I had an opportunity to upgrade my "Owl" selecting from a handful of choice pieces. Unlike modern coinage, ancients are all about trade-offs - eye appeal, centering, strike, surface, style. I tried to balance all and am very pleased with this super-high-relief piece which doesn't show the magnitude in the image. The Thracian piece is Taler like, very large for an ancient at 37mm and displays the image of Dionysos. The Roman Republic piece is beautifully designed and toned coming from a very reputable "home". I "perfumed" my set display on NGC's site. Apologies to anyone who doesn't like the slabbed thing - https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/wcm/CoinCustomSetView.aspx?s=15432 Attica. Athens. Ca. 454-404 BC. Silver AR Tetradrachm, 17.00 g., 26 mm. Obv. Helmeted head of Athena right. Rev. Owl standing to right, olive sprig and crescent behind, all within incuse square. Kroll 8; SNG Copenhagen 31; Dewing 1591-1598. A superbly centered specimen with unusually high relief. NGC graded as Ch AU * 5/5, 5/5. THRACE. Maronea. Circa 189/8-49/5 BC. AR Tetradrachm, 37 mm, 16.15gr. Obv. Wreathed head of young Dionysos right. Rev. Dionysos standing left, holding grapes and stalks; monograms to inner left and right. Schönert-Geiss 1222. NGC graded Ch. XF* 5/5, 5/5. ROMAN REPUBLIC. Mn Fonteius, ca. 85 BC. AR Denarius. 20mm, 3.96 gr. Obv. Head of Apollo right, thunderbolt below. Rev. Genius on goat, Dioscuri caps above, thyrsus in exergue, all within laurel wreath. Crawford 353/1a; Sydenham 724; Fonteia 9. Ex Archer M. Huntington, the distinguished pedigree noted on holder. HSA 1001.1.22487. Dark gray cabinet toning. NGC AU* 5/5, 5/5.
All are amazing. I just picked up a Maronea AE 27 and posted it on another thread. Your's makes mine look like the poor mans example. Outstanding pieces all of them.
Bing you and the forum's deep knowledge and expertise inspire. I wouldn't be getting into this without your posts.
That's one of the finest owls I think I've seen. Almost a completely full crest (as much as can be expected from that strike) full reverse, perfectly centered, surfaces lovely... If you ever wanna take it off your hands let me know ;3 The other two are amzing, as well. Just, wow...
... couple more I don't think I mentioned Aegina turtle, later edition: Not as impressive but I've wanted one of these:
Wow, Z-444 => I agree with the rest of the gang => those are brilliant, my friend!! (congrats) I have an example of all of 'em, but all of my examples look like the slow-minded cousins when compared against your new gems!! ... hey, but even the B-squad needs to stretch their legs every now and then, right?
Steve you have them all - that's very cool! I am in great company. Is the Thracian scarcer than most tetradrachms?
absolutely wonderful coins zohar...you've been posting some amazing stuff lately! I'm going greek silver for my fall coin surge!
Fantastic owl, Zohar! I'm normally not too won over by the large emission owls but this is a gorgeous example.
=> Hi Z-444 ... I hope your Sunday morning is goin' well? Ummm sorry, but I am unable to answer your question regarding my over-cleaned, polished, and slightly corroded AR Tet from Maroneia, Thrace (but perhaps somebody else can step-up and fill us both in on the answer?) Cheers
