What Your Budget Buys - $600-$1000 edition

I'm not the best one to start this since I do not spend this much for a coin often. In the other threads of the series I limited myself to coins of 2016 and 2017 but here I had to go back to 2014 to find one.

From a European auction at $991 delivered was this denarius of Pescennius Niger which shared the VICTOR IVST AVG reverse with my favorite coin of Septimius Severus. As coins of this ruler go, this is a common type. I have even seen a nicer one sell recently that was a die duplicate but it was, should we say, more. I note few here on CT have posted a coin of Pescennius. I believe this is because the prevailing attitude here expects a very high grade coin for a $1000 price. There are rather few mint state coins of this ruler and they are not this cheap.



Second is a coin everyone seems driven to own at some point but it is possible to get them for a fraction or several times the $755 I paid at a show for this 5th century BC 'Classical' Athens tetradrachm. It was made more expensive by the large flan showing metal far beyond both the crest and the nose on the obverse. It was made cheaper by the weak strike (from the flan being too thin to fill both dies) on the owl's breast and some deposits on the obverse. The flan size with full strike would have cost twice as much; similat detail on a smaller flan would have been half. You pay your money and take your pick on these common as dirt coins. They come 'your way' but that specimen may not be exactly the price you want to pay.


OK, bring out the $600- $1000 Big Dogs before Ides posts his promised even bigger thread that makes the $1000 coins look like Puny Puppies.

 

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Bringing it...

This one was $725 shipped and is simply one of my favorite coins.
CALABRIA, Tarentum
AR Nomos. 7.75g, 22.3mm. CALABRIA, Tarentum, circa 332-281 BC. Fischer-Bossert Group 80, 1131 (V417/R873); Vlasto 587; HN Italy 934. O: Warrior, holding shield and two spears, preparing to cast a third, on horseback right; ΣA below. R: TAPAΣ, Phalanthos, holding distaff, riding dolphin left; pellet to left; below, prow left.
Ex Thomas Bentley Cederlind Collection; Ex Numismatica Ars Classica 84 (20 May 2015), lot 1358

Flan's a little ragged on this one, but it has an excellent strike, and it was a type that was high on my want list. $870 shipped.

BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia
AR Nomos. 7.97g, 21.8mm. AR Nomos. BRUTTIUM, Kaulonia, circa 475-425 BC. SNG ANS 180; Noe, Caulonia 93; HN Italy 2046. O: KAVΛ, Apollo, naked, advancing right, holding a branch in uplifted right hand; small daimon running left on Apollo's outstretched left arm; stag standing right, head turned back. R: KAVΛ (retrograde), Stag standing right; laurel branch to right.
Ex Leu Zürich, Auktion 77 (2000), Lot 60

One of my two wins from the most recent CNG print auction, this one just arrived yesterday. It barely manages to squeeze into this category at $605 including auction fees and shipping. It's made appearances in three previous CNG sales, hammering at different prices which I'm including below to make the point that the same coin can cost one's wallet quite a few bills more or less depending on where and when you buy it, and how badly you want it.
CILICIA, Tarsos
Tarkumuwa (Datames), Satrap of Cilicia and Cappadocia.
AR Stater. 10.7g, 24.5mm. CILICIA, Tarsos, circa 375 BC. SNG Levante 85 (this coin); Casabonne Type 2; Moysey Issue 6; SNG France 282 = de Luynes 2839 = Traité II 609. O: Baaltars seated right, torso facing, holding grain ear, grape-bunch, and eagle-tipped scepter; lotus below throne; all within crenelated wall. R: Satrap, wearing Persian dress, seated right, holding arrow; winged solar disk to upper right, bow to lower right; c/m: bull standing right within incuse square.
Ex Classical Numismatic Group 100 (7 October 2015), lot 1553 (realized $650); Classical Numismatic Group 96 (14 May 2014), lot 516 (realized $950); Eduardo Levante Collection (Classical Numismatic Group 64, 24 September 2003), lot 337 (realized $475).

