Unknown possibly ancient coins

And that's the fun thing of the forum. Lots of people interesting in lots of different subjects, but always a few with the background knowledge to appreciate the little gems others may not think much of. Appreciate the compliment ! I had this for years before i realized this is probably the best of the type in the world (this is a copper of Hormazd II KushanShah, for the ones less familiar with these). And it cost me next to nothing at the time, just spotted it in the right place.

 

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True. Most of my Sogdian pieces people turn their nose up at, (and rightfully so), not knowing many times they are nice examples of the type. Unfortunately the combination of fairly crude manufacture coupled with acidic soil in their findspots does not lead to copper coins being preserved well. Anyway, just wanted you to know I recognized the specialness of that coin. Mine have parts well preserved, but not to that extent.

Btw, I kind of like most ancient collectors not liking our coins. Yes, they are hard to find, but at least not as much competition as for something like Roman Imperials.

 

Thank you all very much. Is there a place on this forum, that I can get answers on a specific coin, or coins? I don't want to be bugging you guys all the time, so if there is an "answers section? I would welcome it, thank you, Red. P.S., I did send on that "otherside" of my Brokerage coin for your pleasure and evaluation? Thanks, Red

 

What excites me, is the "not knowing" of the pedigree of a particular coin and the chance of finding a truly unique one. Would you both agree that offers of "80 uncleaned coins", would be mostly culls and not worth buying? Have either of you ever found anything good, in one of these sales?
I do appreciate your evaluation of my coins condition and it is one of the reasons I purchased it? Really a nice clean strike, I thought? I have not cleaned it myself, but suspect it was partially cleaned, by the folks I purchased it from.
They told me, it was in amongst a cash of Spanish coins, in the 1500-1600 range. They thought it might be Moorish? I thought possibly Islamic and was headed down that road, when, (Lucky for me!) I happened upon this great forum here and you nice folks!
I am one to do a lot of research in trying to find a coins Pedigree, but in the beginning, (Where I be now!) it's hard to even know what is available and where to look for good, solid information? Just glad to be on this forum! Thanks again, Red

 

We do not have to leave Roman Imperials to find areas unpopular enough that they can be collected by those of us glad to have less competition. I have a bad habit of explaining to people why I like certain coins and occasionally this causes me a problem when someone out there reads it and decides they need one of 'my' coins. I still count on most of you preferring 12 Caesars and Greek tetradrachms. Don't let me down!

Seriously, I wonder if anyone reads or cares. Today's mail brought the Soter Megas tetradrachm below. I have previously mentioned here why I wanted this coin but I wonder if anyone reading this can see what I found appealing knowing that I have eleven other Soter Megas coins but felt I wanted this one. No fair researching back CT posts; I wouldn't want this place to become too educational.

 

Other than it being a beautiful coin, in great shape, I would have no idea? But, I would like to know what drew you to it? Thanks, Red

 

I'm going to guess the difference in the tamgas on the obverse and reverse. Aren't they typically identical? Is the one on the obverse an error, or variety?

 

This 4/3 difference is supposed to be indicative of the Kapisa mint Mitchiner 2983. The majority of the Soter Megas coins seen are Taxila mint with rounded letter forms:

There is also Balkh which I believe I have in a drachm:


There is too much about these I do not know to be writing a page quite yet. It is interesting to me that the coins are dated by the number of rays on the portrait bust with the higher numbers being the earlier. They start with 15 and work to 5. My new coin is a 9 which is the least recorded by Mitchiner for that mint. I buy these when I see variations I consider different from what I have.

 

Very nice set of Vima Takto Doug ! I share your interest for the obscure variations of these. The tamgha on your Balkh type seems to have 4 spikes on both the kings and the horsemans side. I am pretty sure i also have one of these with 3 spikes on the kings side and 4 on the horseman side to make the variety possibilities complete. Will see if i can find it this evening.

 

Big Red; If i buy lots it is usually because i really want one or two specimen in it. The big uncleaned/unresearched lots usually are a disappointment. But in the lots i bought i frequently have very nice finds that i was not looking for. So sometimes you do have to make a bit of a gamble if you can afford it.

Doug: How's this in the Vima varieties ?


And to show that people do read what you write:
Here's one that looks like the link missing in the evolutionary line-up of these you published on the net previously: (AR 23 mm 4.19 gr)

 

I do like that silver. The Soter Megas strikes me as a 12 ray Taxila which has some surface and strike problems. Am I missing something? The reverse tamgha has a trace of a fourth prong but it is not certain to me that it is a die variety rather than striking???

 

I agree with the surface problems on my Vima Takto specimen. This coin is not mother's finest anymore. But i should probably have specified that this is a 14 mm Drachm or 1/4 unit. Looking under magnification some of the remaining details are quite sharply defined for these. Originally this was a fine strike i believe. It is difficult to capture in a quick snapshot, but in hand the right most vertical line does seem to be the fourth prong of the tamgha. Of course i can't exclude a small die problem. But I think it was made intentionally.
Also next to other drachms clearly attributable to Taxila this one stands out a bit, as the engraving seems more "refined" than on the common taxilla pieces. It is difficult to attribute to wear that the horse looks more realistic than usual. The hand on the bust side also is depicted lower than common. Lastly the metal composition might be different. It looks more yellow coppery than the darker metal i see on others. (though this might also be a consequence of the soil surrounding it was preserved in)

This is just an example of my pasttimes, looking for varieties of ancient small change

 

Yes, knowing it is the quarter makes it look a lot better.