I've come across some cool coins in my day but the Aegina silver Stater has to be my favorite example in all of numismatics. Even in low grades the coin is very pleasing. The only problem--they are soooo expensive.
I had the opportunity to get one on CNG and pounced on it. It wasn't getting any bids and there were some amazing countermarks and cancellations on the coin. Obviously, this coin has been places. I actually prefer worn examples than MS for Greek coins because you have no idea where in the Mediterranean world the coin has been. I can imagine all the great Greek poets and writers buying things at the local Athenian market with this coin.
Another question I have is the countermarks, again. They are too well-worn to make out an ID and the only mark I can ID is the half-moon. I'm guessing the half-moon means that it was circulated in a bank in Athens, but the countermark on the main park of the turtle I am having trouble with; as well as the other few smaller ones. Does anyone know enough about countermarks to make an ID? I'm guessing it is much later (et. Seleucid era).
