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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,285 |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
When I started collecting ancients two years ago, I always dreamed of owning a Nero. The price scared me away, coupled with the rampant fakes and generally poor shape of examples that cost less than $500. I finally settled on seeking one out that sports a good portrait, at least the full name "NERO". After a year of losing bids, I finally snagged this one for an excellent deal: IMP NERO CAESAR AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / IVPPITER CVSTOS, Jupiter seated left with thunderbolt and sceptre. 3.09g RIC I 64, RSC 121.  While the Jupiter Custos type seems to be common (Jupiter Custos means roughly Jupiter the Guardian), this is one of the scarcer legend types and carries better portraiture than most. It was an ebay purchase, so I did my due diligence before making an offer. It seems to be a die match to the example on Wildwinds: - Bottom of laurel ties point to the two points of the bottom of N in Nero - Upper tie loop points to the O - Same funny filled R - Hair below the top of the laurel points to the A in Augustus - Nose points to the V There are fakes of the Jupiter Custos type, but I couldn't find any of this obverse variety, and certainly not with dark grey toning or a double struck reverse. I'm going to tentatively say I don't see any indications of forgery here. For $160 (plus 8% Bucks) I'll say I'm pretty stoked! Oh, and thanks to those who purchased from my sales to help fund this purchase!  |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3098 Posts |
Very nice coin. It looks like you did your homework before you purchased it.
Paul Bulgerin
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Rest in Peace
United States
17900 Posts |
It's always wonderful to stick with your goal of getting something nice AND for a great price too and finally landing what you wanted.
A sincere congratulations on an excellent portrait.
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
Very nice coin and with a price you can't beat. Is that a double strike I see on Jupiter's head?
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
6130 Posts |
Thanks all.
@Ron, yes there was a double strike on the reverse that is especially apparent in Jupiter's face and also in CVSTOS. It seems to get more dramatic on the left side--the flan is somewhat thicker on one side, so I assume the coin required a second strike, and rocked to one side.
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21788 Posts |
I think the price you paid was quite OK !
I agree: due diligence before committing to buy essential.
I sincerely wish that more buyers do this.
Edited by sel_69l
10/05/2017 12:25 am
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Moderator
United States
34426 Posts |
Great pick-up. I really like that portrait!
"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
Canada
1269 Posts |
Very nice acquisition. I think you got that for a great price. Nero coins do not last long at decent prices. His coins are very much in demand. That portrait is very nice.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
616 Posts |
Nice portrait of his lardship. Very good deal!
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Valued Member
United States
219 Posts |
What a great portrait-exactly the image a Roman Emperor wanted to project to his subjects.
The coin is amazing both in its features and its price. Nice job!
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Pillar of the Community
United States
949 Posts |
Unbelievable price for such a nice portrait coin. Were these the seller pics? If so, this one sneaked by quite a few, and landed in your pocket. Congrats.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
Quote:
his lardship  Thanks all! @Irbguy, the pics are my own, although the seller's were certainly good quality. The original asking price was $200, but he accepted an offer. It might have given some pause because this was a relatively low-feedback seller, but their other items included certified big-bucks US classic coins and antiques, so it looked like they had a good source. Maybe it was just dumb luck? Edited by Finn235
10/05/2017 09:51 am
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2624 Posts |
Grats, thats not just a hole filler its a presentable and bona fide addition and at a price that doesn't hurt too much. You must be well pleased :-)
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,285 |
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Posted 10/04/2017 3:31 pm
