The auction sale information that we use is listed below.

We find that one of the best sources of auction information is that of auction catalogs. For ancient coins, one of the best auction catalogs is done by Classical Numismatics Group, Inc., (CNG). Their auction catalogs have high quality individual pictures of almost every coin listed. The pictures are accurate enough to make determinations of the comparative grade and condition of the coins pictured. We refer to coins from these auction catalogs by the catalog number and the lot number. Thus, CNG 53, lot 1474, would be the lot numbered as 1474 in CNG's 53rd auction conducted on March 15, 2000, and described in their catalog.

In 1997, Classical Numismatic Group, Inc., started the Triton sale which are conducted jointly by Classical Numismatic Group, Inc., Freeman and Sear, and Numismatica Ars Classica. It is an auction which contains some of the finest ancient coins in the world. Generally, some of the highest grade coins of an issue are listed in this auction series. We refer to coins from these auction catalogs by the catalog number and the lot number. Thus, Triton II, lot 1474, would be the lot numbered as 1474 in their second Triton auction conducted on December 1-2, 1998, and described in their catalog.

Generally, when we search these catalogs to find a value, we start at the most recent catalog and go backwards in time to earlier catalogs. We try to find a similarly graded example. Thus, if we have listed a VF coin, we will not mention the price of choice EF example. After finding one or more similarly graded examples, we then make a comparison of our listed coin to the coin pictured in the CNG catalog. If we can find important information on a coins' value from auction catalogs other than CNG, we will include that information also.

We highly recommend, that you start a collection of these fine catalogs. Not only are they useful for valuation, they are extremely helpful in attributing coins. Each catalog now has thousands of pictures; most reference books do not have that many. They are sometimes available used in auctions or bookstores. Also, new copies of old auction catalogs can be purchased directly from Classical Numismatic Group, Inc., by calling (717) 390-9194, while their supply lasts. By the way, we are not owners of, nor do we have any financial interest in CNG.