Classical Numismatic Group (CNG) Review: A Leading Auction House for Ancient, World, and U.S. Coins

From Specialist Dealer to Global Auction Powerhouse
Founded in 1975 by Victor England and Eric J. McFadden, Classical Numismatic Group, LLC began as a specialist dealer focused on ancient coins. Over time, CNG expanded its expertise into medieval, world, and U.S. numismatics, building a dual presence with offices in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and London, UK.
The company’s growth has been driven by a combination of academic rigor, careful authentication, and a dedication to serving both private collectors and major institutions. Today, CNG is a fixture in the international auction calendar, attracting bidders from across the globe.

Auction Formats and Offerings
CNG conducts several types of auctions each year:

• Feature Auctions: Held three times annually, these events often present thousands of carefully cataloged lots, many from prestigious private collections.
• Electronic Auctions: Weekly online-only sales that provide a steady flow of ancient and world coins, with more accessible starting prices.
• Fixed-Price Lists: Curated offerings for collectors who prefer direct purchase over bidding.

Specializations include:

• Ancient Greek, Roman Republican, Roman Imperial, and Byzantine coinage.
• Medieval European and Islamic coins.
• Select U.S. coinage and historical medals.

Notable Collections Sold by CNG
CNG has handled some of the most celebrated collections in recent decades, including:

• The Prospero Collection – A landmark offering of ancient Greek coins that drew worldwide attention in 2012.
• The Triton Sales – Annual New York auctions featuring exceptional coins; past editions have included pieces from the Eliasberg and Benton collections.
• The BCD Collection – One of the most comprehensive assemblies of Greek coins from Thessaly and the Peloponnesos.
• The Gorny Collection – Featuring important Roman Imperial rarities.

These high-profile sales have solidified CNG’s position as a trusted venue for important and academically significant numismatic material.

Reputation Among Collectors
In collector circles, CNG is admired for its meticulous cataloging, accurate grading, and high-quality photography. Their lot descriptions often include historical and cultural context, making the catalogs valuable reference works long after the auctions conclude.
Bidders praise CNG’s user-friendly online platform, smooth international shipping, and transparent business practices. While competition can be intense for rare ancient and Greek coins, many collectors see CNG as a source of both exceptional quality and educational value.

Strengths That Make CNG Stand Out

• Academic-Level Cataloging: Detailed historical notes and attributions enhance each lot.
• Prestigious Consignments: Regularly handles museum-level and famous-name collections.
• Dual U.S.-UK Presence: Appeals to both American and European markets.
• Steady Flow of Material: Weekly e-auctions keep buyers engaged year-round.
• Trusted Reputation: Longstanding relationships with serious collectors, dealers, and institutions.

Areas for Improvement

• Mobile Optimization: While the bidding platform is functional, a dedicated mobile app could streamline participation.
• Modern Marketing Reach: CNG could expand its presence on social media to reach younger collectors interested in ancient and historical coins.
• Broader Entry-Level Offerings: While many lots are premium, more low-to-mid-tier selections could help attract new bidders.

Who Should Use CNG

• Ancient Coin Specialists: Particularly collectors of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine series.
• Medieval and Islamic Coin Collectors: Well-curated offerings in these niche areas.
• Serious Consignors: Owners of significant collections seeking scholarly presentation and global exposure.
• Institutional Buyers: Museums and libraries sourcing historically important specimens.

Final Thoughts
Classical Numismatic Group blends scholarly precision with international market reach, making it one of the most respected names in the numismatic auction industry. From handling world-famous collections like Prospero and BCD to delivering weekly sales for active collectors, CNG caters to a wide spectrum of buyers and sellers.
For those who appreciate both the art and the history of coins, and who demand the highest standards of cataloging and authenticity, CNG remains a premier destination in the global coin market.