Theodosius II solidus - first coin of 2018

Everybody likes full employment and fat paychecks. But when the economy is strong, so are the prices of collectibles at auction. After all, "everybody" has more to spend. Savvy vendors know this and salt away the really important material when the economy is down, only bringing it out when the market is up. The rare appearance of really choice and rare material stimulates buyer frenzy and in short order everything trades at exceptional prices.

When the market is high, mostly concentrate on buying material you don't see when the market is weak. Then, when the economy tanks, you will be able to pick up the rest at bargain basement rates. Your best buys are most likely to come a year or so into a declining economy. Fewer buyers and plenty of sellers.

Unless you are already a person of extraordinary means to do this you need to be at it for two business cycles (20 years each), but at the end of that you will have a rocking collection.

 

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That’s a great insight and makes sense.

When the market is low, dealers/auction houses/collectors store away the really high end stuff (Eg Eid Mar denarii), and they sell more common coins which more people can afford.

And when the market is high, they focus on selling the high end stuff, and with less demand for common coins, these become cheaper. This seems to be what I’m observing right now.

I bought the Theo II solidus - a relatively “common” coin - for a very reasonable price. The Anthemius I was watching hammered for substantially more than similar offerings in previous auctions.

 

A very nice addition to your collection! I think of Theodosius' demise whenever I mount my horse. Attached are several of my "Theodosii".

 

I believe the case could be made that this is the most common Roman gold coin. It dates to the time Theodosius was paying the Huns annual tribute of 2,100 Roman pounds of gold. Was that paid in coined money? I could believe it. Mine is ex-jewelry and cost $100 but that was when gold was cheaper so it was more than melt then.

 

Nice acquisition @Greg Heinrich
No gold here I"m afraid, will silver and bronze do ?


Theodosius II, Siliqua Constantinople mint
D N THEODO SIVS P F AVG, diademed draped and cuirassed bust right seen from front
VOT/XX/MVLT/XXX, within a laurel wreath, CONS* at exergue
2.16 gr, 18.5 mm
RIC X, # 381



Theodosius II, AE3 Constantinople mint, 1st officina
DN THEODOSIVS AVG, Diademed and cuirassed bust of Theodiosius facing, holding spear on his right shoulder
CONCORDI A AVG, Constantinopolis, seated, facing, holding spear and a victory on globe. In exergue CONSA
2,25 gr, 16 mm
Ref : RC # 4296, LRBC # 2212 var, RIC X, 90 (R4)

Q

 

I only have 12!

 

Here is my Thedosius I.....

THEODOSIUS I (379-395 AD)
Gold Solidus

Weight: 4.45 g
Diameter: 21 mm 

Mint: Constantinople, 1st officina
Struck: 388-392 AD
Reference: RIC IX 71b1; Depeyrot 47/1; Biaggi 2298.
Rare Variety with VOT X MVLT XV

Obs: D N THEODO-SIVS P F AVG, Rosette-diademed, draped, and cuirassed bust right.
Rev:
CONCORDI A AVGGG A//CONOB, Constantinople enthroned facing, head right, with right foot on prow, holding scepter in right hand and wreath inscribed VOT/X/MVLT/XV in four lines in left.

 

Greg, nice new pickup, congrats! My TII.

Doug