2019 - Year in Review and Top 8

2019 was an interesting year to say the least. This was only my second year as an Ancient Coin Collector (or collector of anything) so I learned a lot and realized (sometimes the hard way) how much I still must learn.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who helped me by offering advice and knowledge, pointing out my mistakes and being supportive through it all. Especially those who pointed me to bargain sellers that allow me to purchase coins that fit my budget.

On the positive side of things I completed my first “set” .. Adoptive Emperors in bronze.. with a nice Commodus kicker.. all of modest quality but very pleasing to me.
Nerva is a Duponduis, the rest Sestertii..




I was also able to complete my coin cabinet – which was a really enjoyable project (the door knobs added to the fun!). Getting it done before it got too cold in my garage was a big accomplishment. I live in Canada – so that’s a hard deadline.

My wife is also quite happy coins and books have a home and are no longer all over the place. It will not win any woodworking awards – but it certainly keeps things neat and organized. I also enjoyed adding to the thread showing my progress and seeing a lot of others show off their own cabinet creations. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/old-homemade-coin-cabinet-with-potential.336310/





Under the lessons learned category in 2019 I purchased 2 fakes unknowingly .. quite embarrassing really (especially when you create a thread to show off your new acquisition!) but I guess it happens. The good news is that the good people on CoinTalk let me know about it and I was able to get a full refund both times. The Julius Caesar fiasco was a particularly depressing episode - it actually took me awhile to get over that - but at the end of the day no one died... I received a full refund.... Learn from it and move on. Don't let this kind of thing ruin our hobby!


On to my Top 8 (outside of my Adoptive Emperor set).

These will win no beauty contests and are in no danger of being slabbed in the future. Just coins with a lot of history that I find interesting.



I enjoy the transitional style of these LRBs - some great details .. including a super cool helmet, spear, shield and Fu Manchu mustache!

Constantine, 307-337
19 mm, Struck 319
Bust left, helmeted, spear over far shoulder, shield on left shoulder.
VICT LAETAE PRINC PERP
Two victories inscribing wreath "VOT/PR"ASIS




More great detail .. the reverse features a particularly subhuman looking captive/barbarian.. awesome Victory and the obverse huge head with tiny T-Rex arms. I do love the artwork although this style is not everyone's cup of tea.

Date: 317-320
Obverse: IMP LICI-NIVS AVG, Diademed and mantled bust left, holding eagle-tipped sceptre (should be holding Mappa)
Reverse: IOVI CONS-ERVATORI AVGG, Jupiter standing left, holding Victory on globe and leaning on sceptre, captive to left, AI in right field, SMANT in exergue
Size: 20.45mm
Weight: 3.13 grams




That bust is just so unusual and weird that I had to have this coin.. the fish eye and mouth... the mustache, the way the crown sits on the head. I somehow find it wonderful.

Licinius I. A.D. 308-324. reduced follis (19 mm, 3.04 g). Heraclea, ca. A.D. 321-324. Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust right / Jupiter standing left, holding Victory and scepter; eagle at feet left





My first coin of the Republic.. well worn awesomeness! (terrible pic - sorry)

A more scarce anonymous variation of the dolphin series, RRC 80/1b. For this issue, the 4+ hair locks (instead of 3 for most 53/2 varieties) and the cape style suggest this is Cr. 80. (this info was provided by the great people here).




My first fouree ..





A Bee at a great price... I was so glad to add this classic to my collection!

Ionia, Ephesus AE16
280-258 BC
OBV: Bee in Laurel wreath
REV: Stag grazing, right
16.58mm, 3.2 grams





I love coins featuring Victory - and this one has beautiful toning, centering, strike and style... and frankly looks a little out of place in my collection.

RIC 215, Antoninianus, 22mm, 4.5 g
OBV.: PROBVS P F AVG, Radiate, and cuirassed bust right.
REV.: VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and trophy.





