It has been a big day. A tree fell across my driveway so I had to take a break from doing coin things even though the mail just brought me 8 new coins from the Robinson sale. Since that result means I won't have a lot of money for coins for a while, I'll post them one at a time. I am however glad I got each one and really do not have a rank on them from best to most boring. Most expensive but probably lowest grade is this denarius of Vespasian commemorating the termination of Judaea in 70 AD. Rome did not just put down the revolt, they wiped up the place including the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. As a result, these coins are popular in the same sense as Tribute pennies and sell for twice what other reverses will. Good points: full legends, good metal, reasonable detail for a F+, nice style Less good points: black deposits, irregular edge, some polish on bright areas (probably handled a lot) Those who participate in Frank's sales know he often mentions prices realized by other sellers (like CNG) and his earlier sales. This exact specimen sold in a sale of his in December, 1991, where it brought $21 more than I paid today. I wish I still had that old list so I could read the description and know if the coin was cleaned or there is another reason for the drop. We have mentioned that only very high grade coins skyrocket in value but in 21 years going down $21 seems unnecessary. It is not that bad a coin. It is, however the least appealing to the eye of the eight coins I got and probably the most common. Like Tribute Pennies, Judaea coins sell for more than rarity and beauty would suggest. In this case, I always wanted one because of the historical link but only now have I owned one.
Wow Doug => very cool coin ... ummm, the termination of Judaea (that's obviously a big draw to religious collectors) ... great/significant coin!! :thumb: On the flip-side => I'm very sorry to hear that you had a "fall" of bad-luck!!
An iconic Vespasian. Congrats on the coins, but sorry to hear about the extra expense of the tree. Lucky though it was on the driveway and not the house.
Great addition Doug! The closest I've come to getting one was this guy. Vespasian, 1 July 69 - 24 June 79 A.D. Silver denarius, RIC II part 1, 362; SRCV I 2317, BMCRE II 74, F, 2.879g, 17.2mm, 195o, Rome mint, 72 - 73 A.D.; obverse IMP CAES VESP AVG P M COS IIII, laureate head right; reverse VICTORIA AVGVSTI, Victory advancing right, crowning legionary standard with wreath with right, palm across shoulder in left. "This type likely refers to the victory in Judaea but does not specifically identify that victory."
