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 Replies: 18 / Views: 2,987 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
I'm been thinking about getting one for a while now. This one caught my eye. It is from the Tenmos mint, which was known for making coins with large flans. This one is 36mm by 38mm. What is a good price for it?  I am wanting a very large silver ancient coin with an attractive design and a significant historical context without breaking the bank. If you have any other suggestions, I would love to hear them. I particularly like the designs on Greek coins. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Well that's certainly a change of pace!
I recommend using CNG's "Research Sold Items" link at cNGCoins.com. If you type in "Temnos" (not Tenmos) you'll see there are 56 hits in the eAuctions tab and 27 in the Printed Auction tab. Of course not all of these are tets, but many (dozens) are, including a number that may match the monograms of your coin above. All include the estimates and prices realized.
Edited by Kamnaskires
08/07/2016 8:52 pm
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Really nice looking coin, I would say you are doing good if you can get it under $600.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6370 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
The style looks a bit odd with such a big flan... not being familiar with the Tenmos minted variety I would perhaps wrongly assume somethings not right. When compared to my Alex III tet they are remarkably different.  There are many tets to choose from but the Thasos type seems good value, an attractive and large coin that may be of interest.  Obviously the owl tets in all their forms are lovely additions and the Aegina turtles (though these are thick rather than large diameter) |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
This coin is from a very reputable seller, so I have no question as to authenticity.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
I would support holding off if historical value is important. These were still being struck pretty much until the former Greek areas came under Roman or Parthian rule. Buy a posthumous issue for artistic merit; lifetime for historical.
This is one of my bucket list types... I am fundamentally torn over whether I want one that is "as struck" and beautifully rendered, or one that shows some real use, changing hands for centuries rather than spending them in a pot buried underground.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Quote:
Here is the obverse die. Good eye! I agree, same obverse die. These issues from Temnos are beautiful, with nice large flans too. Not sure if the tiny dark spots on the OP coin are horn silver and, if so, I don't know that it's anything to be concerned about. Admit it, Thomas: these appeal to you because some of the monograms kinda-sorta look like tiny Chinese characters at first glance.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
Quote:
Admit it, Thomas: these appeal to you because some of the monograms kinda-sorta look like tiny Chinese characters at first glance.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
Quote:
There are many tets to choose from but the Thasos type seems good value, an attractive and large coin that may be of interest. I'll have to look into those. Quote:
Obviously the owl tets in all their forms are lovely additions and the Aegina turtles (though these are thick rather than large diameter) I love these just as much as anyone would. They are on my eventual want list, but they will have to wait until I am less focused on my Chinese shenanigans. Also, they are WAY out of my budget for the moment. |
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Valued Member
United States
152 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
It looks to be comparable, and is about the same price the dealer is asking for the coin in the OP.
Thank you for your help.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6370 Posts |
I found this one on FORVM for a lower price. I've discovered that the Mesembria issues also have large flans (this one is 33.8mm), but the headdress is much more ornate. The relief seems to be lower as well, but the reverse has much more detail and does not look as austere. However, this coin has scrapes on the reverse and there is a major chip and minor bend at the bottom. I'm TORN! And I'm starting to get addicted to these pretty Greek coins...  And to satisfy my history craving, I will probably get a couple lifetime drachms. They are much cheaper than the tetradrachms.     I am really starting to love these Greek coins. They are so artistic. Definitely an area to pursue when money becomes more stable. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
If there's such a thing as karma, somewhere in the world a serious collector of Greek silver is hearing the alluring call of Chinese spade coins...
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
I really like this coin, even with the lower relief it has beautiful detail. It would make an excellent addition to any collection. Where you able to get an attribution on it? I'm sure you are aware it's a posthumous issue. The silver drachm is a nice life time issue.
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Replies: 18 / Views: 2,987 |
Posted 08/07/2016 8:56 pm
