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 Replies: 21 / Views: 2,429 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1045 Posts |
I have never owned or touched a sestertius in my life. Seller's description: "Two Ancient Roman(?) Coins with some Nice Details, including a 16 mm Silver coin, and 30 mm Bronze/copper coin" Doesn't sell ancients regularly and doesn't mention the word "sestertius" which is a recipe for a deal. I am curious if those marks are modern/ancient damage or countermarks $15 for both, sellers pictures. Thoughts, comments, pats on the back appreciated    |
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
435 Posts |
Hi BD! Here are my thoughts. Ignore the silver coin. In that condition I would treat it as though it doesn't exist in the deal. So it's all on the sestertius. It looks like RIC 303a to me. The condition isn't that great; the reverse is acceptable but those pits on the obverse aren't attractive. However it looks authentic enough to me. For that price, I suppose you can't go far wrong, however for just a little more...say $25...you would be able to get a considerably more appealing one. That would be my preference, but it is a personal choice. How much is the postage?
Edited by Valecrucis
11/22/2014 10:59 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4971 Posts |
i'd pay 15 bucks for that sestertius BD, no problem. I like it. if you've got more money to spend, you could amp up the quality, VAL makes a good suggestion as well..either way. you've never touched a sestertius...this must just can't be. wait till you get you fingers on one of those big, chunky sweeties. you'll love it! if you don't get this sestertius...go get another one soon! Edited by chrsmat71
11/22/2014 11:18 am
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Pillar of the Community
United States
870 Posts |
Well worth 15.00 in my opinion. Love the big bronzes! :) Sestertius and dupondius are my favorite coins.
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
1045 Posts |
Thanks for the comments.
To clarify, I purchased this a couple of days ago. Free shipping.
@Val, I wasn't really even considering the silver coin. I just wanted a big hunk of bronze even though I know it is a common, fairly unattractive example.
Bottom line for me is that as soon as the seller mentions the word "sestertius" in the title then the chance of winning it for $15 is almost nil, unless it is severely worn, corroded, or just plain ugly.
Also, you think the two holes on the obverse are from pitting. I can't disagree with that assessment but certainly can't wait to have a closer look.
Cheers
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
435 Posts |
Please don't feel offended by my comments BD. I was under the impression that you hadn't yet made your decision which is why I spoke as I did.
Out of interest, what do you think caused the holes?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1045 Posts |
Here is one from a 'reputable' dealer for a mere $55, I am getting my checkbook out as we speak.   |
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
435 Posts |
Stop being defensive BD. There is no need. I have already said you can't go far wrong for $15.
...but $55 for that second coin is way OTT.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
3626 Posts |
Holes on the obverse look a little like countermarks.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I tried to enlarge those marks a bit. IMO they look like counter marks. You got these coins for a really excellent price. The denarius is only worth a few dollars, the sestertius is well worth more than that.  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1045 Posts |
Val I was not offended at all, I am just naturally a pain in the butt, just ask all of my ex wives  My first thought was that at least the mark on the back of the head was a countermark. There seems to be some type of design inside and the edges of the hole look to smooth to be pitting but soon enough it will arrive and I can get some close up photos. |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
The sestertius is well worth $15 especially if you merely want it for a conversation piece or a 'knick knack'. It is your first and no doubt last sestertius ! Emperors such as Gordian III and Antoninus Pius tend to be quite undervalued.
For a few 'pesos' more you will find some quite appealing VF bronzes of the nice guy emperors.
For the 'skunks' you will always pay a premium !
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
435 Posts |
BD, your exes have my sympathy! But that coin was indisputably decent value....particularly if the holes turn out to be some form of counter mark. I hope you enjoy your new coin and that it inspires you to many more sestertii. I love these great denominations and think every collector of ancients ought to as well! Edited by Valecrucis
11/22/2014 2:46 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1045 Posts |
Haha Val.
Now my ex wives have YOUR sympathy and MY money, that worked out well :)
Truth be known I can't afford to collect coins so as I have said before I buy what I think I can flip and any extra $ I make go to dollar cost average purchases of bullion silver for my 3 year old daughter. My LCD sells at spot. It's a win win win in my opinion. I get the thrill of the chase, the joy of handling, studying and photographing the coins, and my daughter gets a little pot of gold (or in this case, silver) as an extra wedding gift 20 years from now
Edited by Biancasdad
11/22/2014 3:16 pm
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Valued Member
United Kingdom
435 Posts |
That's as good a goal as any BD. Good luck with it!
Wish I knew where to get silver at spot! That's a handy connection to have!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1045 Posts |
Val, I used to own a jewelry store (ex wife was kind enough to gamble all of that away) and did a lot of business with this LCD.
Being that I live in a 24 hour casino town, this gentleman buys and sells precious metals in the millions so he sells to me at spot just because its such a small volume, plus we have become good friends over the years through are business dealings.
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Replies: 21 / Views: 2,429 |
Posted 11/22/2014 11:17 am
