Coins from Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire prepare to conquer at Heritage

Numismatists will be excited by the news that Heritage and Gemini Numismatic Auctions will be holding their very first joint auction of wonderful historical coins next month. 

The auction will take place during the Chicago International Coin Fair on April 14, just outside of the city; it will consist of more than 550 coins from the Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Medieval eras.

The total value of the lots is estimated to be $3.5m - and collectors and investors will have a wide range of choice, with items varying in price from $500 up to $875,000.  One of the major highlights is a comprehensive collection of Roman coins.

These include more than 50 gold aurei, with highlights being a rare portrait issue of Julius Caesar, dating from 43 BC, and one of the last Roman coins, issued under Constantine the Great in 315 AD.  Nearly 100 Roman denarii are being offered, featuring a very rare double-portrait issue of Emperor Augustus and his close friend, the general Agrippa.

A unique decadrachm worth nearly $900,000

The leading lot in the auction is a pristine Greek coin - an Athenian silver decadrachm.  It was struck in 469 BC to commemorate a famous Greek naval victory over the Persians; depicting both Athena and the owl of Athens, this incredible rarity is perfectly centered and one of the finest known examples.  It has an incredible pre-sale estimate of $875,000.

In addition, two silver tetradrachms - struck circa 430 BC in Sicily - complete a quite wonderful leading line.  In most cases, these two rare pieces, featuring Acragas and Naxos, would be the undoubted highlight of any auction.  This is reflected in their $185,000 estimate.

The auction offers many more wonderful pieces - including a 650 BC "striated" electrum third-stater from Lydia, one of the oldest known coins.  Heritage and Gemini's joint venture is sure to have coin collectors from across the world booking their plane tickets for Chicago.