So, I am pretty sure this is Greek silver and it is about 16 MM...other than that I am afraid I'm lost and it's toast. But I figured I'd post it here cause if anyone could shed light on a tough shituation like this one it would be one of my CT friends. Any idea what, where or when?
Well, it does have a quadripartite incuse punch on the reverse, so it's pretty early, from the Archaic period. It might be my imagination, but I think I see a bull on the other side. There are a few types shown in this thread. The corrosion sort of makes those blobs and shapes on the obverse act like an inkblot test- my mind makes all sorts of images out of those random shapes. Still, I think I see a bull there, as I said. Please take some pliers and crimp those staples flat.
My eyes! My eyes! (referring to the cardboard, mylar, and staples... not the coin trapped within ) I agree with Aidan. It's a Byzantion fractional. Rotate the obverse ~90 degrees clockwise. You can even see the monogram. THRACE, Byzantion Circa 340-320 BCE AR; Half Siglos; 14 mm, 2.53 gm Obv: ΠY Bull standing left on dolphin left Rev: Quadripartite incuse square of mill sail pattern Ref: Schönert-Geiss 291. SNG BM Black Sea 36–41
Holy cow!!! (Rim shot). Wonders never cease. I fell asleep looking through the post lordmarcovan sent. Thank you so much for that. btw, that electrum piece you posted in there is one of the most beautiful coins I think I've seen. I can't even afford electrum rude(who am I kidding, with my new babies I can't even afford that bronze rude in Frank Robinson's auction!(already outbid)). And when I wake up you all solved the mystery. What a team of rock n rollers I have found here! I thought for sure it was hopeless and am simply humbled by the knowledge, experience and ability in this group. Aidan_() fantastic call right there! And TIF, I aspire to be as much of a "non expert" as you. What a beauty that surfing cow of yours is. Its sad how excited I am to say that I now have one of my own (not that anyone would believe it without that amazing superimposing work you did. Again, thanks). You all took a lump of chewed up bubblegum and turned it into ancient treasure. If any of you find yourselves in Utah, beers are on me. Or if you are from Utah, Apple cidar is on me!
] My eyes! My eyes! (referring to the cardboard, mylar, and staples... not the coin trapped within ) Haha! I get it I get it. Admittedly, my storage process for coins is a bit "archaic". They are in those cardboard Mylar cases in 20x20 sleeves in a binder currently. I have seen a few lovely set ups in some posts here and have even gone back looking for a thread on storage. What might you recommend to keep the coins protected but still readily available to play with...on a poor boys budget?
2x2 mylar flips or unplasticized vinyl flips I had been using Saflips but they are fairly brittle. I examine my coins often and the Saflips crack after just a couple of openings and closings. Plus, heavy coins (lookin' at you, Ptolemy bronzes ) can break those Saflips just by moving the boxes around. Recently I bought a bulk pack of other "archival" flips (no plasticizers in the material). So far I like them better. They are thicker and seem to withstand more frequent handling. Here's the link: http://www.wizardcoinsupply.com/guardhouse-archival-vinyl-2x2-coin-flips-box-of-1000.html I also bought some plastic boxes to store all of the coins. My coins are now tidily organized. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/tifs-2017-year-in-review-and-top-ten.307536/#post-2937455 You don't have to get the 1000-pack-- they come in smaller quantities. I'm very happy with Wizard's customer service. Very quick to ship, low shipping prices, large inventory
Thanks! That looks very nice. I need to get some of those plastic boxes and I would really like having a tray to display them on. Thanks TIF
Thanks for your expertise in helping ID this lil oldie but goodie. As well, thanks for the best practice on using pliers to smooth out the backs. I have done as requested for our cow coin and ALL of my Greeks...now onto my Romans, which may take a bit longer...
Yes, I often have that affect on people. Jolly good that you've fixed those potentially lethal staples out. Uncrimped staples are the devil's work, and can cause numismatic tragedies. You might say it's a pet peeve of mine. I use a flat-clinch stapler when I use the cardboard holders at all, but if you don't, and use a regular stapler, you can always follow up with pliers to flatten 'em out. As to double-pocket flips, I recommend the Mehgrig brand, which Wizard Coin supply also sells.
