For this week’s previews for the ancient coin section of the August ANA
World’s Fair of Money Auction, we present a piece with great historical
significance. This coin from the late Roman Empire marks the beginning of the
end of Roman sovereignty over the British Isles. Magnus Maximus, the Roman
general assigned to Britain, decided in A.D. 383 to claim Imperial power for
his own. He gathered his army and crossed the English Channel to Gaul. As he
exited Britannia with most of his troops and support, he left key local rulers
in place. This moment is seen as the beginning of the Welsh national identity.
The coin features a diademed, draped and cuirassed bust of this important
emperor, Magnus Maximus, facing right with the legend: “DN MAG MAXIMVS PF AVG”
around. The reverse design depicts two emperors seated, Magnus and his son
Flavius Victor (who was declared co-emperor just months earlier) with Victory
flying behind them. This extraordinary example has incredible strike detail,
gorgeous luster, and is exceptionally well centered. It is a choice example
with marvelous eye appeal.
While we are no longer accepting consignments for our August 2017 ANA
Auction, we are taking consignments of world and ancient coins as well as world
paper money for our October 2017 Collectors Choice Online Auction and the
January 2018 New York International Auction. Time is running short, so if you
are interested in consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole
collection or a single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment
directors.
