Terina has been on my want list since I started collecting ancients. They struck some the nicest coins of antiquity imo. Finally managed to buy one, far from those desired (style/quality), but much closer to my price range. Anyway, the "theme" is there, it gives an idea Bruttium, Terina AR Drachm 420-400 BC Obv.: Head of nymph right, hair rolled around ampyx. TEPI behind. Rev.: Nike seated left on wreathed cippus, holding wreath, bird resting on her hand. Holloway-Jenkins Group F, 97; SNG ANS 858; HN Italy 2634.
Looking at this coin I see two things that keeps it from being the desired item. It is a smaller denomination and the style just is not the same as seen on the larger staters. I do not see it as anything bad in any way but it simply is not the Greek coin of dreams. Those unaware of the issue may want to see this coin that sold for over $50k: http://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=1537200 My collection is filled with coins of these same faults but most are much worse. Many of our members would love to have a dekadrachm of Syracuse. I don't even dream that high but I am happy to have two coins both smaller and lower grade to fill that niche. I will point out that both of my coins are 100 time more rare than the dekadrachms but I know that means nothing in the market. First is a nicely executed half litra (1/100 of a dekadrachm) Next is a really bad example of a hexas (1/300 of a dekadrachm)
I love the style of that stater and I really wanted to bid on it when it went up last year but couldn't get myself to overlook the graffiti in the reverse field. It's more pronounced in-hand than in their images - I loathe the person that defaced such a beautiful coin.
Yes, one of those I had in mind. I'm also thinking of one of the BM staters (among others) that is absolutely fantastic. Had an electrotype copy of it some years ago which, in itself, was quite spectacular.
I'm sitting here going though pennies, nickels, dimes, and Very few quarters. Would someone like to clue this ole country boy in on what one of them there Dionysus might cost in Yankee money?
I've got a pretty good deal imo. Paid about the same price (or a little less) than what it sold for 10 years ago (with the "added fees")... http://www.cngcoins.com/Coin.aspx?CoinID=59406
Atta-boy, my very cool coin-friend ... yah, I love it when you decided to buy coins for your own personal collection, rather than buying them merely for your "shoppe" (congrats on another very cool addition) => Bruttium, Terina rockets-up closer to the pinnacle of my wish-list ... cheers, brother
Since it was because of this thread that I put a coin of Terina on my want list, I thought I would add my new pickup to it by way of thanking Dionysos. All I'm showing is a beat up old drachm, but I still think it's a really lovely coin. For one of the incredible Terina staters mentioned earlier in this thread, everyone will just have to wait for when AncientJoe has one to post . (Seller's pic, which I haven't been able to improve on) BRUTTIUM, Terina AR Drachm Circa 300 BC 2.17g, 15mm SNG ANS 865; cf Holloway & Jenkins 116 (obv); 112 (rev); BMC 32 O: TEPINAIWN, Head of the nymph Terina right, triskeles behind. R: TE monogram before Nike seated left on cippus, holding bird in her hand. Ex Frank James Collection
