Malichus II, Off center strike error.

Discussion in 'World Coins' started by John Anthony, Mar 25, 2013.

  1. John Anthony

    John Anthony Ultracrepidarian

    Well the Nabataens aren't well-known for nice round coins with centered devices, but this one is an oddball even so. Maybe the minter had a little too much of that tasty fermented camel's milk, or maybe junior got his turn at coin-making.

    Looks like there was some flan shaving going on as well. Other than that, the devices are fairly crisp for a Nabataean. I'm not really sure what's going on with this coin, but it was definitely bizarre enough to fish out of the junk bin.

    Have you guys acquired significantly off-center struck coins for your collections, and if so, what is it about those coins that appealed to you?

    [​IMG]
     
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  3. Gil-galad

    Gil-galad I AM SPARTACUS

    I really like those old off struck coins because it gives you an idea that they were hand made, and certainly crude but having a charm all their own. I have a few but no Nabataean coins just yet.
     
  4. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Interesting JA.
     
  5. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    Interesting coin, JA .... yah, I can't quite figure out what the reverse is all about, but it's pretty cool just as an abstract!!

    :cool:
     
  6. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    The reverse is the cornucopia like most late Nabateans.

    Interesting coin JA. You are right, amny ancients have some defect, but make up for it by having an above normal attribute. Yours is offcenter, but better than average details on the obverse. This is why many times multiples of an issue are needed.

    Btw, might want to put AD or BC on your description. It gets dicey when you are talking the year 40 to know which way. :)
     
  7. John Anthony

    John Anthony Ultracrepidarian

    That's probably a good idea, especially around the turn of the millenium.

    The crossed cornucopiae are borrowed from Greek designs, but the Nabataean ones look more like torches. The Nabataeans weren't the only one to borrow the idea - it exists in Judaean typology, and perhaps Sabaean (I'm not sure).
     
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