I am writing an educational site on reverse types that were issued by only one Roman emperor. Just by looking at the reverse you can know who issued the coin. http://esty.ancients.info/unique/unique.html Before I spend a lot more time expanding it I would like to get feedback about the format. Maybe you have suggestions for making it better. I solicit your comments.
I think that is an excellent educational site and I have nothing to add that might make it better. Thanks for putting it together. BTW, I got them all but two correct, except maybe the easiest. I failed on the Vitellius. I thought it was Vespasian (duh). I also failed on the Valentinian II
I also missed two (the last two for which I had no guess - I am hopeless in late). I'm not as sure of the need for such a page as I am that it is fun. If the set were large enough that you could identify many coin just from the reverse, I suppose it could be useful to those wanting to pick up that sleeper Hannibalianus or Constantia but what I got out of the exercise is the desire to find reverses that fit the theme but would be foolers to even you. I don't have a stock of single sided photos or I'd try. I might suggest adding reverses that might not be one emperor specific but that there is something about the reverse that would allow you to know which of the choices it was. For example, Magnentius, Decentius and Constantius II all have coins with the large Chi-Rho but the reverse legend on Constantius' coins differs from the other two.
I am uncertain on your coin Doug. My first inclination was Carinus or Carus, but it could also be Probus. Or, in fact, none of the above. I'll be interested in the answer.
I believe I've found the coin, but, to be honest, I cannot tell you the "why". I was able to find it by searching. I'll refrain from saying so others can take a shot at it.
I just added five "unique" reverse types to my site: http://esty.ancients.info/unique/unique.html See if you can recognize them.
I have one I think I can add... Doug pointed this out for me a while back.... IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG Bust radiate, draped, cuirassed right. Rx: DIANAE VICTRI Diana standing left holding arrow and bow. RIC 2b. Cohen 10 (10 Fr.).
I added several more "unique" types to the page: http://esty.ancients.info/unique/unique.html Click on the link at the top of the page to go straight to the new ones. If you enjoy testing your knowledge of ancient Roman coins, check it out. If you enjoy increasing your knowledge of ancient Roman coins, check it out.
