I got this for free today. Obviously its already attributed. But can someone with a world book tell me the value? I can't find it online.
Its of emperor vespasian. Full attribution is below: Vespasian AR Denarius. July-December, 71 AD. IMP CAES VESP AVG P M, laureate head right AVGVR above, TRI POT below, four priestly implements: simpulum, aspergillum, jug & lituus. RSC 43. Slabs dont mean much to ancient collectors but that coins condition is very nice. I say a easy $100+ cause that reverse is popular plus the coin is well centered for a Vespasian.
I did find that attribution but not the exact reverse. That's why I came here. Thanks for the information though! Why is the reverse on these popular.
As for being popular. Most ancients usually have a "god" on the reverse that is either standing, sitting or something. Priestly implements reverses like yours isnt exactly rare or even scarce, many emperors used the same reverse for hundreds of years. They are just a welcome change of sight to the norm basically.
Btw, not to demean your coin, but its about a gF, maybe aVF. I would have to see it in hand. NGC overgrades these. They use US grading standards on ancient coins.
I i don't really care about the condition. Posted regarding accurate attribution as it had eluded me. I got it free and I've always wanted an ancient. ill take better pics tomorrow with my camera. Thanks for all the info matt. That's how I was finding them when I searched.
True, sorry I missed that. However, I find both firms using US grading standards on our coins. Btw FTWrath, I like your coin a lot. Very cool and different reverse. I was simply letting you know the correct ancient grade for it. Some of my coolest coins I own are VG's, and I love them. I am not a condition snob, just a grading realist.
I agree, very nice. With those better pics, I would grade it aVF. Very nice coin at any price, but even better free, huh?
I agree with the aVF and the $100 figure but would point out that this is probably the most common and least 'special' reverse so the market for the coin is mostly people looking for one coin per emperor or one ancient rather than specialists. For that reason, the slab and low end company won;t reduce its value so I'd not remove it like I would if it were a 3 pigs or Judaea type for example. The reason that slab companies don't identify coins more fully is that it would require them to hire people who could do the work. As it is there are enough slabs with errors (confusing similar rulers) so we don't need them trying to assign catalog numbers. While I agree that IGC tends to overgrade I also would say that if there were any ancients that should be slabbed, this might be one. Enjoy the coin. Who knows maybe someday you will want a second ancient and get one that you can actually hold, examine and photograph properly which is why most of us don't buy slabs.
Thanks for the information everyone. I took it to eBay to see if there were more listed. http://www.ebay.com/itm/VESPASIAN-6...100?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43adbc46d4 Wow, he's asking a lot compared to your estimates. I wouldn't say it's much better than mine either. Saw another for the same. Then again those are ask prices, not realized.
He's asking allot on all his coins. Pricing, and grading are a but more subjective than modern coins.
I agree the seller is pretty high. I think when a lot of us quote values, its our values, experienced collectors who know where and how to look for good prices. Regarding the reverse Doug, I am not sure how common these are for this emperor, I was just commenting its a lot more interesting than the standard, "tiny person standing left or right, and we need a boook to be sure who the person is supposed to be". Especially in connection to a Pontius Pilate I have, I like this reverse a lot, and find it a refreshing change of pace over "standing god" types.
FYI try not to rely on ebay for ancients that much. Most of the coins listed with Buy It Nows are grossly overpriced & with some patience or looking around on ancient dealer sites, you can find the exact coin, sometimes in lesser grade OR better grade for half or more then a ebay dealer living in dream land.
I agree Mat, hence why I mentioned not realized prices. Ill be sure to take pictures of that other roman today
