Our Director
An early interest in the Ancient and Medieval World led Chris Martin into the world of numismatics and archaeology. Under the tutelage of the great Dr Colin Kraay of the Ashmolean Museum and the Art lover Dr Eva Frommer, he entered the world of collecting at a very young age. Funding his own collection through trading in ancient coins, he founded the company in 1971 and has been dealing in the antiquities and numismatic business ever since. He has handled enormous numbers of coins and antiquities, enabling him to lead at the forefront of the industry. Chris is currently serving as Vice Chairman of the Antiquities Dealers Association (ADA) and Chairman of the British Numismatic Trade Association (BNTA). He has also been appointed by the Culture Secretary to sit on the Treasure Valuation Committee for a five year term, starting in 2016. Ancient Art previously collaborated with Fortnum and Mason, the world renowned luxury department store in Piccadilly, for many years and organised over 15 exhibitions based on the Ancient World. From his businesses and passions, Chris has helped tens of thousands of people to realise the possibility of owning a piece of the past. He has been proud to nurture many of these first time buyers to become the collectors of the future.