Strong Results for CNG Feature Auction 129
Classical Numismatic Group
Feature Auction 129
Coins
13 May 2025
Online
An impressive gold distater struck by the world-conquering Macedonian King Alexander III “The Great” sold for a staggering $306,250 in CNG’s Feature Auction 129. The world-record result was typical of the 941-lot auction of ancient and world coins, which achieved total prices realized of $4.3 million, more than 2.5 times the presale estimate of $1.72 million.
The distater, lot 106, was graded Choice Mint state “star” by NGC, the highest possible grade for strike and surface and a “Fine Style” designation. It is the highest auction price ever attained by this important coin type. “This is the highest grade ever given by NGC to an Alexander distater,” said David Michaels, CNG’s manager of consignments and shows. “Today’s result just shows how far the market has moved!”
Here are some highlights of the sale:
Lot 106: Kings of Macedon. Alexander III ‘the Great’. 336-323 BC. Distater. Amphipolis mint. Struck under Antipater, circa 325-323/2 BC. NGC Ch MS★, 5/5, 5/5, Fine Style. Estimate: $50,000. Hammer price: $250,000.
Lot 76: Siculo-Punic, Uncertain mint in Sicily. First Punic War. Circa 264-241 BC. 5 Shekels – Dekadrachm. NGC Ch XF, 5/5, 2/5, Fine Style. Estimate: $30,000. Hammer price: $42,500.
Lot 602: Heraclius. 610-641. Follis. Jerusalem mint. Dated RY 4 (613/4). Good very fine. Estimate: $2,000. Hammer price: $10,000.
Lot 659: China, Republic of China. General issues. 1912-1949. Dollar. Wuchang mint. Struck 1912. NGC AU 58. Estimate: $10,000. Hammer price: $25,000.
The hectic bidding throughout the auction emphasized surging demand for top-quality ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, World and English coins, Michaels said. “The bull market we’ve seen for historical rarities for just under a decade shows no signs of abating,” he noted.
The results bode extremely well for CNG’s next Feature Auction, CNG 130, scheduled for September-October of 2025. “If you would like to see your coins showcased in this world-class auction, please get in touch with us right away,” he added.