 

Thanks to Doug for starting this thread. That portrait of P.Niger is very interesting.

I only have 3 coins in this range. The first is a Galba denarius which is one of my favourite coins. I hesitated before I bought this coin. After all, 720.00 is a lot of money for any coin. However, I really liked the look of it and I liked that it is a very scarce coin as well. I do not regret this purchase one bit. I also like the provenance.






Galba AR denarius, VF, Rome mint, ( 3.512g, 19.0mm, 180o), Nov 68 - Jan 69 A.D.;
elegant style, light toning on nice surfaces, high-points flatly struck,
Obv: IMP SER GALBACAESAR AVG, laureate head right;
Rev: HISPANIA (counterclockwise starting on left), Hispania advancing left, draped, poppy and two stalks of grain in extended right hand, round shield and two transverse spears in left hand;
RIC I 193 (R2), BMCRE I 16, RSC II 83, BnF III 89, Hunter I 1 var. (no CAESAR, Aug - Oct 68), SRCV I (2000) 2103 var. (same)
Ex: the Jyrki Muona Collection; Ex: Forum Ancient Coins
Coin depicted in the Wildwinds.com database.
Paid 720.00 USD


I found the next coin interesting for the "restoration of the republic" reverse. Plus, I find the historical times during which this coin was struck to be interesting.I might be strange but I also like the ancient graffiti on the obverse. This was also near the beginning of my interest in gold coins. I have added several since but have not regretted a single one.




Valens, 364-378 Solidus Nicomedia circa 364-367, AV
(20.5mm., 3.93g.)
Obv: Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust r.
Rev. Emperor standing facing, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe. In exergue, SMNS.
RIC IX Nicomedia 2c; Sear 19556; Dep. 18/2; Cohen 32.
Naville Numismatics Auction 31 Lot 559
Coin depicted in the Wildwinds.com database.
Paid 612.70


When I bought this coin I had an As of Gaius that I was happy with. However, when this coin popped up on FAC I knew I had to have it. Yes, it is quite worn, but I still really like the obverse portrait. It is also interesting to have Gaius and his mother on the same coin. The main reason I bought it was the provenance. When buying a coin that is this expensive, I want to make sure I get the real thing the first time. You might think I paid too much, but what price would be fair for a sought after rare denarius such as this? I have been looking for an upgrade for about a year, but several have slipped through my fingers at the last moment. In the meantime I will continue to enjoy this coin.





Caligula and Agrippina AR Denarius, aF, toned, bumps and marks,
(17.84mm, 2.680g) 180o
Lugdunum (Lyon, France) mint, end of 37 - early 38 A.D.
Obv: C CAESAR AVG GERM P M TR POT (counterclockwise), laureate head of Gaius right;
Rev: AGRIPPINA MAT C CAES AVG GERM (counterclockwise), draped bust of Agrippina Senior (his mother), her hair in a queue behind, one curly lock falls loose on the side of her neck,
RIC I 14 (R) (Rome), RSC II 2; BMCRE I 15 (Rome), BnF II 24, Hunter I 7 (Rome), SRCV I (2000) 1825 RSC 2
Ex: the Jyrki Muona Collection, Ex: Forvm Ancient Coins.
Paid 1000.00 USD
Purchased September 24, 2015 Forvm Ancient Coins.

 

All but one purchased years ago but in this price range. They are expensive not because they are high-grade, but because they are scarce.

 

I am extremely cheap, so only one coin for me in this range. I paid $916 (including the cost of insuring and shipping) for this coin.

I don't think I overpaid...and as far as I'm concerned it was money well spent.

 

Here are three - two tetradrachms & a didrachm. Syracuse tet - Boehringer 604, ca. 450-440 BC. From CGB, 2010 (€950 - it was an unsold from an auction).



And this Athens tetradrachm from CNG. The flan isn't as big as Doug's, so the nose and crest are a bit clipped, but it's otherwise nice. I wasn't happy with the pic in colour; it looks better in B&W ($977.50 in 2014).



