An upcoming auction in Sydney of rare Greek coins and other medals and bank notes is a reminder of the value that might be locked up in the forgotten contents of a desk drawer, or that old money box or piggy bank.
According to auction organiser, Noble Numismatics, a Greece, Othon, five drachma of 1833 in uncirculated condition and one of the finest known is estimated to fetch bids of over $5,000.
A very large selection of Greek silver and bronze coinage (lots 4093 – 4388) dating from 359BC, is also estimated to fetch $3,000. These include: Carian Islands, Rhodes silver tetradrachm from mid-late 220s BC, and a Kingdom of Syria, Antiochos VI Dionysos silver tetradrachm of 143/2 BC.
A Greece, Othon, five drachma of 1833. Photo: Noble Numismatics. 
Carian Islands, Rhodes silver tetradrachm from mid-late 220s BC. Photo: Noble Numismatics.
Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine gold coinage (lots 4695 – 4771) dating from 323BC is also on offer by Noble Numismatics and is apparently hot property. Those to be auctioned are:
- Greek, Kingdom of Baktria, Diodotos II gold stater of 255-246BC (lot 4702; estimate $4,000).
- Roman, Faustina Senior (wife of Antoninus Pius) gold aureus of 147AD (lot 4706; estimate $5,000), and
- Byzantine, Justinian II gold solidus of 685-695AD (lot 4747; estimate $2,000).
Due to the pandemic lockdown restrictions, the auction will have online live bidding only from August 30 – September 2, 2021. Bidders will need to register prior to the auction.
