When I see a group like that, questions come up. It is not one hoard group. There is a large gap almost following RSC volume lines. I see a couple that look like RSC vol III but most are II and IV. How come the Trajans are more worn than the Flavians? What did that Caracalla do to get lost in all those Antonines? What is on the back of that early A-Pi? There I would say the appropriate word is FUN! I agree. Barry's group was almost boring in its perfection but I'd be afraid you yawn in its presence for fear of spitting on them. These are coins you can have fun even if you are a little more reserved than Uncle Scrooge.
Yup. I wonder too. While these were a 'simple' auction group lot they often do represent a hoard or hoards which are often combined. They are mostly Trajan, Hadrian and Pius, with a sprinkling of Flavian. I too spotted that Caracalla immediately when I dumped them out. I suspect just a random coin thrown in to make a certain quantity (why 149 instead of 150?).
I think I mostly share your philosophy. Note to self: see if Librivox has audio files of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations. Download and listen on daily commute. (That's the second time in 24 hours I've heard them cited, and I've never read them.) Edit: Ta-dahh! Free audiobook, anyone?
I'm a paper guy. I have lots of books. My copy of Meditations has a TON of Post It Notes marking my favorite passages. His writings speak across the ages and religions. A lot of what he wrote is truly astonishing. I would suggest anyone get a copy. They can be very cheap, just a couple of dollars.
And then when @Ken Dorney wanted his silver back, I'd strategically arrange for one or more of the coins to have "accidentally" gotten stuck in my navel. Maybe that Pegasus. Those are what, a Domitian issue?
i hear ya and understand totally. i thought of doing that very thing too. only i'm not very good at it. i bought a lot of 8 denga's a while back just to sell 5 or 6, but i don't like to break up a octset. they are keeping each other company as i type
There's nothing wrong with a good old-fashioned paper book, but being able to have someone read it to you while you're commuting an hour a day or doing mindless chores is incomparable. Ask anyone who's a veteran of the 170+ episodes of Mike Duncan's History of Rome podcast.
Wha? ... you're not keeping them all? ... but they look so cool all together in that awesome pile => they're like a sweet litter of puppies Oh well, it sounds like you can make some cash selling them to Sallent (well played)
I own two different translations. This is the only real opportunity that I am aware of to actually get into the mind of a Roman emperor. There are a few letters of Trajan and a few fragments from others, but nothing on such a personal level. I do not admire Marcus Aurelius, he had a dark and sinister side and certainly failed to live up to the ideals expressed in "Meditations," but he (and his writings) were a product of their age and are a valuable window into ancient Rome.
What I've learned so far from listening to the audiobook of Marcus Aurelius' Meditations: You shouldn't get all crazy about supporting either the Blues or the Greens at the chariot races. You shouldn't be training or gambling over fighting quails. To which I say: Darn! And I was getting to be such a big fan of 2nd Century NASCAR! And green is my favorite color, too. Fighting. Quails. Wow. Who knew that was even a thing? Not me! So the Meditations have already proven educational and enlightening. Just not quite in the ways I expected. @Ken Dorney - would you perhaps like to meet me down at the Hippodrome? Wager some of those pretty pieces of silver in the OP? You can bet on the Blue chariots. I'll put some ATB quarters down on the Greens. No? Then perhaps you'd like to wager some in another little sporting contest? Bring your best fighting quails. I'll bring two or three of my six cats.
Ummm, am I allowed to bring my raven to the quail fights? Yup, anything that can survive outside where I live => "WINS" ... they're like fricken flyin' Dobermans!!
Mike Duncan rocks. I'm looking forward to my second listen. (If you want to get into Chinese coins, I strongly recommend The History of China podcast.)
