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 Replies: 19 / Views: 1,795 |
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
195 Posts |
I am curious what I got myself here now and if this is considered a good condition for its age? To me as a novice it looks Roman, possibly Greek? Which book is the best for beginners to get on identifying unknown ancient coins? Any hints on what to go for when identifying? I would like to know the thought process that goes on from when looking at the coin: what hints it to the country/region/civilization, what to the year and what to the denomination?  
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3439 Posts |
From a good distance (about ten feet) it looks like a portrait of Titus with a Judea reverse.If it is it is something special...... Letters on reverse are Greek so it is probably 'Greek Imperial'. Careful cleaning by soaking in distilled water for many months will help.
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Valued Member
 United Kingdom
195 Posts |
I am excited now! Very interesting, so is that Titus (24th June A D 79 - 13th September A D 81) ?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3439 Posts |
It 'looks' like Titus. It could be Vespasian or even Nero. My Greek is weak but it looks like it spells out Judea. Combined with what looks like a "Victory inscribing shield on palm tree" on reverse ..... I would think Titus. Needs careful long term cleaning. It waited 2 thousand years ..... you can wait one
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3439 Posts |
I am still drinking morning coffee. Someone has brushed it harshly to bring out letters. Do not brush with wire anymore !
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3439 Posts |
Judea Capta is the "Holy Grail" of 1st Century Roman Coinage. You found this where ?
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
195 Posts |
I 'found' or better bid and bought at a houseclearance auction in a box described as mixed sundry coins a few moons back and never got around figuring out what it actually is.
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
195 Posts |
Looking how much Judea Capta coins in much better condition sell then this might be £5-£10 though?
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
195 Posts |
And looking at Bing image search of Judea Capta most of those coins shown have some kind of palm tree which this one here doesn't seem have
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3439 Posts |
As the coin is off centered ( very common) It is impossible to be sure. The shield is rather obvious though. High probability that it is attached to a 'palm'(tapered trunk) and not to a 'trophy'.The coin is a 'provincial' and the artistic standards were not as high as Imperial Coins. Ten pounds sounds like a steal to me ! I would take all you got .....
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
A bit difficult to say for sure but to me it looks like Titus. If you let the coin soak in some olive oil for a while some of the deposits will remove and more of the image should become visable.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3439 Posts |
Titus Roman (r. AD 79 - 81) Judaea Capta As of Casearea under Titus, 70-81 Coin Roman Provincial, 1st century AD  |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
 good work FVRIVS |
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
195 Posts |
Nice one!
I put mine in Aldis olive oil, lets see if it comes out like that:)
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3439 Posts |
If this is your first ancient I would say you scored a goal in the first minute of your first game. Very rare accomplishment indeed. No its not the prettiest Judea Capta ..... But it is a 'keeper'. I would advise against selling it before you really need too. You will regret that unless you use it to get something else you want a great deal. A very very desirable coin.
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Excellent find |
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Replies: 19 / Views: 1,795 |
Posted 02/11/2013 07:31 am
