What Your Budget Buys - $300 Edition

Discussion in 'Ancient Coins' started by zumbly, Sep 21, 2017.

  1. zumbly

    zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

    I really enjoyed the coins that were shown in our last price bracket. Thank you to everyone who has been contributing! Needless to say, I'm really looking forward to what we'll be seeing with this next one...

    The call is now for the coins in your collection that cost you about $300 (anything between $250 - $350 will do).

    If a coin is an older purchase (ie., not bought in the past few years), please let us know roughly when bought it. If the coin was part of a bulk or large lot purchase, it would be helpful to mention that too.

    $300 can buy some really nice coins... or, it can buy coins like mine :D. Some of my favorites in this price bracket are not pretty coins, but they're of high interest to me, and I tend to be picky about what I buy at this price. Case in point, this worn, off-center, banker's mark-marred Republican denarius. It's not going to be for everyone, but it's a scarce issue that I had been looking out for. I consider myself lucky to have scored it for $300.
    RR - Crepureius.jpg
    ROMAN REPUBLIC
    Q. Crepereius M. f. Rocus
    Rare. AR Denarius. 3.69g, 18mm. Rome mint, 72 BC. Crawford 399/1b. O: Bust of Amphitrite or Venus right, seen from behind, control marks to left and right. R: Neptune in biga of sea-horses, brandishing trident, control mark above, Q. CREPER. M. F. ROCVS in two lines below.
    Ex Andrew McCabe Collection

    Another worn silver for $300 was this Segesta didrachm. They're not rare, but relatively scarce compared to issues of other Sicilian cities. The type was always on my want list, but not so high on it that I was prepared to pay some multiples of what this one cost for an example in better grade. It's a pleasing coin and the main device of the Segestan hound is bold despite the wear, so on the whole, I consider it a decent box-checker.
    Sicily Segesta - Didrachm.jpg
    SICILY, Segesta
    AR Didrachm. 8.16g, 21.9mm. SICILY, Segesta, circa 440/35-420/16 BC. Hurter, Didrachmenprägung 129 (V39/R73); HGC 2, 1135. O: Hound standing left. R: Head of Segesta right, within linear circle.

    This next one is a box-checker too - a coin showing the Three Graces, scored for $280 shipped at a CNG auction. It has some provenance attached and is a plate coin for a reference work (Hristova & Jekov's The local coinage of the Roman empire - Moesia Inferior, I - III A.D, MARCIANOPOLIS), but mainly, I really REALLY loved how it looked, and I was over the moon when I didn't get Clio'ed at the auction. Sure, there'd have been plenty of other coins with the Three Graces on them, but the best box-checker is the one that will never have you wondering if there's going to be another coin that will better check the box for you. This one's a keeper!
    Commodus Graces d.jpg
    COMMODUS
    AE25. 7.69g, 25mm, MOESIA INFERIOR, Marcianopolis. H&J 6.10.26.4 (this coin illustrated); RPC IV online 4319; AMNG I 540; Varbanov 702 corr. (direction of heads). O: ΑΥ ΚΑΙ Λ ΑΥΡΗ ΚΟΜΟΔΟС, Bareheaded, draped, and cuirassed bust right. R: ΜΑΡΚΙΑΝΟΠΟΛƐΙΤΩΝ, the Three Graces standing facing, heads left, right, and right, respectively: the left holds oinochoe over dolphin, the center drapes arms over others, and the right holds wreath over oinochoe.
    Ex Dr. George Spradling Collection; Ex Alexandre de Barros Collection (CNG E143, 12 July 2006, lot 115); ex CNG 47 (16 Sep 1998) lot 833.
     
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  3. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Augustus

    Although Augustus was the second Caesar covered by Suetonius, he really was the first ruler of the new Roman empire. Originally known by the name Octavian, he became Augustus as the new ruler of the empire.

    The coin below is special to me for two reasons. First, I love the anepigraphic (no legend) obverse. I feel this gives an elegant look to the portrait and make the portrait the focus of the coin. Many emperors were very particular as to how their images appeared on their coins and Augustus was no exception. It is difficult to tell when a coin of Augustus was issued by the portrait alone because his portraits did not age very much from his beginnings as emperor until his death.

