Been buying regnal dated Byzantine coins the last half year. This Justinian I Follis, the highest valued bronze coin Justinian I issued weighs 19.05 g and at 42 mm. is larger than a Morgan dollar by size, not weight. Minted in Constantinople, officina A, Regnal Year XII, 12. I'll carry it around for a couple of years and see what happens.
I'm curious what your motivation is. Seems like fresh wear on a 1500 year old coin is going to look weird.
I wouldn’t mind doing what he’s doing if I had the opportunity. The ancients I have are smaller and would be too easily misplaced though. Just the thought of having that kind of history on me most of the time would be awesome…
I always feel that I am ultimately a custodian for such history, not its owner with the right of destruction just to make me feel "awesome," no matter what I paid for it. That is why I do not make it into jewelry. Hopefully, centuries from now someone else will enjoy it and pass it on.
A pocket piece tends to show wear after time. That coin is just too nice to do that with. Please reconsider.
I enjoy carrying pocket pieces, and here are a few of mine. I typically carry one for 2-3 weeks before switching to another. My criteria for a pocket piece include being okay with the coin getting damaged or being easily replaceable, having no sentimental attachment, not expensive and mainly being chunky and satisfying to hold. I used to only carry silver bullion as my pocket piece, but later started carrying ancient coins, mostly worn sestertii. That large Vespasian is a medal struck at the Paris mint in the 70s, at 51.76 grams and 40 cm). But my concern about your coin is that its too big and too thin, especially with the cracks running across on the reverse.
Thanks to all who are concerned about my choice. This is a $25 coin all in. Take a few minutes to check similair pieces that are far superior in grade. A really nice piece of the same coin would be $400. On my coin it is hard to determine the Officina, mint and the lettering on the left of the "M". Thanks again for the concern.
No need to justify your choice. I've carried various pocket pieces over the years & like to think I influenced &/or encouraged, introduced, (and "awed" some) etc. people to the hobby (something like @JayAg47 posted above). I don't do it with MS coins, but I've had some really nice ones over the years. I particularly like the one you've chosen.
Exactly! I aim to carry a fairly large bronze in my pocket most places I go, with the same motivation. (Raw of course. Carrying a slabbed coin in my pocket would not only overfill my pocket, but would almost defeat the purpose.)
