new: Collection Emperor: commodus year 177-192. coin; Sestertius. weight 20.3g Light roughes Rev: Laurete head right COMMODV ANTONIVS AVG Obv Commodus seated left on a platform, Liberalitas standing before, attendant behind a citzen climbs the steps, LIBERALITAS. Ric III 300
Very nice one, Ro. Here's one of them from when his daddy was still around. MARCUS AURELIUS Sestertius 24.3g, 31mm Rome mint, December AD 176 - Autumn 177 RIC 1208 O: M ANTONINVS AVG - GERM SARM TR P XXXI, laureate head right. R: IMP VIII - COS III P P, Marcus Aurelius and Commodus seated left on platform; behind an officer standing; before, Liberalitas standing with abacus and cornucopiae; citizen mounting steps; in field, S-C in; in ex LIBERALITAS / AVG VII
I love the reverse on these two coins. I always look for coins with special reverses like this. Of course, most are out of my budget, but once in a while I get lucky. Sometimes I wonder if it's not the thrill of the hunt that's as interesting as the catch.
Actually, I like graded ancient coins and I went out of my way to learn how to grade them. I don't like slabs as much and it wouldn't necessarily bring me any comfort because I see enough fakes that have been slabbed. Even really good fakes can fool professionals at these high profile slabbing companies. Don't count out raw coins though. Especially, later on you can get one slabbed if that is your thing.