    Another reason I like this coin is the reverse. It depicts a Capricorn with globe and rudder. These devices appear on other coins of Augustus, and other emperors used them as well. Augustus would be associated with the image of the Capricorn for much of his rule.

    Although this is not a perfect coin because of its imperfect flan shape, the combination of a great portrait and the Capricorn meant I had to have it.
    Augustus (27 BC-AD 14), Denarius, Uncertain Spanish mint (Colonia Patricia?), 17-16 BC, (19 mm 3.73 g).
    Obv: Bare head right
    Rev: Augustus, Capricorn right, holding globe attached to rudder between front hooves; cornucopia above its back.
    RIC I 126; RSC 21 SRCV (2000) 1592.
    Purchased October 28, 2016 from vcoins store London Coin Galleries Ltd.
    Paid 325.00 USD
    AUG new.jpg

    Tiberius

    Tiberius was the third of "The Twelve Caesars" as described in the Lives of the Caesars by Suetonius. He is well known as the emperor who would groom the next emperor, Gaius (more commonly known as Caligula).The denarii of Tiberius are sometimes referred to as boring by some collectors. One reason is that there were only a few types of denarii issued. By far the most common is the one that many refer to as "The Tribute Penny" of the bible.It must be said however that there are minor variations in the design of the reverse on the Tribute Penny and there are collectors who try to get as many variations as possible. The denarius below is much less common.

    The reverse is very similar to a reverse on a coin of Augustus. This coin features Augustus on the obverse and Tiberius on the reverse in a quadriga. These denarii of Tiberius do appear from time to time, but when they do there is quite a bit of competition for them as they represent an alternative denarius to the Tribute Penny.
    Tiberius, 14-37 Denarius Lugdunum circa 15-16, AR (18.55 mm., 3.85 g).
    Obv: TI CAESAR DIVI - AVG F AVGVSTVS Laureate head r.
    Rev: TR POT XVII IMP VII Tiberius holding branch and eagle-tipped scepter in triumphal quadriga r.
    RIC 4. C 48. SRCV I (2000) 1762
    Ex: Naville Numismatics Auction #25 Lot #407 September 25, 2016
    Paid 353.00

    TIB new.jpg

    Nero
    I knew when I started building my 12 Caesars collection that I would eventually want a pre-reform denarius of Nero. The problem is that these are quite scarce in any condition. Also, there is much competition for them the they do appear for sale. Denarii like this one were minted before Nero decided to debase the silver coinage. Pre-reform denarii like this one are at near 100% fineness. This dropped considerably after the debasement. The earlier denarii are also heavier than the post reform coinage.One reason Nero debased the coins was to make up for a shortfall in available cash because of the massive spending he committed to building projects.

    This is not a perfect coin, but I like several things about it. First, I like the younger more slender portrait. Contrast this with the "Fat tyrant" portrait of the other Nero denarius I have posted before. I also like that the legends are intact. True, they are worn, but they are still readable.

    Nero. A.D. 61. AR denarius
    (18.40 mm, 3.37 g, 7 h).
    Lugdunum (Lyon) mint.
    Obv: NERO CAESAR AVG IMP, bare head right
    Rev: PONTIF MAX TR P VIII COS IIII P P, EX S C across field, Roma standing right, holding and inscribing shield supported on knee, foot on helmet; dagger and bow at feet to right.
    RIC 34 (R3); RSC 231. aVF, toned. Rare. From the D. Thomas Collection;
    Ex Hohn Leipziger Munzhandlung. Auction 85 June 2-4 2016 Lot 1832

    Ex: Agora Auctons sale 68 Lot 195 August 15 2017.
    Paid 271.05 USD
    Nero ric 35.jpg
     
