In addition to Roman coins, I began a collection of British coins around the start of this year. So, while some of these are not technically "Ancient", they are still among my favorites from the year: Ancients Celtic AR Unit minted by the Iceni (20BC - 40 AD). This one is cool because it is thought to be associated with Queen Boudicca (Led a revolt against the Romans). Magnus Maximus Siliqua. Cool for me because it is my first and only siliqua denomination. Didius Julianus Sestertius. Would have held out for something in better condition, but I'm a sucker for big chunky sestertii Pupienus Antoninianus. Looks great alongside my Balbinus counterpart, which has the same reverse. If only they could truly have worked things out! Severus II Nummus. Been wanting to fill this slot for a while, and came across this extra large (28mm) example that was in pretty nice shape. British Æthelred "The Unready" Penny. My "1 of each" collection starts at William I The Conqueror. But, I wanted one example of the "Early Kings of England" (post heptarchy, pre-William). This coin fit the bill. Henry VIII Groat and Elizabeth I 1/2 Groat. I've always been a fan of history that occurred during this period (I've watched The Tudors multiple times!). Lumped these together because they are part of the same story line. Oliver Cromwell Battle of Dunbar Medal and Commonwealth 6 Pence. Another fascinating period in English history revolved around Cromwell, and the Commonwealth coinage was minted during his "Reign". The medal isn't technically a coin, but it is a really cool thing to examine and fits the bill well enough!
Love the quirky Celtic. A Boudicca connection makes it all the more interesting. Nice toning on the siliqua. Pupienus and Balbinus are always of interest. Your Balbinus looks especially nice. He's one I've never had, though I did own a Pupienus sestertius once. Aethelred the Unready is cool. I once owned a very nice Aethelred II penny, and miss it. Nice Tudors. I've always been interested in coins of Cromwell and Commonwealth, and have never owned any. The Cromwell medal is very handsome. Is it contemporary to his rule?
My fav is the Aethelred even though I don't collect beyond the Roman Empire. This could change my mind.
Here is the description that was provided by the auction house: "Oliver Cromwell silver Specimen "Battle of Dunbar" Medal 1650-Dated SP58 PCGS, Eimer-181a.3. 28 x 35mm. By Thomas Simon. WORD AT DUNBAR THE LORD OF HOSTS SEPTEM Y 3 1650 Draped and cuirassed bust of Oliver Cromwell left, before a battle scene // Scene of Parliament with speaker facing. A most popular and coveted silver military award medal, clearly the product of a later striking with evidence of reworked dies that so many of these display, yet distinguished by a clearly advanced eye appeal." I'm kind of embarrassed to admit it, but I went into this one as a bit of a blind, ignorant buyer. I did enough pre-auction research to know that there had been an original minting of the medals (during Cromwell), and a later re-striking (not sure about the dates). According to the description (Later striking, reworked dies) and the price that I paid (way less than the top tier examples), I assume that this is the non-contemporary version. Honestly, I knew that I wanted it, put in a healthy bid, and hoped that the knowledge of other bidders would end it at a reasonable price. Not an approach that I would ever recommend to anybody with half a brain! I still don't know if the price was reasonable, and I've intentionally avoided finding out haha. If you decide to get into British coinage then hit me up. I put a lot of time into researching the subject to create comprehensive lists/categories/etc. I could at least provide some foundational information and resources.
If it makes you feel any better, I myself often plunge semi-blindly into transactions like that, for stuff I really like. Occasionally I’ll overpay for something, but if I really like the item, that’s not always so bad. It usually works out. Sometimes you have to push the envelope a little and expand your horizons, too. It’s a learning experience. Worth it. For what it’s worth, that’s a really cool piece. And even if it’s not contemporary to Cromwell, I’ll bet it’s 18th century and still old enough to be interesting. (Of course I don’t know anything about these myself, except that it’s cool.) Agreed! I merely asked out of curiosity, because I found it interesting.
Wonderful selection. The coin of Iceni and their Queen, Boudicca appeals to me. It is not an area I collect but is a fascinating subject for me. I was born in East Anglia and lived there for 30+ years. Thanks for sharing.
Really nice coins! I really like the Celtic AR unit and being an inbred procrastinator, the Æthelred "The Unready" Penny.
Those are all terrific coins! As someone who focuses on ancient Roman coins I particularly like the Magnus Maximus siliqua, Didius Julianus sestertius and antoniniani of Pupienus and Balbinus!
