Coins

Auction 125 Preview - Ancient, British and World Coins

Aaron Carter

6 October 2025

Our Ancient, British and World Coin auction returns for a remarkable one hundred and twenty-fifth edition. Tirelessly curated and described by our in-house experts, the sale features some exceptional pieces from Ancient Greece to modern day. If you would like to view any of the lots or require further information, please contact one of our team members, who will be happy to assist you.

Specialists' Highlights

Ptolemaic Egypt, Ptolemy II Philadelphos, AV Octodrachm

Sicily, Syracuse, Agathokles, AV 100 Litrai

Carausius, AR Denarius, ‘RSR’ mint

Trinovantes and Catuvellauni, Cunobelin, AV Stater

Ancient Coins

The ancient coin section of this auction contains some superb pieces from across the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Celtic worlds. We begin with numerous coins from Magna Graecia, including an exceptional gold double decadrachm of Agathokles (#7) and an impressive Siculo-Punic tetradrachm (#8). Perhaps most impressive are the two gold octadrachms from Ptolemaic Egypt (#24 & 25). These coins are among the largest and heaviest gold coins minted in the ancient world and will surely garner great interest. An extremely rare silver denarius of Carausius (#36), discovered in Wiltshire and recorded on the PAS, is not to be missed. The Roman coins are followed by an extensive collection of Byzantine gold, with a mixture of low and high-end denominations. Ready to participate? Register to bid

In the Celtic world, we begin with a rare piece of ancient treasure: a Bronze Age lock-ring (#77). Found in Bedfordshire in 1995 and declared Treasure Trove, this high-status piece of jewellery would likely have been worn in the hair. Next are gold staters and quarter staters from the Celtic tribes of Gaul (#78 & 79) and Britain. The highlight of this section is, without a doubt, the gold stater of Cunobelin (#87). Well struck and of the iconic and popular ‘Classic’ variety, it is one of the finest available to commerce.

An Exquisite Pattern Pledge Penny by Elizabeth I

1847 Victoria Proof Gothic Crown – NGC PF65

Edward III, Fourth Coinage, Treaty Period, Quarter‑Noble

1893 Proof Victoria Five Pounds

British Coins

In British coins as usual we commence with some pleasing Anglo Saxon pennies. Highlights include a superb Coenwulf, a Cnut with a newly discovered type for the moneyer Widia of Winchester and a superb penny of Harold I. Hammered gold opens with a high grade quarter noble of Edward III, a superb quarter Angel of Elizabeth I and an imposing James I Rose Ryal. There is a good mix of hammered silver including an Edward I Groat, two superb groats of Henry VII and Henry VIII and an extremely rare groat of Edward VI. Elizabeth I is represented by a high grade mm 2 Crown, a 4 Testerns Portcullis money and an exquisite pledge penny struck in silver. Highlights of milled gold include a high grade two guineas of George II 1740/39 and a delightful Proof Half Guinea of George III. Milled silver includes a variety of good quality crowns and halfcrowns not forgetting a high grade halfpenny of Charles II. The final section we are pleased to present the Frank Waley Collection Part 3. Predominantly early milled and later silver, highlights include a superb 1663 Charles II Shilling NGC MS63, a Victoria Proof Gothic Undecimo Crown NGC PF65 and also an 1847 Plain Edge Gothic Crown – NGC PF62. Ready to bid on British material? Secure your paddle.

Extremely rare Quintuple Doppia of Genoa

A date set of silver 960 Reis of João VI

India, Gangas of Talakad, temp. Marasimha II Satyavakya, Gold Gadyana

The finest known gold Pound commemorating Saladin

World Coins

In World Coins we are pleased to open the selection of a date run of Brazilian 960 Reis of João VI, an excellent offer for any collectors looking to complete their date set of this series. Following is the excessively rare modern coin - finest known gold Pound commemorating the anniversary of the death of Saladin, with only 54 pieces thought to have survived of this example and none have ever been offered in auction before. We are also presenting a variety of early Hong Kong Dollars and Half Dollars, which are followed by a stunning selection of early Medieval Indian gold coins, a special highlight being the gold repousse Gadyanas which so rarely appear on the market. The most beautiful highlight of this auction is an excessively rare and substantial coin – a Quintuple Doppia of Genoa graded About Uncirculated 58. Set a reminder for the auction. This stunning coin is impressive both in its rarity and size. Another stunning coin is the Russian Rouble of Paul I graded Mint State 63 – seldom seen in such a great grade.

Ottoman Empire, Mustafa III, Gold scyphate Double Zeri Mahbub

Fatimid, al‑Hakim, Gold Dinar

Arab‑Sasanian, al‑Hajjaj b. Yusuf, Silver Drachm

Turkey, Istanbul Conquest Society, Gold Medal

Islamic Coins

In Islamic coins, we are pleased to present an extensive selection of Islamic gold, including: Abbasid Dinars, Ayyubid Dinars, Bahri Mamluk Dinars and Burji Mamluk Dinars. There is also a fantastic selection of rare Artuqid bronze coins. From Ottoman coinage, we are please to present a Double Zeri Mahbub – a plate coin in Krause and one of only two to ever to have come to the market. Get notified when the auction is viewable.