  4. red_spork

    red_spork Triumvir monetalis

    ~$268(£180+19% buyers fee) via Roma XIII, lot 544. This is a rare stylistic variety of an otherwise common Second Punic War quinarius issue.
    Cr085.1a-AltStyle.jpg
    Roman Republic AR quinarius(2.16g, 16mm, 9h). Anonymous(H series), ca. 212-196 B.C. Apulian mint. Helmeted head of Roma right, V behind / ROMA, the Dioscuri riding right, each holds a spear; H below. Crawford 85/1a; Sydenham 174; RSC 33b; Russo RBW 348/NAC 61 lot 356(these dies)

    ~$274 via Agora 51, 3/8/16, lot 145. If not for the flat striking this could well have been a $1000 coin IMHO, but because of the flat striking I was able to pick up this very attractive example at a price I could afford. I was especially impressed by how well executed and well preserved the murex-shell of the reverse was on this coin as most examples are either not from fresh dies or have just enough wear to remove the fine details.
    Cr187.1Combined.jpg
    Roman Republic AR Denarius(18.8 mm, 3.99 g, 12 h), Furius Purpurio, moneyer, circa 169-158 B.C. Rome mint. Helmeted head of Roma right; behind, X. Border of dots / Luna in biga right, holding reins of nearer horse in left hand and reins of further horse and goad in right hand; above, murex-shell; below, PVR; in linear frame, ROMA. Line border. Crawford 187/1; Sydenham 424; BMCRR Italy 420; Babelon Furia 13.
    Ex RBW Collection, ex Crédit Suisse 5, 4/18/86, lot 246

    $265 via Vcoins dealer Germania Inferior Numismatics, December 2015. I was a big fan of how well struck this coin was and in particular how well the reverse was executed. The fact that it's on a nice big flan helps a lot as well.
    3531a19201080.JPG
    Roman Republic AR Denarius(3.68g, 21mm). Mn. Fonteius C.f., moneyer. 85 BC. Rome mint. Laureate head of Vejovis(or Apollo) right; below, thunderbolt; behind (MN) FO(NT)EI C F downwards; before, monogram(ROMA?) upwards. Border of dots. / Cupid on goat right; above, pilei; in exergue, thyrsus; around, laurel-wreath. Border of dots. Crawford 353/1a. BMCRR Rome 2476. Sydenham 724. RSC Fonteia 9
     
  5. zumbly

    zumbly Ha'ina 'ia mai ana ka puana

    I agree, and think that in any case you bought that for an excellent price when you take that piffling bit of flatness in context of the overall quality of the coin.

    Just in case anyone was wondering about it, here's the $1000 version for comparison: https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2397134
     
  6. dougsmit

    dougsmit Member

    Weighing in at $275 from a show in 2017 is an as showing Janus with thr right face resembling Pompey the Great. The coin was issued by Sextus Pompey but I have not seen a suggestion of who was intended to be shown on that left face. I am not a student of things Republican but bought this mostly for the portrait on the right. I don't collect Republican because they cost too much. I'm not sure why I bought this one.
    ra8840fd3469.jpg

    I don't collect Flavians either and the ones that appeal to me cost too much. This Vespasian was $350 which seems high considering the cracks but I am fond of Eastern mint coins and reverses I consider special. I really liked the style of the PACI ORB TERR AVG reverse.
    rb1263fd3389.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2017
  7. Ajax

    Ajax Well-Known Member

    This one was 299 in the recent Numismatik Naumin auction. I wanted a better Julius Caesar coin than my elephant denarius and I can't really afford a portrait coin so this one fits the bill for now. Just too bad about the scratches on the reverse but I'm happy with it.
    152442.jpg

    This one is a type I wanted for a long time and I finally picked one up from Ken for 280.
    downloadfile-19.png
     
    Okidoki, Cucumbor, RAGNAROK and 15 others like this.
  8. 4to2centBC

    4to2centBC Well-Known Member

    I have four. All are around $275-$325.

    When I carry a coin, I carry the salty dog. I think you can figure out which one that is. I'm just posting photos. Details are in the gallery

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    Last edited: Sep 21, 2017
  9. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    ATTICA AEGINA aa.jpg
    ATTICA, AEGINA
    AR Stater
    OBVERSE: Sea-turtle (T-backed); head in profile
    REVERSE: Large square incuse with skew pattern
    Struck at Aegina, 480-457BC
    11.96g, 20mm
    SNG Cop 507

    Cost: $303
     
  10. Mikey Zee

    Mikey Zee Delenda Est Carthago

    Unsurprisingly, at this price level, all the posts are wonderful examples of terrific coins!!

