Curators Picks from the Long Beach Expo World & Ancient Coin Auction

September 6-11 Having trouble viewing this email? [View online version](. [Heritage Auctions]( [World Coins Specialist Picks]( Our Numismatic specialists reveal their top picks from our [September 6-11 Long Beach Expo World Coins & Ancient Coins Auction](. [Sam Spiegel] Sam's Picks Director, International Numismatics, World & Ancient Coins [Ancients: MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Philip V (220-179 BC). AR tetradrachm (32mm, 16.72 gm, 11h). NGC MS ★ 5/5 - 4/5 Fine Style]( [Ancients: MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Philip V (220-179 BC). AR tetradrachm (32mm, 16.72 gm, 11h). NGC MS ★ 5/5 - 4/5 Fine Style]( [Ancients: MACEDONIAN KINGDOM. Philip V (220-179 BC). AR tetradrachm (32mm, 16.72 gm, 11h). NGC MS ★ 5/5 - 4/5 Fine Style]( Though not a rare coin by any means, Philip V tetradrachms seem to have circulated widely and apparently for a long period of time, as they are usually seen today in fairly worn condition. This particular lot is exceptionally unusual in this regard, as it is not only completely uncirculated, but also free of any significant imperfections. It is truly deserving of the star designation assigned to it by NGC, and I think it would make a great addition to any high-grade ancient Greek type collection. [Ancients: CYCLADIC ISLANDS. Paros. Ca. 500-480 BC. AR drachm (17mm, 6.07 gm). NGC Choice XF ★ 5/5 - 5/5]( [Ancients: CYCLADIC ISLANDS. Paros. Ca. 500-480 BC. AR drachm (17mm, 6.07 gm). NGC Choice XF ★ 5/5 - 5/5]( [Ancients: CYCLADIC ISLANDS. Paros. Ca. 500-480 BC. AR drachm (17mm, 6.07 gm). NGC Choice XF ★ 5/5 - 5/5]( As a general rule, coins of the Cycladic Islands are much harder to find than those of contemporaneous regions in mainland Greece or Asia Minor. Though not quite as rare as the Delos didrachm that we sold in our August auction, this particular piece, from the island of Paros, is still not encountered often. In fact, this is one of only two Paros drachms that we have ever sold in our history. The toning further adds to its appeal in my eyes, clearly coming from an old collection and likely stored in a cabinet, in order to get its dark gray hues. [Ancients: SELEUCID KINGDOM. Antiochus Hierax (242-227 BC). AR tetradrachm (32mm, 17.00 gm, 11h). NGC Choice AU ★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style]( [Ancients: SELEUCID KINGDOM. Antiochus Hierax (242-227 BC). AR tetradrachm (32mm, 17.00 gm, 11h). NGC Choice AU ★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style]( [Ancients: SELEUCID KINGDOM. Antiochus Hierax (242-227 BC). AR tetradrachm (32mm, 17.00 gm, 11h). NGC Choice AU ★ 5/5 - 4/5, Fine Style]( Like the Macedonian tetradrachm I noted above, I selected this Seleucid tetradrachm mainly because of its well-above-average quality. Though the coinage of Antiochus Hierax may be a little harder to find than some others kings from the middle period of the Seleucid Kingdom (such as Antiochus III), his coins are not rare by any means. This particular piece is not only in superb condition for the type, but also possesses a fantastically bold and expressive Hellenistic portrait, which is one of my soft spots. [Ancients: PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter, as Satrap (323-305/4 BC). AR tetradrachm (27mm, 16.11 gm, 11h). NGC XF 4/5 - 2/5, smoothing]( [Ancients: PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter, as Satrap (323-305/4 BC). AR tetradrachm (27mm, 16.11 gm, 11h). NGC XF 4/5 - 2/5, smoothing]( [Ancients: PTOLEMAIC EGYPT. Ptolemy I Soter, as Satrap (323-305/4 BC). AR tetradrachm (27mm, 16.11 gm, 11h). NGC XF 4/5 - 2/5, smoothing]( A common theme in my picks is that I usually choose high-grade and attractive pieces. This lot is one where I'll break from that mold and select more out of academic interest. This is among the very first issues of Ptolemy I, when he became the first of the Hellenistic monarchs to deviate from the coinage of Alexander the Great, and begin issuing his own designs. Rather than including the "Alexander in the guise of Heracles" image on the obverse, he put an outright portrait of Alexander himself in an elephant-skin headdress, likely a reference to Ptolemy's notable use of war elephants during his time as one of Alexander's top generals. [Ancients: Romanus III Argyrus (AD 1028-1034). AR miliaresion (29mm, 2.77 gm, 6h). NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 1/5, pierced]( [Ancients: Romanus III Argyrus (AD 1028-1034). AR miliaresion (29mm, 2.77 gm, 6h). NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 1/5, pierced]( [Ancients: Romanus III Argyrus (AD 1028-1034). AR miliaresion (29mm, 2.77 gm, 6h). NGC Choice VF 5/5 - 1/5, pierced]( Again, I'm going to stray from my usual criteria and pick another piece out of academic interest. As much as I love Byzantine coins, the designs are often, to put it politely, "uninspired" compared to the earlier issues of Greece and Rome. Occasionally, however, you come across an issue that must have been very groundbreaking at the time. The obverse of features a full-length portrait of the Virgin Mary holding an infant Christ. Though both Mary and Christ are common features of Byzantine coins, this particular iconography was not used on any other Byzantine coins before