She's rough, she's worn but she's the real deal.... not the all that pretty but my most prized coin.

Large AE portrait of Julius Caesar. Imperatorial Era: Octavian/Augustus and Divus Julius Caesar, Orichalcum Sestertius, 29mm, 12.98 gm, 2h. Mint in Italy, 38 BC. Obv: CAESAR DIVI F bare head of Octavian right Rx: DIVOS IVLIVS laureate head of Julius Caesar right

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7 out of my top 8 were in and around the $20 to $40 range.. so I guess not the most exciting year end group you will see. But I enjoyed the hunt and the results.
Thank you for viewing.. I appreciate any comments or any coins you would like to post.

 

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Wow, sweet haul.

 

What a nice group of coins! I particularly like the Probus and the helmeted Constantine. The latter has a terrific patina, and the thunderbolt mintmark on the former adds something special to it.

Also, as you know, I love your cabinet and admire the woodworking skills that went into it.

 

I think it is a great set of coins especially for that price range, I like all your Republicans but especially love your Ephesus Bee. And congrats on your completion of the Adoptive Emperors set fantastic coins, love your cabinet can you lock it securely?

 

Thank you for the nice comments. Yes it locks securely but being wood if someone really wanted in they could just break it to gain access. I live in a very small town and crime is not an issue.. the reason I added the locks is just to keep curious fingers out when my two teenagers have parties. They are all wonderfully respectful kids but if the coins are lying about I was afraid a souvenir may go missing. Out of sight out of mind.

 

Fantastic acquisitions for your collection! I share your appreciation for the Julius Caesar and Octavian sestertius! It's a hefty one, full of history!

 

Really nice cabinet. I'm glad to see that you won those two
Eid Mar that I had bid on earlier.

 

yep they were a complete steal at $5 each. Amazing they could dig them up in China!!

 

Looks like you had a good year. JC coins are special, but my favorite is your avatar, Licinius I.
Your cabinet is great. I like the EID MAR and SPQR decorations.

 

Maybe Marco Polo dropped them from his pocket. $5 each?
If only I had held up my bidder card one more bid. The wife was
sitting with me.

 

Congrats on a fine year! Completing a set, a cabinet, going through the heartbreak over that JC but then replacing it with a genuine one... very dramatic!! That Probus is sweeeet, but I'm with rrd (and you), that avatar coin is something special. If a coin from that die shows up at auction sometime I think you'll find it subject to vigorous competition, with some of the bidders thinking "It's clavdivs!!!" I hope you never change that avatar.

 

Excellent selection. Is the Hadrian an Aequitas reverse? I really like the Commodus Vota coin too.

 

Great coins, congratulations! And good you managed to find a new portrait bronze of JC! That was a bummer indeed....!
And i find all groups exciting, no matter the price range. They are all pieces of history, and yes, the search for coins is great too.

 

Fantastic captures for 2019! I am attracted to your RR's and Ephesos. Yeah, Licinius is creepy, but makes for a cool coin to really show. The cabinet is excellent.

Congrats, @Clavdivs ! LOL, you CREEPY Avatar guy!

 

That weirdo Licinius is definitely my favorite, and of course, I love the cabinet!

 

Congrats on the Adoptive Emperors set! Of the other 8, the weird Licinius, T-Rex Licinius, and Constantine in a propeller beanie are my faves .

The cabinet though is the showstopper. Nice job on that!!

 

The coins are a good start and educational. The cabinet is wonderful. I hope to be around to see your post when your collection is too large to fit in it and you start #2.

 

Yes - I did fail to mention that in 2019 one of my coins received an excellent upgrade courtesy of @TIF ...

Took me awhile to get the coffee out of the keyboard......

 

Love that Probus.
Anything with Victory gets my vote.
I like how the coin isn't clogged up with legends and stuff.
Very simple and elegant design.

 

Thank you for the comments... yes the Hadrian features an Aequitas reverse - although it is on the rough side..