I probably won't be able to post any pictures since my camera is broken, but at the big, semi-annual Denver show yesterday, I found one of the best deals I've ever come across. Below is a similar example I found on the Wildwinds site: I found it at a dealer who was mostly selling token and medals, but he had several boxes of world coins in very old and dirty cardboard 2x2's. In one section, he had a few ancient coins, including this one. I couldn't believe it when I saw this, esp. when I saw the price...originally $20, marked down to $14....and it was in a box labeled half-price! Grand total, $7.
Ha, well, that's the thing...I'm not really sure! In fact, I also got the attribution all wrong, as I didn't have the coin in hand when I was cruising Wildwinds to see what I have. I'm going to have to find a way to take photos of this and have you all (and possibly FORVM Ancient Coins) help me identify this guy. I definitely think this is a genuine Augustus...guessing it's a dupondius based on the yellow color (also about the size of a half dollar). The obverse depicts Augustus facing left, and the reverse is some sort of temple (but not an altar...I can tell there's a roof there). Here are some pictures that more accurately depict what I have (my obverse looks much nicer) minus the fact that the color of my coin it much more brassy: This one also looks similar, but I'm quite sure there's no Greek on my coin: As for value, I suspect AT LEAST in the $30 range based on condition. BUT, depending on the attribution, the value could be higher. Who knows. All I know is that $7 is a good deal IMO for a portrait coin of Augustus, no matter how crummy the condition.
No, you were perfectly correct the first time. That is a Divus Augustus bronze, minted under Tiberius, likely RIC 81 [Tiberius]. Given the 28 examples on wildwinds alone, it should be evident that it is a common issue. In fact, the Divus Augustus series made up the bulk of ALL of Tiberius' bronze coinage. They are certainly the most available of all portraits of Augustus. Even so, $7 is a decent price. Given the condition of the coin, I probably would've haggled it down to $3 or $4 before I bit. Not bad, though!
Yes, that is what the first coin is, but Jhonn said he had the wrong type. Now he seems to think he might have a provincial coin,
I'm not sure what it's worth but I'd have been pleased to purchase it for $7 if it looks like the examples. Looking forward to seeing the pics of it. Andy
Exactly, I don't think it is the first type I mentioned at all. Hopefully I can get pictures to you all tomorrow. It would be nice if this were a provincial coin!
OK guys, I was able to take some photos. Here are the best two, IMO. I'm hoping I can get a solid attribution, because so far I've had no luck. Thanks in advance!
Try this on for size. Not sure about it, but its a start. http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/tiberius/RPC_1152.jpg
Tiberius, huh? Is the obverse a depiction Tiberius or Augustus? If it's any additional help, I can make out the letters AVGVSTV on the obverse, again leading me to believe that this is an Augustus of some sort, regardless of whether is was actually minted during his lifetime. This is a tricky little fellow.
Just saw the solution in the Forvm thread. Very nice! DEFINATELY better than the standard DIVVS AVGVSTVS!!! I should have spotted this one, its even a plate coin in RIC I! Here's the info from RIC I, (its 74): AE dupondius, Rome mint AD 22-23 Obv design: radiate bust of Augustus l. Obv legend: DIVVS AVGVSTVS PATER Rev design: S-C to l. and r. of domed roof of round temple (six columns showing) surmounted by standing figure and flanked by bases bearing calf (on l.) and lamb (on r.)
Hello, here is a link to a much better one in coinarchives http://www.coinarchives.com/a/lotviewer.php?LotID=25091&AucID=27&Lot=287 Of course, the price realized is in accordance to the high grade of the coin...
Ha, I just came here to post the link to that thread! Yes, I'm very excited to find out that I have a rarer type! It's pure luck that I found this. For $7, I can't complain. Since mine is in SUCH poor condition, I'm sure it's worth only $100 to $200 max, but still, I'm wicked excited! For those who'd like to see the solution, here is the FORVM thread: http://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=45851.0. Thank again for everyone's help. It's always great to finally get a positive attribution!
To put the value of your coin in prespective, here's a somewhat worse specimen. http://www.vcoins.com/ancient/incitatuscoins/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=7983&large=0
