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 Replies: 14 / Views: 2,155 |
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Valued Member
United States
80 Posts |
So I know nothing about ancient coins.
I would like to get one or two with images of mythological characters on them.
I'm not looking for expensive examples just one's with identifiable features.
Where do I start?
Thanks.
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Moderator
 United States
34427 Posts |
I'd go to vcoins and search on "gorgon" or "Hercules" or whatever specific Greek image is most interesting.
"If you climb a good tree, you get a push."
-----Ghanaian proverb
"The danger we all now face is distinguishing between what is authentic and what is performed."
-----King Adz
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
Nearly all Greek coins have a deity of some sort on them. Here are a few examples that can be had in good shape for under $25:
- Seleucid bronzes very often feature Apollo, either leaning on his bow, or resting on the Omphalos (sacred rock at the center of the earth).
- Prusias II of Bithynia has a cheap bronze featuring Herakles with his club and hide of the Nemean lion.
- Most bronze coins of Ptolemaic Egypt feature Zeus as Zeus-Ammon, the god invented to appease the native Egyptians unaccustomed to the Greek gods.
- Athena in her Corinthian helmet is quite popular on many Greek coins.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3443 Posts |
Ancient Greek coins tend to be more expensive than the Roman.
Then you also have the coins of the "Greek" speaking world which tends to include just about everything east of Italy. The areas of modern Turkey Syria and Egypt to name but a few.
Without a price range it is difficult to give specific advice.
My standard suggestion ?
Look for a large sized Ptolemaic bronze from Egypt.
You can find them in reasonable condition for under $50 and the ones over 30 grams are very impressive to the novice.
Obverse has a wonderful portrait of Zeus and the reverse a great eagle (symbol of Zeus) with the legend 'King Ptolemy'.
If you are going after Greek silver you are going to need a bigger budget !
Ptolemy will give you the best 'bang' for the buck !
Edited by FVRIVS RVFVS
06/18/2016 1:38 pm
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Here is an example of a Ptolmey III 246-222 BC, The obverse is the head of Zeus, it is 36mm x 44 grams. I paid a little less than $100 for it on Vcoins some time ago. They have gone up a bit since than, but tend to be a lot cheaper than the smaller silver Greek coins.   |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Stlspidey, I see you're right next door in St. Peter's. (I'm at the St. Charles/St. Peters border, off Cave Springs) Feel free to attend the next meeting of the St. Louis Ancient Coin Study Group, which is sometimes held at Star Coins in St. Charles. VCoins dealers ECIN (Michael Godier) and Vaughn Rare Coin Gallery (Chip Vaughn) always have trays of ancients out, as does Dave Murrey of Tyche Numismaitics. It's always nice to have the opportunity to inspect lots of coins in person, in a friendly atmosphere with no pressure applied, prior to deciding on purchases. FYI, Dave is at Star every Saturday too...he always has a great selection. And Mike works out of a pawn shop in O'Fallon.
If you want, I'll look up the next meeting date...send me an email to let me know. If you wish I can also give you directions to the pawn shop or to Star.
Edited by Kamnaskires
06/18/2016 3:10 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
1315 Posts |
Hi stlspidey I have an interest in mythological coins, especially portraits. Here are my favorites of the Olypians in bronze. I still need Hera and Aphrodite, and also Hestia who was part of the Olypians at one time. Those three are hard to find in bronze for a reasonable price in good condition. Zeus, Apollo and Athena are probably the easiest. All but a couple of these coins were about hundred or less. I also have a sub-set going of lesser Gods and characters like Heracles, Eros, Persephone, etc. but no group photos of them yet. Enjoy the search!  |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Lovely set of coins, Doucet. Impressive!
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Beautiful set, Doucet. Would it be possible for an ID on them?
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
If you are interested, here is a nice "Apollo on Omphalos" that needs some work to ID: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ancient-Gre...0?nav=SEARCHShouldn't be too hard. Coins like this usually have light competition, so a bid of $8 should win it easily. No relation to the seller, but I have bought from them before. |
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Valued Member
 United States
80 Posts |
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Valued Member
United States
80 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Quote:
Sent you an email Bob. I sent you a reply. |
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Valued Member
United States
80 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Hmmm. Okay, I'll try again.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 2,155 |
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Posted 06/18/2016 1:30 pm
