Roman Gold Coins Certified by NGC Ancients Among Highlights of June NAC Sale

One of finest-known examples of an Aureus minted in commemoration of Roman dictator Sulla and certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) is expected to realize six figures in the Numismatica Ars Classica Auction 125. Online bidding is now open for this and several other rare coins certified by NGC Ancients in the sale, which ends June 23-24, 2021.

Of particular interest to collectors is an intriguing Roman Imperatorial, Lucius Cornelius Sulla (79 B.C.) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ch AU, 4/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface (lot 407). It has an estimate of 100,000 CHF (about $111,300 USD).

Roman Imperatorial, Lucius Cornelius Sulla (79 B.C.) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ch AU, 4/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface. Click image to enlarge.

This rarity honors Sulla, the general and statesman who won the first large-scale civil war in Roman history. He became the first man of the republic to seize power through force, though he voluntarily stepped aside later. This coin is an early example of a Roman coin depicting a living person — something that would eventually become a defining feature of Roman coins.

A more benign leader, Emperor Nerva, is commemorated on an NGC Ancients-certified rarity with an estimate of about 75,000 CHF (about $84,000 USD). This Roman Empire, Nerva (A.D. 96-98) Gold Aureus graded NGC MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface (lot 678) is possibly unique, as well as being one of the best-preserved aurei of Nerva in existence.

Roman Empire, Nerva (A.D. 96-98) Gold Aureus graded NGC MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface. Click image to enlarge.

Nerva's 15-month reign was one of moderation in comparison with that of his predecessor, Emperor Domitian. Unlike his predecessor, Nerva died of natural causes after adopting a popular general, Trajan, as his successor.

Another coin from a Roman ruler with a short reign is also featured in the sale. The Roman Empire Vitellius (A.D. 69) Gold Aureus graded NGC AU, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface with Fine Style (lot 649) has an estimate of 60,000 CHF (about $67,000 USD).

Roman Empire Vitellius (A.D. 69) Gold Aureus graded NGC AU, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface with Fine Style. Click image to enlarge.

The chaotic Year of Four Emperors in A.D. 69 followed Emperor Nero’s suicide, and Vitellius ruled from Rome for much of the year after defeating a rival. He drew his support from western provinces, and this particular coin was struck at a Spanish mint. Forces loyal to Vespasian, a military leader in the east, defeated Vitellius in December.

Other NGC Ancients-graded highlights in the sale include:

• a Roman Empire Constantine II (A.D. 337-340) Gold Medallion graded NGC AU★, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface(lot 789) with an estimate of 40,000 CHF (about $45,000)
• a Roman Imperatorial Marc Antony & Octavian (41 B.C.) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ch XF, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface (lot 478) with an estimate of 40,000 CHF (about $45,000)
• a Roman Empire Caracalla (A.D. 198-217) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ch AU★, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface (lot 744) with an estimate of 40,000 CHF (about $45,000)
• a Roman Imperatorial L. Mussidius Longus (42 B.C.) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ch XF, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface (lot 468) with an estimate of 35,000 CHF (about $39,000)
• a Roman Empire Titus (A.D. 79-81) Gold Aureus graded NGC AU★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface (lot 663) with an estimate of 40,000 CHF (about $39,000)

All estimates are provided by the auction house.