I just noticed that this is in the range - Himera didrachm, €675 from Artcoins Roma in 2012:


ATB,
Aidan.

 

All of these - most of them sestertii - all fall in this price bracket. Some of them bought many years ago and in various currencies so pinning down the exact current amount is difficult.

530 euros in 2016


725 Pounds in 2016


700 Euros in 2017


700 Euros in 2005

 

530 Euros in 2005




550 Euros in 2016


950 Dollars in 1995


830 Dollars in 2007 (approx.)

 

700 Euros ca. 2006


740 Euros in 2016

 

I think I have only 5 coins in this range (prices are all-in).

For $505 this year, I acquired this rare Basiliscus semissis:


Also barely squeaking in is this Argenteus of Galerius at $525, a number of years ago. I may have paid too much, but I didn't have the benefit of acsearch back then.


This Nero sestertius comes in at $600 (RIC 392, Lugdunum), purchased in ~2012.


This Julian also cost me $600, way back in 1995. Did I pay too much? Maybe, but I really wanted this coin:

And my Otho denarius weighs in at $800, also a few years ago:

 

Otho is superb! still on my list, Trying to get it under $500

 

FULLY LOADED LANDED COSTS:

800

Vindex, in Gaul, revolted against Nero, but had no legions. He asked Galba, in Spain, to help and Vindex quickly raised a large army. However, the commander on the Rhine attacked and defeated Vindex, leaving Galba to contest for the empire.
There are several rare types minted during this period that do not name anyone. This one has a big "SPQR" in a wreath and SALVS GENERIS HVMANI, Victory advancing left.
RIC I Civil Wars 72
Struck between early March 68 (when he revolted) and May 68 (when he was killed)
Rare and seldom offered.
Click the images to see much larger and more detailed images.

RI Civil War VINDEX 68-69 CE AR Denarius 3.22g Gallic mint SALVS GENERIS HVMANI Victory l globe - SPQR in wreath RIC 72 BMCRE 34-36 RSC 420 RARE

615

Roman Republic Anonymous. Circa 240 BC. AR Drachm (16mm, 3.02 g, 6h). Rome mint. Helmeted head of Mars right / Horse’s head right; sickle to left. Crawford 25/2; Sydenham 25; RSC 34a. Fine, toned, some cleaning/smoothing marks. Rare.

600

Roman Republic
Province of Macedonia
Thessalonika Mint
Quaestor Aesillas (BC 90-70)
AR Tetradrachm 28 mm x 16.50 grams
Obverse: Flowing hair bust of Alexander the Great, Greek legend, MAKEDONWN (Macedonians) TH mint mark behind bust
Reverse: Club of Hercules center, Coin Chest left field, Quaestor's chair right field. Surround be a wreath.
Ref:BMC 81-83; Dewing 1224-1225

795

Carthage. Circa 201-175 BC. Æ 15 Shekels 45 mm. dia. 7.5 mm. thick. 102 gm. Obv: Wreathed head of Tanit left Rev: Horse standing right; uraeus above. MAA 104 ; SNG Copenhagen 400. Original green patina. The largest Carthaginian coin and likely one of the largest coins struck in antiquity. Very rare.

This extraordinary large bronze coin was likely issued under the administration of Hannibal, who, following defeat at the battle of Zama, was appointed as chief magistrate of Carthage. Hannibal worked effectively to restore the finances of Carthage. The annual payment of 10,000 talents to Rome as reparations for the war, and the loss of control over the silver mines in Spain made the issuing of a silver coinage impossible. The immense thickness of this coin also precluded any significant relief of the die's impression.

870

Zeugitania. Carthage circa First Punic War, 264-241 BC. Double Shekel, 26 mm., 13,9 gm. Obv: Wreathed head of Tanit left Rev: Horse standing right; star above. SNG Copenhagen 185. Rare.

