Arcadius Reverse H Left

Hi. This coin of Emperor Arcadius was struck in Antioch and listed under # RIC X - 70 . The Typical reverse as shown on the RIC list reveals the Emperor with Head right, whereas my coin shows the Emperor with Head left. Could this have any importance or significance in the field of Ancient Numismatics ? Thanks for your comments and views.
Charles

 

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The portrait you present is with the head right as we look at it. As in this wildwinds example:

 

Very nice C7 and jw..

 

Is it the emperor on the reverse you are referring to? Need a better picture of the reverse. But I have never, ever seen the head facing away from Victory on this type so I highly doubt that is the case.

 

Of course I'm referring to the reverse. Please check it again and give me yous first opinion. I might try to scan better pictures, but the one above is likely to be clear. Thanks again..

 

I see the Emperor looking away from Victory as you state and I don't believe I've ever seen that before...certainly never noticed if I did...

I'd be VERY interested in what the members and 'Board' have to comment on this.

 

No, the coin is just worn and there are some bumps in the flan that make it look like he's turned left. Unless of course the engraver was trying to portray Admiral Ackbar...

 

JA. The coin and the magnifier at hand, I could detect the eyes , nose and mouth of the Emperor. He is rising his head, left of course. Moreover I can detect the hat or helmet to right ( to viewer always of course) . Now what would you say ? I'm likely to post professional photos but I need your opinion as to what could that be described , in case of head Left, aside the presumed Admiral? LOL..
Charles

 

Well, I don't have the advantage of a magnifier. You will have to provide better images if you want a second opinion.

 

OK brother. Let's hope Left H.

 

In the absence of good photos and with my prior knowledge (like I said I have never seen the head face the opposite direction), that was my opinion. I'm sorry if it was not what you wanted to hear.

 

Ummm, did somebody mention Arcadius?

 

IT'S A TRAP!

just kidding, i would also guess it is nothing unusual 7C.


here's my favorite arcadius.

 

Hi Friends. Thanks for your concern. Here are the first 2 pictures I could get with the iPhone 60 of my son. Do you think I should stop ( either way ) or keep on?

 

Dang, now I'm seeing it as a 'Janus' two-headed image LOL

But, I do believe JA is almost definitely correct on this one..."...worn with bumps making the head appear turned around....."

 

Thanks a lot MZ. I think I'm tending to approve your view.
Charles

 

Yeah, now it looks like Janus. It's easy to see things on worn coins that just aren't there. Unfortunately, there is too much wear on this coin to determine whether it's a normal right-facing emperor, or whether the engraver made a mistake. But I do see why you thought it could be left-facing.

At any rate, that's a great image!

 

.... damn that Rorschach!!! ... I see a wolf ...

Ummm, but I also see my Grade 3 teacher ... ummm, and a butterfly ... and

 

... and a knight bat.

 

Yep, a nasty looking bat!!!