While I agree, it's the overall quality of the coin. However, when I see images of the seller compared to the actual that are so different, I believe the seller is being deceptive. I'm not sure I would want to deal again with a seller that is deceptive, that is, unless he has something I really really want.
Well, if I was unhappy with the coin, I'd send it back - he does have a generous return policy, and I've dealt with him numerous times. As it stands, I'm quite pleased with the coin, and it's so scarce (for Diadumenian that is), that I'm happy to have stumbled across an example this "nice."
I like the coin regardless of which set of images most accurately reflects the in-hand look. I bet JA could make the coin look more like the seller's images by changing the type and direction of light, camera settings, etc. I doubt the seller was trying in any way to be deceptive with those images.
Yeah, I could light it differently, but my image represents the true color and surface anomalies. I prefer an honest portrayal of the coin.
Thanks for that... I've been anything but positive and friendly this week. It's been a killer week at work and a steady stream of invectives has spewed forth from my mouth for the last five days. I'll try to be more like a good princess this weekend but it will be tough since I'm working .
This is one of those Jekyll and Hyde coins, which is why I don't fault the dealer's image. I also build models, and in the modeling community, we talk about one-inchers and one-footers, meaning, how far away from the model do you have to get before it looks good? Hold this coin in your hand from a distance of a foot, under an ordinary room light, and it looks much more like the dealer's pic. Put it under a macro-focusing lens and direct sunlight, and you get my first pic. So which one is more honest? They're both honest in their own way. I think I like the in-hand pics better.
Roman Provincial Deultum Tranquillina AE 22, 238-244 AD, 4.74g, 22.5mm OBV: SAB TRANQVILLINA AVG, Diademmed, draped bust right. REV: COL FL PAC DEVLT, Marsyas advancing right, with shouldered wineskin. REF: Pending Not Diadumenian, but it is Deultum.