I was considering buying this coin as I collect ancients with any type of birds on them. I haven't seen one like this before and was wondering if I could get your thoughts and any information on this coin. I can pick this coin up for 20$. Is it worth buying?
For the same money or a little more you can get one with better details. Here is a link to current Vcoins offerings with search term "phoenix".
OP: that is a Constantius II Phoenix. To give you an idea on price, I was able to acquire one in XF condition (as close to mint as one can get) with beautiful patina, no pitting, and no imperfections, for $32. They are not expensive in excellent condition. You can get a great example for around $30 or under. That coin was struck to celebrate the 1,100 anniversary of Rome. Is it worth getting one? Yes, but you can get a better example at that price, and for a little more you can get an excellent speciment
Thanks for the info - seems I'll be looking around for a better condition example! Thanks again! Oh Oh! My cover is blown!
Agreed. I would do some more searching before your purchase. I see some nicer ones for around the same price. The one you are posting is a bit pitted, I would try to find a smoother one. Sorry, I couldn't resist the urge.
Ok, here's mine! CONSTANTIUS II (337-361 CE) ROMAN EMPIRE AE 3 Constantinople Mint, (348-351 CE) DN CONSTANTIVS PF AVG pearl diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right FEL TEMP REPARATIO, radiate phoenix standing right on globe CONSA Below RIC 93, LRBC 2019 2.30g, 18.73mm Provenance: Purchased from John Anthony at Cointalk.com on 11/14/15 FEL TEMP REPARATIO on the reverse roughly translates to "Happy days are here again." Quite a boast considering the best days of the Roman Empire had long passed.
How about a purchase from JA LTD, our favorite friendly Vender/CT member (at least, I believe this is the one I purchased from him LOL): Constantius II, Phoenix on Mound version:
Well, what is the world but a pile of rocks LOL And to be more precise, the attribution(s) follow: AE-3 Siscia Mint DN CONSTAN TIVS PF AVG; diademed bust right. FEL TEMP REPARATIO; Phoenix radiate standing on rocky mound; epsilon SIS symbol 1 RIC VIII, Siscia 240
Yes, that Phoenix is on the rocks. Poor bird had a had a hard life. Fourth century Rome wasn't the greatest place in the world for the bird of fire and rebirth...not with an Empire beginning the final slide towards collapse. Don't let the "Happy days" slogan fool you, the Barbarians were just around the corner waiting to pounce on unsuspecting Roman citizens.
We have seen a tall phoenix on globe and a short one on rock pile. The short ones also come on globes which are large enough to show armillary sphere like markings. The first also points out that the coins come in the name of brother Constans as well. Constans Arles Constantius II Nicomedia
