Four NGC-certified Ancient and World Coins Top $100,000 in Swiss Auction

An ancient Roman coin was one of four rarities certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) to realize prices over $100,000 in Maison Palombo Geneve’s Auction 20. They were among hundreds of vintage and ancient world coins graded by NGC that sold during the auction, which concluded January 22, 2022.

A Roman Empire Julia Domna, AD 193-217 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients MS★, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface with Fine Style (lot 64) realized CHF 204,000 (about $223,800). The coin features a portrait of Julia Domna, who was Roman empress as the wife of Emperor Septimus Severus. The result far exceeded the pre-auction estimate of CHF 120,000 (about $131,600).

Roman Empire Julia Domna, AD 193-217 Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients MS★, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface with Fine Style. Realized: CHF 204,000 (about $223,800) Click images to enlarge.

Other standouts included two British coins. A Great Britain 1817 Silver Pattern Crown graded NGC PF 63 (lot 141) realized CHF 186,000 (about $204,000). The reverse of this rarity features William Wyon’s famous “Three Graces” design, in which England, Ireland and Scotland are each represented by a female figure.

Great Britain 1817 Silver Pattern Crown graded NGC PF 63. Realized: CHF 186,000 (about $204,000) Click images to enlarge.

Meanwhile, a Great Britain 1777 Gold Pattern 2 Guineas graded NGC PF 63 Cameo (lot 135) realized CHF 168,000 (about $184,300). The coin shows a younger profile of King George III and is one of only three in the NGC Census.

Great Britain 1777 Gold Pattern 2 Guineas graded NGC PF 63 Cameo. Realized: CHF 168,000 (about $184,300) Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the sale included:

• an Italy 1850R IV Papal States 20 Baiocchi Gold Off Metal Strike graded NGC PF 62 and pedigreed to Farouk (lot 566), that realized CHF 108,000 (about $118,500)
• a Great Britain 1820 Gold Pattern 2 Sovereign graded NGC PF 63 Ultra Cameo (lot 139) that realized CHF 78,000 (about $85,600)
• a Lydia Croesus, 561-546 BC Gold Stater graded NGC Ancients Ch MS★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface (lot 24) that realized CHF 78,000 (about $85,600)
• a Roman Empire Severus Alexander, AD 222-235 Gold Quinarius graded NGC Ancients Ch AU, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface (lot 70) that realized CHF 72,000 (about $79,000)
• a France 1974 Gold Essai 10 Francs graded NGC PF 68 Cameo (lot 408) that realized CHF 66,000 (about $72,400)
• a France 1978 Gold Essai 2 Francs graded NGC PF 66 (lot 414) that realized CHF 57,000 (about $62,500)
• a France 1858A Franc graded NGC PF 65 (lot 374) that realized CHF 31,200 (about $34,200)

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