Coins are expressions of the time period they are minted in. Collectors Dashboard has discussed the economic influences of low mintage American coinage as well as political ancient coinage that commemorates the assassination of Caesar and other historical events. There are many other ancient coins that collectors want to own, and this auction looks like it will easily please ancient coin collectors.

Heritage Auctions ‘The Rockport Collection of Ancient Coins Showcase’ is auctioning off ancient coins that have been in the same collection away from the eyes of collectors for some time. December 19, 2021 is a Sunday when current proxy bidding ends, which begins the final phase of bidding at 7:50 PM CT.

Collectors Dashboard evaluates high-end collectibles as an alternative asset class. This means collectibles are attracting the same capital that could have been invested into stocks or bonds. Many collectibles including coins of the ancient world now cost thousands of dollars (or much more). Collectors with a passion to own these coins for years frequently have to compete directly against investors whose only desire is to make a profit in the future.

At least one of these ancient rulers of the ancient world depicted on a coin would smile at the thought of being within an alternative asset class. Then again, maybe they would demand that everything is under the alternative asset class heading.

Heritage has key coins for the likes of Claudius I, Cleopatra, Marcus Aurelius, Nero, and many others up for grabs. Unfortunately, estimates were not provided for these ancient coins. That means buyers will have to “know their market” that much more when it comes to evaluating a fair market price, the buyer’s premium and any other fees that come with a purchase.

The Featured Coin for the Auction

Claudius I (AD 41-54) Gold. AV Aureus NGC Choice XF in oak wreath with a current bid of $11,500.00. (Image below is from Heritage Auctions and NGC)

Other Top Ancient Coins Up for Grabs

Cleopatra VII of Egypt and Marc Antony as Rulers of the East (37-30 BC) AR denarius NGC XF with a current bid of $10,000.00.

Marcus Aurelius, as Augustus (AD 161-180) Gold. AV aureus NGC Choice AU with a current bid of $4,600.00.

Vespasian (AD 69-79) Gold. AV aureus NGC AU with a current bid of $3,100.00.

Nero (AD 54-68) Gold. AV aureus NGC Choice XF ex-jewelry with a current bid of $3,000.00. (Image below by Heritage Auctions and by NGC Photo Vision)

L. Hostilius Saserna (48 BC) AR denariu NGC Choice XF with a current bid of $2,700.00.

Trajan (AD 98-117) Gold. AV aureus NGC VF ex-jewelry marks with a current bid of $2,500.00.

Lucilla (AD 164-182/3) Gold. AV aureus NGC Choice XF with a current bid of $2,300.00.

Aeolis, Cyme. Antinoüs (died AD 130) Provincial. NGC Choice Fine with a current bid of $2,300.00.

Antoninus Pius (AD 138-161) AV aureus NGC AU light graffiti with a current bid of $2,300.00.

What might be most interesting about this collection is it was all privately purchased from Heritage Auctions in the 1980s. The Auction giant notes that they are sold with original custom holders listing older catalog references. For the auction giant it must have felt like an old work acquaintance stopping by for a visit.