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 Replies: 16 / Views: 2,473 |
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1852 Posts |
This is not a very recent purchase, but one of my more pleasurable ones. I came across this antoninian of Hostilian at a small coin show in my area some time ago, and was very pleased to get it. I collect primarily 1st century, so was not too interested when I came upon a seller who had trays full of 3rd century roman, denarii and antoniniani. I took a casual look anyway and am glad I did. Among the coins I noticed this one with a portrait that seemed vaguely familiar as being that of a 'interesting' emperor. Reading the legend I was not able to decipher the name - you will notice that the emperors name is written in abbreviated form as 'HOS', so I did not recognize it as being a Hostilian. Because of the interesting Mars reverse, and out of curiosity I decided to ask for a price anyway, and it was very reasonable so I decided to take the risk and buy it anyway. Not much to lose I thought. Glad I did. Before long I had confirmation of that this is an antoninian of Hostilianus, and in good condition as well. Surprises do occur!   |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
3626 Posts |
That is a great coin! He is on my "to get" list.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
5155 Posts |
I would say so. Look at the detail on the reverse! You can see the hair on Mars' forearm! Holy smokes!
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
Wow, congrats. That is a great looking coin.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
701 Posts |
Nice coin Germanicus  I have just posted his brother in another thread, shame they both died so young and left no legacy for us to muse over. Between them I doubt their reigns as emperor lasted more than 6 months combined  |
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Pillar of the Community
Netherlands
1204 Posts |
wow excellent coin, very sharp details!
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Beautiful coin, excellent find.
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Pillar of the Community
 Germany
1852 Posts |
Thank you everybody. It is a beautiful coin, as close as you can get I think to an 'as-struck' Hostilian antoninian.
One thing I learnt after finding this coin - keep your eyes open at coin shows!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4971 Posts |
cool find GERM, I probably would have just thought it a gordian iii with casual glance...but I think that sweet reverse would have caught my eye.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
I am almost certain the seller mistakenly thought it Gordian III.
It is museum quality ! Even I would have broken my rule against silver to buy it !
I also picked up a missatributed gem last week. The best buys are the surprise ones !
Edited by FVRIVS RVFVS
04/27/2015 11:30 pm
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1852 Posts |
That is what I think too, FURIVS. In fact none of this dealer's ancients were attributed, and he had them all priced roughly the same. It was probably not his area of expertise.
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Valued Member
United States
356 Posts |
Incredible coin! What is the RIC number?
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
It looks like RIC 176a to me.
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1852 Posts |
caesar77, I think it is RIC 176a (by comparison with similar coins in acsearch.) The legends are a bit weakly struck on the reverse, but I think that is it.
orfew, the link you posted is me on another forum.
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
@Germanicus
LOL good to know. By the way the other coins you posted in that other thread are fantastic.
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Replies: 16 / Views: 2,473 |
Posted 04/27/2015 08:26 am
