The value of never giving up

So when I go out of town I try to go to local coin stores. Most of the time it's a wasted trip, since I collect ancients, and pretty esoteric tastes even in them. Today, I am in Washington DC and walk to the local coin store. He had some ancients, since Pegasus used to be in the same building and consigned them to this dealer when he went out of business. Well, it was all either crud or overpriced, or both. At least I got to see some ancients, but was about ready to leave.

Then the owner said he had some ancients himself. Somewhat better, but again overpriced. Then I come across the coin, an 80 drachm Cleopatra VII in gF. I am sure the price marked was high when it was put on, but these have been going up a lot lately, and I have kicked myself for not buying one when they were cheaper. One look at the coin and the price, and I knew I had to have it. A short negotiation and $400 later the coin is mine.

For those not ancient people, Cleopatra VII was the famous one, and this coin bears her portrait. It's dark, like most, and I am conservative. Most dealers would call this VF, maybe gVF, for the type. It's hard to find a better one for under $1000 nowadays, or even it's equal.

So, moral of the story, check everywhere for your coins. You literally never know where you might get lucky. Sure, 90+ percent of the time you end up with nothing, but the other times make up for it.

Sorry for no pic of my new baby, but don't have any way to photograph her and post here. As a bonus, it comes with the 1981 auction tag it was last sold at.

 

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Post a pic when you get home Chris. Congrats on your perseverance.

 

Wow!! I can't wait to see it, although I'm going to be envious

 

No, you never have cause to be envious of my coins, TIF, after seeing the gorgeous pieces you own.

 

The reason for this particular envy is that I recent bought (paying a ridiculous sum for) a Cleo VII 40 drachmae.

 

Congratulations...although I wonder if you'll be accused of bragging too much and ripping off a coin dealer. (sarcasm font)

 

What is the size and or marking differences? This one is quite large for a late egyptian, maybe AE24, so I was assuming it was a 80. If anyone has Coin Galleries Nov 17the 1981, lot 141, that is the coin.

But yeah, all of these are bringing pretty ridiculous sums nowadays. I own many of the Cyprus issues, and a couple others, but for some reason not one of these, and I feared it was too late.

 

I understand you were being sarcastic, but let me touch on the point. This was a professional dealer who simply did not reprice his coins, probably due to him not paying attention or knowing they had increased. $400 was too much for this coin a decade ago, or at least a very high retail. Since he was a professional, I feel no compunction about the price. If the coin had been misidentified as a cheap coin, or it had been a little old lady selling her deceased husband's coins, the price would have been different.

 

Hmm, I have neglected to record the diameter and weight and don't have access to the coin at the moment.

However, the 80 drachmae have a Π on the reverse's right field, weigh ~13 gm, and are ~26-27 mm. The 40 drachmae have an M on the reverse's right field, weigh ~7-8 gm, diameter ~21 mm.

Edited: I'm finding a much greater range of weights for all of these, with some 40 drachmae up to 10 gm. I haven't checked comps for the 80 drachmae but suspect the weights & sizes will be similarly spread.

Edited again: weight ranges for the 80 drachmae, based on comps from reputable dealers, are ranging from 10.5 gm to 22+ gm! Can you see the value mark on your coin?

Aaaaand edited again : mine is 7.5 gm, 20 mm.

 

Good job! Who cares if you got a great deal, I never understood people who complain about that (I know the one who posted in this thread was being sarcastic, but someone a few days ago was complaining about someone getting too good of a deal).

 

TIF, of course, with my luck, that is the weakest feature. There is an area of light corrosion in that field. Sure looks like an 80 mark, though, but right now short of weight and actual knowledge, which I do not have, I would call it a tweener. I will research more later. It looks quite a bit like Triton XIII, lot 1363, though I would say mine has better detail on both side, especially the obverse. The reverse has some light corrosion, but it's really a VF portrait.

 

Can't wait to see it.

 

That sounds really cool. I don't know anything about ancients yet (and probably won't venture in as it is pricey for my budget), but looking forward to a photo.

 

Wrap it in a rug to carry it. : - )

 

can we see this coin you bought ?

 

haha remember how badly people got pissed at @Profit man 's thread a little while back?

 

Trying to post from phone, not sure if it will work.

 

Terrific coin M-man!!!

Mine appears to be your coins ugly/plain sister---and so worn with age ...or worry?? LOL

 

Just for closure, I am at home today with a little coin time. The weight on the piece is 17.12 grams, and I have been told by others who own both this is definitely an 80 drachm piece. So at least we know what it is. I am still thrilled to own an example, as I thought that ship had sailed unless I wanted to devote a more considerable portion of my coin budget to obtain one.

Now to luck into a 40 drachm piece.