800

Carthage, Third Punic War, billon Serrate Double Shekel, c. 149-146 BC, 12.83g, 26mm. Wreathed head of Tanit left / Horse standing right, pellet below raised left leg. Cf. SNG Copenhagen 403. Very fine, several (cleaning?) scratches.

800

RR Aes Grave AE Quadrans Dog 3 pellets Six spoked wheel 59.8g Craw 26-6a Th-Vecchi 34

 

I think 800.00 for that Vindex is money very well spent.

 

Some very fine coins here.

 

765

CELTIC BRITAIN
the Inceni
Queen Boudicca, 61 AD.
AR Unit. Scarce.
(1.03 gm).
Obv: Celticized head right
Rev: Celticizes horse galloping right.
Ref: vArs.794.
CommentsToned VF+. Scarce.

600

AV GOLD 1/10 STATER CARTHAGE, ZEUGITANA 350-320 B.C. -- GREAT CENTERING --
Grade: VF+ / EF- great centering, two small scratches on reverse (neck of horse)
Material: Gold
Weight: 0.94 g
Diameter:
7.50 mm
Obverse: Palm tree with two date-clusters
Reverse: Horse’s head right

640

Carthage Zeugitana
AR Shekel / Didrachm
300-264 BCE, 7.42g, 21.0mm
Comment: EF
Grade: EF great details
Head of Tanit left, wearing wreath of grain, earrings and necklace; dotted border
Horse standing right on exergual line with head turned left, palm tree in background, star in right field

730

Roman Republic
Anonymous. Aes Grave 46mm Triens Thunderbolt / Dolphin. Rome.
Obv: Thunderbolt; •• •• across field.
Rev. Dolphin right; •••• below.
Crawford 14/3; Haeberlin pl. 39, 7-10. Thurlow & Vecchi 3; 280-276 BC.

750

Kingdom of Macedon
Philip II 382-336 BCE (Reign 359-336 BCE)
AR Tetradrachm.
Mint: Pella, lifetime issue, struck circa 353-349 BC.
25 mm. 14.4 g
Obv: Laureate head of Zeus right Rev: ΦΙΛΙΠΠΟΥ,
Rev: Philip on horseback left, wearing kausia and raising right hand; spearhead below, star below horse's raised foreleg.
Le Rider 102 (D58/R82); SNG ANS 357
EF.

760

Anonymous. Circa 270 BC. Æ Aes Grave Sextans (37mm, 55.28 g, 12h). Libral standard. Uncertain mint. Head of Dioscurus right; two pellets (mark of value) behind / Head of Dioscurus left; two pellets (mark of value) behind. Crawford 18/5; ICC 37; HN Italy 283. Fine, attractive dark green patina.

Ex Auktionshaus Meister & Sonntag 2 (20 September 2004), lot 1031.

 

A few recent purchases in this range. Prices include commissions and are converted to US$ where appropriate.



NAC 61 (RBW Part 1), lot 490, 2011, C, Crawford 107/1c. $1000.




NAC 61 (RBW Part 1), lot 512, 2011, L. Postumius Albinus, Crawford 252/1. $750.




NAC 78, lot 1903, 2014, Octavian, Crawford 534/3. $764.




NAC 83, lot 265, 2015, Crescent (2nd series), Crawford 137/1. $903.

Phil Davis

 

I caught a lucky break on this one, my others were 2k+:

875

Marsic Confederation denarius 90-88 BCE Italia-Corfinium Oath Ceremony over pig Sear 227 SCARCE

950


Etruria Populonia 3rd C BCE AR 20 As 8.1g Metus Blank HN 152

 

Thank you. It was a very fair deal from a good coin-friend.

 

WOW!! Every post makes my mouth water

I'll add one for now----$800 shipped:


AR Tetraobol of the Chalkidian League
Struck at Olynthus, 432-348 BC
2.36 grams, 14 mm; SNG ANS 528
Laureate head of Apollo right
Chitara (lyre-like instrument) within square,
XALKDION around--- (of the Chaldians?).