Just an average Valens ;-)

Arrived yesterday. *Happy*

Valens AV Solidus. Antioch, AD 366-367. Pearl-diademed, draped and cuirassed bust right / Valens standing facing, head right, holding labarum and Victory on globe; ANTΔ• in exergue. RIC 2d.xiii. 4.33g, 21mm, 6h


Nathan
www.RomanCoinAuctions.com

 

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Now this is pretty. I've seen better gold pieces, but I don't own any. If I could afford it, I would. Congrats on the pickup. Once again, is this for your inventory or your collection?

 

(Big Sigh) inventory. Yup, they definitely come better, still always nice to have some gold :-D

 

i have about 10 average valens coins, i'll trade you all of them for that one:biggrin:

 

Depends what sort of average :-D. 10 average grade victory left with the FELICITAS legend? sure . 10 Average siliquae, sure. :-D

 

Nice lookin' coin ... gold coins always look so nice, eh?

Curious what karat/carat were these Roman coins?

 

Just a guess on my part Jerry, but I would think 20-22k.

 

=> pretty close, Bing ...

:thumb:

 

I find it hard to believe it is that pure. In my past life, I was able to purchase "pure" 24 karat gold in the Middle East in the form of jewelry. The gold was so malleable, rings would not keep their shape. It would seem to me gold of that purity would have changed shape over the centuries of being buried wherever. I dunno, some of you metallurgists or chemists should weigh in on this and correct me if I'm wrong.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aureus

 

It looks like somebody scratched an initial and a swastika on the reverse.

 

This is also what Forvm has...


Gold can hold its shape, as it is a bit more solid than most would think, and being underground doesn't exert as much pressure as you would think.

 

I'm sure you all are right, but I remember a "pure" gold Thai Princess ring I purchased in Thailand (of course)back in the early 70's. My wife still has it, but it is so out of finger shape she cannot wear it any longer