I bought this coin not knowing what it was, but the price was right and I was curious about it. I knew it was Roman w/o any doubt, but I didn't recognize it. The portrait is very well detailed (if worn) and imo rivals that of the Greeks. I have since been informed that it is a Trajan coin. Trajan AE Quadran OBV: IMP CAES TRAIAN AVG GERM, diademed bust of Hercules right with lion-skin on neck REV: Boar walking right, SC in ex. Struck at Rome, 98-117 AD 2g, 14mm RIC 702
It's a handsome coin, well-centered. I find it curious that so much of the silvering is intact when it appears to be in Fine condition. You would think some of it would have worn off. I wonder if it was silvered after it had been in circulation for a while...
This was not silvered. The color here is from light deposits highlighted by the photo. Mine is hardly better but shows the legend a bit. Trajan had quadrantes with his portrait as well as with Hercules. The second coin below has the emperor with a wolf.
I chase Domitian quadrans with the rhino. There are two types, one facing left and one facing right. You want a rare ancient coin? Try finding one with a rhino. I have only found this type and a chalkous from Roman Egypt as ever showing this animal. Yeah, I collect rhinos, its a nose thing.
I like ancient elephants, someone referred to this as "Trunk Envy" I couldn't help but to mention this as it is mad funny and funnier in my brain.
Lol. I just wish rhinos were NEARLY as common as elephants. If I had to guess how common animals appear on ancient coins, it would be: 1. Lion 2. Elephant 3. 4. 5. 6. Goat 7. 8. 9. 10. Peacock 86. Rhino Some serious animalism going on with my buddy the rhino.
Love the list but the Owl, Snake , Panther and Eagle are near the top of that list. Elephant I think is farther down.
I would agree with Eagle, you are right on that one. It should be #2, maybe even #1. Owl, snake, and panther I think would be below elephant. There just are a LOT of elephants. There are even more HIPPOS than rhinos, can you believe that crap? Big, fat, mean hippos are more common than the majestic huge nosed beautiful rhino.
I loooooove to buy coins but, even though I really hate to sell them, I can't afford to keep them all (less and less with time :dismay... Well, things will eventually pick up an then you will not be able to add anything nice to your collection anymore :biggrin:
man, I hope that you're right brother ... I wish nuthin' but good luck to you and your gal!! You are a dear coin-friend!! Cheers P :cheers:
On the down-low => I currently have "seven" coins in the cross-hairs!! (oops, none are yours this time around ... but "7" ... OMG, I'm on fire!!) :yes:
Pfff... you have to work on that aesthetic taste of yours ointnlaugh: . . . Love you too my coin-brother :hug: