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 Replies: 13 / Views: 1,110 |
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
59 Posts |
Hi Guys
One thing that's clear is a lot of the moderators, experts, contributors and long standing members on this board continue day in day out to provide excellent advice to a lot of new members and for that I want to say thank you.
After reading many threads its clear some coin info needed threads are from drive by people i.e. those with no interest in the hobby but grandad died and left a coin or 2 to them, others are potentially scammers looking to gain knowledge to hone their despicable craft and finally folk likeyself who are newbies but have genuinely developed a love for this great hobby and whom benefit greatly from your advice and guidance. It must be a chore to work out who the scammers are and guard against not giving to much away.
I imagine it's not a great deal of fun for the advance collector seeing the same help with this coin posts day in day out so I thought posting about something a little different might be welcomed? (if not apologies in advance)
I was wanting to know from those happy to share what is your current favourite ancient coin in your collection and why?
Cheers Jay
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6337 Posts |
Should make for an interesting thread. I haven't collected any coins for a couple years now. But, among my faves, are these two from Elymais. The top coin is an AE tet from the Elymaean king Phraates from the early to mid 2nd century AD. It is special for a few reasons. First, it's pretty exceptional for the type - one of the best I've seen. It is also a plate coin, used to illustrate the type (van't Haaff 14.7.1-1B.a) in Pieter Anne van't Haaff's "Catalogue of Elymaean Coinage" (2007). Finally, it is actually from Anne's collection, and was purchased directly from him. He was a nice fellow, generous with his time, who helped me on several occasions. He is missed. The bottom coin is an AR tet of Kamnakires IV, c. 63/2 - 54/3 BC, van't Haaff 8.1.1B. I own six coins from this ruler, but this was the first. It's got some evidence of double-striking, and has a neat little countermark of Nike. The king's portrait is youthful (looking almost like a young Caracalla with long hair), indicating the coin is from early in his reign. I also have some coins showing him bearded, from a few years later.  Edited by Bob L
06/11/2021 3:59 pm
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Valued Member
United States
198 Posts |
My first "twelve Caesars" coin. Julius Caesar (47-46 B.C.) 3.90 gm. O: Diademed head of Venus right. R: Aeneas walking left and carrying Anchises and Palladium.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
972 Posts |
Very hard question to answer. Not sure if I have a favorite, each coin has it's own special special place. But these two were purchased when I was confident enough to to take a chance on an unknown seller. Therefore, they were my first "big score". The vintage holders add to the nostalgia as well. Roman Republic, C. VIBIUS C.F. CN. PANSA CAETRONIANUS. Denarius (48 BC). Rome. Obv: PANSA.Mask of Pan right. Rev: C VIBIVS C F CN IOVIS AXVR.   Augustus Caesar As Eagle S.C. Commemorative issue Deified Augustus Obverse: Radiate head of Augustus left; DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER Translation: Divus Augustus Pater (Divine August Father) Reverse: Eagle between large SC, facing standing on globe, head right, wings spread. Lettering: S C Translation: Senatus Consulto (By Decree of the Senate)  |
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Pillar of the Community
Sweden
1073 Posts |
It is difficult to pick a single favorite among my ancient coins, each has its special qualities that made me acquire it. But perhaps it is this Celtic coin from Gaul, Carnutes or Eburovices tribe, 40-30 BC? Bronze, 2.51 g, 15.5 mm. Obverse inscription: PIXTIL[OS]. What I especially like about it is the amazing detail of the horse, with hooves and muscles and everything. It must have been a really talented engraver to make such a naturalistic depiction of an animal on such a rather small coin.   |
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Pillar of the Community
Spain
2569 Posts |
Lovely coins shown guys! As has already been said it's 'very very difficult' to pick just one! My Avatar is one that I pick up every day and it still gives me a buzz! Antoninus Pius. 138-161 AD. AE Dupondius (11.76 gm, 25.3mm). Rome mint. Struck 154-155 AD. Obv.. ANTONINVS AVG PIVS P P TR P XVIII, radiate head right. Rev.. LIBERTAS COS IIII / S - C, Libertas with pileus and sceptre standing left. RIC 933....BMC 1469. gVF.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
69037 Posts |
I know nothing of ancients, but this is a thread I'll watch every day. Beautiful specimens, all of you.
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
59 Posts |
Some amazing contributions guys and some incredible coins!
I'm glad I'm not the only person who finds selecting a favourite difficult, in fact ask me the same question a few weeks later and the answer may well be different!
erafjel the detsil on the horse is amazing especially considering the coin size!
Bob I find it really interesting seeing hoe the emeprors, kings age on the coins during their reign. From baby faced to grizzled lol
I'll put up some pictures later this evening.
Jay
Edited by jaymassive79
06/15/2021 06:49 am
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
19694 Posts |
My avatar coin. Why?
1. The ancient equivalent of a British gold sovereign that saw wide "international" use. Because of this,
2. One of the most well known and famous of ancient coins, they provided the financial underpinning for the rise of the Empire of Alexander the Great, which is a major turning point in ancient history. The rise of the Alexandrine Empire was predicted in the Book of Daniel.
3. My coin was minted in Pella - thunderbolt mint mark, - has a personal connection for me, because I visited this town - waaay back in 1970.
4. (Personal) I like the design in preference to the Nike staters.
(This coin has been in my collection since the mid 1980's, and was the first ancient Greek coin in my collection. Was bought from Spinks London - I still have all of the purchase documentation for it.)
Edited by sel_69l
06/15/2021 07:58 am
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
69037 Posts |
@sel - can you show us large images of your avatar coin?
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Valued Member
United States
198 Posts |
Strange that this tread dropped off this quickly.
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Moderator
Australia
14376 Posts |
I somehow missed it when it firs appeared.  My "favourite" is, as is the case for many posters here, my avatar-coin. It's a didrachm of Rhodes. It was my first major ancients purchase, and I like the story behind them - that the coin likely bears a face that was similar to that on the Colossus, the ancient Wonder of the World. Don't say "infinitely" when you mean "very"; otherwise, you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite. - C. S. Lewis
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Pillar of the Community
Russian Federation
3939 Posts |
I don't have an avatar coin, though maybe I should. But to a large extent the coins I consider my favorites are not very photogenic! At some point I should probably look through my collection and actually pick a favorite. For now this coin is the first "favorite" candidate I thought of...   Hasmonean Kingdom of Judea Mattathias (Mattatayah, Matityahu) Antigonus, ca. 40-37 BC AE 8 prutot (13.85g, 24x22 mm) Numista 108817 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1196 Posts |
Hi, I only have a few ancients, although the group is certainly fascinating. Here is one of my favorites. I general, I've always enjoyed the Satraps series as these little pieces are full of character and from a somewhat mysterious kingdom that didn't leave too much behind other than these coins. Western Satraps Simhasena SE 304 / AD382 Drachm Only about 5 known specimens of this date, the ruler is a tough find in general.  My hoard of '82s is up to 241! 218 BC x 1, 118 BC x 3, 18 BC x 1, 82 x 1, 182 x 1, 282 x 2, 382 x 1, 582 x 2, 682 x 1, 782 x 2, 882 x 1, 982 x 4, 1082 x 1 1182 x 8, 1282 x 2, 1382 x 1, 1482 x 6, 1582 x 13, 1682 x 17, 1782 x 60, 1882 x 68, 1982 x 45
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Replies: 13 / Views: 1,110 |
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Posted 06/11/2021 6:23 pm
