The seller describes this coin as an 'Otho. I cannot find a reference for it. Can someone please confirm that this coin is an 'Otho'? Does anyone have a reference for it, please?
With COS II on the revers, this rules out Otho who did not operates as a Consul two times, not even once...could be an early Vespasian
Cool addition, Topcat ... great eye-appeal, but sadly, this baby looks like it may have been used for ancient target-practice?
Holes can cause cracking; cracks can cause breakage. The hole has a raised rim on both sides. Was that a sign of wear from what once went through the hole? I don't buy many holed coins but even fewer are holed and cracked. A coin had to strike me as special to risk a broken coin. I'm still hoping this one stays in one piece. It was my first of its kind and I never felt like getting rid of it.
I have a couple of holed coins, but this is my most recent and my favorite OTACILIA SEVERA Æ Sestertius OBVERSE: MARCIA OTACILIA SEVERA AVG, diademed and draped bust right REVERSE: SAECVLARES AVGG, SC in ex, Hippopotamus standing right, head raised Struck at Rome, 248 AD 18.6g, 30mm RIC 200a, Cohen 65 ex Warren Esty
I vote not Otho. The hair looks wrong. No curls and he is wearing a laurel wreath. The only laurel wreath coins I see are bronze. coin from CNG
Oof, I don't know what that thing in the OP is, but unless it is some super rare variety, I'd call that a strong pass. Holes, and broken? Two big "nopes" from me.
@dougsmit Congratulations (and thanks) Doug. You are right. It turns out to be, Ref: Caracalla Denarius, RIC 95, RSC 440, BMC 552 Sear 6864 (Courtesy of Wildwinds) Thank-you EVERYONE for your assistance. Thanks to Orfew's generous assistance in helping me to complete my "12 Caesars" collection, his gift spurred me to 'update' my collection from 'any coin of' to 'Portrait Coins Of'. I have managed to obtain portraits of all except 'Otho' (hence my interest in this 'O.P." coin, which is not 'as described'). If anyone can help me with a (poor) example at an appropriate price, please P.M. me. (Note: in all of the years I have been collecting coins I have never sold one.) Thanks.
TC, I've been looking for a "decent" Nero & Otho for months. They even elude me when I have the money to spend on them. Nero is slightly more so on my radar, but it's first come first get
@Smojo Thank-you, but the one I am after is the 'ugly duckling'. The one that you have only until the one you want comes along. If it isn't an 'ugly duckiling', it isn't in my budget. I probably shouldn't even be looking, but now that what I thought I had, isn't, then I have to keep trying. It is the last one I have to get to complete the 'Portrait' series.
My kids have long grown, but if I remember correctly didn't "the ugly duckling" turn out to be a beautiful swan? IMO, it's your opinion that matters. What someone may say is undesirable may in turn to your eyes be very desirable.
P.S. I thank all members who have taken the time to express their opinions. Without your help I would have paid more than I should have and received less than I expected. I have taken my (our) concerns to the seller (who seems to be genuine) and he has cancelled the sale and refunded my money (in full). My thanks (again) to you all.
