My First 5th Century BC Coin - Kyzikos Hemiobol

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Author	Replies: 7 / Views: 1,325
january1may Pillar of the Community Russian Federation 5174 Posts	Posted 07/09/2017 12:18 pm When I finally had a coin from every century since the 4th century BC (that's a total of 25 different centuries, including the ongoing one), I thought that my "coin from each century" quest would finally be over. I did realize that there are 5th (and 6th, and 7th) century BC coins around, but surely I was not able to afford any of those? Right? Then out comes this one, and I realize that if I don't take the opportunity I might never have another chance again. The price felt right, if on the upper edge of my budget (1000 rubles, or about $17). The details were really nice (not as nice as some I've seen online, but better than I expected). As expected for a hemiobol, this is a tiny little coin - only 9 mm in diameter, and about 0.37 grams in weight (my coin weighing system kind of sucks, but I was able to tell that it was somewhere between 0.32 and 0.40 grams, and 0.37 is what the catalog says). Sadly, my coin photographing system also kind of sucks (smartphone camera), so I don't guarantee photo quality There are a few specific subtypes, with different attributions, and I'm not confident enough to say which particular subtype my coin belongs to. It does fairly certainly appear to be 5th century BC, however. Kyzikos, Mysia. AR9 hemiobol, 5th century BC. 9 mm, circa 0.37 grams. Obverse: Head of roaring lion left, 4 pointed star in upper left, all within shallow incuse square (maybe, hard to see on this example). Reverse: Forepart of running boar left, tuna fish behind. I'm not sure what the attribution is, though (too many similar varieties). Report this Post to the Staff

echizento Moderator United States 23731 Posts	Posted 07/09/2017 12:38 pm Sounds like you have a very interesting collection, a coin from every century. This one is a nice addition and for $17 you got a very good deal. Report this Post to the Staff
january1may Pillar of the Community Russian Federation 5174 Posts	Posted 07/09/2017 1:03 pm Quote: Sounds like you have a very interesting collection, a coin from every century. I think I should rephrase that - I have at least one coin from 26 different centuries. (Also from 293 countries - by Numista count, which means that the actual number is higher.) In fact, as far as I can tell, the only centuries I have exactly one coin from are 5th century BC (this coin), 4th century BC (Pantikapaion AE), 8th century AD (Bukhar Khudat drachm), 9th century AD (Cherson cast AE), and 10th century AD (Northern Song cash). I'm still looking for 8th and 13th century coins that I can attribute, though (my examples are probably of the correct century, but appear to be too worn to be sure of attribution). Report this Post to the Staff
Kamnaskires Pillar of the Community United States 7066 Posts	Posted 07/09/2017 1:45 pm Hey, congrats on another score for the centuries collection, J1M. Well done. Report this Post to the Staff
paralyse Bedrock of the Community United States 12057 Posts	Posted 07/09/2017 4:24 pm 13th c. English hammered long cross pennies would probably work within your budget, albeit in lower grades; so would some of the smaller Hungarian issues. 8th c. would be looking maybe at Indian or perhaps late Arab-Sassanian issues (i.e. 80 AH/700 AD and up to 89 AH/708 AD), possibly something Chinese but I have no experience there and no idea on pricing. Congratulations on putting together a very impressive collection with a goal that is both unique and attainable! Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis Edited by paralyse 07/09/2017 5:46 pm Report this Post to the Staff
Spence Moderator United States 34410 Posts	Posted 07/09/2017 5:08 pm Great addition to your collection! Also, your pics are getting better (upgraded phone maybe)? "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 Report this Post to the Staff
january1may Pillar of the Community Russian Federation 5174 Posts	Posted 07/09/2017 5:11 pm I think you might have misunderstood my budget - as far as I'm concerned, for a single coin, $17 is a lot of money. And I highly suspect that, once we get down to $10 or less, most of your examples mysteriously disappear. (Though, to be honest, I'm not sure I've ever seen pre-1400 Polish or Hungarian coins offered for any price. My oldest Polish coin appears to be a denar of Wladyslaw Warnenczyk, 1434-1444, and I've never physically seen any that was older; my oldest Hungarian coin is 16th century, and I've never seen any pre-1500 examples either.) EDIT: Quote: Also, your pics are getting better (upgraded phone maybe)? No, same phone (at least, for the last few months), but better photography skills (in particular, I finally figured out how to use the flash and why), and marginally better lighting (it's summer, and I tend to take photos during the day). Edited by january1may 07/09/2017 5:21 pm Report this Post to the Staff
paralyse Bedrock of the Community United States 12057 Posts	Posted 07/09/2017 5:54 pm Edited my post slightly to correct, sorry about that. Just offering a few ideas that might help you locate something. Within the last month I picked up an Edward long-cross penny for $16.91 (USD) - late 1200s - it is slightly bent and has a clip but otherwise presentable and attributable! Poland has a few pre-Grosz coinage issues, mostly bracteates, that date back to as early as the 11th c. I do not know if any can be had for under $20 USD though. For examples, see: https://en.numista.com/catalogue/po...l#devise4178 If you can stretch to $17-$20 USD you can pick up a Hungarian Denar of Bela IV (1206-1270 AD) in low grade, I saw one recently for $23 and it was in at least VF with no major problems. I'd just keep searching vCoins, something will turn up eventually that is affordable and fills the hole! I have no experience pricing coins from the 8th c. so I do not know if they can be found for $10 to $20 USD. Member ANA - EAC - TNA - SSDC - CCT #890 "Most of the things worth doing in the world had been declared impossible before they were done." -- Louis D. Brandeis Edited by paralyse 07/09/2017 7:17 pm Report this Post to the Staff
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