I guess it's time for my annual Best Of list for 2022. Overall it was a pretty good year for my collection. I obtained two types that had been on my "bucket list" (#1 and 3 on the year list) and bought a number of other interesting coins. So, without further ado, let's get into the list. 1. Sasanian Kingdom, AR drachm of Queen Boran (630-632). A rare coin, and one that I've sought for a while. Boran was one of many claimants for the throne following the murder of her father, Khusro II, in 628. One of only two Sasanian queens to appear on coins under her own right (the other was her sister Azarmidokht, whose coins are even rarer.) 2. Parthian Kingdom, Orodes II (57-38 BCE), AR drachm of Traxiane. A rare mint for Orodes (or any other Parthian king) and an interesting portrait style. After purchasing it, I discovered that my coin is a double die-link to a coin formerly owned by group member @Alwin , which adds to its coolness. 3. Roman Republic, AE As (c. 169-158 BCE). I've admired the Janus portrait on Roman Republic bronzes for a long time, and I finally found an example I liked at a reasonably low price. 4. Kushan-Sasanians. AE 20. Peroz Kushanshah (c.245-270). I like the incorporation of Central Asian and Indian imagery into a coin by a Sasanian Persian vassal, and the obverse is better preserved (with clearer inscription) than most examples I found online or in reference books. I also received some good suggestions for further research, which this coin definitely deserves. 5. Japan, AR 1 yen, Meiji 16 (1883). A nice example of early struck Japanese coinage, and with chopmarks that validated the coin for use in China after it had been demonetized in Japan. A mini-lesson in late 19th century Asian economics. 6. Bundi (Indian Princely State), AR rupee, 1901. The "portrait" style is wonderfully anachronistic for a coin that was struck in the 20th century. 7. Celtic, Eastern Europe, AR drachm. c. 2nd century BCE. I just really like the distinctive Celtic artistic style on this coin, which imitates the coinage in the name of Alexander the Great. 8. Kushans, AE didrachm. Kanishka (c.127-147). The deity on the reverse is clearly named (in Greek lettering!) as Helios, showing the persistence of at least some Hellenistic culture in Central Asia over four centuries after the death of Alexander. 9. Indo-Scythians, AE square trichalkon. Azilises (c. 57-35 BCE). Just a pleasant coin, and I had fun attributing it (bought unattributed for $25). 10. Sasanian, AR drachm. Khusro I (531-579), Year 20. Amul mint. I found this shortly after reading an article about the scarce Sasanian mint of Amul, so of course I had to have this coin. So there's my Top 10 for 2022. Which was your favorite? What are you hoping to acquire in the coming year? Please share your thoughts below.
They are all very nice additions, @Parthicus. I have no "realm of expertise", but if I did most of these would probably be outside of it. But, I love history, so they are interesting to me, anyway. You've given me some new research material, and, for that I thank you.
They are all quite distinct/ but the Eastern Celtic and the Bundi AR Rupee are very nice and interesting. Congrats on your top "TEN" John PS: I always make a coin resolution list/ wouldn't you know it/ never able to follow thru on that
Aw man, you hater. Queen Boran is one of the few coins from my want list 10 years ago I have never acquired. Cleo VII was on that list, and now I maybe own 10 of hers, but no Queen Boran. One of these days I will need to pull the trigger on one. Her coins are actually referenced in the Koran.