    Naturally, I try to be a bit harder to please when I chase coins at -/+ $300.00.

    Geta, 209 - c. 26 December 211 A.D., Augusta Traiana, Thrace
    Bronze assarion, Schönert-Geiss Augusta Traiana 501 (V145/R422), Varbanov II 1276 (R3), Moushmov 3087, SNG Cop -, BMC Thrace -, Nice EF, attractive portrait and reverse style, nice green patina, centered on a tight flan, some light scratches and marks, Augusta Traiana (Stara Zagora, Bulgaria) mint, weight 3.247g, maximum diameter 18.1mm, die axis 180o, 209 - c. 26 Dec 211 A.D.; obverse AV K Π CE-ΠTI ΓETAC, laureate, draped, and cuirassedbust right, from behind; reverse AVΓOVCTH TPAIANH, Thanatos standing right with legs crossed, left hand to face, right resting on inverted torch; scarce------$289.00



    [​IMG]


    Lesbos, Mytilene. Ca. 412-378 B.C. EL hekte (11.0 mm, 2.48 g, 2 h). Laureate head of Apollo right / Female head right within linear incuse square. Bodenstedt 70; SNG von Aulock -; BMC 103. VF.

    $300.00


    [​IMG]


    AEMILIAN, 253 AD. AR Antoninianus (3.28 gm). Radiate draped bust / Apollo standing holding branch and lyre. RIC.1. RSC.2. Toned VF. Rare
    $245.00
    [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Sep 21, 2017
  11. Bing

    Bing Illegitimi non carborundum Supporter

    Nero and Claudius.jpg
    NERO
    AR Drachm
    OBVERSE: NERO CLAVD DIVI CLAVD F CAESAR AVG GERM, laureate head of Nero right.
    REVERSE: DIVOS CLAVD AVGVST GERMANIC PATER AVG, Claudius' laureate head right
    Struck at Caesarea, Cappodocia, 63/4AD
    3.6g, 17mm
    RIC 621, RSC 3, RPC 3648

    Cost: $315
     
  12. Ken Dorney

    Ken Dorney Yea, I'm Cool That Way...

    3820374.jpg
    Vespasian, 69 – 79 AD
    Æ Sestertius, Rome Mint, 33mm, 20.00 grams

    Obverse: IMP CAES VESPAS AVG P M TR P P P COS III, Laureate head of Vespasian right.
    Reverse: S C, Mars advancing right holding spear and trophy.

    References:
    RIC247

    Cost:
    $320

    Provenance:
    CNG 382, September 2016, Lot 374
    Ex Dr. Lawrence D. Sporty Collection

    upload_2017-9-21_9-16-3.png
    Hadrian, 117 – 138 AD
    Æ As, Rome Mint for circulation in Syria, 24mm, 8.31 grams

    Obverse: HADRIANVS AVGVSTVS, Laureate, draped and cuirassed bust of Hadrian right.
    Reverse: COS III S C, Lyre.

    References:
    RIC684 // McAlee 546

    Cost:
    $280

    Provenance:
    CNG 238, August 2010, Lot 259
     

    Attached Files:

  13. AngelDeath

    AngelDeath Well-Known Member

  14. rrdenarius

    rrdenarius non omnibus dormio Supporter

    This level has several great pieces. I picked up this quadrans and an as in the same auction.
    Cr 35.4 AES grave Artemide Aste lot 106 7 12 12 obv.jpg Cr 35.4 AES grave Artemide Aste lot 106 7 12 12 rev.jpg
    Roman Republican. Libral standard. Janus/Prow right series. Quadrans, 225-217 B.C. Obv.: Head of Hercules left. Behind, three pellets. Rev.: Prow right. Below, three pellets. Cr. 35/4. AE. g. 66.30 mm. 41.00 Good VF/VF+.
     
