I picked up some nice deals at this weekend's Manchester NH show.. I will start with this one I got from Fred B. Shore. I promised him I would liberate it so he gave me a good deal on it... Photos are quickies so I could post. I will be retaking all the photos later..
That's a beautiful sestertius, well-done! Yes, crack it out - half the enjoyment of those big bronzes is holding them. (I picked up a few nice pieces from Fred myself, at the Gettysburg show.)
Next is a Claudius AE As 28.5 mm 9.3 gram Obv: TI CLAVDIVS AVG P TRP IMP, bare bust left Rev; libertas stg. facing,head r. l. arm extending, pileus in r. hand RIC 97 Notes are as listed by dealer. I will be confirming these later as well.
Here is a Vespasian AE As 26.1 mm, 10.0 gram Obv: IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS VII, Laur. bust rt. Rev Equitas stg, l. holding scales in y. hand and rod in l. AEQVITAS AVGVST RIC 580a Claudius and Vespasian are both firsts for me
Philip II AE Sestertius 29.2 mm, 15.1 gram Obv:Bare headed draped bust r. M IVL PHILIPPVS CAES Rev: PRINCIPI IVVENT SC, Philip stg. l. in military uniform holding globe and spear RIC 256a Another first for my collection...
Looks like that claudius has some bronze disease right in the middle of the portrait, and some other spots.
The Vespasian was improperly ID'ed by the seller. Here is the correct attribution... Vespasian AE As. 76 AD. IMP CAESAR VESP AVG COS VII, laureate head right S-C, Spes standing left, holding flower and raising hem of skirt. BMCRE 725-726, Cohen 457. RIC 894
It is good to see someone appreciate coins that were spent enough to get some wear. I admit I am prejudiced against rough surfaces and corrosion but both Philips are OK (mottled colors like the Jr. are sure hard to photograph!). The Philip II looks like an as in proportions but 29mm is too big for that. Mine (RIC 255) weighs 20.4g and has the figure facing the other way and carries the spear differently than your RIC 256. I find interest in that RIC is not terribly clear on the denominations either just adding a letter a or b and not distinguishing dupondii from asses.
I'll toss in a sestertius of Philip II. I collected this coin when I first became attracted to ancients, and it was one of the acquisitions that drew me permanently into the arena... Philip II AE Sestertius, 29mm, 16g, 12h, Rome Mint, 244-249 Obv.: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust seen from behind, IMP M IVL PHILIPPVS AVG Rev.: Philip I and Philip II seated on curule chairs, LIBERALITAS AVGG III//SC
Beautiful acquisitions! I too like the Philips. And I agree with Doug, coins that lived a real coin life are very attractive. I like them crusty! Congrats on your scores!!
That is a nice P II as Augustus. It is interesting how we all have our own ways of looking at this issue. I have few problems with coins that were made less than perfect by being used for their intended purpose by people who lived in that day but I am very hard on coins made ugly by modern people with their harsh cleanings, toolings and things related to collecting (staple scratches, for example). I don't like crusties. For years I have owned the Claudius as below but I have never assigned it a number in my collection. It is smooth and has a good green patina. The obverse is good for a 'good'. I feel shallow holding the lack of a reverse against the thing. If only it had not been spent so often???
Sweet pick-ups Ziggy! I really like that Philip Sestertius. Just great detail on the portrait. Glad to hear it will soon be free from its plastic tomb. I like the Claudius as well. Bronze disease or no. Even heavily worn, the portraiture on his coins is just so distinctive. Here's mine.
