Every now and then I buy a cheap coin that I find randomly interesting and then study it when I get it home. This was one such purchase. It is an fairly ordinary Alexandrian, Valentinian II , CONCORDIA AVGGG type. Valentinian II - AE3 Obv:- DN VALENTINIANVS P F AVG, Pearl diademed, draped, cuirassed bust right. Rev:- CONCOR-DIA AVGGG, Roma, helmeted, seated facing, head left, holding globe and spear, the lower part of which is hidden by her robe, right leg bare. Minted in Alexandria (//ALEB) A.D. 378-383 Reference:- RIC IX Alexandria 9b (rated scarce) 2.29 gms. 21.09 mm. 180 degrees The coin appears to be overstruck on an earlier SECVRITAS - REIPVBLICAE type with parttial legends from the undertype reverse and the head of Victory visible at the front of the neck of the bust. There also appears to be something (perhaps graffito) in front of the bust. The SECVRITAS type is not contemporary with the CONCORDIA AVGGG according to RIC so I am assuming an overstrike rather than a mint error. Thoughts? Martin
I'm not sure if I paid a premium for this coin. It cost right at $100. But, I was willing to pay more due to its tie to an unfortunate nick name I picked up in college. Sicily, Kentoripai AE Hexas. Circa 344-336 BC. Obverse: Draped bust of Persephone right, grain ear in hair; stalk of grain behind. Reverse: Plough with a small bird standing on the share; two pellets to left, KENTWPIWN around. SNG ANS: 1324; CNS 7; Head p135. Size: 17mm, 2.37g.
Yep, how did you guess? Actually, due to a misunderstood game where a roommate had to catch whatever was thrown in his direction...you know, like lit cigarette, a bowling ball, maybe an open pocket knife...normal stuff. Well, short story long he nicknamed me Satan - which I thought was more than a little rude. Of course my fraternity brothers then named my wife Persephone.
And I realized I posted the Persephone in the WRONG THREAD. SORRY I wonder if a mod can move all my posts from this thread to the When a coin is worth a premium....thread
I'm sure the overstrike is cool 'n' all, but am I the only one who can't get past that graffito?! Copied off the wall of one of the less salubrious baths, maybe? Awesome coin!