  15. Julius Germanicus

    Julius Germanicus Well-Known Member

    My rarest coin (I posted this before but here are some new pictures):

    CORNELIA SALONINA AVG - Diademed and draped bust of Salonina right, her hair in ridges and looped in plait on neck and up back of head
    PVDICITIA SC - Pudicitia standing left, drawing out her veil with right hand and holding transverse scepter in left
    Sestertius, Rome 262
    11,64 gr / 27,98 mm
    Göbl 490y - the second known specimen and the final Sestertius type struck for Salonina (the obverse die was also used for unique silver and bronze medallions)

    P2100047.jpg

    P2100049.jpg
     
  16. Julius Germanicus

    Julius Germanicus Well-Known Member

    My best eBay purchase:

    M OPEL ANTONINVS DIADVMENIANVS CAES - Bare headed, draped and cuirassed bust of Diadumenianus right
    SPES PVBLICA S C - Spes advancing left, holding flower in extended right hand and raising drapery of her dress
    Sestertius, Rome 218
    23,46 gr / 32,23 mm
    RIC 219, BMCRE 155, Sear 7454 (his rarest Sestertius)

    P2100042.jpg

    P2100044.jpg
     

    Attached Files:

  17. Julius Germanicus

    Julius Germanicus Well-Known Member

    My most expensive non-bronze:

    IMP AEMILIANVS PIVS FEL AVG - Radiate, draped and cuirassed bust of Aemilianus right with his right shoulder advanced
    PACI AVG - Pax standing facing, head left, legs crossed, holing olive-tranche and transverse scepter and resting on column
    Antoninianus, Rome August - October 253
    RIC 8, RSC 26, Hunter 13, Sear 9838

    P2100052.jpg

    P2100058.jpg
     
  18. Orfew

    Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

    Wow, excellent buy on that stater!
     
  19. Deacon Ray

    Deacon Ray Artist & Historian Supporter

    I consider myself very fortunate to have found this coin in this range. I've seen some that are not as nicely centered for much more.

    plautius2.jpg
     
    Last edited: Sep 22, 2017
  20. Alegandron

    Alegandron "ΤΩΙ ΚΡΑΤΙΣΤΩΙ..." ΜΕΓΑΣ ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΣ, June 323 BCE

    250-350 Range:

    Soon to be broken out of its plastic wrapper!
    upload_2017-9-21_15-47-44.png
    MARC ANTONY & OCTAVIAN. AR Quinarius (1.58 gms), Military Mint Traveling with Octavian in Gaul, ca. 39 B.C.
    Cr-529/4b; S-1575; Syd-1195. Veiled and diademed head of Concordia facing right; Reverse: clasped hands holding caduceus. Attractive with dark tone.
    NGC Ch VF, Strike: 3/5 Surface: 2/5.

    upload_2017-9-21_15-50-45.png
    GALBA AR Quinarius ; Lugdunum mint
    Ox: SER GALBA IMP CAESAR AVG P M TR, laureate head right
    Rx VICTORIAE GALBAE AVG, Victory on globe standing left
    A scarce denomination from a very scarce Emperor. 15mm, 1.5g.

    upload_2017-9-21_15-52-10.png
    RI Caracalla 198-217 AR Quinarius CE 213 1.3g 13.6mm Laureate - Victory Wreath Palm RIC IV 101 RSC 450 RARE

    upload_2017-9-21_15-55-13.png
    Roman Republic
    Anonymous. Circa 235 BC. Æ Double Litra (19.5mm, 6.54 g, 8h). Rome mint. Head of Hercules right; club below / Pegasus right; club above, ROMA below. Crawford 27/3; HN Italy 316. VF, rough, brown surfaces.From the RJM Collection.
    upload_2017-9-21_15-57-23.png
    Paulina (wife of Maximinus I). Died before A.D. 235. AE sestertius (30.77 mm, 19.66 g, 11 h). 2nd emission of Maximinus I, A.D. 236. DIVA PAVLINA, veiled and draped bust right / CONSECRATIO / S - C, Paulina, raising hand and holding scepter, reclining left on peacock flying upward to right. RIC IV 3; Banti 1. aVF/F, obverse flan defect or damage. Very Rare.

