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 Replies: 11 / Views: 978 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
I received my "shipwreck" coin in today's mail and I'm somewhat disappointed. But, hey, I took a chance. The coin is huge. It is 28mm and weighs 20g. Very hefty for sure. The obverse legend is only partially legible. I can make out "-AN-TONIVSAVG" which leads me to believe it is Antonius Pius. The reverse is a mystery to me. I don't even know which way is up so I am presenting two images from different axis points. Any help will be greatly appreciated.    |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I think you might be right, it also looks like Antoninus Pius to me.
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Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
I don't see anything on the obverse JW. You have an incredible eye. But where do you go from here? The reverse is barren of any markings that I can tell.
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Moderator
Australia
16873 Posts |
Hmmm. It appears to have what the modern coin collectors call "post-mint damage". From the looks of it, it's been attached to something in ancient times, to make a brooch or something, then broken off again. I'm not sure if there's any features visible on the reverse that are actually part of the original reverse design of the coin. The size and weight are correct for a sestertius.
I'm also curious about the "shipwreck" story. I wouldn't expect a brass coin to survive this well after two decades in salt water, let alone two millennia. It must have had rather unusual burial conditions.
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
 United States
4253 Posts |
Quote:
I don't see anything on the obverse Take a look at the eleven o'clock position. There you can make out some letters around the edge of the coin. I can also make out letters at the 11-12 o"clock position on the left side of the bust. That's where I came up with the partial legend. You are probably correct about the reverse though. I certainly don't see anything recognizable, but perhaps someone else may. That's what I'm hoping for in any case. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Quote:
I'm also curious about the "shipwreck" story You are probably correct SAP. But that is how the coin was listed: "This coin really is a treasure. This was discovered in the Mediterranean sea from an ancient wreck site. It is a bronze coin with the portrait of a Ceaser on the front and on the back of the coin is what looks like a cresent moon with a circle in the middle, or what else might look like the ancient symbol for the "Eye". It is a very old coin, but is in great condition. Only a little corrosion on the back, due to being in the salt water for so long." I'm beginning to doubt this story as well. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
How much did you pay for it?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Too much I fear. $15 with free shipping.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Ouch.... but hey could have been worse. Did the seller have an email through which you could have requested pics?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
He posted pics, but they were very bad images. In fact I thought I saw a bust reminiscent of a coin from the Republic, but obviously I was wrong. I took a chance. Sometimes a chance pays off and others, well, they don't. It's certainly not the first $15 I've thrown away nor will it be the last I'm afraid.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Yeah, I haven't made smart deals myself either. On the bright side, your coin is only half a slug.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1549 Posts |
Antoninus Pius coins much more frequently have the Antoninus on the left. My guess is the coin is Commodus who often had Antoninus on the right side. The reverse is a loss and the price about $15 too much.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 978 |
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Posted 12/28/2011 11:14 pm
