The mint mark on the reverse of this Roman coin representing Emperor Carus is stricted to only one letter S . It doesn't seem to be listed. And after all what could the letter S alone signify as a mint mark ? I appreciate your cooperation.
RIC 120 var Carus AE antoninianus. Cyzicus. IMP CM AVR CARVS PF AVG, radiate, draped, cuirassed bust right / VICTORIA AVG, Victory advancing left, holding wreath and palm. Officina letter S in exergue. Vienna 63.657; RIC V-2, 120 var (officina letter).
The coin you noted is listed as scarce but it figures Victoria alone on the reverse. Maybe my coin is a variety of the same series, showing two figures instead of one figure on the reverse.
Yours is actually listed as rare. According to Helvetica's table, it is listed as ANS 1944-100-36387; ERIC 116; Gorny & Mosch Auction 107, 2002 no. 564; RIC V-2, 118 var (mintmark) IMP CM AVR CARVS PF AVG; CLEMENTIA TEMP, Emperor standing right receiving Victory on globe from Jupiter standing left S in ex.
Your coin isn't seen often it is RIC118c 2nd emission Nov.282 from Cyzicus. In my database only 7 specimen. The 3th emission of this type is more regular with the XXI mark in exe. 2 busttypes A and A2 ( seen from behind )
Can you give simple expanation for RIC or is it too difficult Just starting Ancient Roman coins? Thanks Mic
Not a problem and welcome. First off, do you know RIC (Roman Imperial Coinage). If not, it is a go to index of Roman coins and is quoted often when identifying a coin. This particular coin is a base metal (AE) Antoninianus struck at Cyzicus mint. Next follows the obverse legend, followed by a description of the portrait (radiate, draped and cuirassed). Next is the reverse legend followed by the description of the reverse. In this case it is Victory advancing left. The letter is the shop where this coin was struck (S or secundus). Lastly are the references identifying the coin. I hope this helps and answers your questions without over-simplification.
Also RIC is for Roman Imperial Coinage and then you will find the volume number and entry number. Put Roman Imperial Coinage on a search engine and there are a few online resources for it. Good hunting
In 1998, I posted a review of RIC which still has some merit. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/book.html#ric There is also my page on practical use of RIC for identifying the late Roman coins many beginners have. http://www.forumancientcoins.com/dougsmith/idric.html I do not recommend that you run out and buy a set until you discover whether you are the kind of collector who might be happy with only a volume (of ten) or two or maybe none at all. You will not be a better collector just because you have an RIC number for each of your coins.
Thanks for reply's will all check out I just got an old editon of Sears Roman coins & their values- right now more confusing than helpful just purchased Ancient Coin Collecting IV: Roman Provincial Coins (v. 4) Sayles, Wayne G. & also Roman Coins and Their Values, Volume IV: The Tetrachies and the Rise of the House of Constantine, AD 284-337 Sear, David R. hope these give me more insight
I do understand about all descriptions and such on OBV & REV you pointed out Thank You a bunch Do I really need to study up on RIC & if so where do I?
I checked out sites with some understanding- will go back & reference again Now exactly how important is this for me as a total Novice & will do selective sets like 30 Emperors or 12 Caesars Thanks for help any other information will be Appreciated
You do not need to buy the set of books. Most on-line references will quote a reference when identifying a coin. Although they can be wrong and have been known to be wrong at times, you can generally just quote the reference ascribed. I'm assuming you know most of the on-line references, but if not, just say so and we can provide them for you.
CNG Archives ACsearch.info windwinds.com Helvetic's pages Dirty Old coins Coin Achives Just to name a few.
