Salus and Antoninus: A good Emperor, Goddess of Wellbeing, and a snake

Salve citizens. I decided it was time to upgrade Antoninus Pius.

So this is the one I currently have:




This is the one I shall be getting.




The difference is better preserved portrait of the Emperor, better reverse, this one featruring the Goddess Salus feeding a snake. And you know me, animals, animals, animals. These days I'm all about the animals. That's one more ancient animal down, and a better imperial portrait. Sounds good?

So, what to do with my old denarii? I'm a keep it or think of a clever and fun way to pass it on to another person here, perhaps someone who can't afford it.

 

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Consider getting over the idea of only wanting one coin per ruler. While I don't see anything about either coin that would make it suitable to be the only coin of Pius if you could have just one, there is no reason unless you need the money or have decided that your collection needs to be limited to 100 coins. I've known people who fit each of those situations. Which are you?

 

A really attractive up-grade !! Love the details etc

Doug just posted...and I have to agree with him at this point.

 

I can keep both coins just fine. I'm just trying to decide if I really want to keep the first one would do something interesting with it. Not really sure yet.

 

Saw that one and was kind of tempted to get it, but my interests lie elsewhere at the moment. Nice catch.

 

Both coins are desirable, and I love the toning on your original. But your new coin clearly has more eye appeal.

So I'm a one-per collector, and this is what I do when I upgrade - if I like the "old" coin, I store it away from my main collection. If I don't like it, I sell it.

My portrait series of rulers, includes empresses and family members, so the maximum size of this collection is around 210 coins - although I think 180 coins is the most i can reasonably acquire.

I don't really see anything wrong with collecting in this straight-forward "classic" way - over time, my collection changes from bronze to silver to gold.

I will occasionally buy a coin just because it appeals to me (eg Greek Alexanders) - but generally i stick to my main project. Once I've exhausted the possibilities of this project I'll find a new theme.

 

My collection consists of several coins per emperor where it's financially possible. In the case of AP, I own seven (7) coins. None are duplicates. The reverses are as interesting (or more so) than the obverses. Keep them both. It provides you with a Salus and a Moneta.

 

Good point! I think I'll keep them both then. And while I'm at it, I may as well open the mystery coin that I bought the other day.

 

Exactly!!!

And then there's a variety of mints/denominations of the same ruler(s) as well...

Although I may up-grade on a specific type and THEN consider giving the duplicate to a newby (my first choice).

 

One thing I failed to mention. There are collectors who try to find "die matches". I believe Martin keeps an eye open for die matches. Just another sub-collection strategy.

Obverse die match

 

Yes, some of us do seek multiples as above. Below are my six reverses using the same obverse die. I want more.

 

After viewing your post above, Doug, how could ANYONE NOT want more??!!??

 

See what I mean? Excellent Doug. Just excellent!

 

i would absolutely keep both coins sallent!

i do have a denarius of AP with a vesta reverse. sallent was nice enough to edit my obverse and reverse pic into one...so i spiffed it up a bit more.