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 Replies: 31 / Views: 5,190 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
I am currently looking to buy a coin of Hadrian, but I can't decide what I want: either a small silver denarius of him, or a large bronze dupondius or as of him (note: I haven't exactly picked out one example of each that I'm trying to decide from, but I'm looking). I like big coins, but on the other hand I like silver denarii also. So I need assistance in deciding. Thanks!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
It's like being a kid in a candy store. You got money to spend but should you spend it on the big candy bar or on the handful of candy gummies. Hmmmmm, let me see.
Of course the questions are what do you want and what do you need/want for your collection? Are you going to be like me and just buy willie-nillie cause you like the looks of a coin or do you have a collection strategy? These are things only you can decide.
However, on the other hand, if I were in the market for a Hadrian coin, any coin, what would I pick? I own seven Hadrian coins: five Denarii, one Sestertius, and one AE22 Provential. By far, my favorite is the Sestertius mainly because of size and weight. I have said this on this board before, but I love the heft of a large coin. A secondary consideration is the bust style of the Denarii. Between Hadrian and Trajan, they have some of the best heroic bust styles of all the emperors. There are also the reverses to consider and with Hadrian there is a ton of reverses. But my favorite ones are the Gods that recline such as Tiber, Oceanus, Aegyptos, Africa, Hispania, Nilus and Alexandria (I think I named them all). But there are other reverses I like nearly as well.
If only I had the coin/cash/moola to buy the ones I really want. But then, what fun would that be, eh? Thanks for letting me daydream.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
2703 Posts |
I would take some time to find a nice-looking bronze as or dupondius of Hadrian with good surfaces. Get a sestertius if you can afford one. You can pick up a Hadrian denarius later; they are relatively easy to come by.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1549 Posts |
I have some of my favorites on this page: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/do...ac55had.htmlHowever there is one more option. I like this AE drachm of Alexandria showing the river god Nilus reclining on a crocodile. They are sestertius sized but a bit cheaper. There are many other reverses including one with a quadriga pulled by elephants (there is a nice one in an auction closing next Tuesday but it is over my head in price). These drachms circulated a lot so many are very worn.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2596 Posts |
I personally like the large bronze coins with a nice patina. But having a silver is always nice too. I have pretty much quit buying uncleaned coins and now prefer a more natural surface on the coins like the ones you guys have been posting they look so much better then the coins that I was messing around with. So if I post similar coins you know where I got the idea.  |
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Moderator
United States
16679 Posts |
Quote:
showing the river god Nilus reclining on a crocodile. This is why I love Ancients swcoin.ecrater.com
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4778 Posts |
I know, I like the reclining god coins also  Too bad they are out of my price range :( Yeah, I'll go for a large bronze coin then. Thanks guys. When I finally pick one, I'll post it here. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2703 Posts |
The galley ships on the reverse are nice too.
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Valued Member
279 Posts |
I have not read other answers but in my opinion or take a sestertius (adrian's sestertius are all beautiful) or an axis, forget denarii.
big is beautiful!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2703 Posts |
Here is a scan of the only large Hadrian I have. It is a little rough on the reverse but not too bad.   Compared to a Lincoln Cent |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Now that's what I had in mind!  How much did you pay for it, if you don't mind me asking? You don't have to be exact if you don't want; you can give me a price range that you paid within. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2703 Posts |
I just knew you were going to ask that! I don't remember the exact price.  I have had it for several years, and prices were cheaper then. I think I paid about $180, definitely not more than $200. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Sorry! Lol Just kind of need a basis on what to pay according to condition, rarity, etc. Speaking of rarity... is it a scarce/rare one to come by, or was it more because of it's condition that made it worth $180-200? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2703 Posts |
I believe the reverse is intended to show the generosity of Hadrian. He is giving charity to hungry women and orphan children. I don't think it is particularity scare or desirable.
The roughness detracts a bit from the value.
Many of the higher end pieces have been worked on, however, such as smoothed fields and sometimes tooling to enhance details.
Edited by t360
12/04/2011 6:53 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Ah ok. Because I found this large (27 mm) Hadrian bronze that I might decide to pick up. It's $25 shipped. What do you think? Looks good for the price?  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
That's not a bad price. Here is my Sestertius . I paid $59 shipped:   |
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Replies: 31 / Views: 5,190 |
Posted 12/01/2011 2:51 pm
