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 Replies: 35 / Views: 3,359 |
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
Ummm, which coin would you buy? (they're both the same price) ... I like both coins, but I thought I would post them to get the "opinion of my ancient coin buddies" ... Coin #1
Persia AR SiglosDate: Time of Xerxes II to Artaxerxes II (485-420 BC) Diameter: 15.4 mm Weight: 5.3 grams Obverse: Persian hero holding bow and spear, X banker's mark in field. Reverse: Incuse punch.   Coin #2
EPHESUS, IONIA, AR Cistaphoric Tetradrachm133-56 BC Diameter: 24mm Weight: 12.68g Obverse: Cista mystica (sacred chest used to house snakes) with lid raised and a serpent emerging, all within ivy wreath. Cistae mysticae were used in the initiation ceremony of the cult of Dionysus. Reverse: Bowcase flanked by two serpents, heads confronted, monogram above, torch to right, Q to left. Ref. BMC Ionia 176 [under Marc Antony (M. Antonius M.f.)]. Rare. VF, bright surfaces. NOTE: Issued by anonymous Roman Quaestor, ca. 60-50 BC. The anonymous Roman quaestor (a magistrate in charge of finance) who struck these monogrammed issues of Pergamum and Ephesus in not known with any certainty, although Mark Antony or his brother Lucius, both of whom served as Quaestors in the East, are possibilities.  Edited by stevex6
08/18/2012 8:44 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
I personally would prefer to own the tetradrachm.
I don't know which is rarer or more desirable financially but the second coin is more substancial (double the weight) has a more pleasing design and is better preserved in my opinion.
The persian coin is of course much older, so I guess it all depends what your collecting theme is, which is more relevant to you. Also I would consider which coin you will more likely see again in the future, if neither then buy both! If you think you will find a better example of the Persian coin at a later date then definately get the tetradrachm...I don't know much but I think it has eye appeal.
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Valued Member
Canada
472 Posts |
The siglos is very nice but, if it was me, I would definitely buy the tetra...
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
The Persia Siglos is a much older coin and a better example of the type than the Cistaphoric Tetradrachm--imo.  |
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Pillar of the Community
 3352 Posts |
DavidUK => hey, thanks for the feedback ... your reasoning is very good => I admit that the snake/serpent coin is probably a tad more eye-appealing than the older incuse square coin ... but then again, those incuse square coins are so cool, no? (coins that preceded two-sided coins!! => pretty cool!!) ... yah, it's a tough-call ... => Thanks again for your input (I appreciate it greatly!!) So I now have one data-point ... man, I sure hope that I get a few more opinions ...   Edited by stevex6
08/18/2012 9:08 pm
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
Thanks for your opinions, Batman and DVC (hi Dude!!) ... So, the vote is 2-1 for the TET ... keep 'em comin'!! Thanks  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1316 Posts |
steve, I have to...  ... with DVC, age, nice image, I like something that old, very nice.....  |
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I would go for the Siglos, it's a much older coin and IMO has more historical value.
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
Edited by stevex6
08/18/2012 9:18 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1316 Posts |
steve, It has cooled off quite a bit, today....... |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10045 Posts |
Hey, I didn't realize Eng5858 lived up here too! Yeah--it's quite a bit more 'maritime' today--a welcome relief! Temps should improve for Sunday; I'll get back on the water. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Hey Jerry. Go for coin 3  |
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
DVC (Eng5858) => man, it's amazing how many ancient coin collectors seem to be clustered in Washington State, eh?!! => it must be the gorgeous consistent 50-70 degree year-round temperatures ... ummm, as long as you have gortex clothes and an umbrella!! Bing => wha? ... seriosuly, you don't like either of those coins?!!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1436 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
3352 Posts |
Thanks Dave H ... 4-2  Wow, what a race! ... but please keep 'em coming' ... thanks (NOTE => I have to take off for a bit, but I'll be back shortly) ... => again, please keep the data-points streamin' in!! Man, I love a close race!!  |
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Replies: 35 / Views: 3,359 |
Posted 08/18/2012 8:55 pm
