What do you guys think of this one? Bought this from a shop in France that's been on MA-shops for 17 years. Was sold as an AU. Bought it on the 20th and I couldn't believe when FedEx was at my door today handing it to me on the 24th. Anyway I opened it and wasn't ready for how shiny it would be. It's so shiny I'm sure someone polished it. I had to photograph it with only two lights, pointed away. I prefer originality too, but I guess it's kind of cool because it looks like it would when it was brand new I suppose. The details are great. I've been wanting one with this reverse type which according to my book is a personification of justice holding scales and a cornacopia. Price wasn't bad.
The seller you bought from seems to value his coins highly and the price reflects it. Below is a similar example that I sold for 1/3. Plus the AU description means almost nothing when describing ancient coins.
Nice one. I had one that was quite similarly bright like that. Maybe a little too bright, but like you said, it kind of gives one an idea of what they looked like when new. I like it!
Here are a couple of mine with natural toning. The prior owner kept them in an old coin cabinet. Not sure what you paid but I purchased these for $57.50 each a couple years ago.
I have one that is similar. Denarius of Trajan, Obverse: IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M (Sear legend D) Translation: “Emperor Caesar Nerva, Trajan augustus Germanicus, high priest of Roman religion. Reverse: PM TRP COS III P P, Victory seated left holding patera and palm. “High priest, tribune, consul third year, father of his country.” RSC 223, Ric 41. Year 100 AD
