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 Replies: 11 / Views: 1,173 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
I came across some extra cash, so I have decided to go after a type I've always wanted ever since making 5th century coins one of my specialties, but currently don't have: the VRBS ROMA FELIX ("Happy City of Rome") type. I found two and that's where my dilemma comes in. Both have their pros and cons, making it difficult for me to chose. The first is the first one of the two that I found. It has the emperor's name mostly complete on the obverse, and has a clear officina and mintmark, making this coin completely attributable, a plus in my book, especially with the coins of this era. Details in the design are missing, but for the price it is pretty good.  The second is a very nice example of this type. Yellow patina that accent the details, nearly full reverse (with complete emperor on the reverse). This one would have been my automatic choice were it not for one flaw: emperor's name is gone, preventing a full attribution. This type was minted in the name of Honorius, Arcadius, and Theodosius II. While Theo II is out of the picture (right hand side of the obverse has "IVS" as opposed to "SIVS"), I can't tell at all from the photo whether it is Honorius or Arcadius (something that will always bother me if I bought it).  So in short, for me, its basically choosing between full attribution, or looks. They are both around the same price (first coin is a bit cheaper). I am wondering what you all would go for if in my shoes, thanks! Edited by VisigothKing
09/19/2013 10:17 am
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
3626 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
 Then sell the one you like the least and try to make a profit  Failing that I'd personally go for the second one. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
2480 Posts |
If you are set on picking one of the two, I like the second one best (is that from Warren?).
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I would also say both, but if it's only one than I'd go with the one that is attributed. Too bad it's not the second one with the much better look.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1351 Posts |
For me it would have to be nr1.
Eye appeal and ID is important.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1351 Posts |
For me it would have to be nr1.
Eye appeal and ID is important.
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Moderator
United States
56855 Posts |
If you can get both or if you have to choose my vote is for the first one. John1  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4973 Posts |
man, I really don't know BH. hey, you could flip a coin!  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4778 Posts |
Thanks guys. I've decided and will instead try waiting for a while to see if a better one comes along for a decent price. But who's to say I won't come back to these eventually? (BTW I was leaning more towards the first, for the reasons I mentioned and because for that one, I know I can get a discount from the seller if I ask). |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3446 Posts |
I like the second one. I would imagine that with some difficulty it could be attributed by 'die' match. I assume that the mints were issuing for both emperors for the period of 'Arkady's' lifetime. It might be difficult ..... But not impossible to make a match. And just think how satisfying it will be when you make the match !
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Replies: 11 / Views: 1,173 |
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Posted 09/19/2013 11:06 am
