Reduced folles of the London Mint

What a great comprehensive collection jamesicus, some beautiful coins included, well done.

 

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A magnificent collection!

 

no, here we know you as "Pish" ^^

 

Thanks Bing.

 

Thank very much @Curtisimo.

 

Thank you @Severus Alexander.

 

Deleted -- double post, sorry.

 

Thank you for those very gracious comments John. Reading all that means some "hard slogging".

 

Thank you @Alegandron -- maybe you will convert -- an old time dealer, Michael Wolff, converted me many years ago

 

Thank you @ancient coin hunter.

 

Thank you @Multatuli.

 

Great coins James. I've visited your website numerous times and every time I seem to find the clock hands passing the hour mark. A few weeks ago I became engrossed in your Nihontô pages learning about something I know nothing about. I appreciate your moving some of that content here to share with the members.

 

Thank you @dadams for those nice words -- and you are most welcome.

 

Wonderful coins @jamesicus !

 

Typical "M series" mint mark follis:



The PLN Mint mark was introduced in the summer of 307 and continued until 314 when it was superceded by the M series marks, to be resumed again in 316 and continued in use until 321 (used concurrently with PLON in the last year of usage). The M series marks: MLL, MSL and MLN were used 314-316. The PLON mark was introduced in 320 and was used until the London Mint closure in 325. Commencing in mid 310, the primary exergue Mint marks are frequently accompanied by a variety of letters/symbols in the reverse field.

 

While I was scrolling at auction for a nice 'snack', I came across this example which has already been posted and thought I'd add my example as well...

I notice it often is listed as 'rare' and I'm wondering precisely why?? The left-facing bust?? Normally I re-translate that to mean a bit scarce and not actually rare but at $17.00 shipped, it seemed a bit of a bargain to me:


Constantine I Ӕ Follis. London, AD 313-314. IMP CONSTANTINVS AVG, helmeted and cuirassed bust right, holding spear and with shield on shoulder / SOLI INVICTO COMITI, Sol standing left, chlamys across left shoulder, holding globe, right hand raised, S-F across fields, PLN in exergue. RIC 11. 3.47g, 21mm, 6h.

 

I suppose so many minted they only have to have the slightest peculiarity to put them ahead of the pack, like this London Constantine camp gate, the difference between my one that makes it rare compared to the majority is it is missing a letter instead of AVG after Constantinus mine reads AG. Funny thing is I didn't know it was rare when I haggled the price down from 75 pounds to 50, I don't think the salesman knew either at the time, with it's close to if not EF condition and rarity it's probably worth 75 pounds at least.

 

I don't know how I missed this thread. This subset of coins is my favorite by far, and as I've mentioned before it's because of @jamesicus and his posts.

He mentioned that some of the coins he posted have been sold. I'm not sure if I posted this before on CT, but he also "gifted" me one of the coins.

It is among the coins I've stored separate from my collection in a much safer place. The spot is reserved for the coins that mean more to me than they're probably worth. Several of the coins from the Bag o Romans are there too.

See below:

Exemplar coin No. 20 - Constantius as Caesar
FL VAL CONSTANTIVS NOB C .............................. GENIO POPV -- LI ROMANI

 

James,
Great coins and post as usual. What does the p in p l o n actually represent? Maybe you have explained it before and I just can't remember.
John

 

I think the P stands for primus, first (officina).

Mickey Zee, I wouldn't call them "rare," but the left-facing bust type on the Sol issues is much less common and do command a premium. I think you got a great deal on yours.