Rare Roman Gold

A trio of rare Roman gold aurei led bidding at Numismatica Ars Classica’s auctions in Zurich in 2018.

The coins were issued for some of the shortest-serving leaders of the Roman Empire. Galba’s reign as emperor was from July 68 to January 69, and a gold aureus that was “virtually as struck” was the top lot in the sale. It made $256k. Another rarity is a piece struck for the son of emperor Macrinus. The aureus of Diadumenian Caesar, struck late in 217, realized a hammer price of $239k. A gold aureus of Florian issued in Cyzicus in 276 A.D. realized a hammer price of $229k.