    upload_2017-9-21_16-4-1.png
    Kostantiniye, (Istambul)
    Ottoman Empire
    Suleyman I (The Magnificent) (r. AD 1520- 1566)
    AV Sultani 20 mm x 3.36 grams Dated ( AH 926 or AD 1520)
    Obverse: Sultan Süleyman Shah bin Sultan Selim Shah, Azze nasruhu, dhuribe fi qustantiniyah , seneh (926)-(Sultan Süleyman Shah son of Sultan Selim Shah, May his Victory be Glorious struck in Constantinople Year (AH 926) )
    Reverse:Reverse : Dharibun-Nadri sahibbul izzi vennasri filberri velbahr-(Striker of the Glittering, Master of Might Victory and of Land and the Sea.)
    Ref: Album -1317
    upload_2017-9-21_16-5-52.png
    SASANIAN KINGS. Shapur I. AD. 240-272. Æ Tetradrachm (10.78 gm; 27 mm). Mint I (“Ctesiphon”), phase 1a, ca. AD 240-244. Bust of Shapur I right, wearing diadem and mural crown with korymbos / Fire altar, flanked by two attendants wearing diadems (type 2) and mural crowns. SNS type IIa1/1a, style Abi, pl. 20, 5-A8; Göbl type II/1; Paruck 95; Saeedi -; Sunrise 731(this coin). Choice VF. From The Sunrise Collection.

    upload_2017-9-21_16-7-12.png
    Rome Silbersud-Antoninianus 285 AD
    Catalog: RIC 343
    Material: bronze
    Weight: 3.40 g
    Diameter: 23.00 mm
    Silvered-Antoninian of Magna Urbia, coined 285 AD in Rome.
    Obv: Drap. Bust on crescent n. Right, wears Diadem MAGNIA VRBICAE AVG
    Rev: Venus on the left, holding apple and scepter, at the foot of a shield VENVS GENETRIX
    Preservation: excellent RIC 343, C.17 rare! Fine portrait!
     
  21. FitzNigel

    FitzNigel Medievalist

    Just a couple for me - I had been looking for a coin of this type after visiting Somerset the previous year:
    Anc-01-Britannia-jeb-Durotriges-STA-366.jpg
    Celtic Britannia
    The Durotriges (58 B.C.-43 A.D.)
    Cranborne Chase Type AR Stater, 19mm x 5.95 grams
    Obv.: Wreath, cloak and crescents
    Rev.: Disjointed horse left, rectangular head, body of crescents, four vertical legs, three roughly horizontal lines for tail, pellet below, twelve pellets above
    Ref.: SCBC 366, SGCV 172
    Ex. Estate of an English Numismatists

    This one just came in to this bracket. I not only wanted, but needed an example of this coin to use in my class:
    Anc-03-HKM-ghe-Alexander III-TET-Pella-6718v.jpg
    Kingdom of Macedon
    Alexander III (the Great), r. 336-323 B.C. (c. 325-315 B.C.)
    Pella Mint, AR Tetradrachm, 27.72mm x 17.2 grams
    Obv.: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin
    Rev.: ΑΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ, Zeus Aëtophoros enthroned left, holding eagle and sceptre, ΣΙ in left field
    Ref.: SGCV 6718 var.
    Ex. red_spork

    Surprisingly, this is the only medieval coin I have in this bracket. The flan is terribly ugly, but it is hard to find coins of King Stephen with such a sharp portrait
    Med-09a-Eng-1136-Stephen-D-Watford-London-Adelard-1278.jpg
    England
    Stephen, r. 1135-1154 (c. 1136-45)
    London Mint, AR Watford Type Penny, 19.17mm x 1.1 grams
    Obv.: S[TIEFNE RE]X. Bust right, crowned and diademed, holding sceptre in right hand
    Rev.: ADEL[ARD : ON : LVN]. Cross moline with fleur in each angle
    Ref. North 873, SCBC 1278, CC99 ST1D-005, De Wit 3189
     
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