I posted this over on Forvm but thought a few here would enjoy it. http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2016/03/adrienne-was-here/475719/ 'Kilroius was here' indeed. Feel free to post your coins with graffiti.
The only 'graffiti I see on any of my coins (and even identified as 'graffito' by the sellers) are small, seemingly random scratches...But what do I know LOL
This stater of Sikyon has a Phi scratched on each side but the one on the obverse is weak enough to barely show on the photo. I wonder if it was the initial of an owner once upon a time.
Coincidentally, my Sikyon stater has graffito in almost exactly the same area as Doug's. It's so light as to almost not be visible, but it's definitely not a Phi, more like a rough square... Here's a C. Norbanus denarius with much more prominent graffiti that I really like and wish I could decipher. Actually, I don't even know if it's ancient, but if the ex-Haeberlin provenance is correct, then I'm guessing it ought to be at least a hundred years old .
This Phlious obol (it is AR, just very toned) has "P" scrached on the reverse. Phliasia, Phlious AR obol 400-350 BC 11 mm, 0.84 gm Obv: forepart of butting bull left Rev: large Φ surrounded by four pellets Ref: SNG Copenhagen 8-9 Triskeles Sale 9; Oct 2013 ex BCD Collection, not in previous BCD sales
=> How 'bout this sweet baby? Sextus Pompey, Son of Pompey the Great, AR Denarius (Sicily, Messana) 42-40 BC Diameter: 18 mm Weight: 3.5 grams Obverse: MAG PIVS IMP ITER, galley adorned with aquila, sceptre and trident before the Pharos (Lighthouse) of Messana, decorated with a statue of Neptune Reverse: PRÆF CLAS ET ORÆ MARIT EX S C, the monster Scylla, her torso of dogs and fishes, wielding a rudder as a club Refernce: Crawford 511/4a; CRI 335; Sydenham 1348; RSC 2 Other: very cool ... sweet, sweet graffiti
The reverse of this denarius has a lot of graffiti and there is a teensy edge crack, but who wouldn't want a coin issued by Cassius? At least it is centered, with full legends. Cassius (Proconsul and Imperator), early 42 BC AR denarius 3.6gm - 18 mm Obv: C CASSI IMP LEIBERTAS, diad. Hd. Of Libertas r. Rev: LENTVLVS SPINT, jug and lituus (emblems of the augurate) Ref: RRC 500/3, CRI 221, BMCRR East 77-8, RSC 4, 4a.
