Coin Talk

Well, well, well, what do we have here, another book on tets, from our very own TIF!

So anyhow, TIF was sweet and bought the cute 'widdle YN a book on Alexandrian coins...but on the condition that he do a book review! Yay!

Alexandrian Coins, by Keith Emmett
Originally published 2001

Overall impression: Emmett catalogs (as the name suggests) not merely tetradrachms, but all denominations of Alexandrian coins. This makes it a fascinating read (erm, skim to be more precise) for those not already acquainted with the (slightly) less popular types. Emmett also includes an exciting cataloging system, but I'll build some suspense and save that for later.However, you're out of luck if you're looking for a Milne style history of the mint or something similar.

Specific Points of Awesome (SPA): Type totals by denomination and issuer; cataloging system; rarity ratings; highlights 'o-awesome; Greek to Latin translator; expanded obverse inscriptions.

Specific Points of Fail (SPF):...

Another what I like to call a "VK (ValiantKnight) coin" !
I had been meaning to pick up another Vandal Kingdom coin but had been putting it off as my interest was directed towards other post-Roman Germanic coinage (mainly Ostrogothic - got 9 in the last year!) and more recently, early Italian Byzantine coinage. This is my first Vandal purchase in nearly a year and a half and my first struck in the name of one of their kings (milestone!!!). And of course, I can't say no to a monogram that I like .

Some historical background:

The Vandals were a Germanic tribe originally from Scandinavia, and had, over the first few centuries AD, migrated to Hispania (Spain, where they took on the Alans - another migrating tribe - after the death of the Alan king) and later in the 430s AD had reached Roman North Africa. The Romans, not having the adequate resources or manpower during this time to completely dislodge any of the barbarian tribes encroaching further onto its shrinking territory,...

I've neglected to post several of my new coins for quite some time and will hopefully get into a more regular cadence of uploading.

I bought this coin out of the most recent Gemini sale. After being somewhat underwhelmed by the picture in the catalog, I assumed I wouldn't be bidding on it. However, upon seeing it in hand, I was blown away and knew I would have to chase after it anticipating considerable competition. I'm becoming increasingly surprised by the range in photography quality by auction houses and dealers: the Gemini picture didn't show any of the iridescence in this coin and I think that is a very important aspect of its overall aesthetics. I won it considerably under my max bid, which is always a good feeling.

The sale was on the Sunday after the long NYINC show, so I imagine most dealers were already on their way home: the auction was one of the fastest I've ever witnessed, and I almost missed bidding on it myself but luckily happened to check the progress, assuming...

I acquired this coin a few months ago but haven't posted it yet. I've always admired the staters from Lokris but hadn't found one which "spoke" to me like this one. My pictures capture the details but fail to show how lustrous the surfaces are. One of these days, I'm hoping 3D photography will be more readily available to truly share what coins look like in-hand.

I've posted this coin before, and was hoping to acquire its larger brother at a recent auction but unfortunately was significantly outbid. However, the writeup added some helpful historical context (and I recently took much better pictures of it) so I thought everyone might be interested in it here:

"The coinage of Akragas consistently depicted the crab and eagle since its earliest issue of the sixth century BC, and the best engravers were recruited to render these symbols of the city in the finest possible style. Late in the fifth century the coinage of the city underwent a remarkable transformation; like many of the cities of Sicily such as Messana and Syracuse, a renaissance began that saw numismatic art reach new heights of intricacy and magnificence. The traditional types were transformed, and the metamorphosis could not have been more pronounced - the previously static types are replaced by dynamic scenes full of activity and energy.

This particular design of the two eagles...

Those disgusted or are otherwise offended by broken coins, I recommend you click away now!
Only warning! Last chance!

I try to avoid broken coins like many of you, but I love collecting from this time period and the history of the Dark Ages and I knew this coin had a good chance for selling for much cheaper than unbroken examples would usually fetch. I took a chance and snagged it for IMO was a good price: $21 shipped is bringing me home this rare piece of Dark Ages goodness. Now for the obligatory history lesson


Charles the Bald (b. 823 AD) was the son of Emperor Louis the Pious of the Carolingian Empire, and one of the grandsons of the famous Charlemagne. After Louis died in 840 AD, his empire fell into civil war between his sons, Charles included. After becoming allies with his brother Louis the German, they together defeated the other son the emperor Lothair I a year later. In the Treaty of Verdun drawn up between the brothers, the empire was divided among the kings...

I wasn't satisfied with previous photos of it and I also thought this one was interesting enough for a re-introduction. Its easily in the best condition out of my Ostrogothic coins (along with my second Ravenna monogram coin).

This half-follis was struck during King Theodoric the Great's reign over Italy, which began in 493 AD. The use of an exclusively Roman legend, the wolf and twins (along with other Ostrogothic coinage utilizing Roman themes and imagery), by the new, foreign masters of Italia was part of Theodoric's policy to court the Roman population now under his care after his conquest, most of all the Senate of Rome (still existing at this point), to accept barbarian rule over the heart of the former Western Roman Empire that he now possessed. This would also serve to legitimize and gain for Theodoric continued acceptance of his rule by the Roman emperor in Constantinople, who was technically his (more powerful) boss (Theodoric was ordered to invade Italia by the Eastern...

Hello, everyone. In the past couple of months I have successfully conserved 2 coins that had artificial toning. PLEASE NOTE: This is only informational based on my experience. Be careful if attempting to do this for your own coins. My first successful attempt was on an NGC XF45 1827 Capped Bust Half Dollar, that I bought because it was the unidentified 1827/6 over-date. When I received the coin, it was clearly artificially toned and had what I call a "chalky" appearance to the bluish toning, which hid the luster and dulled the surfaces.

The auction room at the Bar au Lac in Zurich Switzerland was ready for the NAC auction. The dealers reserved their seats and the first lot started at 14:30 and was to finish at around 17:00. It was a Monday the dealers had flown in from all over the world at the weekend. There were very few collectors in the room in fact I think only 4 or 5 and the remainder were dealers with now the added internet and telephone bidders of both collectors and dealers.

The highlight of the Auction came early Lot 24 a CALIGULA Sestertia with a wonderful Tiber Patina, estimated at 250’000 CHF it opened at 325’000 CHF and sold at 600’000 CHF hammer price to a ‘hand clap’ ovation in the room. Roman BRONZES are the ‘darling’ of the true Roman coin collectors.

It should always be said that the top auction houses attract the finest coins available in the market and usual because of their name and credibility these auction houses are frequented by...

Another reshoot, this time of my bronze styca of King Eanred, who ruled the Kingdom of Northumbria from roughly 810-850 AD.

This coin has some provenance:

Ex Bolton Percy Hoard (1847); Ex William Fennell Collection; Ex "Property of a Nobleman" Collection (Christies Auction, 14 April 1981), lot 119; Ex Peter Moffat Collection (Classical Numismatic Group Electronic Auction 286), lot 574

Currently in the ValiantKnight Collection



Obv: EANRED REX + around a cross
Rev: MONNE dot + around a cross (Monne was the moneyer)
Mint: York (struck 810-850 AD)
Ref: Spink 862
Size: 0.98 gr., 13 mm wide

After the Romans left Britain in 410 AD, the Romano-British were left to fend for themselves from hostile tribes north of Hadrian's Wall (still in use at this time) and raiders from Hibernia (Ireland). The Britons soon turned to the Angles and Saxons for help, but this...