| Author |
 Replies: 9 / Views: 1,882 |
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Canada
1269 Posts |
This coin is one I have wanted for a while. It is a solidus of Valentinian I, brother to Valens. I already had a solidus of Valens and I wanted one of his brother so I bought it. Yes it is worn and has graffiti but these two characteristics made the coin more interesting to me. It tempts me to imagine who has handled the coin and who inscribed the graffiti. It is not an FDC coin, but that is part of the charm for me. Valentinianus I, 364-375. Solidus 364/367, Antioch. Offizina Z. D N VALENTINI - ANVS P F AVG Draped, cuirassed bust with pearl diadem to r. Rev. RESTITVTOR REI PVBLICAE Emperor standing facing with labarum and victory on globus. In exergue ANTZ  3.86 g. RIC 2a. C. 28. Thin graffito on obv. Edge slightly clipped. Fine.  Edited by orfew
10/27/2017 8:13 pm
|
|
|
|
Moderator
 United States
34425 Posts |
I agree nice piece. Some good honest wear on that coin as well.
"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
|
|
Pillar of the Community
Netherlands
521 Posts |
Fantastic piece indeed! When a coin isn't touched by time, its has not lived in it's time line
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Great pickup, Andrew, and with much character. Though the graffiti is likely meaningless scribble or scratches, it's tempting to see the scratched cross as an intentional later addition, or perhaps even see a crude globus cruciger engraved in reaction to the pagan victory/globus on the reverse. Likely way off base, of course, but always fun to weave a narrative from limited clues, and to speculate about an individual coin's history. If only our coins could talk to us.
Congrats.
|
|
Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
Very nice coin, the graffiti give it more character.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 Canada
1269 Posts |
It is funny that you thought and said that Bob, because I had the same thought. As you said we are both probably off base but it is fun to speculate.
Thanks to all for the positive comments. They are appreciated.
|
|
Moderator
United States
34425 Posts |
Quote:
it is fun to speculate. It actually looks more like the two Greek letters Chi Theta to me.  As you said, it is all speculation, but that is the fun of it. "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
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United States
6130 Posts |
Very nice! I don't recall seeing many gold ancients with this level of wear.
|
|
Pillar of the Community
 United States
3098 Posts |
Very nice!
My one Roman gold coin is a similar solidus of Valentinian I. I really like the design, even in its worn condition.
Paul Bulgerin
|
|
Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2100 Posts |
Very nice indeed. I have often been tempted by the glimmer of gold but have never managed. Perhaps one day.
Congratulations.
|
| |
Replies: 9 / Views: 1,882 |
|
Posted 10/27/2017 9:01 pm
