When I saw this coin I immediately snapped it up thinking I had found something unique. Why was this an awesome find? The portrait style and lettering was clearly from the Rome mint. However, the draped bust is only found on examples from the Antioch mint, hence a very special coin. (For Flavian fanatics anyway!) I was very excited about it. That is until I had time to do some more research which led to a die match that, sadly, is very clearly of Antioch style. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=498957 On a positive note, the portrait style is the finest for the type I've ever seen from Antioch and I only have an example from Rome, so I'm quite happy to have it in my collection. Here is my Rome mint example for comparison. Please post your own almost-rarities if you've made similar mistakes!!!
That is a very well done profile. I wish you well in finding others of the style perhaps with a bit less wear. Have you ever noticed how some coins wear more attractively than others? I wonder if any thought in the design was directed in this way?
Thanks Doug. I agree, when some coins wear they look dreadful, others age more like a nice red wine. I have both types in my collection but I think this one has retained its fine style.
that's nice looking coin regardless nemo! being a novice(ish) generalist collector, i usually wouldn't spot something like that as being rare. it may be more likely i have something rare and don't have a clue.
Fantastic coin Nemo! In very fine style. Your new acquisition should fit well with your recent book purchase! I suppose the easiest way to tell these mints apart, sans style, is by bust type. Antioch always has the draped bust for Titus Caesar. Here is my very worn Rome example (I like yours better!).
I love that portrait David! I really did think I had the first known draped bust from Rome..... Not only would most not spot the many different minor variations, most wouldn't care. As has been said many times on these boards, the minor variations really only matter to those who specialize and love the hunt. Some of my most treasured rarities went for peanuts. Undoubtedly many, many people have rarities in their collections that are waiting to be discovered. That's one very nice thing about posting your coins on boards like these. The specialist can spot them for you.
The neat lettering of the legend had me do a double take too. Crude legends along with portrait style is how I normally identify denarii from Antioch.
@Nemo I really like the style of that first coin. Here is my example of a coin that has retained its style even though it is quite worn. It is a denarius of Julius Caesar.
Agree. One must assume that JC looked similar as nearly every portrait coin I've seen he looks the same. This is a great portrait @Orfew
Thanks @Bing, every time I go to buy another JC portrait denarius I realize that I really like this one.
It's not just ancient coins that look nice with some wear and darker color. Some of my favorite coins are Standing Liberty Quarters or Walking Liberty Half Dollars in a nice VF. That is a great JC portrait BTW.
