Recently I was able to procure two very nice bronze coins in trade. I don't usually buy Roman Bronze coins or seek them out, This is my first As and first Sestertius. Who could not want 2 very serious ancient coins? I would like to hear what you guys think about my acquisitions. I am very pleased with the two pieces. I believe the attributions are as follows... Roman Empire Gaius Germanicus (37-41 AD) AE As 29mm x 11.42 g (s.37/8 AD) Obverse: Latin Script-C CAESAR AVG GERMANICVS PON M TR POT, bare head of Gaius left. Reverse: Latin Script-VESTA, Vesta seated left holding sceptre and Patera, S-C ref: RIC 38; C. 27; CBN. 65; BMC 46 The second is massive! Roman Empire Antoninus Pius (138 -161 AD) AE Sestertius 32mm x 27.87 g (s.139 AD) Obverse: Latin Script-ANTONINVS AVG PIVS PP- Head right wearing laurel wreath. Reverse: Latin Script- TR POT COS II, S-C, Fides wearing long chiton, standing facing, her head turned right holding two ears of corn in her right hand, holding up a plate of fruit in her left hand. ref: RIC 546; C.846; BMC.1145
The Antonius Pius is the nicer of the two. What a massive coin. Can you imagine carrying a purse full of these around? While the Caligula is fairly common, this one is in relatively nice condition. Good acquisitions overall. :thumb::thumb:
Thanks guys, I betcha there is more than a few would be robbers who met the business end of a sestertius purse. I am surprised you like the AP more, the Caligula was valued considerably higher. I was blown away by the nice rich text, and the high level of reverse detail, on the Caligula. The Obverse on AP is really nice in hand, the reverse has fair amount of wear but there is still nice detail on Fides. Ha - I wish the Romans made silver pieces this big.
I am definitely a fan of the Caligula. I really want one some day. It is nice to see that first C still intact. I majority I see are with the damnatio. Probably because they sell better. (Side note: has anyone seen the current CNG damnatio pieces wow did they jump up high.)
It's not that I don't like the Caligula, but it is a common piece. I have one, but not in this detail, and I've seen a lot of them shown here and on the other forums. The AP has a very nice portrait and I love the size and weight.
The Caligula is a very nice piece... I wonder what you have to trade for such a nice pair... Who doesn't... I would like a Roman Didrachm, but a big Roman silver with good style would be amazing... A decadenarius of either Trajan or Hadrian with the style of Rome during their reign would be even better... With the specs of: Ruler: Hadrian Metal: Silver Denomination: Decadenarius (1/2.5 of an Aureus, 10 Denarii, 40 Sestertii, 160 Asses) Obverse Legend: IMP CAESAR TRAIANVS HADRIANVS AVG PM TR P COS III Obverse Design: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right (as in http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/ric/hadrian/RIC_0014v.jpg) Reverse Legend: NEPTUNUS PROTEGIT, S-C around Reverse Design: Neptune standing left, foot on prow, holding aplustre and trident (as in http://wildwinds.com/coins/ric/hadrian/RIC_0635.jpg) Weight: 33 grams Diameter: 40 mm In high relief... We can only wish... But just how cool would that be (thick and wide!)?
I haven't put them down since I got them! They are at least two grades lower since I shot the photos. I already gave them a few second Verdi-Care dip! BTW- Ski is my trading partner and I am sure will post his new additions soon...:thumb:
They did! There is a 24 Miliaresia/48 siliquae medallion of Valentinian I. 66mm and 103 grams. I have held it before and believe me, there is nothing like it. There is also a sestertius-sized silver medallion of Hadrian:
I meant one that was mass issued, so that it could be collected now for those on a sub-$1000 budget, but WOW!
