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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,302 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
I know, I know  I said that I was trying to lay off buying for a while, but I only see the dealer whom I bought it from (and other coins that I've gotten from him) only once a month at the monthly coin show in my area (plus he wasn't there last month). So I went and bought this from him. Surfaces are a bit corroded, but it's still a great-looking coin in hand; it has character IMO. The coin is a bit browner in hand, but my camera was about to die (again...) and I have no spare batteries, so I had to take these quickly without adjusting the settings. I haven't attributed it yet (but I will soon). Anyways, just wanted to share my new pickup.  Reverse at a slightly different angle.  |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Are you sure that it's Augustus? It look more like NERVA and what I can see of the legend it matches.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4778 Posts |
Well, I was...
Was not expecting that. At least I now have a coin of an emperor I didn't have before. Think I have it as RIC 94..... Nerva.
Edited by VisigothKing
12/18/2011 9:49 pm
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
I couldn't come up with RIC 94. The closests I found was RIC 83.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
I think it is RIC 94. RIC 94 has AEQVITAS AVGVST S-C on the reverse. On my coin, there is what appears to be a Q to the left of the scale Equity is holding, and the last letter of the left-side legend on the reverse is an S.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
I found it you are correct RIC 94.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
No doubt about it being Nerva. None of the others even resemble him. Generally, his coins portray him with the most wicked hooked nose (Roman nose). As far as condition goes, yeah its seen better days, but I'm with you. It has character. I have a Claudius I that looks in similar condition and it too has character.
If the dealer you purchased this from sold it as an Augustus, I'd be careful when buying coins from him. BTW, I've been looking for a decent Nerva, so good on ya.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
All the other coins I've bought from him in the past weren't questionable (you guys have seen some of them already), and he cuts me deals sometimes, so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt. He has a lot of coins Including other world, so he probably overlooked it, or forgot to re-label it or something. Anyways, thanks for your comment JW. And thanks echizento for helping to attribute.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1549 Posts |
Many sellers know less than they should and you can pick up 'sleepers' on occasion. All else being equal, I'd rather have a Nerva than an Augustus but portrait bronzes of Augustus are harder to find than many realize. Many of them were issued by later rulers (including Nerva below) honoring him while many of the coppers from his reign have types without a portrait.  |
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Dougsmit, Any idea why your coin was holed in this fashion? I've heard several reasons why coins were holed. What is your take on why?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1549 Posts |
I know nothing. My guess is that it was nailed to a wooden plaque, door or coffin. The holes were placed with care to avoid damage to the portrait. The patina is inside the holes so they were made in antiquity.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Think I did all right with paying $35 for it? Personally, I think I did ok, not a spectacular deal, but ok.
Edited by VisigothKing
12/20/2011 10:36 am
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,302 |
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Posted 12/18/2011 9:27 pm
