Marsman's top 10

It’s stormy and rainy in The Netherlands, the Christmas market is canceled , so I decided to stay at home and do a top ten for this splendid forum.

I go from one to ten (don't no why.....)

1.
My number 1 coin is with no doubt this beautiful Nemausus dupondius. This type was on my wish list for quite a while, because or the history but also because of the reverse with that great croc with big teeth. Very happy that I found this one!



2.
Another one high on my wish list was a Caligula denarius. Fascinating emperor, but also the last coin that I needed to complete my 12 caesars in silver. The reverse with Caligula’s father Germanicus is a bonus. It’s the most expensive coin in my collection (so far) but I simply had to have one......



3.
Faustina Minor was certainly not on my wish list. I was very surprised to see this youthful and lively portrait of her. On most coins she looks a bit stiff. I couldn’t resist the portrait and now I own a coin from this important woman in Roman history.


4.
Do I love galleys on Roman coins! This republican type is irresistible. I think it was the fastest buy in my collection history. Janus on the obverse and a beautiful galley on the reverse. Who could say no to a coin like this.



5.
I did my best to complete my sestertii serie of good emperors this year. This is number four of five. Still missing Nerva though. Hope to find a good one next year. Love this coin and especially love the patina. Hadrian's coins are among my favorites.



6.
My latest purchase. Simply love the portrait of this young Geta, who receives good luck from Felicitas. And boy, did he need good luck....



7.
My second republican coin in this top 10. Of course this denarius has some wear, but there was no way that I could resist that beautiful biga with those splendid details.




8.
I’m always looking for coins that show important events in Roman history. This is certainly one of them. Emperor Trajan is celebrating his Via Traiana. The goddess with wheel on the reverse made me buy this coin….



9.
Commodus with lion skin. Looks as if the lion is eating his brain. What can I say. Very interesting type.



10.
I hesitated to add this Otho denarius to my top ten. But despite the repair it’s still an attractive coin with a good portrait of the emperor with wig.

 

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The Nimes coin is excellent - I have been looking for one of these myself recently. The reverse on #7 is gorgeous despite the wear. Looks like a good year!

 

Excellent top 10 @Marsman!
My favorite is the Via Traiana Denarius, I like the details and historical background of that coin.

 

great set!
My favorite is the Geta (he really looks innocent), or the details on your M. Marcius, and I am just jealous that your croc is whole. That is a great Nemausus dupondius.

 

All beautiful examples @Marsman. My favorite is the Nemausus dupondius, but there are others that come in at a close second, i.e., the RR Janus and galley.

 

I'm a sucker for patina, so the crocodile and the Hadrian sestertius really appealed to me! Wonderful acquisitions for your collection!

 

A great year, congrats!! That croc is truly special, and I also love the Faustina II portrait you noted. A very interesting and naturalistic style... just wonderful!

Hardly any wear, I think, just a weak strike. Great biga!

 

Wonderful line up! Love the croc....
But my favourite is the Faustina (As you know)....That's one skilled engraver!
Here's mine for comparison....

 

Among the nicest crocs I’ve seen. Thanks for sharing.

 

I love them all....but #1 the Croc coin is outstanding
Fantastic group Marsman!
Hope you had a Happy St. Nicholas!

 

I see no wear on #7. The coin was struck very unevenly with a glancing blow. Sev called it a weak strike but there was nothing weak about the hammer blow; it was just uneven. I can imagine the upper die and coin shooting across the room and someone getting hurt if the hammer just barely caught the edge of the die. It is very fortunate that the good part of the strike on both sides is the important part of the design. If the hammer had favored the opposite edge, you would have no horses and no victory and a good bold Roman neck which I douubt you would have considered buying. As it is, the coin is interesting. Coins 1,3, 5 and 6 are really great. The hairstyle on Faustina takes her to the head of my list.

 

Striking hammered coins was a talent, esp. with the larger 30 mm. Medieval types. I noted a Flanders Louis II de Male AV Gouden Rider (Cavalier d'or), auction has a MS-63 that is far more detailed/ better eye appeal, then high grade MS-64 example.

 

Very nice! I'd rank them in just about the same order, except I'd switch the Geta and Trajan. About the Republican piece:

I see almost no wear. The horses and Victory are excellent. The missing details are because it is flat struck.

 

A fine year! My top three are the same as yours; after that I might quibble with the order but they're all great additions .

 

Fantastic coins - #1 is in the right spot for me - I just can't stop admiring it. Best wishes!

 

Beautiful group. Croc is very nice, and the Republicans are great!

 

Some really great coins in your ten, but your number one is one of the best I've ever seen.

 

Faaaantastic list! The first three are my favourites. The Faustina portrait is really exceptional! I think the Hadrian is excellent as well... very pretty.

 

As much as I am all about the artistry exhibited on your various wonderful coins of the year, there is something all together unique and exciting about the historicity of your#2! One of, if not, the most celebrated (by the ancient Romans) generals with his infamously psychotic son. And the Cherry on top, the completing piece of you're 12 Caesars!

I'll find mine some day.

 

What a great collection for 2019! My favorites are your denarius of Caligula/Germanicus and that gorgeous Hadrian. I hope MMXX will be just as successful.