Hello all, I recently picked up a coin that I know little about, but have seen many of the type. I know there are dozens of varieties of this theme, but I was wondering if anyone might offer me a bit more information on this particular coin. I thought the strike was quite nice, based on the many I have seen; but, I'm by no means an expert -- heck, I'm greener than a newbie! Forgive me for my sin of purchasing an ancient coin in a TPG slab. I'm including a shot of the NGC label so you can all tell me how wrong they got it. Many thanks in advance! -Brandon
Brandon, Are you able to make out the letters on the bottom of the reverse? This is the mintmark. The seller is indicating SMN?, with the final letter possibly being a gamma. If any of this is correct, then I believe your coin should attribute as: Constantius II AE22, RIC VIII Nicomedia 84 DN CONSTAN-TIVS PF AVG, pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right FEL TEMP RE-PARATIO, soldier spearing fallen horseman who is bearded, wears cap, reaching backwards. Mintmark: SMN + Officiana Letter; Gamma in left field. Rated C3 BTW, your new coin is in excellent condition. Even the soldier's boots are well detailed. Congrats.
Nice Fallen Horseman! I'm surprised NGC labels their slabs with a question mark irt the mint-mark (Nicomedia?) But I suppose they have accepted that given the lack of clarity on the mint-mark they are only willing to take a stab at it. There are likely some ancient gurus on this forum who have more knowledge/experience in that particular area than the graders at NGC. Very nice example nonetheless.
Bing, as best I can tell, the letters at the bottom are SMNΓ. If you click on my photos above they will blow up a bit to the size of your screen. Is the tiny green spot below the horse's front leg anything I should worry about long term? In general, I was very happy with the strike and the theme/design, but spots irk me. A mini green spot on a coin 1650 years old may be acceptable I suppose. Thanks to all who have replied. Any more info or opinions are also welcome! -Brandon
http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/fh.html I have no problems with any of the data on the slab label and would probably leave the coin in it, sell it and buy a nicer coin not slabbed for the same money. I believe the mintmark is correctly identified but if you want just one horseman, I'd get a different mint with better style. This is a nice coin, however, and better than any of my Nicomedia issues. My opinions on the subject can be found at the above link.
Umm, can I toss-in my example? ... => apparently mine is an FH4 from the Heraclea mint (I like this coin) ... => my coin looks so happy, running free, rather than living like "the boy in the plastic bubble"!!