or after this very rare issue. [Roxana Uskali] Roxana's Picks Director of Numismatics, World & Ancient Coins - Chicago [French Cochin China: French Colony Proof 50 Cents 1879-A PR66 PCGS]( [French Cochin China: French Colony Proof 50 Cents 1879-A PR66 PCGS]( [French Cochin China: French Colony Proof 50 Cents 1879-A PR66 PCGS]( Right up there with the stylings of the Gothic Florin, in my opinion, is this beautifully designed French colonial issue. While not the largest denomination, nor the only French colony to bear this obverse illustration, it's definitely a scarce issue as French Cochin China existed for less than sixty years and only produced coins during ten of them. This proof emission easily wins me over with its sublime color and nearly flawless surfaces. [Martinique: French Colonial gold Regulated/Countermarked 20 Livres ND (c. 1805) AU53 PCGS]( [Martinique: French Colonial gold Regulated/Countermarked 20 Livres ND (c. 1805) AU53 PCGS]( [Martinique: French Colonial gold Regulated/Countermarked 20 Livres ND (c. 1805) AU53 PCGS]( This coin has it all: stamps, countermarks, and a giant hole—all on an imitation flan. From yet another French colony—literally across the globe from my previous pick—this specimen hails from the Caribbean island of Martinique. What seems like an all-to-complicated way of issuing and regulating coinage, these pieces were covered with markings and assay stamps in an effort to separate genuine examples from imitations, and then pierced or plugged to regulate weight. The historical background surrounding these coins is actually fascinating, and the silver issues from this era are equally engaging. [Guatemala: Central American Republic 8 Reales 1847 NG-A MS64 PCGS]( [Guatemala: Central American Republic 8 Reales 1847 NG-A MS64 PCGS]( [Guatemala: Central American Republic 8 Reales 1847 NG-A MS64 PCGS]( While this may seem outside of my collecting comfort zone, I actually have a strong interest in Volcano Pesos and Central American Republic 8 Reales of this time period. It doesn't hurt that this specimen is incredibly well struck. The reverse tree design literally does not get any better. Each leaf is fully formed throughout. And the obverse? Well, a bold autumnal glow rises with the sun over each mountain peak. Additionally, for those collectors who seek the finest, this coin is currently unrivaled at the certified level. [Indonesia: Republic gold Proof 'Komodo Dragon' 100000 Rupiah 1974 PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC]( [Indonesia: Republic gold Proof 'Komodo Dragon' 100000 Rupiah 1974 PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC]( [Indonesia: Republic gold Proof "Komodo Dragon" 100000 Rupiah 1974 PR67 Ultra Cameo NGC]( Who amongst us cannot appreciate a massive, modern gold coin, especially when it depicts a slithering komodo dragon? If you've read my picks before, you'll know this is not something that typically makes the cut, but I am a huge fan of animal-related coins, and an even bigger fan of the Conservation series. From 1974-1976, twenty-four countries from around the world issued coinage that highlighted an endangered animal, and this particular specimen from Indonesia always finds favor with collectors. [Transylvania: Georg Rakoczi II Taler 1658-NB XF45 NGC]( [Transylvania: Georg Rakoczi II Taler 1658-NB XF45 NGC]( [Transylvania: Georg Rakoczi II Taler 1658-NB XF45 NGC]( While most people associate Transylvania with Count Dracula or vampires, my association is actually fashion based: feathered caps. Seen here rocking his signature look is Hungarian nobleman and Transylvanian Prince, Georg Rakoczi, adorned in full armor and wearing an Eastern-style cap or colpak. I'm immediately drawn to the original surfaces that are drenched in dark cabinet toning, and since this is a two-year issue, and a Taler, it's totally in my wheelhouse. Sincerely, [Sam Spiegel] [Sam Spiegel]( Director, International Numismatics SamS@HA.com Heritage Auctions 3500 Maple Ave. Dallas, TX 75219 1-800-872-6467 Ext. 1524 [Roxana Uskali] [Roxana Uskali]( Director of Numismatics, Chicago RoxanaU@HA.com Heritage Auctions 215 West Ohio Street Chicago, Illinois 60654 1-800-872-6467 Ext. 1282 DEPARTMENTS [Art & Antiques]( [Books & Historical Manuscripts]( [Coins]( [Comics]( [Currency]( [Domain Names & Intellectual Property]( [Entertainment & Music]( [Historical]( [Jewelry, Timepieces]( & [Luxury Accessories]( [Movie Posters]( [Nature & Science]( [Real Estate]( [Sports]( [Stamps]( [Wine]( [Charity Auctions]( [] SERVICES [Free Appraisals]( [Trusts and Estates]( [Auction Archives]( [Other Resources]( MY HERITAGE [My Bids]( [My TrackedLots]( [My Wantlist]( [My Profile]( [My Collection]( [My Consignments]( [My Orders]( CONSIGN NOW [Sam Spiegel]( [1-800-872-6467 x1524](tel:1-800-872-6467) [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Google Plus]( [YouTube]( [Linkedin]( [Linkedin]( Heritage Auctions / 3500 Maple Ave / Dallas, Texas 75219 Bid@HA.com / [1-800-USCOINS (872-6467)](tel:1-800-872-6467) Copyright © 1999 - 2018 Heritage Capital Corporation / All Rights Reserved Note: When calling or emailing us, please reference your client number: 3434334 [Forward to a Friend]( [Unsubscribe me permanently from all marketing emails]( Never miss an email! 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