Parthicus Presents: Top 10 of 2022: Yaaassss Queen

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by Parthicus, Dec 7, 2022.

  1. Parthicus

    Parthicus Well-Known Member

    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.)
    Queen Boran.jpg
    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.
    Orodes II Traxiane 2.jpg
    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.
    Roman Republic As.jpg
    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.
    Peroz Kushanshah.jpg
    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.
    Japan 1 yen Meiji 16 chopmarked.jpg
    6. Bundi (Indian Princely State), AR rupee, 1901. The "portrait" style is wonderfully anachronistic for a coin that was struck in the 20th century.
    Bundi rupee Edward VII.jpg
    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.
    Celtic drachm.jpg
    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.
    Kanishka Helios.jpg
    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).
    Azilises AE square.jpg
    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.
    Khusro I Amul year 20.jpg
    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.
     
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  3. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    Some wonderful coins that you've acquired. I especially like the Queen Boran & the Bundi best.
     
  4. Mr. Numismatist

    Mr. Numismatist Strawberry Token Enthusiast

    My favorite is the yen.
     
    Nicholas Molinari likes this.
  5. expat

    expat Remember you are unique, just like everyone else Supporter

    Wonderful selection. My favourites are the Janus and the Bundi
     
  6. kountryken

    kountryken Well-Known Member

    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.
     
  7. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Love the Celtic!
     
  8. panzerman

    panzerman Well-Known Member

    They are all quite distinct/ but the Eastern Celtic and the Bundi AR Rupee are very nice and interesting. Congrats on your top "TEN":D
    John
    PS: I always make a coin resolution list/ wouldn't you know it/ never able to follow thru on that:(
     
    kountryken likes this.
  9. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    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.
     
    panzerman likes this.
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