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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,023 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
I bought this from a good friend of mine, The coin is one of the most common ancient coins ever made, but this is probably the best example of the coin of from the mint of Alexandria. Any thoughts or comments would be much appreciated! I believe the best way to describe this specimen would be "Fleur di Coin"  Egypt, Alexandria AE Follis, City Commemorative s.337-347 AD 2.69 g x 18 mm Obv: CONSTANTINOPOLIS, Helmeted and mantled bust of Constantinopolis left, holding reversed spear over shoulder. Rev: Victory standing prow, holding scepter and leaning on shield. Mintmark SMALA Ref: RIC VIII 17  |
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Love this coin, it's outstanding.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
5155 Posts |
My Roman collection is nor large or impressive but I do like to make the Roman guys jealous, when I can.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
This is NOT a common coin.
It's condition attests to that.
Probably the best example I have seen of this type.
You don't get 'uncirculated' ancient coins.
They are more accurately termed as 'As Struck'.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
Sel- you been in the game along time, for you to say this, confirms my suspicion, it is the best one I have seen and possibly the best that exists.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1315 Posts |
At 18mm and 2.69g I think your coin might be RIC VII Alexandria 64, R1, 333-335 AD.
Very nice coin indeed, a great find.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1315 Posts |
The reason I mentioned this is because I believe RIC VIII 17 was minted after the GLOR-IA EXERC-ITVS were changed from two standards to one standard and the Constantinopolis from the one standard period should be 15-16mm. I guess it depends on the size of your coin. You can see the progression here if you scroll down and view the city commemoratives spreadsheet (victory on prow). http://www.catbikes.ch/coinstuff/coins-ric.htmI have an SMALA that is nice, but did not weather time as well as yours, but my Antioch SMANI almost did!   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3446 Posts |
To paraphrase Wimpy
" Nothing in the world can compare .....
To an (EF) 'AE' juicy and rare. "
Any 'fool' can find an EF coin in silver but to find one in a denomination made to be used (and abused) is special
Silver is nice but bronze is beautiful !
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1316 Posts |
Wow master Noob, if you only collect a few Romans, you might as well collect the best. Awesome coin,  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
 Fabulous. |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
946 Posts |
I would say that Alexandria was a mint that had superb Celators.
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,023 |
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Posted 07/26/2013 9:05 pm
