Wanted to share some new additions. The Syracuse is another type I've wanted for a long time. I saw the denarius at the local shop today and couldn't say no. Syracuse, Sicily, Dionysos I, 405 - 367 B.C. Bronze litra, Calciati vol. II, p. 89, 45, gF, 8.415g, 20.3mm, 0o, Syracuse mint, 405 - 367 B.C.; obverse SURA, head of Athena left wearing olive wreathed Corinthian helmet; reverse hippocamp left with bridles Severus Alexander denarius. IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG, laureate head right with slight drapery on left shoulder. PROVIDENTIA AVG, Annona standing left by modius, holding corn-ears and cornucopiae.
I like the Severus Alexander best, but they are both nice coins. Too bad the hippocamp is not more clear or pronounced.
i like that greek coin! but the considering that its rough around the edges, the sep serv has some great bust and reverse details.
Thanks Yeah the hippocamp looks a little better in hand, but it's sill pretty flat. As for the denarius, it looks, looks awesome in hand. There's very little wear around the ear and part of the laurel, and tiny bit on the beard. I'm curious if the flan was cut or broke.
As usual it is interesting to see how we rate our coins so differently. I guess I am harder on damaged coins so I don't see the interest in the Severus Alexander portrait. The Syracuse is well used and well preserved so it is the kind of coin I might have bought if I wanted the type. As a matter of fact it looks a lot like mine. My catalog says 198900 which means I had it when I first entered my coins in my first computer database in 1989. I may have had it for years before that since in the old days all I recorded was the dealer and price. I call it a success when you have a coin for over 20 years and are still glad you bought it.
I've gotta jump-in and post my example as well ... man, I love the coins from Sicily!! Sicily, Syracuse Æ Litra Date: Circa 390 BC Weight: 7.11 grams Diameter: 20.3 mm Obverse: Head of Athena left, wearing Corinthian helmet Reverse: Bridled hippocamp left, trailing reins Attribution: SNG ANS 435 Grade: Extremely Fine
I have to ask this question. Your new denarius depicts Annona holding corn-ears. I thought that American style corn was unknown in Europe until after the time of Columbus. Can someone straighten me out on this one?
Corn refers specifically to maize only in American English. In British English, corn refers to any grain crop.
I don't really mind coins like this, then again I can't say I like the Nemausus halves of Agrippa/Augustus
