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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,000 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
I received my copy of the Gemini Auction Catalog for Sunday, January 13, 2013. While thumbing through I found so many coins I wish I could afford, but, unless I hit the lottery (which is impossible since I refuse to pay that poor man's tax), I can only dream of ownership. One coin stood out in particular that I had never seen nor even heard about. It's this denarius struck at Rome in 48 BC: OBV: Bearded bust of Gallic enemy (Vercingetorix) with flowing hair right, behind, Gallic shield. REV: Biga driven by charioteer, warrior facing backward holding shield and hurling spear: L HOSTILIVS above, SASERN below The auction for this coin starts at $2500. What a fantastic piece to add to any collection, eh?  
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Pillar of the Community
United States
549 Posts |
That type shows a Gaul, but not Vercingetorix. That attribution is just hype that is incorrect (and most sellers know it) but has failed to go away because it was once believed long ago and is a convenient fiction to reproduce because it reaps profits for sellers. There is a coin type with a portrait actualy labeled "VERCINGETORIXS" http://www.romancoins.info/VIC-Historical1.htmlthat looks nothing like that Gaul.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4253 Posts |
Thanks Warren. It is a lovely coin just the same, just not as intriguing without the hype attached to it.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
I recently made an offer to an ebay seller for one in lesser condition. I shared with with him the story of the hype. Didn't believ me and decline my offer of $170. He wanted $1700. Oh well...
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4971 Posts |
man, rich guys get to have all sorts of stuff I don't get to have. *** Irrelevant image removed by the Staff ****** Irrelevant comment removed by the Staff ***
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I can only dream of owning one of these.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
The smile is probably to do with the girl sitting on his lap.
Nice bust, and the coin is cool too :)
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Valued Member
Canada
472 Posts |
No matter who is represented, the portrait shown on this type is lovely imo 
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4253 Posts |
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,000 |
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