I've done some browsing and I've found what seems to me to be a cheap and attractive (and silver) coin. Is there anything obviously wrong with this coin and/or is this a different price? I've tried looking for patterns and I know that will be easier once I actually know what I am doing. So far the only pattern that has appealed to me are perhaps those with female busts. Is this however just going to be lame as it will just be piggybacking off of Mat? Anyway let me know your thoughts on this coin/purchase. It could be decent or for all I know there may be something obviously wrong with it. http://bargainbinancients.com/zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=25&products_id=320 Or would perhaps this one just be flat out better (albeit pricier)? Also what does "fully silvered" mean? Are some coins partially silvered? http://bargainbinancients.com/zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=4&products_id=2777
The Julia Domna denarious was my first purchase - also from bargainbinancients. Looks like the price has been reduced about $10 from what I remember. I have been thinking about purchasing it myself. If you don't, I just might. :smile
Noooooooooo! Please see disclaimer on signature line of my posts. :smile However, as a novice ancients collector, I am happy with my Julia Domna. That is not only because I think it is a decent looking coin, especially for $18, but also because I'm a sucker for women on coins.
That is sweet! Women on coins are great (excepting the older queen Elizabeth busts), but women warriors on coins are even better.
No worried about "piggieback" off of me, everyones attracted to something. I just enjoy women in history from ancient to even the recent malala thats happening. As for a first coin, that Domna is OK but not great. I would pass on it. Shes super common. If you wanna spend the $, then the Probus is an excellent choice for a first coin. Also "silvered" means the coin is actually a bronze that has a silver wash/plating to it. Once you get into ancients you will learn how coins of rome went from silver to little lumps of junk copper. But if possible, get the probus. Its nice.
If you want a more decent domna, this one is still available. http://bargainbinancients.com/zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=302
It is very much a matter of you get what you pay for. All three coins are appropriately priced for what you get. The $18 coin has damage in the rx field and is missing a lot of legend. The $28 is more sound but nothing special in terms of condition. For $50 you could get a better looking Domna and Bargain Bin will have one someday. The Probus is a nice example of a common coin and priced accordingly. There are more interesting Probus types but they may cost more. You could get one with less detail for half the price and one as good looking as the lesser Domna for $10. Again the same dealer will have one someday. If I were buying, I'd get the Probus but it is your money and your choice. Most beginners seem to prefer silver coins. In that case, I'd go for this one which is nicer than my own coin of its type: http://bargainbinancients.com/zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3&products_id=2716 There is no right or wrong answer here. Pick what fits.
I prefer Doug's coin, (choice), all around. Better details and a better coin. The problem with Probus was by that time the coins were very low silver, and the surface silvre wash can appear a distraction honestly. Also, a little wear in a holder can wear off the silvering. This is why I am not a huge fan of most Romans 250-300 or so. After that most silver wash coins don't have much silver left. I guess I would ask the OP what he likes? Does he like silver coins? Is that driving his choices? Does he need to stay with Roman? Your preferences will make your collection, not the other way around. Or are you unsure of what you like yet? If unsure, I would suggest going to a store or a coin show that would have some ancients and see what strikes your fancy. I know everyone wants to do it on the internet nowadays, but honestly there is no substitute to seeing them in person. I guess I am cautioning against "slide". Sliding up the price scale to get more attractive coins before you have a firm foundation in the hobby. Yes, $50 coins are nicer than $20 usually, but you need to KNOW why one is better and scarcer or more desirable than the other first. Way too easy to waste a lot of money otherwise.
Thanks for the advice everyone. Yes I do like the Severus probably more than the Probus. I think Medoraman is probably correct also that I am sliding up. I was willing to do that for my first coin to have something to be somewhat proud of but maybe should just go smaller first before I know what I want. As far as seeing them live, I will start stopping by some stores to see if they happen to have anything. Does anyone know if Memphis has any ancients, or if any shows are coming any time soon?
IDK about Memphis, (I go there every few months but have never visited coin shops there), but I would check out coin show schedules online. Usually a larger show has SOME ancients there. I hear you about buying a coin you love and are proud of. I was just worried you would start going crazy and spend a lot of money. If its ONE coin to hold in your hand and enjoy while you are learning that is fine. We all want to own coins we are proud of. Unfortunately, some of us, (me), have a problem that we cannot stop at one, or a hundred, or a thousand.........
I am sure I could develop that problem too but my budget would make it impossible I think I will still keep browsing until I know for sure what I want. One definitely jumped out at me but it was an $1800 Alexander and I'm afraid that's quite a bit too much.
When I got into ancients, only a month ago, I saw a coin that I thought was truly fantastic. Well, when I looked, the $25K price tag confirmed just how fantastic that coin is.
You should get a hold of some coin catalogs. Gorny and Mosch, CNG, Bank Leu just to name a few. Get a hold of some auction catalogs and drool over some serious coins. I try to limit myself of this habit for fear of feeling too badly about my little coins.
I can only imagine. I can also only imagine if I had purchase ancients instead of real estate 6-7 years ago.
