L5 News ·
Ancient Gold In Auction 3
Auction 3 is now live — and it closes Friday, December 12 at 10:00 AM Eastern.
This sale features one of the strongest selections of ancient gold we’ve ever offered, spanning the Celtic world, early electrum, the late Roman Republic, the Ptolemies, and rare imperial aurei.
With over 40 examples of ancient gold in this auction, there is truly something for every collector — from stunning entry-level Byzantine solidi estimated around $450, to monumental Ptolemaic octodrachms exceeding $10,000. Whether you’re expanding a seasoned cabinet or taking your first step into ancient gold, Auction 3 has material at every price point.
With gold prices having doubled in the past 18 months, collectors are asking the same question people have asked for 2,500 years: will it double again?
From the days when Greek city-states paid mercenaries in gold staters, to Roman legions receiving aurei for service, gold has held enduring value across every ancient economy. These pieces represent the earliest and most historic expressions of that tradition.
Below is a preview of some of the remarkable gold coins featured in Auction 3.
Celtic Gold Fraction — 1st–2nd Century BC
Celts in Bohemia or Moravia, 1/8 Stater, 0.93 g
A compact work of late La Tène artistry with the iconic abstract “muschel” obverse. Small gold fractions like this circulated along the Amber Road and represent some of the earliest regional gold coinages of Central Europe.
One of the Earliest Coins Ever Made — Ionian Electrum Trite (c. 625–600 BC)
14 mm, 4.73 g, one-third stater
A museum-worthy rarity: one of the earliest coin types known, struck from natural electrum. The “anonymous bulge” obverse preserves the very moment coinage was invented in the Greek world.
Mark Antony & Octavia Gold Aureus — Struck at Athens, Summer 38 BC
A historically charged aureus featuring Antony and Octavia during their brief reconciliation. Includes the engraver’s famous “E written as II” error, unique to a single die pair.
Julius Caesar Aureus — Issued by Plancus, 45 BC
Victory on the obverse, a sacrificial jug on the reverse. Struck as Caesar held the powers of dictator for the third time, during the final phase of his domination of Rome.
Ptolemy II Philadelphos — Large Gold Pentekontadrachm
Four royal portraits — Ptolemy II & Arsinoë II, and Ptolemy I & Berenice I — on a single gold piece. Among the most dramatic and artistically rich issues of the Hellenistic world.
Marcus Aurelius as Caesar — Unpublished Aureus (AD 148–149)
A newly recorded gold type pairing Marcus with Aequitas. Likely a ceremonial or donative issue. A special opportunity to acquire a unique imperial aureus.
Gordian III Aureus — Military Equestrian Reverse, AD 240
A powerful equestrian portrait of the young emperor, struck during a period of military rebuilding and political restoration.
Auction 3 Closes December 12 at 10:00 AM Eastern
These highlights represent only a small selection of the ancient gold available in this sale.
Browse early, mark your favorites, and place bids ahead of time.
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