This worn and 'flawed' denarius was of interest to me due to its reverse and age---the Macedonian Shield is absent on any of my other RR denarii and this one was struck in 127 BC making it one of my oldest. Unluckily for me, I ran across another last minute bidder so the total cost was far closer to about average or high retail for the type and grade than I had hoped. The moneyer intended to honor and commemorate his ancestor(s) with this particular issue; specifically his father, Q C Metellus Macedonicus who participated in the third Macedonian War and played a pivotal part in the fourth in 148 BC. After subsequent victories in Greece during 147 -146 BC, he returned to Italy, was awarded a triumph and the title of Macedonicus. The Caecilii were a prominent noble family dating back to at least 251 BC, holding high public office, high military rank and numerous consulships. M Caecilius Metellus, AR Denarius, Rome mint, 127 BC Helmeted head of Roma right, ROMA behind, star below chin. M METELLVS Q F around Macedonian Shield with elephants head in central boss, all surrounded by laurel wreath. 3.86 grams, 16.2 mm Crawford 263 1a; Sydenham 480; Caecilia 29 Below this denarius, I'll also post a 'Macedonian' issue---time of Philip V and Perseus circa 221-168 BC---that I had purchased months ago...AR Tetrbol, 2.18 grams, 16.10 MM; Uncertain mint struck 187-179 BC.
I like both of these. I really like the Macedonian Shield motif on a lot of these coins. Quite a few members have coins of these types, I am sure you many will be posted here. Here is an oldie but goodie that hasn't been posted in a while. Macedonia, First Meris, Amphipolis Mint 167 - 149 BC. AR Tetradrachm, 16.59 g x 32 mm Obv: Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder, in the center of a Macedonian shield, Rev: MAKEΔONΩN ΠPΩTHΣ, horizontal club, monograms above and below, all within oak wreath, ref: SNG COP 1313
Thats a great coin, especially like the elephant head. Im sure Steve will love it for that too. It's also got the kind of toning I like as well.
Thanks for the comments and posts guys!!! That's a WONDERFUL!!! coin 'Noob' In fact, it's one of the reasons I went after the one I did....Yep, I blame ALL you guys for my purchases.
He probably means the slightly off center strike, the cracks on the reverse and the slight porosity. I don't think they detract much on this coin, but they are flaws.
Lovely coins people. No silver here, but I do have a Macedonian shield Alexander III Coin: EF Macedonian shield w/ thunderbolt in center B-A across field, cavalry helmet; thunderbolt below Mint: Macedonia (After 311 AD) Wt./Size/Axis: 4.16g / 16mm / - Notes: Nov 12, 14 - SNG Copenhagen 1119 var. ; Price 416
KINGS OF MACEDON. Alexander III 'the Great' (336-323 BC). Ae 1/2 Unit. Miletos(?). Reference. Price 2064. Obv: Macedonian shield with gorgoneion on boss. Rev: B - A. Helmet; labrys (double axe) to left; K to right. Price 2064. Weight: 3.84 g. Diameter: 16 mm. 7 h
two winners MZ...not the usual roma denarius, though i don't have even a ususal roma denarius yet. i'll get one in 2016...new years resolution. that little elephant is cool...i know someone here as a coin will a little elephant on it like that. @stevex6 ? or am i going crazy? here's my shield.. Antigonos II Gonatas of Macedon, 277-239 BC SNG Alpha Bank 1008 var., 16 mm x 3.5 g
That's a terrific post Chris!! Wonderful toning and eye-appeal!!! I believe you're right about Steve and his 'elephant coin' since it's basically what made me look for one as I browsed the various auctions....and I even found a 'rat' denarius, but it was sooo obviously fake Hmmm, Steve likes to make a grand appearance---fashionably late and like that....
As always, Steve, absolutely gorgeous!!! I hope to do as well during the coming year.....because I WANT THEM ALL!!!!
