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 Replies: 12 / Views: 1,360 |
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New Member
United States
21 Posts |
*** Moved by Staff to a more appropriate forum. ***Could use some help to identify this one.  
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
Looks like a coin of Emperor Theodosius. Not sure of RIC or anything but I'm pretty sure it's him. The reverse is of a campgate. All I see in the exergue is an I and an S, so I can't say either where it was minted. Fun fact: he was the last emperor to rule both halves of the Roman Empire, East and West.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
This is indeed a Theodosius I from Thessalonica, but the pics are too poor to be very definitive. I cannot see a chi-roe above the campgate, which leads me to believe it is RIC 62b. However, there are two versions of this RIC, one with a "delta) in the left field and one with a B in the left field. Neither of which I can see in the image. So, if I am correct the coin should read:
OBV: DN THEODOSIVS P F AVG, pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right
REV: GLORIA REI-PVBLICE, campgate, 2 turrets, 5 layers, star above, no doors. TES in Ex.
In the case there is a Chi-roe above the campgate it would be RIC 59a or b which would read:
OBV: DN THEODO-SIVS PF AVG, pearl-diademed, draped, cuirassed bust left, holding mappa and sceptre
REV: GLORIA REIPVBLICE, campgate, 2 turrets, 6 layers, no doors, chi-rho above. TES in ex.
I lean towards the RIC 62
Hope this helps.
JW
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
It does appear to be Theodosius I 375-395 AD, can't make out the reserse legend but it should be GLORIA REIPVBLICAE. Thessalonica mint RIC#62b IX Thessalonica.
Edited by echizento
08/31/2011 3:30 pm
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New Member
 United States
21 Posts |
Sorry about the lack of quality photo's but trying out different camera's. What's a "delta" and should it be on the obverse or reverse? Is this coin really that old? Are they common?
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
Delta is the 4th letter of the Greek alphabet, it looks like a triangle. The Romans used these Greek letters often in their mint marks and series indicators. It should be on the reverse to the middle left of the 'campgate' building. If its there it will be about the same size as the characters in the mint mark. Roman coins are more common than many people think, shhhhhh, dont tell everyone or the prices will go up  Feels nice to have a 1600 year old coin doesn't it! |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Some ancient coins are much more available then their modern counterparts and thus the worth is set not so much on the condition but the rarity. Don't get me wrong, condition matters, but I can think of several coins where only a very few are known to exist, and these command huge prices.
The allure for me of collecting ancients is not only the beauty, but the history. Like Bobbyhelmet said, you are holding a coin over 1600 years old. I have a few that were struck prior to the birth of Christ. Its hard to fathom, eh? I get almost as much satisfaction attributing a coin, mine or not. Sometimes its a challenge.
I love this hobby for much more then one reason, that's for sure.
Regards,
JW
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4778 Posts |
It's really enjoyable collecting ancient coins that have been through so much history and I find it amazing that they have managed to survive all these centuries. I also collect them knowing they were made by such interesting cultures. Granted, I don't have many (only started collecting ancients several months ago), but my collection is growing  . |
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New Member
United States
21 Posts |
There looks to ba a "delta" type symbol but its either too corroded/worn to make out completely. I was looking for it with a 20x loop but may try to find someone with a microscope. Regaurdless if it is or not, does anyone have an approx dollar value? I want to buy it just cause it is so old but I have to purchase it from the company I work for and want to be fair.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Worth is subjective to some degree anyway. However, I looked up coins of Theodosius I for sale on ebay and found a wide range of coins similar to yours with the "campgate" for sale. One particular dealer seemed rather proud of his coins and was asking a rather hefty sum. But the one in the link below is approximately the same condition as yours: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roman-Bronz...t_500wt_1413Take a look and make a judgement/decision based on that. Regards, JW |
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
2838 Posts |
The one JW has found is very similar - I'd just say to your company that whatever this one sells for you will match if you decide to buy the coin. Seems a fair way to do it.
I'd be surprised if it rose above $7.50US, sometimes these can go for as little as a couple of dollars.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
4253 Posts |
Bobbyhelmet is right. Most of these coins will sell for under $15 US with the majority of those selling for under $10 US.
Good luck
JW
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New Member
United States
21 Posts |
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Replies: 12 / Views: 1,360 |
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Posted 08/31/2011 3:07 pm
