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 Replies: 18 / Views: 2,316 |
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New Member
United Kingdom
14 Posts |
Hi people, I made a thread here some time ago asking for thoughts and opinions on how best to go about collecting Roman coins. Well, as yet I havn't really decided on any collecting strategy. I've just bought a few over recent months that I've liked and thought I got an okay deal, until I know where my interests lie. Keeping in mind my budget is tiny, I'm a student! :) I'd be interested to know your thoughts on what you think a "fair" price is for each of these coins so I know. I know they're not remarkable by any means but its a start!! Just so I know whether I've been on the right tracks with what I'm paying. Thanks in advance!! :) Julian II Ant (shame the bull is a little worn)   Licinius Follis   Phillip Silver Ant   |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
4208 Posts |
Wow - really nice ones - especially the Julian II.
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New Member
 United Kingdom
14 Posts |
Thanks very much! :)
I tried to use vCoins as a guide for prices when acquiring them, but generally paid less than equivalents on there. Do you guys think vCoins is a fairly good price guide?
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
 to the community For your first three ancients you have done well. I have been collecting ancient for a little over 11 years and I still don't have a Julian Bull. The condition of all your coins are excellent. |
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New Member
Netherlands
5 Posts |
Hi everyone, I'm new too but I've been collecting for a while now. I am particularly fond of silver coins as I think that they are on the whole better preserved. Also they tend to be where the better bargain are to be found as they can be difficult to photograph.
I love your Philip II, the portrait is very defined, how much did you pay for that one if you dont mind me asking?
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New Member
United Kingdom
14 Posts |
I think you're right about the silver coins being hard to photograph.
It cost £17, which I think is quite reasonable. The picture was pretty poor so I think that helped me.
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New Member
Netherlands
5 Posts |
Blimey that is a good deal! Little tip; it looks like its collected some stains over the years around Annona's body, id recommend letting it sit in a dish of olive oil for a 2-3 days then lightly brushing it with a tooth brush to make it that bit more clearer.  But that might just be me being a perfectionist! |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
36905 Posts |
Great start to a collection! I'm fairly new to ancients also and the guys here have helped me quit a bit. I've taken the collecting approach to Romans by getting one example of each Emperor. Seems to be the easiest way to go for me.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2044 Posts |
IMHO, it is the best way to go in the beginning. Starting with Roman Imperial, and collecting rulers. There are so many things to learn starting out. Roman coins might be the easiest for beginners.
Great starting coins! I don't even have a Julian II Bull reverse. Those can be expensive.
IGE: Yeah, your collection is starting to get really nice.
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New Member
United Kingdom
14 Posts |
I'm thinking of taking that approach, Indian. I know there are a few that are really hard to get/expensive, but that is a problem for the future. For now there are plenty of choices, too many for my budget to keep up with, so I'm not worried about that. I don't see any reason to limit myself at the moment, I'm learning more about the coins and history as I go along so a wide approach is helping me in that respect.
Thanks for the tip Pliny, I may give it a go.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Nice start. As to prices, these would be what I think is fair, based on what I've seen similar ones priced at:
1. A little tough, probably $70-80, (havent really been looking at these lately)
2. $35
3. $45-50
Not sure what these would be in pounds, sorry.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2894 Posts |
£17 for that Philip is a great price. The Licinius is the star of the lot though - It's a smashing coin
Do remember thought that Vcoins will be full retail price and it's really geared for people who are looking for a particular coin. If you are just dipping your toe in the water try and get to a fair and talk to a few dealers - tell them you are just starting out and they will give you great first hand advice (obviously in most cases geared towards a sale - but you'd be surprised how many just like to talk about coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
My estimate
1. 70-80
2. 50
3. 35
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
And I agree the Licinius is the star. A very nice EF example.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3446 Posts |
I bought my Julian before the 'internet' when things could really be hard to find. I can't remember what I paid but I know it was high. My estimates
.... and I am a 'cheapskate' !
Julian ..... $100 - 125
Licinius ....$35 - 40
Philip ......$25 - 30
Condition wise the Licinius is hands down the best coin. I collect 99% bronze coins for the very reason that 'Pliny' likes the silver. Finding a nice VF bronze with eye appeal can take time and effort. Bronze was what got used in everyday life and thus tends to be worn. Silver was very valuable in ancient times and like a $100 bill today tended to get put away and used only when necessary. But like a beautiful old statue in the park bronze can achieve a patina and a look that silver never can. I especially love the dark olive green hard patina that cover my 'favorite' bronzes. While your Julian isn't my kind of green it does have good patina ....... up my estimate $25 !
Edited by FVRIVS RVFVS
03/14/2013 6:42 pm
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New Member
United Kingdom
14 Posts |
Thanks a lot for the kind words. I think I did pretty good deals, thankfully. Glad I'm on the right tracks. Not that money is everything, I'm more concerned with getting the best I can for the budget I have than saving a few ££, but its good to know all the same.
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Replies: 18 / Views: 2,316 |
Posted 03/14/2013 12:42 pm
