Ancients: Caesar's Comet

@AncientJoe : Congratulations for the wonderful capture, and thank you very much for a rich, succinct write-up! The provenance information is fantastic. I was aware of the Comet/Octavian/Anthony story, but you could just sense all the humor during those times, in between the lines you wrote. Thank you!

 

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Oh boy -- wait 'til TIF sees this!

 

Yep, one of my favorite coins-- Elagabalus transporting the Sacred Stone of Emesa. I still have the diorama, although due to some messy remodeling it is currently not in its usual place in the foyer.

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/ancients-a-boy-and-his-stone.254886/

 

I need to start playing the lottery so I can win it and get sweet coins like this.

I really dig meteorites, having a small piece of one, and would love to get a coin depicting one or a comet like Ancient Joe's. (In my dreams lol)

Erin

 

We all dream

 

I have no idea about this coin! I got it from one of my lawn clients, who was a British officer in WW2. He got this coin from another officer in Alexandria/Egypt.
Knowing i collected coins, he gave it to me. I lost it for a while, just found it again, seems to be Augustus, with celestial image? seems star/moon?

 

Looks authentic to me.

Ref Augustus AR Denarius, RIC 300, RSC 495, BMC 161
Augustus Denarius. Lyons mint, moneyer P Petronius Turpilianus, ca 19 BC. CAESAR AVGVSTVS, bare head right / TVRPILIANVS III VIR, star above crescent moon.

 

Thanks Bing for description, it came in a worn paper envelope with wrong data. The original had marked Diocletian/Alexandria Mint/288AD?????

 

Obviously from someone who had no idea.

 

I am a big fan of astronomy and always liked this type. Having said that, for me, the quality of that portrait makes this stand out for the type.

On a side note, I got to spend a couple hrs with this telescope 30 years ago. Lowell observatory Arizona. I was ecstatic. Felt like I was master of the universe.

Since we are doing Augustus and astronomical themes, I have my Augustus with Capricorn.


AUGUSTUS. 27 BC-14 AD. AR Cistophoric Tetradrachm (24mm, 11.89 gm, Die Axis 1:00). Ephesus mint. Struck 24-20 BC. IMP. CAE-SAR, bare head right / AVGVSTVS, capricorn right, head left, holding cornucopiae; all within laurel wreath. References: BMC (Vol. I) No. 696; CBN (Vol. I) 916; RIC (Vol. I) 480; RPC (Vol. I) 2213; RSC (Vol. I) 16; Sutherland Group VI No. 239 (O33/R43) THIS COIN (illustrated). Toned. Satin brown patina. Silver highlights
Sutherland plate coin (The Cistophori of Augustus)
Ex Rodolfo Ratto Sale, Lugano Switzerland (Feb. 8, 1928), Lot 1719
Ex Lempertz (23 February 1939), lot 960.
Ex CNG via private sale
Ex John Malcolm Hayes Collection (corinthstater.com)

 

Can I ask a quick question?

I'm now very intrigued by this coin, thanks everyone.

I was wondering what a ballpark price would be for one of these. If I'm ever able to afford one, it would probably be in rough shape. But, I'd like to try and save for one.

There's one coming up for auction at the end of May With an estimate of about $1300 CAD. Does that sound about right?

Thanks!

Erin

 

Look here

https://www.sixbid.com/search.html?search=augustus+comet

 

I just noticed that this is lot 833 in the upcoming CNG 102...........??

 

It is indeed - I've recently upgraded it and consigned it to CNG 102, along with a few other duplicate coins

 

Ballparks come in sizes to match the players. My example is a T-ball ballpark. AJ's is World Series. Where I live they are arguing whether they want to build a better park for their Minor League team. You can have fun at whatever game you consider your style. Decide how much you are comfortable spending on the coin and search for one that price. I do not expect you to like my coin; I do not imagine you will find AJ's duplicate the worst you can tolerate. Batter up.

 

Yes sir! I'm getting into training mode.

I actually think your coin is really cool with the nail head stuck in it. I wonder what the person who did that was thinking and doing.

Thanks for the link, 4to2cenBC.

I'd try to aim for one around $300. I probably won't get much, but I'd be really happy with it.

Thanks,

Erin

 

I was pretty happy to get the one I posted for $440.

 

Thanks H8_modern, you have a great coin!

I just looked around eBay and found one around $300, but I'm not sure about it. It's from a seller that has 100% rating, with over 11,000 feedbacks, selling coins. There are some ancients in there, but mostly English coins by the look of it.

I'd post a picture of it, but, my phone isn't cooperating.

Erin

 

Don't rush. The comet is not a rare coin. You will find the one you want.

I saw a movie once where someone nailed a coin to a post in a bar room as part of some sort of bet. More often you see some neutral party asked to hold the stakes but nailing a coin is more 'Hollywood'. Anything is possible.

 

I saw that checking eBay before I bought at the show. The reverse is really rough on that one which made me feel like I was getting a decent price for the quality.

Jim