Gela Tetradrachm Sells for $1,694, Galla Placidia Solidus for $12,200 at August Auctions
Numismatic News reported on September 9, 2026, on ancient coins sold at two auctions held in August. At Doyle's August 12 sale, a silver tetradrachm from Gela, Sicily, struck circa 450–440 BCE, sold for $1,694. At Heritage's August 16–17 sale, a solidus portraying Galla Placidia brought $12,200, the highest price of that auction.
Correction (Oct 13, 2026): We corrected the headline, summary and body to match the source. We removed unsupported assessments such as investor interest, an "astounding" price and the future of ancient coins, removed a causal link that presented Mr. Bulfinch's comment as a reaction to the sale, added the auction dates and the report date (September 9, 2026), and corrected a passage that described Nike as driving the quadriga. The previous headline was "$12,200 Galla Placidia Solidus Reveals Awakening Interest."
This article is based on a Numismatic News report published on September 9, 2026. It covers results from two auctions held in August.
According to Numismatic News, ancient Greek and Roman coins brought strong prices at August auctions.
Doyle: A Tetradrachm from Gela, Sicily
Doyle held its "Coins, Stamps, Paper Money & Sports Memorabilia" auction on August 12.
Christopher Bulfinch, Doyle's Coins, Bank Notes & Stamps Consultant Appraiser, said:
"We are very pleased with the results achieved with a diverse range of property."
The report named a silver tetradrachm as one of the standouts among the world coins. It was struck circa 450–440 BCE in Gela, Sicily, which was self-governing at the time.
The obverse shows a quadriga in motion with the goddess Nike flying above. The reverse shows a bull-headed river god, which the report describes as representing Sicily.
The coin carried an estimate of $1,000–$1,250. It sold for $1,694.
Heritage: A Solidus of Galla Placidia
Heritage held its August 16–17 sale of part 1 of the Dr. Charles Jay Deur Collection. According to the report, Roman coins were especially high earners at the sale.
One was an AV solidus from the Western Roman Empire, dated 430–445 and graded NGC Choice AU 5/5–4/5.
The obverse shows Galla Placidia, the daughter of Roman emperor Theodosius I. She ruled the Western Empire as regent from 425 to 437, until her son came of age. She is shown wearing a double beaded necklace and earrings, with her hair under a diadem, while a wreath held by the hand of God hovers above.
The reverse shows the goddess Victory holding a jeweled cross, with a star above.
The solidus sold for $12,200, the highest price of the auction.
Information about the sales is available at doyle.com and coins.ha.com.
Source: Numismatic News, "Ancients Find New Life at Auction" (September 9, 2026).
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