Rare and important Coin Medallion of Hadrian Augustus also headlines

A trio of exceptional coins from ancient Rome is being offered in Heritage Auction Galleries’ Signature® Auction of Ancient & World Coins to be held at the New York International Numismatic Convention, in New York City on January 4-5, 2009. The Heritage auction and the Convention will be held at the Waldorf-Astoria. Details can be found on the Heritage website, HA.com, where the auction will be posted in early December for inspection and bidding.

“Among the many magnificent ancient coins in the NYINC auction,” noted Cristiano Bierrenbach, Heritage’s Director of International Sales, “are a pair of coins graded as “Fleur de Coin” – a French phrase meaning ‘absolutely perfect in every way.’ This denotes a coin that is not only technically uncirculated, but appears as fresh as the day it was minted. The earlier of the pair is a gold Roman Imperial Aureus of Lucius Verus, minted 161-169 A.D.; NGC has graded it as ‘Gem Uncirculated – F.D.C.’”

The second coin is a Roman Imperial Aureus of Aelius Caesar, minted between 136-138 A.D. NGC graded this coin, previously in the famed John Whitney Walter Collection, as “Choice Uncirculated – F.D.C.” The portrait on the obverse (front), probably cut by the finest engraver of the time, is sculptural in quality, and his bust has perfect surfaces to form an outstanding image of this ancient prince. According to experts, this is among the top-tier aurei of Aelius that have survived.”

A third impressive item in the NYINC auction is not normally considered a coin, but falls rather in the tradition of ancient coin medallions (which were produced much like coins). This unique silver medallion of Hadrian Augustus (A.D. 125-128) is of great importance and beauty, and is a lightly toned example in Extremely Fine grade. Considered a masterpiece of ancient portraiture at 33.5 mm in width, the obverse has been judged one of the finest among the entire Roman coinage, and the reverse (back side) features a delightful mythological scene. “This medallion,” noted Bierrenbach, “is expected to be the most valuable Roman numismatic item that Heritage has ever offered, and may go into the mid six-figures.”

“These are just a few of the highlights of an impressive ancient section that Heritage is putting together for NYINC,” concluded Bierrenbach, “but when I received these three items I spent an entire afternoon showing them around the company – that’s how impressed I was with their quality and conservation.”

To discuss consigning ancient or world coins to NYINC or another upcoming auction, please call Cristiano Bierrenbach at 800-872-6467 Ext. 1661 or Warren Tucker at Ext. 1287. The Consignment Deadline for NYINC is November 7th.

Heritage Auction Galleries is the world’s third largest auction house, and by far the largest auctioneer of rare collectibles, with annual sales over $600 million, and 400,000+ registered online bidder-members. For more information about Heritage’s auctions, and to join and gain access to a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HA.com.

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