Which Caesar Portrait Denarius Do You Prefer?

I'm in the not so horrible position of having to choose between two denarii.

Both are Julius Caesar. February-March 44 BC. AR Denarius Rome mint.
L. Aemilius Buca, moneyer.
O: Wreathed head right, CAESAR DICT PERPETVO
R: Venus seated right, holding scepter and Victory, L.BVCA upwards behind.
Crawford 480/7b; CRI 104a; Sydenham 1062; RSC 24.

Coin A: Well centered but just as well worn and Venus is virtually decapitated.

Coin B: About EF, but off center. The tip of the nose missing on a sharp portrait.
Venus has a head but Victory is weakly struck and an oddly shaped flan.


I would appreciate hearing which you would prefer (Vote!) to have in your collection and why.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

#2

 

Easy, number one. It's all about Caesar, not Venus and at least 1 has a good portrait.

To be honest I wouldn't pay $100 for number 2, it's horrible.

 

It's easy to see your dilemma since I keep going back and forth over which I would 'pull the trigger' on...

But, even with the 'decapitated' Venus, I think I would prefer the first example 'A'...It is well-centered, with an attractive patina and not chipped to a degree it takes one's focus off the bust as the 'B' denarii does---and I can't help but wonder how fragile 'B' is with so much of the flan exposed and chipped apart like that ....

And Mat's answer just popped up on the screen and he says it all---it is ALL about Caesar!! I'd get 'A' !!!

 

#1. I'm all for off center strikes and die errors, but not really into broken flans.

 

#1 here as well. As Mat said, this type really is all about the portrait, and #2 has a damaged flan that really detracts from the main reason one would want a JC portrait denarius in the first place.

 

I cast my vote for "A"

 

I would go for number 2. There is visual information about the likeness of JC not present on the first coin. Although the flan is damaged, I would rather make the flan concession and have a nice sharp portrait with more reverse legend than a neat flan with a the bust missing fine details.

 

Option C, wait a month for a better one to come up, spending perhaps a little bit more money for a coin you instantly like.

 

No. Get coin A. Coin C might be the one I finally bid on.

 

I have to agree with AJ. I don't care much for either of these coins. A bit of patience may serve you better.

 

These are extremely popular coins that many, many collectors want. The fact that you are having trouble talking yourself into one or the other suggests to me that AJ is correct. This issue is notorious for being poorly made. As an example of this, B is the better coin. A has a lot of scratches that have nothing to do with the terrible mint practices that are part of the coin type's history. That means I should prefer B and I have plenty of rare coins with problems at least that bad. I'd buy either of these only if the price were very low and I felt I could never find AJ's coin C. Is there a Caesar portrait coin not worth $100? Mat says so. If there are, these may be them.

 

I agree with the growing consensus of option "C". If you want one right now as a place filler, coin "A". I'm assuming you want a J.C. portrait and an intact Venus is not terribly important.

 

I agree with AJ and the others? Wait till a better one comes along that you will love forever. This way you will be looking for a replacement even as soon as you get it. However, if its a choice between these two, Mat is right. Its about JC so my vote is specimen A.

 

I would go with option B. While the coin does have its share of problems, I think the portrait is very important on these coins.I know it would be for me. Even missing the nose the second coin has the better portrait.

 

I realize it's a matter of taste, but personally I have a difficult time with coins where the face of the bust is crowded against the edge of the flan. I don't mind off-center strikes in the other direction, but coins like #2 make me claustrophobic.

 

I'd go with B; yes, "A" has good ol' JC's nose chopped (perhaps Amelius drank too much wine that day), but to me the details and color of "B" are definitely more appealing than "A".

 

I go for B more details and silver is not worn

 

Curious? => how much are they asking for "A" (and "B" while we're at it) ... the $$$ would influence whether I purchased either of 'em

 

I've enjoyed hearing the varied opinions. Unfortunately my budget doesn't allow a nicely centered and struck example of this type.

I'm starting to think Caesar's coins got him killed, not because of DICT PERPETVO, but rather because of the horrible quality control at the mint. The senate couldn't stand looking at them!

Against the majority, I too find B to be the more attractive example.