As some of you may know, I enjoy collecting coins with animals on them - particularly African animals. One of the more interesting animal coin types are a small assortment of Roman provincial coins, struck in the 3rd century, featuring an ostrich either standing or running on the reverse. These types are rather scarce to begin with and their popularity means that they are even scarcer on the market. Good specimens rarely stick around long. So when I spotted this coin come up for sale at a reasonable price, I did not hesitate! THRACE, HADRIANOPOLISTime of Gordian III AE (16.83mm, 3.35g, 7h) Struck AD 238-244 Obverse: ΑΥΤ Κ Μ ΑΝΤ ΓΟΡΔΙΑΝΟϹ, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Gordian III right, seen from rear Reverse: ΑΔΡΙΑΝΟΠΟΛΕΙΤΩΝ, ostrich standing right References: RPC Online, Vol. VII.2, No. 806.12 (this coin) A rare type, with good detail and a beautiful emerald green patina. This coin has its flaws, but overall I am very pleased with the purchase. The ostrich is clearly identifiable, well-centered on the flan and even has some feather details left. The obverse is also in good shape and the coin has a vivid, if somewhat patchy, emerald green patina. Thanks for looking! Please feel free to post your own ostrich coins, animal coins, or anything else you consider relevant.
Not an animal collector per se, but I do have a "Flawed" coin with a bird on the reverse: Mariniana (Wife of Valerian)
I have a few animals from the Conder tokens through the Middlesex Pidcock series. Here is one of them. Half penny Conder token. Antelope obv. Ostrich rev., 1795 Pidcock, Middlesex D&H 447, MS-62 BN. 1942 NGC AU 58 New Zealand Silver Florin Kiwi Bird.
Yes! That's why I collect the 3rd century Balkan provincials; the nice patinas. I usually don't heavily collect as-sized coins. This one has a great patina, is pretty well preserved,a nd the ostrich reverse is somewhat unusual, in a good way. That's a nice pickup! Hooray for the patina!
The ostrich depicted is probably the now extinct Arabian ostrich. It went extinct circa 1920's due to over-hunting. engraving from 1877 of an ostrich hunt in Palestine https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabian_ostrich
A very nice coin, Meat man, and not one I've seen before. This Carus Antoninianus with an eagle is one of my most recent purchases, though not as impressive as yours!
Thanks everyone, great coins being posted! @Victor_Clark that is interesting - I hadn't been aware of an Asian subspecies before.
