Strong Bidding for Outstanding Portraits – Numisart Auction 9

Numisart’s Auction 9 was a great success. Numerous bidders from around the world placed pre-bids and participated actively in the live bidding. Estimates and expectations were significantly exceeded, and many collectors were able to enlarge their collections. Stylistically outstanding pieces in excellent condition were in high demand. Strong interest was shown especially for attractive and exceptional portraits – a notable number of such were offered in the auction. Here some highlights:

Lot 2: Eastern Celts. “Ornamentreiter” type, imitating Philip II of Macedonia. Tetradrachm, Middle Danube region, 2nd century BC. Attractive toning and fine style. Starting price: 120 EUR. Hammer price: 550 EUR

An attractive Celtic tetradrachm of the “Ornament Rider” type

Celtic coinage frequently features imitations of significant coin types from the Kingdom of Macedonia. The coin presented here was inspired by the tetradrachms of Philip II (359–336 BC), but displays numerous distinctive stylistic elements, that make it a unique work of art rather than a mere copy. The characteristic style attracted strong interest: the coin (starting price: 150 EUR) ultimately sold for 550 EUR.

Lot 110: Roman Imperial. Marcus Aurelius for Divus Lucius Verus (died 169). Denarius, Rome, 169 and later. Sharply struck with a bold portrait. Light iridescent toning. Starting price: 250 EUR. Hammer price: 550 EUR.

An exceptional denarius of Divus Lucius Verus

This denarius attracted the attention of many collectors for several reasons: the perfect condition with a subtle iridescent tone, the historical significance of the CONSECRATIO issue, and the expressive portrait. This combination drew strong interest and resulted in competitive bidding. The final hammer price was 550 EUR (starting price: 250 EUR).

Lot 158: Roman Imperial. Gallienus (253–268). Antoninianus, Cologne, 257–258. Exceptionally beautiful portrait and bust type of excellent style. Starting price: 50 EUR. Hammer price: 300 EUR.

An outstanding portrait of Gallienus

Coins of Gallienus are often known for their declining quality of silver, engraving, and striking. This antoninianus from Cologne, however, features the opposite: a higher-than-average silver quality, a superb engraving of the obverse die, and an excellent preservation with remaining mint lustre. Bidding quickly rose from 50 EUR to 300 EUR.

Lot 298: Roman Imperial. Valentinian I (364–375). Solidus, Trier, February 364 – August 367. Rare. Outstanding example with excellent detail. Starting price: 1,500 EUR. Hammer price: 2,400 EUR.

An exceptional solidus of Valentinian I

To conclude, we would like to present a rare solidus that speaks for itself: this gold coin, minted in Trier, impresses with excellent preservation, stylistic quality, and detail. Several bidders competed for this piece, which ultimately sold for 2,400 EUR.

After the auction is before the auction

Collectors can already look forward to the upcoming auctions. Currently running is Auction 10 – Ancient Art & Antiquities, offering over 300 lots – testimony to the history of mankind. The auction ends on May 11, 2025.

The next coin auction will take place in early summer – consignments are still accepted. Interested parties are invited to send an email to Numisart.