Until a couple weeks ago, I hadn't pursued Sear for a shipping quote, but I did eventually get a reply and I will be sending a few off soon (including the Diadumenian and Balbinus shown previously in this thread). I'll share the results on this thread when they come back. Just curious though, with the benefit of the larger individual pictures of some of the coins I've already shared here (including those you initially raised concerns about, such as the Tiberius, the Marc Antony, and the Nero), are you still of the opinion that the majority are fake? I've already shown some of the fake ones here as such, but certainly the majority are authentic.
This Commodus has a wonderful deep green patina. Unfortunately, the odd flan shape seems to have made centering the strike too difficult, resulting in some missing legend. COMMODUS AE AS 10.78g, 25.7mm Rome mint, AD 183-184 RIC III Commodus 425 (Scarce) O: M COMMODVS [ANTON] AVG PIVS, laureate head right. R: P M TR P VIIII IMP VI [COS IIII] P P, Minerva, helmeted, draped, standing right, holding spear in right hand and resting left hand on shield, S C in fields.
The lot also came with a very nice Aemilian. AEMILIAN Antoninianus 3.98g, 21.5mm Rome mint, AD 253 RIC IV Aemilian 8 (Rare) O: IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG, radiate, draped & cuirassed bust right. R: PACI AVG, Pax standing left, holding a branch and a transverse sceptre, legs crossed, leaning upon a column.
Boldly toned and almost as centered as Buddha. MARCUS AURELIUS Denarius 3.56g, 18mm Rome mint, AD 162-163 RIC III 59 O: IMP M ANTONINVS AVG, bare head right. R: CONCORDIA AVG TR P XVII COS III, Concordia seated left on low seat, holding patera in extended right hand and resting left arm on statuette of Spes; under seat, a cornucopia.
Most MA coins are poorly made, but this one is exceptional with outstanding detail. You know what bothers me the most about all these coins. They were sold to you in a lot at a good price when, in actuality, they could have each been sold separtely at a premium price or consigned to CNG to be sold separtely. They all look very good to me. Why not try to get the most?
I agree (though I probably cannot honestly say it bothers me). The lesson here may be for collectors to make sure that beneficiaries of their estate do exactly as you've described.
Okay, last one I managed to capture today. This one comes on a nice, broad flan... a follis of reduced weight and size from Carthage, with Constantine as Caesar, struck under Maxentius. It was the final series from Carthage before Domitius Alexander's rebellion. After Maxentius retook Africa, the Carthage mint was not re-opened. CONSTANTINE I, as Caesar AE Follis 6.84g, 26.8mm Carthage mint, summer AD 307 RIC VI Carthage 61 O: CONSTANTINVS NOB CAES, laureate head right. R: CONSERVATO-RES KART SVAE, Carthage standing facing within hexastyle temple, head left, holding fruits; PKΔ in exergue.
I love them all! The off-flan letters on the Commodus don't bother me. That coin has wonderful detail and character.
Yeah, I've found so many to love in this group. I know nothing about who put this collection of coins together except that he's way more discerning than I am .
Awesome coins Z, its like finding these out in the woods or field a little mini hoard. keep us posted.
Love them 'Z' !!! It seems you did extraordinarily well!! Of course, now I'm a bit jealous, but I'll get over it---maybe... LOL Congrats again, coin-buddy!!!