This coin seems like it must be fake or something else wrong with it. With the amount of detail and how old it is along with the popularity of Augustus, surely this price is too low? Or did Augustus just print so many coins of himself they are that cheap? http://www.ebay.com/itm/AUGUSTUS-27...142&pid=100034&prg=1079&rk=3&sd=230799528910&
Always remember, anything price on Ebay that shows before the last 10 seconds of the auction is meaningless. I NEVER place a bid before the last 10 seconds of an auction. Yes, Augustus is a very early, (the first), Imperial emperor, but he ruled for a very long time. As such, he is much more common than Tiberius, Gaius, and others. There is always more going on than meets the eye on ancients. Hence, this is why I was cautioning you about spending too much money too soon.
Yes to be honest I facepalmed as soon as I posted this. I had been only looking at ebay entries of one of the recommended sites that always had a "buy it now" option and thus $75 just seemed to be good to be true. It is kind of cool that Augustus's are so plentiful though.
But it is a mixed blessing. I see such amazing things, and yet I am cursed to never keep them. I'm like the security guard at a fancy brothel.
. I could see that. Plus, I could see how such a situation would strongly encourage you to pursue esoteric items not normally seen, but may be available for "reasonable" money. Still, it would be a dream of many collectors. I would sign up for that "busman's holiday".
Too high for me, but I am always nervous saying something went "too high" unless I am an expert in that particular coin. Way too many tiny variations that may have attracted the attention of collectors of the issues to always assume that. I do find Ebay a weird market nowadays, with a lot of ancients going higher than anywhere else, but still some good buys to be had if you are patient.
I was actually quite surprised at the price. Unless the surface gouges or the common wear on the reverse attracted the buyer I don't see why someone pushed it nearly $100.00 in the final 5 seconds. Personally, I would have paid and have seen similar conditioned Augustus go for 150-175.
It looks like a decent coin despite being a bit porous and bankers mark but it went too high IMO. Like you said could be something special with the reverse. I know some things make it scarcer then others but this one I dont know.
