What's a "good" minimally "high" grade for Ancient coins?

WOW! I came to this really late and have enjoyed the conversation. I agree with most if nopt all of what has been said. Bravo to the Ancients CT posters.

 

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I've come close to buying the Berk book a few times, but I'm sure the descriptions of the coins are fairly general - after all, it is only 144 pages long. I doubt I would learn anything from it that I don't already know, other than what one man's 100 favorite ancient coins are. I assume the pictures are nice. Every time I've come close to dropping 25 bucks on it I always seem to find something with more meat on its bones. Now if he were to post it for free on the internet, like Doug, I would happily peruse it.

 

This to me is a "good" grade. But that's relative. If there happens to be way more coins in a much better condition, then I'd want the better condition. Ultimately, I want the best condition that I can reasonably obtain. I want to be able to see the details and make out what's going on, as well as what sort of story is being told.

 

Its an excellent grade for the piece, (though its not AU). Good luck affording it.

 

Can this be referred to as "AU" condition?

It looks a lot better than some of the XF condition ancient coins that I'm seeing.

Pic from the 'net from that one link several posts ago.

 

Why do the letters matter? It's a gorgeous coin. End of story. We just don't care about letter grades like the collectors of moderns.

 

That is an XF piece, fine style and good centering.

There is no AU since ancient collectors do not use or recognize that grade. Its like calling a Morgan a very bodacious grade. What grade is "Very Bodacious"? No telling, since its not used by Morgan collectors so its really meaningless.

 

No, it doesn't exist in ancients.
You can't rely on a slab for information or authenticity.
Forget the letters.
Find a nice coin within your budget and buy it.
I have never seen a nicer tortoise than AncientJoe's
http://www.colosseocollection.com/p168103053/h1240c5d4#h1240c5d4
but you would probably have to sell your house.

 

Are you referring to this one?

http://www.colosseocollection.com/p444364358/h1240c5d4#h1240c5d4

The link you posted comes up blank.

EDIT: Never mind, it looks like you corrected it.

 

How much is it?

 

I wouldn't dream of asking him unless I was going to make a serious offer.

 

Staters of Sikyon in that grade are pricey. Check out this page for various hammer prices on various coins.

 

What would you guys value this at?

I've been eyeing one like this for a while, but I'm seeing prices all over the place.

Not sure what the level headed price is... please help!

 

Personally, I would grade this coin as Gorgeous, but not interested. Personally, I focus on the Roman Republic because of its rich history. I get a lot more excited with a run-down, worn AE coin minted by the Samnites than a gorgeous coin that I am not as interested in its history. The Samnites fought 3 nasty wars (343-290 BCE) with the Roman Republic. They were a mountain people that bloodied the Roman's nose... Subsequently, the Romans learned battle tactics from these fierce warriors that they never forgot. 200 years later, these same people among several other tribes that were allies of Rome, were involved in a fierce Civil War (The Socii War or Social War as commonly called). Rome almost went extinct over this war, and we all would not be admiring Empire coins.

Additionally, I WANT my coins worn. Coins were intended to convey wealth, and transactions are a personal exchange of a coin (or coins) from one hand to another. Once I see that it is nicely worn (subjective), then I KNOW that the coin is a wonderful place-marker in that history.

 

... more than $100

 

I love history, too. But I also love design. I see it as a balancing act. If it's a coin from a civilization and era with a rich history, but the coin doesn't convey that story well due to its lack of design elements, then it won't do much for me. If it's a coin that's worn down and I can't see the design, to me it's very similar.

What if the coins were found buried with the kings and nobles, and only the finest examples were laid to rest with the burial?

 

Yes, I know... I'm asking this as a serious buyer.

I've seen them typically fall in the 4-5 figure range (5 for really nice examples, maybe even higher for ultra nice examples). But that range is huge.

 

good luck (please post your winners)

 

Personally, that is why I like the Roman REPUBLIC (506-90 BCE) After those dates, you had Imperators, Dictators, and Emperors take over (their version of Kings.) So, to directly answer your question about coins buried with kings or nobles: it would not matter to me. See my comments above.

 

One valuable source for hunting down hammer prices on previous auctions is acsearch. It gives you a bead on the market to see what people have paid for similar coins in the past.