So I was looking at some other coins, and of course was being cheap and looking at buying something else to combine shipping. Of course, I didn't win the coins I was after, but did win these. I don't know anything about them more than the auction listing. Prussia 1861A Coronation Thaler Italy 2 Lire 1816R I liked the color on the Prussian piece, and I have always liked the pseudo Roman designs on the 2 Lire. I still wish I would have won what I was really going after, but these aren't horrible coins. Kind of different for me.
I know the 5 lire of the same Italian coin is a pricey little thing, but I was a little surprised I won the 2 Lire for $35. I would have thought it would go a little higher, but admit I really don't know much about the market for these. The Prussian coin kind of reminded me, (though not as spectacular of course), of Hiddendragon's recent medal with vivid toning.
These will be so much better in a thousand years. Accidents can lead us into new interests. Oddly, this week I also bought an 'accidental' but was outbid for the coin I really wanted. That brings up the question of whether I should have bid higher on the 1st choice by the amount the accident cost. Of course you never know whether bidding an extra hundred over the final price would have won it or if the buyer had bid a thousand more to protect himself from losing what we both might have considered the best coin in the sale. Like you I am glad to have the accidental coin but now have to wonder since it was not something I specialize in whether I paid too much for it (since no one else seemed to want it). Auctions are strange beasts frequented by creatures like me that could easily be termed even stranger. I'll post mine when it arrives. I do not like to post 'coming attractions' in the belief that the practice may jinx the safe arrival. I'm not sure I trust every seller to send a coin after someone points out what it actually was. In this case the accident is coming from a source beyond any question but within the month I have won coins for less than a quarter of what I consider them to be worth and would prefer that the seller not know that. Similarly I have lost coins that someone else paid four times my bid so it all evens out in the end. Perhaps it is good that such things go to someone who wants them most.
I admit I collect too many thing, and also admit I have a soft spot for world silver, especially toned. If I weren't trying to keep my nose to the grindstone and stick with ancients and early thai coins as my main focus, I am sure I would be collecting world coins, especially toned silver. Heck, toned 19th century was my specialty in US collecting. So, it was a happy accident I got these, but still wish I would have ALSO got the thai coins I was looking at. Btw, I did get one good piece. Here is a rare Dvaravati coin, one of the earliest pre-Thai coins. Its one of the last issues I needed.
Nice buys. I would love to have that type of Lire also. Its on my want list but I never seek it out. You paid a good price for it too. The Thaler has lovely toning. Dont know anything on that type though.
Yeah, the seller had it this way, and I was too lazy to switch it. All I need for a early Thai set now is a couple of pieces from the Lanna Kingdom like a tok and a flower, (not counting stuff like very rare pod duangs or gold pod duang). Other than that I basically have covered all of the major coinage types for medieval Thailand. My wife thinks we should display them at cultural festivals and the like to teach Thais about their heritage. I think I need to buy one of those dealer glass display cases. Btw Bill, I wonder how many others on here would have recognized the reverse was upside down? Reminds me of a display they had for the Iowa yearly coin show. I looked at it one year and saw they had all of their cash oriented incorrectly. The guy said, "This display has been the same for 20 years, and you are the only one to ever say anything".
It would be nice if the seller sent you this coin instead of the 1916R: http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tkKqddE3eyg/TfRHx1Q7UnI/AAAAAAAAB3M/LBjHq7nFnEg/s1600/image00036.jpg Unfortunately, it is not my coin or photo so I can only supply the link. IMO it is pretty awesome.
Yeah, a Syracuse tet issue sure would be nice. Do you know if this one was a signed issue? Was it Kimon and Eunitos, (sp?) that did these? Yeah, they were really trying to recall the grandeur of ancient times with these issues. I don't mind it since I think they did a good job on these coins. I don't like the Greek issues of the 70's much, though, since it was done in such low relief it really takes away from the aesthetics.
Any chance you could post some of those coins that you purchased for 1/4 of what you thought they were really worth? No need to include pricing (unless you want to) but I think it would be instructive to see these coins plus your informed opinion on why they're worth more than the amount for which the auction or dealer sold them.
I am biased in favour of the Quadriga design - those early XXth century Italians were the BOMB design wise.
So I get the coins in hand, mixed reactions. The Dvararati coin i am ecstatic about. It ex steve album, nice, large, and thick. The "toned" german piece has absolute no color. Its not white, but absolutely no traces of any reds or blues at all, just normal light toning on a 150 year old coin. Nice luster, etc. The italian coin, though, is superb. In the photo it appearz somewhat lifeless, but in hand is lustrous under an original tone. Net net between the german and italian i am fine. Should i just call it a day? The german one cost $66. Is that too much for that coin that is white? I admit its kind of cool, but am unsure i would have bought it if the pic looked like it really looks like.
I have done this too!! but 1 sticks out in my mind I was bidding Great Briton coin I won on eBay UK but I do recall it was Free shipping. the win was so low for MS-63 Ngc 1858 2pence I bid on 1915 1 Mark silver there not a Big coin but @1.99c win they were great
