An Orichalcum sestertius issued to mark the completion of the Roman Colosseum in AD 80 could make $80,000-100,000 at Heritage Auctions on April 10-16.
 The sestertius was issued to mark the completion of the Roman Colosseum |
The Colosseum was built under the reign of Flavius Vespasianus (AD 69-79) but not fully completed until his son Titus (AD 79-81) took to the throne.
The engraving shows an exceptional level of detail, including statues, arches and interior stairways. The reverse depicts Titus seated and holding a branch and a scroll.
The coin displays some minor smoothing but is in very fine condition considering its advanced age.
A gold Roman aureus minted under the brief reign of Helvius Pertinax (AD 193) is expected to auction for $60,000-80,000.
Pertinax was a high ranking officer in the Roman army who assumed the role of emperor after the previous incumbent was murdered.
He ruled for a period of three months before he was assassinated by the Praetorian guard following an unpopular attempt at military reform.
The coin is considered among the finest examples extant, displaying sharp impressions and lustrous surfaces.
Another Orichalcum sestertius, issued under Vespasian (father of Titus), carries an identical estimate of $60,000-80,000.
The coin shows the emperor burning a pile of weapons and armour while holding an olive branch, symbolising an end to the violence and instability that had threatened Rome in previous years.
We have a selection of coins produced during the Italian renaissance available.
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