Ancients: Vetranio

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by dougsmit, Sep 2, 2014.

  1. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    https://www.cointalk.com/threads/pi...gordian-iii-antoninianus.250298/#post-1977342

    I recently posted as a trick my one and only coin of Vetranio. Today it became my former only coin since I received a slightly better one of the same type and mint. I'd rather have received a different mint but sometimes you have to take what comes along. Vetranio is of interest for several reasons beyond his #110 rank on Raisel's hit list. He was one of very few people who retired from being Augustus and lived to tell about it. In December 350 AD, he became a Vetran emperor abdicating in favor of Constantius II. 90% of the coins sold under his name are actually inscribed Constantius but it has been fashionable for some dealers to claim their coins of the common ruler for a higher price by name dropping. The ones actually bearing his name are worth more.

    The reverse commemorates the vision of Constantine I before Milvian Bridge where he saw the Chi-Rho and the phrase misquoted by preachers and Latin teachers as "In hoc signo vinces" (By this sign you shall conquer"). This version is a bit closer in time to the event and quotes it as "Hoc signo victor eris" (By this sign you will be victor). It is not the best Chi-rho coin but it is the 'most Christian' legend to be found on coins before the Byzantine period. It is the last and lightest series RIC 292 page 369.

    Since it came from the list of one of our list members, I assume you all passed it up. It has some strangeness on the portrait and heads of the reverse figures which I can not convince myself as to their cause (flaw, filled hole under patina???). The dappled green patina is decent but patinas always obscure some detail. I paid too much for this coin. You should have bought it first and saved me from myself.;) There are better ones but I won't be upgrading anytime soon.
    http://www.acsearch.info/search.html?similar=181968

    rx7170bb1265.jpg 0bb1265inset.jpg
     
    stevex6, vlaha, John Anthony and 4 others like this.
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  3. Mat

    Mat Ancient Coincoholic

    I saw when it was listed & liked it too. I am just saving for long beach in two days.

    Its a lovely coin and love the history. It went to the right collector.
     
  4. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    I haven't been lookingforalmost three months now, but I'm not certain I would have been on it even if I had ben looking. I have too much focus in lcoins of the Republic.
    I would guess at it being a die flaw, but, hey, you're the expert and if you don't know, who will.

    All in all, its a nice addition (although I would like to see the coin it replaced).
     
  5. medoraman

    medoraman Supporter! Supporter

    Nope. I didn't see it for sale. Probably a good thing I didn't Doug, as I agree its a very interesting coin.
     
  6. John Anthony

    John Anthony Ultracrepidarian

    It does indeed look like a filled hole, but a great example of the type. Nice find!
     
  7. stevex6

    stevex6 Random Mayhem

    Awesome new pick-up, Doug (congrats) ...

    Man, all I can think about lately is those cool Vetranio coins!! (oh, and I nailed your "trick" question) ... sure, I had a hint, eh?

    Again => cool new addition!!
     
  8. chrsmat71

    chrsmat71 I LIKE TURTLES!

    I've enjoyed seeing some LRB here as of late....strange LRB is even sweeter.

    is this ae 2 ish in diameter?

    I don't have one of this guy to share...at all.
     
  9. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

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