MORE THAN 75 COINS FROM THE REIGN OF EMPEROR HADRIAN TO BE SOLD BY DIX NOONAN WEBB

1900 years ago, in AD122, Emperor Hadrian began to build his impressive wall in Northern England to protect his territory from the Caledonians and others. Therefore it seems fitting in this anniversary year that Mayfair-based Auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb will offer 75 coins from his reign in their auction of Ancient and Islamic Coins and Antiquities on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.

The highlight of the group is an Aureus (gold coin), dating from AD 133-5, portraying a bare headed draped bust on one side, and on the other: Roma in military attire with left foot on a helmet and holding a spear. The fine coin is expected to fetch £4,000-5,000.

Elsewhere a very rare coin from the French Occupation of Egypt (1798-1801) marked with the letter ba – believed to stand for “Bonaparte” will be included. The coin, which is estimated at £2,000-2,600, is from the first part of the Collection of the Hon. Robert Erskine which consists of 175 lots of Early Persian, Islamic and Crusader Coins.

Also of interest in the sale is a variety of Greek Coins from various properties. Greek coins are very popular at the moment and among the ones in the sale is a very fine Tetradrachm (silver coin equivalent to four drachmae) from Syracuse in Sicily from the reign of Dionysios I, and dating from circa 399-87. This coin was previously sold in 1933 in the renowned Ars Classica Auction XVI in Lucerne and shows a charioteer driving fast, and a Nike flying above to crown him with a wreath. It is estimated at £2,000-2,600.