Value for money: Ancient Coins

a nose by any other name....

 

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Well, here's another I missed all this time---- Is that FIL equivalent to the FL on other coins or something different entirely?? And I would've thought a 'friend' would have been latin abbreviated in the 'older' way as in friend and ally 'amici et socii' ???? I also would have assumed FIL referred to 'filius' and the son of somebody, adopted or otherwise of the previous or current Augustus.

So many things I always mean to check back on and somehow never get to...but now there're this forum and almost instant clarification......

 

No, FL = FLAVIUS, part of a name.

 

"FIL" AVG(G) refers to "son" of the Augustus (Augusti), whereas "FL" refers to Flavius, a name.
See my site for the story of "FIL":
http://esty.ancients.info/FILAVGG/

 

Thank you for linking that article. I gave it a good read and bookmarked it for a more thorough study. Your work is very much appreciated as always!

 

Thanks all, it all helps clarify things...but my primary confusion, which I did not state clearly, was not with FL as Flavius but with 'FIL AVG' as "a friend of the Augustus", as Doug indicated....My confusion was in that area where the usual PP (Pater Patrae) seemed to be replaced by PF and wondered if THAT was similar to what Doug seem to state...

Terrific work 'Valentinian', I have read it and bookmarked it for further referral!!!

 

PF = PIVS FELIX, meaning pious and happy, or lucky - a different set of descriptors altogether.

Although the literal translation of FIL AVG is "Son of Augustus," I believe Doug's translation as "friend" is closer to the intended meaning on the coin. Constantine was Caesar under Severus II during the 3rd tetrarchy, but Constantine was not Severus II's biological son - he was an adoptive prince.

 

Thanks JA...Sorry I was wasn't clear as to my initial question earlier....and I sense Doug was suggesting a bit of irony or sarcasm as to Constantine's relationship with Severus II (considering the 'friend' interpretation)---It's all perfectly clear to me now...Thanks again.

 

All,
As with JB, I am also on a Constantine binge due to affordability for nicer specimens. This thread has been exceptionally educational in term of definitions for abbreviations, which brings me to my question. What does COS stand for?
Thanks in advance.

 

COS is for CONSUL--the highest executive office held by two colleagues during the Republic and continued in the 'principate' established by Augustus and retained thereafter, but it became more and more ceremonial although still retaining a high prestige of office.

 

My error saying friend for son which is even more offensive if you read it to refer to the then current Augusti. Constantine was the son of the late Constantius I and considered himself Augustus from his father's death. Coins from mints under control of those who did not accept that point to the history of the period. It turned out that Constantine was right. He was emperor. Being born to the ruler may not make you successor but controlling all his loyal armies does.

 

Good to know a fellow binger.

 

Below comes from a link in the above article by esty. It is about typical cost/value of bronze coins of this era in 2010. This was very useful and something I would value from contributors to this forum. If you have a specialty interest and you have done due diligence as a shopper, giving perspective similar to that below would be hugely valuable...to me for sure!

Constantine as Caesar and FIL AVG on coins. Comments for collectors.

The article illustrates coins of 8 Roman rulers. Very nice representative examples of each ruler can be bought in 2010 for $20 (for a small Constantine) to $100 (for a medium-grade follis of Severus II, the scarcest of the eight emperors). Coins comparable in condition and type to most of the illustrated coins other than the FIL AVG types could be found for $50 - $150. The FIL AVG types cost more, say $100 - $175, and still more for the unusually nice and rare Antioch example. Abdication pieces such Diocletian's Coin 1A might cost about $200 in excellent condition. If you are willing to sacrifice a bit of condition, all the coin types can cost less, or very much less. [Prices as of early 2011.]

 

The problem with any price guide is summed up in Warren's last sentence. How much should we expect to be 'less, or very much less'? As new collectors come to the hobby bringing their own attitudes, this might change. We seem to have a group willing to accept coins that have suffered greatly over the centuries and another group expecting to see what they have in US coinage and unwilling to own less than the best. Opinions on where the numbers fall between these two extremes and what defines better and lesser condition is what makes it impossible to answer the ubiquitous question: "How much is my coin worth?"

 

Agree, this is the essential question.
I do appreciate a rough guideline at a given time point based on what a savvy collector is willing to spend. With this reference I can (at least) make an informed decision. This has been a great discussion. Thanks Doug!