Top 10 for 2016? Impossible!

There have been several outstanding top 10 lists posted over the past several days. They have all been a pleasure to see. I find the following works better for me to narrow down some of my favorites.

Most Beautiful:
#1


Benjamin Franklin wrote:
“Beauty, like supreme dominion
Is but supported by opinion.”

Why is my most beautiful coin of 2016 this Aureus of Vespasian? It's just my opinion but if you held it in your hand I think you might agree. I have to say it’s almost enough to make me sell all my silver and bronze for more gold. (Almost)

#2

When it comes to pure art, I have to put this Domitian denarius at the head of the pack, followed closely by his dear old dad and brother. A denarius of Domitian was arguably my most beautiful coin of 2015 as well.

#3

Vespasian AR Didrachm, Caesarea, Cappadocia mint, 76-77 AD
O: Laureate head of Vespasian right, AYTOKPA KAICAP OYЄCΠACIANOC CЄBACTOC. (Emperor Vespasian Caesar Augustus)
R: Laureate head of Titus right, AYTO KAI OYЄCΠACIANOC CЄBACTOY YIOC. (The Son of Emperor Vespasian Caesar Augustus) - RPC 1650
This mint put out some tremendous pieces.

Next, Vespasian with Neptune reverse. I never get bored looking at this one, I just love it.
#4

Vespasian. AD 69-79. AR Denarius (19mm, 3.29 g, 6h). Rome mint. Struck January-June AD 70.
O: Laureate head right, IMP CAESAR VESPASIANVS AVG.
R: Neptune standing left, with right foot on prow, holding dolphin and trident, COS ITER TR POT. - RIC 25 (R)
And finally, the only non-Flavian in this group, an uncommonly beautiful common denarius of Tiberius.

#5


Most Fun:
#1

Julius Caesar Flip Over Double Strike 49-48 BC. AR Denarius (19 mm, 3.66 g). Military mint traveling with Caesar.

After being struck, a blank flan was placed in the die and somehow this coin was flipped and re-struck! Okay, probably an accident but can you prove that the guys at the mint weren’t just bored one night?

#2

Titus as Caesar / Quadriga
Titus as Caesar. 70-79 AD. Denarius, 18mm 3.42g. Rome, 72-3 AD.
O: T CAES IMP VE - SP PON TR POT Head laureate right.
R: No legend. Titus in triumphal quadriga right, holding branch in right hand and scepter surmounted by bust (?) in left; on front of car, large wreath. - RIC 371 (R2).

This one would be great on it's own but it was particularly enjoyable to purchase because it is a reverse die match to a rare Vespasian denarius that was already in my collection. I was thrilled that no one else seemed to care about this one at auction!

Coolest:

#1

Civil Wars 68-69 CE. AR Denarius (17.50 mm, 3.39 g). Spanish mint, April-June 68 CE.
O: BONI EVENTVS, Female bust right, wearing fillet; hair rolled and looped above neck
R: VICTORIA P R, Victory standing left on globe, holding wreath in right hand and palm in left
- BMCRE I 292 Note + Taf 50.2; P.-H. Martin, the anonymous coins of the year 68 AD (1974) 82 # 99 PL 9; E. P. Nicolas, De Néron à Vespasien (1979) 1308 No. 31; 1435 f 1456 # 107 Taf 14.107 B; RIC I² Nr. 12 (Spain, 68 n. Chr.).

Evidently the second known. The above references are all to one example found in Münzkabinett Berlin.

#2

The Madman from Antium, Ole Bootykins himself, give it up for Gaius Julius Caesar Germanicus!

#3

Shekel Tyre CY 159, 33-34CE
PHOENICIA, Tyre. 126/5 BC-AD 65/6. AR Shekel (14.29 g g, 12h). Dated CY 159 (AD 33/4).
Perhaps the most sought after date in the 191 year Shekel of Tyre series due to 33 C.E. being the most widely accepted year for Jesus execution.

Tacitus, a Roman historian who lived during the latter part of the first century C.E., wrote: “Christus [Latin for “Christ”], from whom the name [Christian] had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus.”—The Complete Works of Tacitus (New York, 1942), “The Annals,” Book 15, par. 44.

Looking forward to see what 2017 will bring, I have plenty on my wishlist!

 

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Although I don't actively collect ancients, I have always had an interest in them, and do have a few examples.
But, in looking at the images here and at other posts, and the scholarly descriptions added, I have an unlimited admiration for not only the coins themselves, but the knowledgeable collectors of them.
You folks are in a class all your own.

 

Well.

Those don't suck.

 

I have to agree with your order. You can't beat a gold coin, so that should be number one. Numbers 2, 3, and 4 all come in second. Great coins.

 

Excellent choices. My favorite is definitely the civil wars denarius. That thing is just all-around awesome.

 

Wow! What a tremendous list. I agree about the aureus being in the top spot.

That Caligula is a fantastic piece, very enviable! Your Titus Caesar is another personal favourite - much better than my specimen! And of course the Civil War denarius - just superb.

Hopefully 2017 will be just as good!

 

Oooh yeah... wonderful coins!! It's hard to pick a favorite but within your categories I largely agree.

 

Wonderful coins @Nemo

It is very difficult to choose a favourite amongst such a fantastic selection but I am drawn to that beautiful aureus and the superb portrait of Domitian. That rare cos IIII Gaius is also amazing.

 

I know absolutely nothing about Ancients and have no basis to express an informed opinion but my favorite has to be Most Fun #1.

 

Name me a character from ancient history? I'll bet if you asked any random person, they'll say: Jesus, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, or Alexander. And probably in that order. And that's why I want one of ol' Julius' coins.

 

Well, some of the Byzantine coins have Jesus all over them.

 

The Civil War and Caligula denarius for me, please! Or your Flavians, I really like the Vespasian denarius with Neptune reverse.

 

Awesome coins

 

The civil war for me thank you
I'll PM you my address

Q

 

Thanks for the kind words guys, I'm keeping track of your preferences in my will! Unfortunately I'm pretty healthy right now

 

Thanks for posting these, Nemo! They're all beautiful but the Shekel of Tyre is magnificent!

 

Gorgeous captures @Nemo ! I am with the Cuke on this one: The Civil War Denarius is my NUMBER ONE desire! Nice one!

 

Sorry @Alegandron, I saw it first and @Nemo is my new best friend

Q

 

LOL, I am only in LUST-MODE for this coin. I will find another!

 

Holy cow! These coins are awesome!

That Shekel is a total boss, Nemo!

Erin