This silver denarius of Antoninus Pius has a reverse showing an Eagle on an altar. I wonder whether this coin can be considered as toned, also wish to guess the grade. It weighs 2.93 g. Thanks..
I like the toning and would agree with JA about the grade---but I grade conservatively---Guess it's a residual effect of previously collecting 'moderns'. LOL All in all, a very nice denarius!!
who cares what the grade is? ... cool coin I have a Vespasian denarius with a similar reverse type (eagle on altar) Man, I guess I should reshoot that coin, eh? (sadly, it's not really as cool blue as the seller's photo)
The surface appearance strikes me as a sign the toning is deeper than surface. Is this from sulphur? I do not think it would clean well but I am no expert on that! The reverse is the standard Consecratio which comes in eagle and funeral pyre types. My Divus Antoninus is a type common to him (but not to other rulers) with DIVO PIO in dative case 'to the divine Pius'. Wear on this one makes it no more than aVF either. We will never know what the slabbers would grade it. Coins that appear so different point to the need for better grading systems.
My DIVO PIO is of the altar variety. I don't pay too much attention to grades when I buy, but I understand that in collecting coins (even ancient ones), sometimes that's just the name of the game. The seller of this coin gave it an Almost EF grade, and went on to add "centered, full legends, good bright silver, well struck & all that."
