NGC-certified Ancient Gold Coins Realize Six Figures in Heritage Sale

Several ancient gold coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) exceeded their pre-auction estimates to each realize six figures in Heritage’s World and Ancient Coins Platinum Night Auction, which concluded May 7, 2021.

They were led by a Roman Empire, Caligula (A.D. 37-41) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch XF, 4/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface (lot 31038) that realized $156,000, far above its pre-auction estimate of $30,000 to $40,000. Popular among collectors, these coins are sought after for their gold value and historical significance.

Roman Empire, Caligula (A.D. 37-41) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch XF, 4/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface. Realized $156,000 Click images to enlarge.

This ancient coin features the portraits of Caligula, who ruled Rome from AD 37 to 41, and his father, Germanicus. Caligula was assassinated after he announced plans to leave Rome and rule from Alexandria, Egypt as a living god.

Another gold coin in the sale was a Roman Empire, Claudius I (A.D. 41-54) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients MS★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface (lot 31039). This ancient coin possesses the coveted NGC Star Designation for its exceptional eye appeal, and it realized $144,000, far above its pre-auction estimate of $40,000 to $50,000.

Roman Empire, Claudius I (A.D. 41-54) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients MS★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface. Realized $144,000 Click images to enlarge.

The obverse depicts Claudius, Caligula’s uncle and successor, who ruled the Roman Empire from A.D. 41 to A.D. 54. During his reign, Claudius was known for conquering Britannia and implementing public works.

Another coin, a Roman Empire, Otho (A.D. 69) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients VF★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface (lot 31043) features Otho, who ruled for three months before committing suicide after failure in battle. This gold coin also earned the NGC Star Designation, and it realized $144,000, several times its pre-auction estimate of $20,000 to $25,000.

Roman Empire, Otho (A.D.69) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients VF★, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface. Realized $144,000 Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the sale included:

• a Great Britain 1887 11-piece Jubilee Proof set pedigreed to the Murdoch Collection: 5 Sovereign graded NGC PF 65 Ultra Cameo, 2 Sovereign graded NGC PF 65 Ultra Cameo, Sovereign graded NGC PF 65 Ultra Cameo, Half Sovereign graded NGC PF 65 Ultra Cameo, Crown graded NGC PF 66, Double Florin graded NGC PF 66, Half Crown graded NGC PF 65, Florin graded NGC PF 66, Shilling graded NGC PF 66, 6 Pence graded NGC PF 65, 3 Pence graded NGC PF 65 (lot 31139) that realized $132,000
• a Calabria, Taras circa 280-272 B.C. Gold Stater graded NGC Ancients MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface with Fine Style (lot 31001) that realized $114,000
• a Roman Empire, Domitian (A.D. 81-96) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients MS, 5/5 Strike and 4/5 Surface with Fine Style (lot 31047) that realized $108,000
• an Ireland (1646) Gold Ormonde Pistole graded NGC XF 45 and pedigreed to the Kroisis Collection (lot 31161) that realized $102,000
• a Roman Republic, Octavian & Divus Julius Ceasar circa 43 B.C.) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Ch XF, 3/5 Strike and 2/5 Surface (lot 31033) that realized $90,000
• a Great Britain 1893 10-piece Victoria Veiled Head Proof set: 5 Sovereign graded NGC PF 63 Ultra Cameo, 2 Sovereign graded NGC PF 64 Cameo, Sovereign graded NGC PF 64 Cameo, 1/2 Sovereign graded NGC PF 64 Ultra Cameo, Crown graded NGC PF 63 Cameo, 1/2 Crown graded NGC PF 65, Shilling graded NGC PF 64, Florin graded PF 64, 6 Pence graded PF 65, 3 Pence graded NGC PF 64 (lot 31140) that realized $84,000
• a Roman Empire, Galba (A.D. 68-69) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients AU, 5/5 Strike and 3/5 Surface, with Fine Style (lot 31042) that realized $66,000

All prices realized include the buyer’s premium. Pre-auction estimates are provided by the auction house.

Related Links:

• NGC Ancients: Jugate and Confronted Portraits on Ancient Roman Coins
• NGC Ancients: Mints of the Roman Empire