@Agricantus posted one of these a while back that featured a portrait of Ms. Domna so similar that we were not certain whether or not it was a die match or Heaven forbid a possible forgery? Anyway, I sent mine off to NGC a couple of months ago and it was returned last week. The only negative comment from the NGC crew was one concerning over-cleaning.
Nice to have the relief of expert opinions to the positive. Congrats @Deacon Ray ! Mine is from @dougsmit thru a @John Anthony sale... no real worries for me... RI Julia Domna 193-195 CE AR Den Vesta Palladium
'Brushed' is more specific than 'overcleaned'. Many silver coins from hoards are bright silver and 'overcleaned' to some of us but show no scratches from brushing. I'm glad the NGC term was a fact statement rather than a value judgement. What do they put on the label of a coin with artificial toning (egg fumes, commercial products or other) but no scratching?
Very nice! I've been in love, infatuated, or whatever term you prefer with this reverse type. I recently picked up a JD AE with this rev type and am (im)patiently awaiting its arrival!
Me, too. I have three, two sestertii and an as. The more worn of the sestertii is my favorite portrait die for Domna. The less worn one has lesser style and scratches. I would like a high grade one but no one wants to buy my cast offs with problems so I'd keep both even if I did. The as was purchased in an NFA mail sale. I'll never understand how I won that one. Few really nice ones turn up with any regularity. I should mention that there is a nice sestertius with the Gonzaga eagle countermark that I would love to have. I believe it last sold before sales were recorded online ad I have lost the reference. If anyone recalls that coin, I would appreciate the link or reference.
I have a sestertius of this type that is way worse than Doug's. Despite everything, it is still one of my favorites. It was $15 from a European eBay listing - it was either this or grossly overeat at McDonald's. Julia Domna Æ Sestertius (193-196 A.D.) Rome Mint IVLIA DOMNA AVG draped bust right / VENERI VICTRI Venus, naked to waist, standing left from behind, apple in right hand, palm over left shoulder, left elbow resting on column RIC IV 842; Sear 6631. (21.98 grams / 28 mm)
