Greek, Roman, Egyptian & Other Antiquities

The antiquities market comprises artefacts and works of art made by ancient civilisations including statues, coins, jewellery and arms and armour.

Provenance is one of the most important considerations when trading in this sector as there is a long history of looting from archaeological sites.

Egyptian stele

Egyptian stele stars at TEFAF New York

20 May 2026

David Aaron kicked off TEFAF New York with the sale of its star piece, a 3300-year-old Egyptian stele from the reign of Pharaoh Thutmose IV.

A Roman marble torso

Roman torso and ‘Cycladic’ figure stand out for bidders

08 May 2026

The modest reserve of €2500 for the 13in (34cm) Roman marble torso of a seated man from the 1st or 2nd century left the bidders at Dr Eder (25% buyer’s premium) in Cologne with plenty of upward scope.

Dr Ittai Gradel

Obituary: Dr Ittai Gradel

08 May 2026

It is with great sadness that the many friends and colleagues of Dr Ittai Gradel heard of his death from cancer on April 28 aged just 61.

A tribute to Ittai Gradel

08 May 2026

My first encounter with Ittai was a phone call about an item I had for sale.

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Ben Nicholson was proud of his primitive taste

17 April 2026

A fragment of a Cycladic figure once owned by Ben Nicholson (1894-1982) is the lynchpin of an exhibition held by two dealers: Willoughby Gerrish and Elliot Davies.

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TEFAF Maastricht fair review: not the best timing but robust results nevertheless

02 April 2026

Despite events that seemed to be conspiring to make life difficult, TEFAF Maastricht remains a must-visit

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Up at 4.45am, home by 10.30pm: TEFAF Maastricht in a day

02 April 2026

For some who are thinking of a visit to TEFAF Maastricht, the cost of staying over and paying for a hotel can be offputting and Maastricht appears too far away.

TEFAF 2026

Museums and collectors help boost first day sales at TEFAF Maastricht

13 March 2026

A bustling and busy first preview day at TEFAF Maastricht heralded the start of significant sales at the annual fair.

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News in brief including a collection of ancient Greek coins coming to the market

13 March 2026

A round-up of art and antiques news from the previous seven days, including a couple's collection of ancient Greek coins being sold through specialist firm Silbury Coins

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Iron Age coin found by metal detectorist is among five lots to watch

02 March 2026

With estimates from £300, here are five previews of items coming up at auction this week

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‘Car boot’ badge find makes major windfall for owners – twice

13 February 2026

Established in 1687 by James II (also James VII of Scotland), membership of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle is in the personal gift of the sovereign, just as it is with the Order of the Garter and the Order of Merit.

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Medal marks arrival of a princess escaping as civil war looms

13 February 2026

This 1642 silver medal by the German medallist Sebastian Dadler (1586-1657) celebrates the arrival in the Netherlands of Princess Mary (1631-60), eldest daughter of Charles I and sister of the future Charles II.

Early medieval precious metal objects

Third record breaking year for archaeological discoveries – boosted again by metal detectorists

27 January 2026

The number of archaeological objects unearthed by the British public in 2024 (the most recent available figures) has soared to close to 80,000 items.

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New York auction extravaganza includes ingots dubbed Australia’s first gold ‘coinage’

16 January 2026

Some of the rarest coins in world numismatics were sold at auction in New York last week. Auction sessions spanning seven consecutive days (January 12-18) were held as part of the annual New York International Numismatic Convention, the US’s largest and most prestigious numismatic event known as NYINC.

2727NE Fake Roman Brooch

Fraudster metal detectorist sentenced after passing off modern reproductions bought online as Roman artefacts

13 January 2026

A man who claimed to have found a significant Roman brooch while metal detecting in Lincolnshire has been sentenced after admitting he had actually bought the item on eBay.

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Dealer news in brief including Colnaghi lending an ancient torso to the Wallace Collection

19 December 2025

A round up of news from three London dealers

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Go Roman this year to look for festive buys

15 December 2025

Despite some “spirited resistance,” antiquities dealer Rupert Wace has been coaxed into releasing a selection of ancient treasures and curios this festive season.

Kallos Gallery

Mayfair antiquities dealer Kallos Gallery closes its doors after more than a decade 

11 December 2025

Antiquities specialist Kallos Gallery is closing after 12 years as its founder is switching his interest to new projects.

Cypriot juglet

ATG letter: Juglet return – a reversal of the burden of proof

08 December 2025

I was concerned to read the report in the latest ATG regarding the return of the Pre-Christian jug to Cyprus (News Digest, ATG No 2721).

coin hoard

Iron age coin hoard discovered in Dorset comes to market

05 December 2025

Gloucestershire numismatists Silbury Coins is offering a collection of Iron age coins dubbed the Tarrant Gunville Hoard.

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