Hi, I'm rather new to this hobby and I'm still trying to wrap my head around it, I do apologize for such an amateur question. It's from my understanding that ancient coins, of gold coinage in particular tend to go for a pretty penny...so this stands out and I am wondering why. https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ar...emissis_constantinople_vf/675497/Default.aspx
They are very common + the demand isn't high enough to drive the price any higher, Even many Byzantine Solidi which are 3x the weight of the tremissis can be bought in the $300-$600 dollar range for the more common coins. like Justinian, Heraclius, Maurice, etc.. my Justinian Solidus- 21mm 4.51 grams -- a Gif i just made
Ancient and medieval gold is like silver and bronze in that there are very expensive pieces as well as relatively inexpensive ones and many forces driving the market. In this case, the coin is relatively inexpensive because it's a relatively worn example of a very common type(the Byzantines minted large amounts of gold, much of which has survived), and these small tremisses(note the size and weight) are less desirable to your average collector than their larger counterparts. The scratches don't help either.
Woah, the Justinian Solidus coin is quite beautiful. I see, that is quite a sensible explanation and sheds light on my issue quite well. Thank you @red_spork and@Arnol Where would be recommended for me to embark of a search for this kind of coins with a competitive pricing, it's been my intention on obtaining a single ancient gold coin to have as my main keepsake.
Here are my two solidii, that I happened to acquire around the price range arnoldoe mentioned: Justinian, Byzantine Empire AV solidus Obv: D N IVSTINI-ANVS P P AVG, helmeted, cuirassed bust facing, holding cross on globe and shield Rev: VICTORI-A AVGGG delta, angel standing facing, holding P-headed cross and cross on globe, star in right field Mint: Constantinople Mintmark: CONOB Ref: SB 140 Size: 20.75 mm, 4.49gr Maurice Tiberius, Byzantine Empire AV solidus Obv: D N mAVRC TIb PP AVI, diademed, helmeted, and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger in left hand Rev: VICTORI-A AVGG ∆, Victory standing facing, holding long staff surmounted with staurogram in left hand and globus cruciger in right hand Mint: Constantinople Mintmark: CONOB Ref: SB 476 Size: 4.29 g., 21 mm wide
Oh gosh, more beautiful coins which come from a period so rich in history. Especially the Justinian I piece.
Welcome @Crineas!! Here's a tremissis (equal to 1/3 of a solidus) of Heraclius that usually sells for the low end mentioned above:
I would echo the other. The tremisses you posted IMHO is not worth nearly what the dealer is asking for it. I picked up one a few years ago for about $200 in better condition.
Keep also in mind that there is a difference in price between an auction-price and a store-price. If you have patience to an auction, you could save 5-15% if you bid in the last seconds and know what you are doing. Just remember there is buyer’s fee and transaction's fee. My tremissis(1,5 gram) of Justinian I paid 180 Euro(auction, not store): Solidus(4,5 gram) of Theodosius II, Justinian, Maurice Tiberius and Heraclius where I paid for a price range between 290-365Euro for each one except that Justinian I paid only 224 Euro. I am not sure whether it was a small bargain or whether it was just because it is very worn and not many wanted it. It looks incredible better in hand I should tell you though:
