Since Heritage’s first ANA showcase offering of world and ancient coins in 2014, the Platinum Night auction has been a marquee event for lovers of rare and beautiful coins. With nearly 500 exceptional lots from every era and region, this year’s offering, scheduled for Thursday, August 3, adds luster to this legacy.
Their selection of 125 Ancient coins is the biggest, finest and most impressive we have ever assembled for a Platinum Night offering. It kicks off with a special section comprising The Golden Gate Collection of Roman Gold Aurei, 40 impeccable coins covering a century-long span from the 60s to the 160s CE, likely unearthed as a single find in the late 1970s and acquired by the present owner’s father in 1981. This group includes an extremely rare aureus of Trajan’s deified father, a run of artistic Hadrian aurei documenting his travels, and several superb Mint State aurei of Antoninus Pius, Marcus Aurelius, Lucius Verus, and the two Faustinas, with several varieties rated unique.
The Ancients section continues with a stunning array of Greek coins highlighted by two Syracuse decadrachms, a completely unrecorded gold stater of Magnesia in Ionia, an astonishing run of Lydian electrum and gold, and 10 massive gold pieces of Ptolemaic Egypt.
The Judaean section includes an incredible rarity: A silver quarter-shekel from Year Four of the Jewish War, one of only four known. The regular Roman offering includes another 15 gold pieces, including an extremely rare aureus of Didius Julianus.
The World portion is packed with awe-inspiring coins, including a run of Japanese proofs representing some of the earliest dates in presentation quality from the Meiji period. Dated 1870 to 1871, these coins are each of the highest rarity, with our research suggesting they may be unique. Uniformly preserved in exceptional condition, the collection’s highest denomination, a 20 yen piece, rates an unbelievable NGC PR66 Cameo. As the first date produced, this coin has the potential to break records!
A significant Russian rarity comes from the reign of Nicholas I (1825-1855): A set of silver medals struck to commemorate the Crimean War. Extremely rare in silver, this set comes with an impressively ornate presentation box. For the numismatist who treasures Russian history, this set is difficult to surpass.
Representing Great Britain is an extremely rare 1933 “Lavrillier” pattern penny of George V, one of only four known. Considering the fame of standard issue 1933 penny (a rarity in its own right with seven known; an example sold in last year’s Platinum Night for an astounding $193,875), this pattern should be widely sought after by British numismatists, indeed any collectors that desire “coins known by all.”
Finally, it would be remiss not to call attention to the spectacular group of large British gold on offer herein. It includes five guinea pieces from Charles II, James II, William & Mary, William III, Anne and George II, and five-pound coins from every issuing monarch up to George VI. Of those, the 1701 “Fine Work” issue of William III, as well as an 1826-dated proof of George IV, shine the brightest. Graded by NGC as MS64 and PR64 Ultra Cameo respectively, both are truly wondrous to behold.
This auction will open for bidding soon at www.HA.com/coins.
