2017-02-22 Wed

A collection of Roman bronze coins formed before and during the Second World War hit the market after 75 years at the Dix Noonan Webb in London. All the coins in the collection were sold for an impressive total of £675,605.

Major attractions at the auction included one of the 10 known examples of a sestertius by Roman emperor Titus (79 to 81 CE). The full grade, circa 81 to 82 coin depicts the Colosseum whose construction was completed during the reign of Titus.

Another 134 to 138 CE sestertius featuring emperor Hadrian addressing his British troops had an estimate of £3,000 to £4,000 but was sold for £38,400. The same design is found on a series of bronze coins from the mid-130, the British issue being one of the rarest.

A very rare year 143 sestertius of Antoninus Pius and another year 210 coin featuring emperor Geta was sold for £15,600, well above their estimated value.

The collection was built in eight years from 1933 to 1941. The anonymous connoisseur took advice from experts Herbert Seaby and Leonard Forrer for building the collection of Roman bronze coins that has been unavailable for 75 years.