Five Roman Coins Graded by NGC Ancients Each Realize Six Figures in January Sale

A Roman gold coin certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) sold for twice its estimated price at the Stack's Bowers NYINC Auction – Session D sale. There were more than 150 rarities certified by NGC Ancients in this particular session, which was hld January 16, 2022.

The highest price of the session was for a Roman Empire Elagabalus, AD 218-222 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch MS★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface (lot 3139). The coin — showing a teenage emperor who died after the Praetorian Guard turned against him — realized $312,000, far above itspre-auction estimate of $75,000 to $150,000.

Roman Empire Elagabalus, AD 218-222 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch MS★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface Realized: $312,000 Click images to enlarge.

Also exceeding its estimate was a Roman Empire Septimius Severus, AD 193-211 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch AU, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface with Fine Style (lot 3137) that realized $192,000. Severus ruled for nearly 20 years before falling ill and dying amid a military campaign in Scotland. This coin had a pre-auction estimate of $50,000 to $75,000.

Roman Empire Geta, AD 209-211 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch AU★, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface Realized: $192,000 Click images to enlarge.

A third gold coin that exceeded its estimated range was a Roman Empire Geta, AD 209-211 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch AU★, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface (lot 3138). It shows Geta, one of the two sons of Septimus Severus who ruled together until being murdered, most likely on his brother's orders. This coin realized $168,000.

Roman Empire Geta, AD 209-211 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch AU★, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface Realized: $168,000 Click images to enlarge.

All three coins were from the Dr. Michael Rogers Collection.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the sale were:

• a Roman Empire Quintillus, AD 270 Gold Aureus graded  NGC Ancients Ch XF, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface with Fine Style (lot 3150) that realized $144,000
• a Roman Empire Valerian II, AD 256-258 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients AU, 5/5 Strike and 2/5 Surface (lot 3148) that realized $132,000
• a Roman Empire Constans, AD 337-350 Gold Medallion graded NGC Ancients MS, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface (lot 3153) that realized $90,000
• a Roman Empire Numerian, AD 283-284 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface (lot 3151) that realized $78,000
• a Roman Empire Volusian, AD 251-253 Gold Binio graded NGC Ancients Ch MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 (lot 3146) that realized $66,000
• a Roman Empire Claudius II, AD 268-270 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch AU, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface with Fine Style (lot 3149) that realized $55,200.
• a Roman Empire Hostilian, AD 251 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ch AU, 4/5 Strike and 3/5 (lot 3144) that realized $43,200
• a Roman Empire Constantine I, AD 307-337, Gold Solidus graded NGC Ch MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface (lot 3152) that realized $43,200

Prices realized include buyer’s premium. Pre-auction estimates are provided by the auction house. All dollar amounts are US dollars.