2017-09-12 Tue

Heritage offered 40 interesting old gold coins from the Golden Gate Collection of Roman Gold Aurei during the World and Ancient Coins Platinum Night sale that took place on 3rd August. The coins were minted during the Roman Imperial period from A.D. 60 to 160 when the Empire grew considerably in various aspects like territory, economics, and art. A Hadrian (A.D. 117 to 138) gold aureus, graded Choice AU, NGC Star, Fine Style was sold for $67,562.50. The reverse depicts a reclined River God Nilus, half draped, with one arm on a sphinx and the other holding a cornucopia. A hippopotamus is shown with its mouth open and a crocodile is shown moving in the waves.

One of these coins was struck in A.D. 134 to 138 and belonged to Hadrian’s “Travel Series”. Through these coins, he celebrated his travels which included a visit to Egypt in 130 to 131. The reverse design is a unique variant. The cameo-like reverse design is uninterrupted by legends and is surrounded by the fauna of Egypt in a highly artistic manner. The obverse depicts a bold portrait, making the coin even more desirable.