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 Replies: 14 / Views: 1,730 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10944 Posts |
$196. I didn't know that this coin existed until I saw it as the avatar for CCF member 'Ken_3567' - thanks Ken. The quadriga is one of my favorite coin designs, one that dates back to the legendary dekadrachms of Syracuse in ancient Sicily. The design has lasted since circa ~400BC to today. It seems to be a favorite of the Italians to this day. I can see why. The earliest coins of this type/denomination from 1908 show four horses in line without much dynamism paralleling the static ancient design. The later issues, this being one, show incredible dynamism with each horse in a different state of motion, exquisitely engraved. From the first time I saw it, it has become my favorite coin design. This is not a particularly rare coin. High grade circulated examples appear to be readily available. Uncirculated examples seem more scarce with the 1917 Rome issue sporting the lowest mintage but still a hefty 6.1 million coins. I love that such a beautiful coin is available to collectors on any budget. Thought this coin would have some following on the CCF and expected at least a few threads featuring this coin, but I found only two threads here with images of this coin type, one posted by Lucky Cuss in 2017 and another by pepactonius in 2019. Don't know much about grading these so I would welcome your thoughts on this example. Thanks!    Compare to the static horse design of the 1908 type below.  |
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
18328 Posts |
That is a gorgeous coin, numismatic student! I think it might grade around low to mid-MS. It does seem like it has an old gentle cleaning, but so many European coins are that way.
Yours is much nicer than mine, which I'm now ashamed to show.
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
10944 Posts |
Thank you for your kind comments. Would love to see your example @HB. Coins that show the signs of a life well lived should not be the object of shame. IN NECESSARIIS UNITAS - IN DUBIIS LIBERTAS - IN OMNIBUS CARITAS My coin e-commerce website: https://fairfaxcoins.comEdited by numismatic student
04/24/2025 11:06 pm
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10944 Posts |
Also, does it look like the reverse has bag toning from having been stored in a burlap sack?
Edited by numismatic student
04/24/2025 11:10 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
6046 Posts |
Just here to say...wow what a lovely design...now I want one
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18328 Posts |
Quote:
does it look like the reverse has bag toning from having been stored in a burlap sack I was trying to figure out why the toning was patterned like that - that sounds like a reasonable explanation.
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
18328 Posts |
Quote:
Coins that show the signs of a life well lived should not be the object of shame. Well, since you put it that way, here it is. Italy 2 Lire 1915 
Inordinately fascinated by bits of metal with strange markings and figures
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10944 Posts |
@HB, your coin has beautiful original patina and great remaining detail. Maybe an end roll coin with the obverse facing out?  |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
58481 Posts |
I'l guess MS-65.
Errers and Varietys.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10944 Posts |
At the height of trench fighting and chemical warfare during WWI, the figure of Italy appears with a sheathed sword, a shield in the left arm and the olive branch of peace in the outstretched right arm. It is a military image, but one that sees the value of peace while heavily armed and prepared. Love the crested helmet and heavy cape framing the exquisite armor. The ideal depicted on this coin was far from reality in 1917.  Edited by numismatic student
04/25/2025 12:30 am
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Bedrock of the Community
Australia
21636 Posts |
Artwork on Italian coins of this period is excellent.
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New Member
United States
42 Posts |
MS 63 Te head is weak and the fert on the reverse is weak, also. these coins are hard to grade because of the lack of detail on the hair.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
10944 Posts |
IN NECESSARIIS UNITAS - IN DUBIIS LIBERTAS - IN OMNIBUS CARITAS My coin e-commerce website: https://fairfaxcoins.com |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
4500 Posts |
Fantastic looking coin! The strike is superb. I think MS-63 is on the low side.
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
58481 Posts |
Nice coin! Errers and Varietys.
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Replies: 14 / Views: 1,730 |
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Posted 04/24/2025 11:05 pm
