As usual, my auction winning bids are running about half of what I enter and this example was my 'second' choice having lost out for the 'Janus head' type I most wanted at the 'buzzer' during a flurry of higher bids---that's twice recently I was outbid on that particular type. My winning example also came with a historical synopsis, by the seller, detailing the significance of the coin which I will quote verbatim. (The coin is slabbed and will be 'liberated' in the near future): "On the obverse is the Hispania as a veiled beautiful female; On the reverse is a depiction of a rare Army stand---the military stands were the most sacred symbol in the Roman army. This type relates to the praetorship of L. Postumius Albinus over Spain and his successful expeditions against the Vaccaei and Lusitani, and the levying of troops for this campaign." A. Postumius A. f. Sp. n. Albinus, AR Serrate Denarius, minted at Rome 81 BC Veiled bust of Hispania right, HISPAN behind--Togate figure standing left between a legionary eagle and fasces. A ALBIN S N across fields; POST A F in exergue. Sydenham 746: Crawford 372/2, 4.05 grams. 20 mm Please feel free to post any related types in whatever regard, whether they are RR denarii, Hispania depictions or of any denomination...
Beautiful coin! Am I understanding you correctly? You're winning half of the auctions you bid on? That's five times better than I'm doing.
During the past month or two and while participating in two or three auctions at the same time....but a few 'items' cost me a bit more than I originally planned on.....An Otho coin I am about to win is a CLASSIC example LOL But most are low retail wins, so it evens out I guess
Definitely!! Bing, your photo skills have dramatically improved...I plan to play with some of those photo links members provided in previous threads---perhaps I'll be able to take and enhance a few of my own in the coming months...I almost can't help but improve LOL
Love your coin , it kind of reminds me of one of my few Roman Republics ,Veiled head of Vesta left , with 2 handed cup . Any ideas of a good place to bid on ancients ?
I'm having a lot of luck on Agora and even Roma----but I find I'm doing well on some of our more trusted eBay seller sites as well. I especially like the sellers quality of coins on ancientcoins.market---and Forum auctions often have a nice affordable selection for low retail... If you are only fixated on bargains and not at all flexible to increasing your bid, you're likely to have the same winning percentage as I did only two or more months ago---about 10% or at most a third winning bids. Frankly, I grew weary of being 'penny wise and pound foolish' and ending up with squat.....but even at only 2/3's funded, my retirement income is higher than some at my age and circumstances...and before the end of the year the missing third will be available to me...simply meaning, I can afford to be a bit more aggressive in my bidding than others and even more so than I personally could only a few months ago....
Nice score, Mikey. It's an interesting type. On the other hand, you may be winning in waaaay too many of your auctions .
Gorgeous addition, Mikey-Z .... yummy-yummy!! Oh, and congrats on setting yourself up for retirement (I am attempting that circus at the moment and it is seemingly harder than I thought it'd be .... I have no idea where all my money is going?!!)
Thanks Mikey , I don't mind bidding for quality as it deserves a premium . I will have to cut some of my US collecting though . But I really enjoy the few I have and looking at what you all post . Plus living 20 minutes from Harlan Berks doesn't hurt either .
Here's one by the same moneyer. This reverse type shows a sacrifice scene at the temple of Diana on the Aventine Hill. The sacrifice was made to seek the goddess's favour before the Battle of Lake Regillus, where the Roman Army commanded by A. Postumius Albus triumphed over the Latin League and Lucius Tarquinus Superbus, the expelled king of Rome.
Thanks, Bing. You might look for one with a more centered obverse. There should be a bucranium above Diana's head, off the flan on my coin.