Summer, to my mind, is a fitting season to contemplate and research an Alexandrian tetradrachm. The coins should feel right at home in the balmy weather. This Titus tet recently arrived swiftly from Europe. Titus AR Tetradrachm Alexandria mint, 80-81 AD RPC 2467 (31 spec.) Obv: AYTOK TITOY KAIΣ OYEΣΠAΣIANOY ΣEB; Head of Titus, laureate, r. Rev: OMONOIA; Homonoia seated, l.; date LΓ to l. From Titus second regnal year at Alexandria. Homonoia was the most common type struck at this mint for Titus. I really love its style - somewhat crude, but unique and very 'Alexandrian'. These tets are often found very worn with a lot to be desired, luckily I was able to find one that was better than average.
I like it, but I'm biased . EGYPT, Alexandria. Titus regnal year 3, CE 80/1 billion tetradrachm, 25.5 mm, 12.34 gm Obv: AVTOKTITOVKAIΣOVEΣΠAΣIANOVΣEB; laureate bust right Rev: OMO NOIA; Homonoia seated left on throne, holding olive branch; LΓ in left field Ref: Emmett 233.3, R1; Milne 459 Die shift on obverse
I love those coins, @TIF and @vespasian70 . I want to add an AR Imperial Tetradrachm to my collection soon, but I have no experience with them. Would either of you (if you feel comfortable doing it) be willing to take a look at a coin before I buy it and give me your opinion? I don't think I'm as comfortable with these as I would be with purchasing Roman denarii and double denarii on my own. Anyway, it doesn't have to be now. I'm probably going to add one around late July or early August
I would be happy to help, but my experience is pretty much limited to the Flavian era. If it's any consolation, I find provincials to have less of a forgery issue compared with imperial coins.
Beautiful Ti-Tets guys. Looks like @vespasian70 got some Saffron with his shipment! I like the patina! I like @TIF 's die shift! Kinda "Great Caesars Ghost!"
I agree 100% here. It often bothers me how many people collect for grade and how few appreciate style. I wish I could say I only buy coins that I consider better than average die work but it is fun to acknowledge the fact that every die was an individual work and some of the cutters were really artists. Capturing 'beauty' when your subject was a Flavian might be considered a challenge.
Beautiful examples, thanks for posting them! I too would love to add one of these to my collection! This year has been very good to you David!
So far, this year has been a lot of fun. My absolute favourite coin was added in February and a lot of neat gems afterwards. The last half of the year has a lot to live up to!
It may be the right time to buy if Brexit happens. I know that I have 3 Siliquae lined up in my sights if the pound drops.
