My ancient coin buying has been pretty sparse lately. But I did manage to score this, according to wildwinds, "very rare" Mamaea Provincial cheap. Even John is aware of its cost . I havent found any other examples then the one on Wildwinds. Julia Mamaea (222 - 235 A.D.) Æ20 Thrace, Deultum O: IVLIA MAMAEA AVG, diademed and draped bust right. R: CFPD, forepart of bull left. 20mm 3.5g Varbanov (E) 2380; Jurakova 202var.
It's a great coin, and I type I hadn't seen till it was listed. It's probably a good thing you gave me a heads-up. It's just strange enough that I might have taken a fancy to it and we would have found ourselves in a bidding war. Glad it went to a good home!
Very nice, indeed, Mat. I would welcome that coin into my collection any day. I have only one Julia Mamaea, also a provincial. JULIA MAMAEA AE27 11.42g, 26.5mm MESOPOTAMIA, Nisibis, 222 - 235 AD SNG Cop 236; BMC 10 var (no crescent beneath portrait) O: IOV MAMEA CEBACTH, diademed draped bust right. R: CEΠ KOΛO NECIBI MH B, turreted, veiled, draped Tyche right, topped by Aries the Ram right with head turned left; in front of chin a star.
I think it's odd (in a very cool way) that the bull on your coin's reverse is that small ... odd, eh? I have a horse-example that has always struck me as being small as well ... although I admit that my coin's reverse contains far more writing than your sweet and interesting example!! ... but again, the horse seems a bit wee Cilicia Aigeai
Whenever I see a coin like this it occurs to me that in the realm of ancients, rarities aren't rare. That is, individual coins can be quite rare - you could spend years looking for this type and never find an example. But it's not uncommon to stumble upon a coin that's considered very rare, that nobody seems to be looking for, and walk away with it for a song. We all have a handful of these "very rare" coins. It's part of what makes collecting ancients fascinating.
Very true. I've seen countless replies with the likes of "saw that on ebay, didnt think anything of it" and it turns out it was special in some form. Even denarii but the legends ended up special to that 1 person who specializes in whomever.
