What do you think of this provincial Roman bronze? I bought it some years ago for $60 in an auction: Domitianus 81-96, Phrygia, Cibyra (or Kibyra). AE 23 mm. Obv. Domitianus faces Domitia, his queen. A countermark with star between them. Rev. Sitting Zeus. With letters KI BY. 22 mm, 7,17 gr. (Standard works, not checked by me: RPC 1262; SNGvA 3731; Sear 896; Howgego 444 (c/m)) By the way, what's the meaning of the countermark? It lost some of its appeal to me when I realized it had been harshly cleaned. And now I'm thinking of removing it from my collection, because I have the most pleasure from well-preserved and untampered coins. But if it's very rare, if it's hard to find a comparable coin in better condition, I would keep it.
Your coin's cleaning was less harsh than mine, a blind purchase from a mixed lot. I debated getting rid of it but decided I like it enough to keep it. In looking for comps in archives and current coin stores, I did conclude that it is at least scarce. Seeing the c/m on yours and looking again at my coin, is that the remnants of a star c/m in the same place on my coin, or just coincidental scratches? As for the meaning of this c/m, Howgego doesn't have much to say (8 specimens cited): *Howgego's remarks on countermark 331, Eagle l., head r., on two Domitian coins of Cibyra:
Great!! ... wow, those are both awesome coins!! Pellimore => congrats on keeping and posting your cool OP-winner TIF => curious, was that book on c/m a good buy? (is it useful and/or interesting)
I've barely looked at it-- having only checked a few references. I'm still way behind in all aspects of life and coins, scrambling to catch up after a hectic and very annoying second half of 2016. As many countermarked coins as you have, I'd say it would be a good purchase for you. Howgego gives additional information for each c/m when possible, and that's the interesting part of course
I'd be very surprised to find any ancient coin that wasn't harshly cleaned at some point in its 2,000-year history. I mean, what are the chances that a coin has been sitting in someone's collection since the time of its minting? Most of these coins have lain in the ground for many centuries and required substantial cleaning when recovered. Don't let it diminish your enjoyment of that beautiful coin. In 500 years or so, you'll never even notice it.
Despite cleaning, that coin has a lot of eye-appeal! I have a provincial AE of Domitianus and Domitia, this one from Larissa in Thessaly: AE 20 Assarion. 5.12 gm. 20 mm. Obv: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑΝΟΝ ΚΑΙΣ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΛΟΙ, laureate head of Domitian, r. Rev: ΔΟΜΙΤΙΑ ΣΕΒΑΣΣΤΗ, draped bust of Domitia, r. Refs: Sear Greek Imp-891; BMC-7.7,76; RPC 278; Rogers-88
Well, I have a nice Domitian provincial, also with a countermark. Flaviopolis (Cilicia), obv. Domitian to the right, with countermark bust of Athena. Rev. the Dioscuri facing each other. 28 mm, 18.61 gr.
