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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,158 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
A couple of weeks ago I purchased this coin on ebay which arrived from The Netherlands this afternoon. I have purchased from this particular seller in the past w/o any problems except once the coins never arrived in the mail. The seller apologized and sent a complete refund. But I digress. This coin was misidentified by the seller as being a Gallienus copper coin. I recognized it right away as a Valerian provincial from Alexandria Troas (read here about Troas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexandria_Troas), only to notify the seller too late for him to change his listing. I believe the coin did not garner much attention because of the misidentification in the title of the listing and I was able to successfully bid on the coin. It is a beautiful AE21 with a wonderful green patina. The details are exceptional IMO. I have it attributed at Valerian I SNGCop 191v, struck circa 253-60 AD:   OBV: IMP LICI VALERIAN, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right REV: COL AVG TRO, horse grazing right 21mm, 4.86g |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
I like it JW - the horse looks great. Any idea what the horse symbolises? I read it was to do with the 'famous Troyan stud of ancient times'? Also seen a few of these with a tree or a herdsman as well as the horse. Provincials are great  |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
4208 Posts |
That horse is drawn remarkably well!
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
 Great details--especially the horse! It also reminds me of Greek coins of Thessaly. |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4253 Posts |
I was able to research the horse reverse to some little degree and came up with this quote from Catalogue of the Greek coins of Troas, Aeolis, and Lesbos by British Museum. Dept. of Coins and Medals, Warwick William Wroth. Quote:
The feeding horse first appears on the autonomous coins of Alexandria Troas circa 300 BC, and is itself derived from the feeding horse on the coins of Neandria, circa 400-310 BC. On the fourth century coins of Larissa in Thessaly, the animal seen feeding is one of the famous Thessalian horses, but it is difficult to determine it's significance at Neandria. Cavedoni suggests that it is one of the horses of Erichthonius, father of Tros. A long time ago I puchased a coin of Larissa for my niece who is named Larissa. She knew of Larissa, Greece, and that was extent of her knowledge. She didn't know anything about ancient Larissa, Thassaly or the horse representation on the coins. But, what is fascinating (and spooky) is that she has been an equestrian since childhood and is now a veterinarian taking care of horses. I'm sure it's coincidental. Aren't you? |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2044 Posts |
Nice coin, like that horse reverse as well. You'd think the price would have skyrocketed at ebay for a coin like that. That's a neat story about your niece. A great deal of names come from ancient times. I'm not sure if most people are aware of it or not. |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I would be very happy with that acquisition as well! Pleasing coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Thank you all for your comments. I am still struck by the 3D effect on the reverse. This coin exceeds my expectation for sure. I haven't been able to put it away. It sits in the middle of my desk as I type. I am pleased!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Very nice! Really like how detailed it is.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Quote:
I am still struck by the 3D effect on the reverse. One reason I like Greek coins.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3229 Posts |
Great coin JW |
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
Very pretty coin, Bing (gotta love the animal coins!!)  |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,158 |
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Posted 07/31/2012 5:30 pm
