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 Replies: 26 / Views: 6,655 |
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Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
A while back when I was cleaning a large lot of Romans, I ran into a Gallienus Gryphon reverse. I didn't have a clue what it was and with help of the forum was able to attribute it. After that I got interested in Gallienus' zoo series. So lately I have been collecting them as I can. So I thought I would share a few with you, although the last one isn't really a zoo series coin. So here they are: The first a Gallienus Billion Antoniinianus. 3.80 grams and 23mm. This was from Gallienus' sole reign. GALLIENVS AVG, radiate cuirassed bust right/DIANAE CONS AVG antelope walking left, XII in ex. RIC 181. (for whatever reason the photograph of the coin looks like it is indented on this coin, but it is not  )   The second which I really like is another Antoninianus 3.52 grams, 22mm. Struck circa 260-268 AD. GALLIENVSAVG, radiate head right/APOLLINICONSAVG, Centaur advancing left, holding globe and trophy. RIC 164k, C73. Actually the photograph really doesn't do it justice, as it looks much better in hand.   Finally, this is not in the zoo series but it has a great reverse and is a pretty cool coin. This a Gallienus Potin Tetradrachm. Circa 267-268 AD. It is very thick and weighs in at 9.66 grams and is 22mm as well. From the Alexandria mint, obverse: laureate bust to right. reverse: eagle stands right, head back, wreath in beak, palm branch to left. LIE in right field. Milne 4178. This is one of my favorite coins thus far.  Although I would ask a question about a tetradrachm. What was the difference in value between this and say a denarius or just a bronze Roman in ancient times. Just curious. Thanks for letting me share them with you.   |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
I've seen more animals on Greek coins, but this would make an interesting subject to collect--nice group!
I'm unsure of the exact value of an Egyptian tetradrachm in Roman times--compared to the 17 gram silver tetradrachm of classical Greece, they had very little silver content.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
This is why I like uncleaned lots. These are all very nice coin. That was luck finding that tetradrachm. I have never found any in an uncleaned lot.
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Valued Member
279 Posts |
Hi oxos they are very nice coins I have one gallienus like your first one that I love very much I put it here so you can see ....   |
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Pillar of the Community
Bulgaria
843 Posts |
I have one too :   |
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Rest in Peace
United States
9104 Posts |
Quote:
for whatever reason the photograph of the coin looks like it is indented on this coin, but it is not Your light source is South, tricking the eye, which is used to North. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1549 Posts |
 I have yet to find a coin that looks better lighted from the bottom as are all of your photos. Light might come from top or left or right in nature but bottom light reminds me of kids at Halloween sticking a flashlight up on their faces trying to look like ghouls. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2044 Posts |
All those are nice coins.
I have a Gallienus that has a really poor quality flan, but otherwise the details on the obverse are nice. I need a attributable upgrade in the future. I think I'll try to find one in the zoo series.
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Valued Member
 United States
422 Posts |
How very interesting about the light source! They were shot from the bottom with south facing ambient light indeed. I have some LEDs that I have used for inside after dark and worked quite well. I thought I would take my rig outside in an overcast sky (which we have plenty here in the Pacific Northwest) and give it a try. I guess I'll just have to turn my rig around and have it face south!
As to some of the other comments. These coins were bought by me and not found in an unclean lot. Sorry, I should have been more specific. I found a gryphon reverse in an uncleaned lot (which I didn't display) and got hooked on the Gallienus zoo coins, of which these are some (except the tetradrachm). I was just curious as to the actual value in the day with that coin as opposed to say a denarius. Especially because it is so thick. Again thanks for the advice biggfred and dougsmit. The next batch will be lighted correctly! As always I appreciate all your input, advice and comments! That's what makes this forum great. Regards
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Nice coins. The Gallienus Zoo coins sure are an interesting series. I don't have a antelope coin but I do have one with a panther (my first and so far only zoo coin)  |
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Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
Nice Panther reverse! I have been looking at purchasing one of those and that is a very nice example. I wanted to post another zoo reverse and might as well do it here. It is a Gazelle walking right. 3.2 grams, 18.6mm. RIC V 181. One of things I'm finding out is the obverses on many of the Gallienus coins are not so good. The reverses can be too, but they seem to be better. On this coin its kinda the reverse, pardon the pun. The obverse is exceptional and the reverse is ok, but not as nice, I think than the obverse. (although I want to soak it a bit in olive oil and clean the gunk on the left field letters) What you all think?   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Since we are showing off our Gallienus coins, this is my favorite from my collection, the Gryphon:   |
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Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
Oh wow! Now that's a nice Gryphon JW. Both sides look great. Puts my poor Gryphon to shame!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Which is the rarest/scarcest animal of the zoo series?
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Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
Might as well share my last Gallienus zoo with you guys and feel free to do the same. Besides the Gryphon and Centaur which I really like is the Pegasus reverse. I actually have two of them, but this one is the best out of the two. I'll be on the hunt for a panther and a lion as well! Thanks for all the comments and great Gallienus coins you all have shared as well.  Regards   Edited by oxos
02/18/2012 12:15 am
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Valued Member
United States
422 Posts |
Great question ValiantKnight. I'd like to know myself. Gallienus had a bunch of different reverses of animals but have no idea which one is the king of the zoo. I'm sure someone would know here on the forum though.
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Replies: 26 / Views: 6,655 |
Posted 02/16/2012 01:04 am
