I managed to obtain this beat up but very rare, 5th century Roman coin type, of which I didn't have before. Probably because it was beat up (and not of a more popular emperor) it garnered little interest and I was able to obtain it for relatively cheap. Before bidding I was under the assumption that this type was struck only by Emperor Theodosius II later in his reign in Constantinople. After winning it, I was surprised (and reminded) that this type was also struck in Valentinian III's name, Theo II's co-emperor in the west (although struck in Constantinople which belonged to Theo II). Given the coin's state I soon will have to go through the challenging task of trying to attribute this either to Theo II or Val III. I see a glimmer of hope though: near the bottom left-hand side of the bust I see what looks to be a "T", although it looks a little too close to the base of the bust so it might possibly be the N in "D N". I'll just have to wait to have it in hand and examine it before making any definite conclusions. Knowing me I would have gone for it anyways , although my max bid probably would have been lower. If I ultimately can't tell in hand who is on the obverse I'll take the easy way out and go with the more common emperor for this type, Theo II. The reverse is Theo II and Val III standing, with a long cross between them. Legend is CONCORDIA AGV. Here is a better example of this type (from Wildwinds): Anyone else realized they made a mistake after buying a coin? (aside from having a coin later turn out to be fake)
Well, what detail it does have is pretty strong. Some cleaning would bring it out more. Best wishes on the attribution - better you than me.
Sweet => it's like a nasty piece of an ancient jig-saw puzzle!! (however, I know that you'll figure it out, Jango) Cheers, brother J
All I do know for certain right now is that there will be much mental anguish when I try to figure this one out. Thanks guys for the comments.
Ive had misattributed coins that turned out to be something better in the long run, doesnt happen often though. That looks like more hope then my little scrap at least, lol.
Hey Jango, when I'm doin' difficult puzzles, I usually start with the "edgers" first: ... ummm, but I guess beggars can't be choosers, eh? Good luck on your puzzle, my friend (please keep us posted)
