Oops, I doubled up by accident...

Going through my recent purchases and weaving them into my collection in correct order (Crawford first, Sear RIC second, and Sydenham third when that's the only reference) is a morning exercise done only a few times a year, with coffee on my back patio before the rest of the house is awake. It is one of the pure joys of the hobby for me and I spend a long time savoring it.

I had a chance to do it this morning (remember the Swiss Coin Fairy visited recently).

To my surprise, I've bought a duplicate! I wouldn't say my collection has gotten to the size that I've forgotten what's in it from memory. Maybe I'm just getting old. Or have mad cow. Anyway, I really didn't realize I already had one of these!

One thing in my favor is that these coins have really different styles so I could be forgiven for not recognizing the type??

So here they are. I wonder if I should keep both since they are so different? If I keep only one, it will be the new one with it's fabulous old collection tone, provenance, style and condition. I probably will sell the old one.

New:

M. Tullius. Denarius 121, AR 3.93 g. Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, ROMA. Rev. Victory in prancing quadriga r., holding palm branch; above, wreath and below horses, X. In exergue, M·TVLLI. Babelon Tullia 1. Sydenham 531. RBW 1103. Crawford 280/1.
NAC 92 Part I, May 23, 2016 Lot 287.
From the collection of E.E. Clain-Stefanelli. Count Allesandro Magnaguti P.& P. Santamaria October 14, 1949 Lot 90



Old:

M. Tullius. Denarius 121 BC, AR (21mm, 3.93g, 3h). Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, ROMA. Rev. Victory in prancing quadriga r., holding palm branch; above, wreath and below horses, X. In exergue, M·TVLLI. Babelon Tullia 1. Sydenham 531. Crawford 280/1.
NAC Auction 7, March 2, 1994

 

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Both are really nice @Carthago, but I am especially drawn to the portrait on the "new" acquisition. The portrait style is beautiful.

 

I would keep them both. I think coins like this that display quite distinct styles within a single issue give needed depth to a collection.

 

Two is always better than one. You know, like...home runs, margaritas, wives, etc.

 

Both are gorgeous!!! And differ enough stylistically that I'd keep both!! Hey, You have a left right facing victory reverse in the bargain!!

 

I'll do you a favor and take the bottom coin off your hands! Simply outstanding...

 

I would take either

 

I like the way the wreath-ties on the top (new) coin seem to repeat the X (presumably a mark of value) always found below the horses. Just a fluke, but visually appealing.

 

Very interesting Volodya. I hadn't noticed that but it certainly does look like that. Thanks for the advice btw!

 

Both are nice & I would most likely keep both.

Nice thing about ancients, majority are different even if it's the same type. Not like U.S.

 

One of the things that drew me to the new coin is a really minor detail. Check out the iris and pupil in the eye. It is engraved with such precision and such a small detail. The iris is slightly concave even and really gives an appealing sense of depth. They must have been young engravers with good close eyesight to do this without reading glasses!

 

The eye and face on your new one are very appealing. Roma has a sweet countenance, like she's gazing fondly upon her lover.

 

@Carthago Fantastic denarii.

Easy decision: both are great; sunk cost. Ergo, KEEP.

Else? Contribute one or both to the Alegandron Society.

Simple... NEXT!

 

It seems unanimous then... give both away to your CT comrades in this year's Secret Santa. What? Oh... sorry, wishful reading, I guess .

 

I agree with the others and would keep both if it were me...

But I also vote sell because I'd love a shot at bidding on the old one!

 

Two wives? You must be off your rocker!

That's the way I read it.

Ditto regarding both thoughts.

 

All right, so I'm now into cocktail hour now on my patio - the coffee is long gone as are the coins - and I'm loving you guys/gal's comments!! Really, I'm sitting out here literally LOL and my dogs are looking at me like I'm nuts. Or, that I have mad cow.

 

They both look good, keep both of them. And even though they are the same coins, they both have their differences. And don't listen to JA, trying to get 2 wives? You will end up with none.

 

Since you're likely a bit tipsy following cocktail hour, now would be a good time to sell me the Magnaguti. It's flan is far too ragged for your high-calibre collection.

 

I like the new obverse and old reverse but would sell the old one. I recently slipped up and bought a duplicate Victorinus which was equal to my previous one. I've done it before and probably again and again. In such cases I will sell the duplicate but I'm not desperate to do so. I'd hold both unless you can get the money out of the extra. I sell some upgrades for a loss and things I don't want anymore for more of a loss (some of you bought some of these) but duplicates that are both nice coins don't demand taking a big loss just to cover the mistake. The best answer might be to trade it with another RR collector who has two of one you lack.