Here's my newest RR denarius, which I bought from Ken Dorsey (and the photo is his). I like it a lot! The mark of value on the reverse is an unusual feature of this issue, as is the symbol (wreath) above the horses. M Tullius, 119 BC Silver Denarius, Rome Mint, 20mm, 3.80 grams Obv: Helmeted head of Roma right, ROMA behind. Rev: Victory driving galloping quadriga right holding palm frond and reins, wreath above, X below, M TVLLI in exergue. Tullia1 // Crawford280/1 // Sydenham531
I almost went all in after that M. Tullius denarius. What stopped me was the opportunity to finally acquire a denarius of Titus at the same auction, so I went that way instead. Believe it or not, an M. Tullius was the first ancient I actually purchased, though I returned it after being advised about going raw by other members here. Ever since then I've always wanted a raw example to replace my original one. One of these days. Here is the coin that started it all. November 10, 2015, I first introduced myself to the ancients section with that purchase. Oh my, how time flies. Who would have thought 21 months later I'd have 150+ ancients. What an adventure it's been.
I have never had qualms with having a SLAM-DANCE and FREEING the little guy from these tombs... a lot easier than returning.
These days I wouldn't either, but back then I felt that I lacked the confidence to attempt to crack a slab.
Understood. Me: I was frustrated with Moderns... ergo, my first Ancient slab... IMMEDIATE - CRACK! Freedom... Next!
Great addition @Alegandron. The type has been on my list for ages to fit in my "Lupa" theme collection, but, as @Volodya stated, well centered examples are tough to find. Here are other "Lupas" to boot S. Pompeius Fostlus, Denarius Rome mint, 137 BC Helmeted head of Roma right, X below chin, jug behind head SEX PO [FOSTLVS] She wolf suckling Remus and Romulus, fig tree in background, the shepherd Faustulus behind. ROMA at exergue 3,73 gr Ref : RCV # 112 var, RSC Pompeia # 1a, Crawford # 235/1c P. Satrienus, Denarius Rome mint, 77 BC Head of helmeted Mars right, XXX behind ROMA, She wolf passing left, [P] SATRI[E/NUS] at exergue 3.79 gr Ref : RCV #319, RSC, Satriena # 1 Q
I agree that the OP type is one of the most attractive and artistic of Republican coins. If it is not well-centered important design elements can be crowded. Fortunately, it is usually well-centered and the flan is usually large at 20 mm. Crawford 287/1. Sear 164. 20 mm. 3.92 grams.
Very nice! I saw that one and was considering bidding... my most recent republic I just got from Ken's auction (his photo): Republican Rome L Titurius Lf Sabinus, 89 B.C. AR Denarius, 19 mm x 3.84 grams Obv.: SABIN. Head of King Tatius right Rev.: L TITVRI. Victory driving biga right, branch in scepter However, when I saw the title of "I love her Reverse," I couldn't help thinking of this lady: Kingdom of Bactria Menander I r. c. 165/55-130 B.C. AR Drachm, 15.71mm x 2.5 grams Obv.: ΒΑΣΙΛΕΩΣ ΣΩΤΗΡΟΣ / ΜΕΝΑΝΔΡΟΥ. Diademed bust of the sovereign right, coat fastened on the right shoulder Rev.: (Maharajasa tratarasa / Menamdrasa). Athena Alkidemos standing left. Monogram 'H' in right field Ref.: Bopearachchi, Ménandre (I) Sôter, 67