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 Replies: 8 / Views: 1,836 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3499 Posts |
So I just got this Elagabalus denarius today. However, I am not sure how to grade it given the broken planchet. What do you make of this? And what kind of value would you assign to my coin? Thanks.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
This broken Elagabalus, in my opinion would sustain a reduction in value of perhaps 40%, relative to an equivalent intact example, in this case. It depends on how much is left of the remaining coin.
Otherwise a very nice coin, and worthy of inclusion in ANY collection of ancients.
The fact that it IS broken helps to sustain a claim that it is genuine, because any silver object that is as old as this one, suffers from silver crystallization. They become fragile.
In fact ALL Roman silver should be handled care for this reason.
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At least, Seth W. Stevenson ('A Dictionary of Roman Coins') thought Elagabalus was broken.
To quote:
"Thus perished on the 11th of March, one of the most cruel, debauched, and shameless wretches, that ever disgraced humanity, or polluted a throne, after a reign of three years and nine months, disfigured with every feature of hideous criminality, and extravagant folly, not having attained more than the eighteenth year of his age."
Strong words indeed.
History records that the Romans became so disgusted with him, that they killed him, dragged his body through the streets of Rome and threw it into the Tiber, which was considered to be the main sewer of the city.
Edited by sel_69l
09/20/2013 9:36 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3499 Posts |
sel_69l- Thanks for the input! I do appreciate it. I actually paid $60 for it from a very reputable dealer. Did I badly overpay?
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
You did reasonably well, because of it's otherwise nice condition.
The denarii of Elagabalus are easier to find, because lots of coins were made. The administration of the Imperial treasury became 'run down', with over spending, most probably because of the Emperor's extravagances. That's why so many denarii were issued.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3499 Posts |
sel_69l- Thanks! Good to know!
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Other than the broken piece this coin has excellent details and a well centered strike. As sel state the value would be reduced because of the break, but overall still a very nice coin.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
Oh! I forgot to grade it! good EF. I won't down grade it any, because the detracting factor to grading in this case is obvious. Other opinions on this may vary. There are several detracting factors that contribute to grading an ancient coin. They include incomplete legends or detail, patina, incomplete strike, flan problems, porosity, corrosion, and quality of the die cutting. All of these factors when mixed together, contribute to a subjective grading opinion, which can vary from person to person. That is why most TPG's are reticent, or won't accept an ancient coin for grading. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4973 Posts |
still some great details on that one.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3229 Posts |
Nice coin.  Too bad about the break, but most your legend is intact and really good detail remains. |
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Replies: 8 / Views: 1,836 |
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Posted 09/20/2013 9:20 pm
