 161-169 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface with Fine Style, with an estimate of $20,000
• a Roman Empire – Commodus, A.D. 177-192 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface with Fine Style, with an estimate of $20,000

To learn more about NGC Ancients, click here.

All estimates are provided by the auction house and are in US dollars.