No matter which area of antiquity you prefer, and no matter whether you can and want to spend a lot or a little on your coins: make a note in your calendar of 10-12 and 17-19 November 2025, when we will be holding some very special auction sales. Even the sheer number of lots on offer is impressive: 3,605 lots with high-quality individual pieces, extensive multiple lots and many historically interesting issues at reasonable prices will change hands at an on-site auction and three eLive Premium Auctions. Look forward to the finest Greek coins with long pedigrees from the collection of a North German friend of antiquity, to rare aurei,  some in spectacular condition, from the collection of a Hessian pharmacist, to lovingly selected Roman rarities from the Christoph Buchhold Collection, to highly rare coins of the Roman mints in Cologne and Trier from the Dr. Carl Friedrich Zschucke Collection, to Roman Provincial Coinage from the Willi Schleer Collection, to Greek bronze rarities from the Dr. Kaya Sayar Collection, and last but not least to coins of the barracks emperors from the Dr. W. R. Collection.

Those interested in coins of Roman Asia Minor will be familiar with the name of Willi Schleer. He often let young researchers view his collection, which is why many of his coins were published. With much enthusiasm for the subject and extensive knowledge, this collector succeeded not only in assembling an extremely comprehensive collection of Roman Provincial issues. Willi Schleer also made sure that the specimens in his collection are often by far the best preserved out there. Those familiar with Greek aesthetics and Roman portraiture may initially be put off by the civic coinage of Asia Minor. After all, they do not align with our visual habits. However, no other coins of antiquity offer such direct insight into the political, religious and cultural life of wealthy provincial populations. Provincial Roman coinage depict bridges, temples and images of gods. They refer to regional festivals and cults, some of which are depicted in great detail. These coins celebrate the emperor, particularly if he visited the province, perhaps even the city itself. Coins from Asia Minor are the best source to understand the inscriptions of cities, and to reconstruct a small part of ancient everyday life based on all available evidence. Enjoy the many images from the past of the Roman Empire and take the time to delve into the details on the reverse. The Willi Schleer Collection is ideal for this because, as mentioned above, it is very rare to see Roman Provincial Coinage of this quality!

If the aesthetics of Roman Provincial Coinage does not appeal to you, then you are sure to be impressed with the Greek coins found in the collection of a North German friend of antiquity. In auction 433, Künker will present a wide range of Greek coinage with a focus on curated aesthetics. Whether archaic or classical, this sale offers the most beautiful and best-known coin types, particularly from Sicily. And many of the pieces have pedigrees stretching far back in time. While the North German friend of antiquity prioritized quality, he was willing to compromise but only if it meant adding one of the great works of art of Greek antiquity to his collection. 

Our auction 433 offers the opportunity to acquire one of the highly sought-after highlights of Greek numismatics, either from the collection of a North German friend of antiquity or from other sources, as the collection will be supplemented by other consignments. This means that you will see all your favorites, such as Straton’s two eagles on the Akragas tetradrachm, or the heads of the youthful river god of Katane, engraved by Herakleidas or Euainetos. There is also the archaic Dionysos from Naxos, a Syracusan tetradrachm by the Demareteion Master, and several Syracusan tetradrachms from the period of signing artists, including the famous frontal depiction of Athena created by Eukleidas.

However, there is also much to discover from other Greek-influenced Mediterranean regions. Anyone enthusiastic about Greek art will find plenty to fuel their passion in our auction 433.

Do you prefer Roman portraiture to the Greek ideal? If so, you can look forward to when the collection of a Hessian pharmacist will go up for auction. It contains many aurei that many collectors have long dreamed of acquiring. Have you always wanted to own the portraits of all emperors and empresses in gold one day? Then this is your opportunity, and not only if you want to treat yourself to the best quality – as this selection might suggest. Of course, our auction 433 features many “extremely fine +” pieces. But those who collect “very fine” aurei will also find what they are looking for. The material covers the classical Roman period, with a particularly large offer regarding coins minted under the Tetrarchs, Constantine and his successors, and the late Roman era.

