NGC-certified Ancient Coins Featured in Numismatica Genevensis Auction

An important selection of ancient and world coins, including highlights graded by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®), will be offered by Numismatica Genevensis SA in Auction 16 in Geneva on November 14, 2022.

The two standout offerings are Silver Decadrachms of Syracuse from the late 5th century B.C., struck with dies engraved by the artist Kimon (Lots 13 and 14). Both feature a delightful portrait of the nymph Arethusa opposite an energetic scene of the goddess Nike crowning a charioteer of a victorious team of four horses.

Silver Decadrachms of Syracuse from the late 5th century B.C. (Lots 13, top, and 14) Click images to enlarge.

Numismatica Genevensis describes one of them, struck from the first set of dies attributed to Kimon, as “the finest specimen known of the most celebrated coin in ancient times.” The other, from dies signed three times by Kimon, is described as “the finest specimen known of this most iconic type.”

Another standout Greek coin from Sicily is a Drachm from the city of Aetna, dating from the 470s B.C. (Lot 6), which Numismatica Genevensis describes as “apparently unique and of great historical importance.” The coin perhaps was minted for the founding of the Aetna by Hieron I, who from 478 to 466 B.C. ruled nearby Syracuse. It depicts a horseman opposite Zeus enthroned, holding a scepter and an eagle-tipped thunderbolt.

Drachm from the city of Aetna, Sicily (Lot 6) Click images to enlarge.

From the eastern end of the Mediterranean world is another Greek highlight: a triple-siglos made for the island of Cos in the early 5th century B.C (Lot 42). It features a discobolus, or discus thrower, in a scene that most likely commemorates an athletic contest held to honor the Greek god Apollo.

Triple-siglos made for the island of Cos in the early 5th century B.C (Lot 42) Click images to enlarge.

Impressive coins graded by NGC Ancients

NGC-certified coins offered in the NGSA auction include four impressive Roman gold pieces. First is a Gold Aureus of the Roman dictator Julius Caesar, struck in 46 B.C (Lot 51). Graded NGC Ancients AU★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface, it shows on its obverse a veiled head usually identified as Pietas or Vesta, and on its reverse a display of priestly implements.

Roman Imperatorial, Julius Caesar 46 B.C. Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients AU★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface, struck in 46 B.C (Lot 51) Click images to enlarge.

Another Roman Aureus in the sale shows an outstanding portrait of the emperor Septimius Severus (Lot 63), who ruled from A.D. 193 to 211. The reverse shows the supreme Roman god Jupiter seated, holding a figure of Victory and a scepter. It is graded NGC Ancients MS★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface, with Fine Style.

Roman Empire, Septimius Severus Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients MS★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface, with Fine Style (Lot 63) Click images to enlarge.

A very rare Gold Medallion dating to A.D. 342 or 343 is also offered (Lot 67). It portrays Emperor Constans, who ruled as Augustus from A.D. 337 to 350. The reverse shows Constans, in military attire, holding a shield and a trophy. Graded NGC Ancients MS, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface, it may commemorate his victory over his brother Constantine II, who was a co-emperor.

Roman Empire, Constans A.D. 342 or 343 Gold Medallion graded NGC Ancients MS, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface (Lot 67) Click images to enlarge.

The final NGC-certified highlight is a rare Gold Solidus issued at the Constantinople mint sometime between A.D. 462 and 466 (Lot 71). It features the portrait of Aelia Verina, empress and wife of Leo I, who ruled the Eastern Roman Empire from A.D. 457 to 474. The personification of Victory, holding a long, jeweled cross, appears on the reverse. It is a particularly nice example, graded NGC Ancients MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface.

Eastern Roman Empire, Empress Aelia Verina A.D. 457 to 484 Gold Solidus (Lot 71) Click images to enlarge.

When grading ancient coins, NGC uses an adjectival system based upon the Sheldon Scale used for vintage and modern coins. Information on how the adjectival grades are determined and how they compare to the 70-point Sheldon scale can be found here.

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