Ancient: The Dilemma

I bought this coin not intending for it to be the one I fell off the wagon with. It was at a good price and I believe I could flip it for a moderate profit to add to my 'buy a really awesome coin fund'. Then it arrived today and looks so gosh darn good and I am such a sucker for Hardian coins. I am seriously debating keeping it now.

Hadrian Dupondius
Obv. HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS radiate head read, drapery far shoulder
Rev. COS [??] Salus seated left, feeding snake from patera SC in exergue

I can't be sure on an RIC number since the number of consulships is missing. My best get would be COS III but can't say for certain.




This will be an internal battle with myself it is hard to say no since the price was so good. If I kept it it would be my fourth 'keeper' Hadrian

 

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Being a radiate, maybe its worth a slight premium, I dont know since I dont mess with roman bronzes much but this looks like a bargain box find, hope you didnt overpay unless others know more then I on these.

 

Yes...it is a bargain box find and I paid a price I don't mind paying for it.

 

I think your "bet" is correct. COS III is my guess as well. At bargain bin price (?), I think I would keep it as well. I own several Hadrian silver coins and a few provincial bronzes, but not one Imperial bronze. I would need to check, but I think bronzes from this period do carry a premium.

 

If you're experiencing any dilemma concerning whether to keep a coin or sell it, the answer is simple: keep it.

 

when in doubt, keep it. if you change you mind later ...all good. if you sell it now and change your mind later...not as good.

 

Atta boy => you've made Manitoba proud!!

 

Lots of good advice above here.

I really don't think there is a premium attached to bronzes of the period except for that always attached to coins with great eye appeal. There are a lot of middle to low grade dupondii and asses with rough surfaces and poor details that sell for really cheap prices and killer sestertii that sell for more than a car. I was not all that thrilled by the OP coin simply because of the surfaces. I have coins like that and prefer more wear and smoother for the same money. That doesn't mean that I don't have worse ones. When I see a coin like that needing love, sometimes I adopt it anyway. Top to bottom: sestertius (flat strike), dupondius (larger pits on part but overall smoother), dupondius (a bit rough), and as (worn but nice green patina).





Of the group, the as is the only one with any premium type (RESTITVTORI AFRICAE) if it had its surfaces and the detail of the rough dupondius, it would be far too expensive for my humble collection (a lot more than the total of these four). Play a game: if you owned these four coins and wanted to cut back your collection, which would you sell? My answer is none. I'd rather have the coins than the small amount of cash they would bring. I suspect this same reasoning applies to the OP coin and the advice given not to sell too rashly. Advice: Don't spend money you will need again on coins and don't sell coins you like for money you really don't need. The exception to this is if you are a dealer. Then the advise is don't get emotionally attached to any coin and refuse a sale that makes you money. I believe you can be a happy collector, a successful dealer or a miserable failure somewhere in the middle.

 

I see its been listed on ebay...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Hadrian-AE-...595?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2&hash=item19e6135f0b

 

Yep. I honestly don't think anyone is going to pay 20 bucks for it and I can say 'oh well I tried' and keep it for myself. It is a small psychological thing for me. If it does sell then I made a profit.

Are you stalking me Mat?

Edit: Geez Mat I have to thank you. Even if I know no one is going to buy my coins from the forum your link has given me higher than average views! Even if I don't sell one coin I am calling that a small victory.

 

Nope, I just troll ebay regularly and spotted the coin instantly.

 

Shoot I was hoping you were just a fan of my auctions and posts on various forums since I always have the same username

 

Geez Whizb4ng, I really like your Hadrian Dupondius (but if you're not gonna love it and keep it for yourself, then good luck flipping it, my friend!!) ... oh, and I agree that Mat's plug was great advertising (I went and checked-out your listing as well)


Yup, I like it, but I already own a Hadrian Dupondius ...

 

One can never have too many Hadrian's

 

ahaha, Bing => yes, that's a very true statement (ummm, but my wife would probably disagree?)

... as you may know, I already own three Hadrian coins (which is way above average for one ruler in the ol' stevex6 collection ... I'm trying to stick to my extremely breakable-rule, which is to collect one animal-coin from each ruler)

Oh but again, Whizbng => I wish you all the good-luck finding your coin a rich new home!!

 

I have been a very bad boy today and spent far too much on a Justinian.....my wife is going to kill me!!! oh well..i liked the horse on the shield.

 

And you're trying to hide it in a thread full of Hadrians.

 

Yep, I've told her though. i think i just posted it because i was excited as i had been watching it all week.....and got carried away and won it!! it doesnt stand out does it??

 

You violated a major rule by only showing one side. I'll guess KYZikos year 12. What is it?

 

I'll toss my favorite Hadrian in the ring...

Roman Empire: Hadrian, 76-138
AE As: 25mm, 10.1g, 6h; Rome Mint: 132-134
Obv.: Laureate bust right, HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS
Rev.: Roma standing right, left foot on helmet,
holding spear and cornucopia, S/C, COS·III·P·P
Reference: RIC II, 716 (p. 433)