Anyone who has ever met Christoph Buchhold is unlikely to forget him. From a young age, he struggled with paralysis in his left arm and leg, and was often in pain. Yet he made a point of attending many auctions in person. He was always friendly, open-minded and approachable, and would take his time viewing the pieces, selecting the coins he wanted to bid on with great expertise. He preferred everything that seemed historically interesting. He had a significant although not unlimited budget to acquire the pieces he liked. Sometimes this meant pieces in the best possible quality (especially regarding denarii); at other times he was willing to compromise to be able to purchase great rarities. His collection, which is now returning to the market following his death last year, demonstrates the immense joy that numismatics and the study of ancient history can bring to someone’s life. The Christoph Buchhold Collection contains a wealth of outstanding rarities that are sure to delight any connoisseur of Roman numismatics. In his moving obituary for his uncle, his nephew kindly asked: “If you enjoy the splendor and the exquisite engravings of Roman portraits, please spare a thought for the little boy who never learned to ride a bike, the young man who never became a father and the elderly senior who bravely endured the pains of old age, yet took his place with dignity in the long line of those who preserved these coins for us.”

Of course, auction 433 contains many more coins than the pieces from these four collections. Many lots are from various possessions, including numerous particularly spectacular pieces. We present a few of them.

The first part of the Sayar Collection, featuring coins from the southern Turkish regions of Lycia, Pamphylia and Cilicia, was auctioned off on 14 March 2024. Now, the second part containing the other regions is being offered at eLive Premium Auction 434. The auction presents more than 850 lots, mainly from the eastern Mediterranean. As well as the expected coins from Asia Minor, the collector was interested in the entire Greek cultural region, which is why the spectrum of the Sayar Collection spans from Gaul to Egypt. The focus is on cities of Asia Minor. Those who enjoy travelling through Asia Minor will recognize many familiar names in the auction catalog. Estimates start at 10 euros. Numerous interesting bronze coins are available in the low double-digit range. In addition, many pieces have been grouped together in sensible multiple lots.

Anyone who has ever dealt with coins of the Gallic Empire or the Trier Mint, will be familiar with the name of Dr. Carl Friedrich Zschucke. After all, he is the author of many important works on these two mints. Let us remember: Prior to the publication of the new edition of the RIC on the Gallic Empire in 2024, the RIC from 1933 was the only important reference work on this subject. Of course, it did not take into account the numerous new research findings and hoards. This was the situation, when Dr. Carl Friedrich Zschucke, a doctor of medicine by profession, and born in Cologne, developed a particular interest in these very coins. He collected them with great enthusiasm and quickly realized that he knew much more about them than coin dealers could learn from the RIC. This enabled him to purchase great rarities at reasonable prices until he decided to publish his own research. In 1993, “Die römische Münzstätte Köln” (The Roman Mint in Cologne) was published, followed by “Die Römische Münzstätte in Trier” (The Roman Mint in Trier), a book that went through three editions – an absolute exception for a numismatic publication. And these were just his initial works.

Zschucke’s knowledge of Cologne and Trier numismatics of the Roman era is reflected by his collection, which will be on offer at our eLive Premium Auction on 18 November 2025. Connoisseurs will discover a wealth of highly rare coins whose rarity is not immediately apparent. This collection and its catalog are an absolute must for special collectors from around the world.

This is now the 10th part of the Dr. W. R. collection that we are offering in one of our auctions. This time, the material covers the Roman coins from Macrinus to Julian of Pannonia. Experts often refer to the period from 217 to 285 as the era of the barracks emperors. Numismatically speaking, these coins are remarkable for their diversity. Rome was no longer the only mint, on the contrary. Many usurpers from far-flung provinces dominated the scene, and Dr. W. R. has at least one coin from most of them. His numismatic focus is comprehensive: he was interested in both coinage of the Roman Empire and Roman Provincial Coinage. He always prioritized quality, which is why lovers of Roman coinage will find a veritable treasure trove of rare, well-preserved and historically interesting issues in his catalogs. Whether you collect gold, silver or bronze, the Dr. W. R. Collection has something for everyone, although its focus is on bronze and silver.