Didn't think it'd be so soon, but I managed to get another Felix Ravenna type for my Ostrogoth collection, this one way better than my first one. Paid a great price for it too (anyone want to take a stab at price?), which makes it even better. It may seem like an upgrade, but I don't really see it that way. One because the previous coin usually gets sold/traded, and I'm not going to give up my Ostrogothics anytime soon! Second, their monograms are slightly different: my first Felix Ravenna's monogram has a cross above while it is absent on this one. There are four variations so far according to this site (http://www.ancientcoinmuseum.com/HistoryPages/LATEROMANIMPERIALMONOGRAMS.html), and I've already acquired half of them. I realize I didn't really include a history lesson last time around, so here's some info about the Ostrogoths and their kingdom in Italy. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire in 476 AD, Western Europe was now in the hands of the Germanic barbarian tribes. Italy, the heart of the former empire, was under the control of the barbarian king Odoacer, who had forced the abdication of the last Western Roman Emperor. The Eastern Roman Empire, based in Constantinople, accepted as long as he ruled in the Eastern Emperor's name, but in practice, Odoacer ruled independently. As time went on however, he had begun to be viewed as a threat by the Eastern leadership, and so, they wanted him removed. Emperor Zeno then went to Theodoric, king of the Ostrogoths, and promised him that if he could invade Italy and take Odoacer out of power, he would recognize Theodoric as king of Italy. Moving from their lands in Pannonia, in 489 AD the Ostrogoths attacked Italy, and had the whole peninsula and Dalmatia under their control by 493 AD. Theodoric's reign in Italy was a very prosperous and peaceful time for the country, more so than at any time in the previous 100 years. This would not last, unfortunately, when Theodoric died and later, when the Eastern Empire invaded in 535 AD in a war that nearly totally ruined Italy and would leave the peninsula divided. Never again would Italy be unified until the 19th century. Ravenna served as the capital of the Ostrogothic Kingdom and Theodoric set out to make the city as important and influential as Rome and Constantinople, so he had coins minted that depicted Ravenna. AE Decanummium Obv: FELIX R-AVENNA, turreted head of Ravenna right Rev: Monogram of Ravenna within wreath, X below Ravenna mint, COI 78a (seller's photos) Map (Europe 526 AD):
I don't recall what the other looked like, but this one has decent detail for this type of coin. Congrats.
Nice one. I admit if I had room for more subcollections I would like to chase Ostrogothic more. I only have the one "Roma Invictus" issue.
I'm not sure "upgrading" is an applicable term when it comes to esoteric and scarce coins. The rare Nabataeans in my collection can't really be upgraded, even if I find other examples of the type. Each one is unique - not necessarily in the strict numismatic sense of that word, but certainly in character.
If I come across the really scarce issues, I try to buy them up, no matter that I have duplicates of the same type. Sometimes you really need half a dozen examples to represent one coin. I don't think of that as hoarding per se. Hoarding, to me, connotes something like what the silver stackers do.
Very interesting type of coins you got yourself into. Keep up the hunt, it in itself is a accomplishment to be able to obtain these coins without breaking the bank. Congrats on the new purchase- it is far better then the first but certainly not an upgrade. Hang on to them my friend- unless you want to give me one of course. :yes:
I recall seeing that coin but can't figure out how to search where I think it was except for the lots I bid on. I'm glad this went to a good home.
Thanks eng and doug :smile Oh cool, you have an Invicta Roma. I have one as well. What denomination and reverse type is it? And any pics? Here's my only one, a decanummium of Theodahad (534-536 AD) Obv: INVICT-A ROMA Rev: DN THEODAHATHVS REX within wreath, X below
I love this grouping of coins! However, it would be hard to pickup the grades I want for my collection... The one above me I love, and the first one is great too (so much history)
