At the beginning of the year (just a couple of months into my new ancient coin collecting hobby) I picked up a small, lower end bronze Alexander III - I was very excited when it arrived... it was cheap, of only fair condition, but I loved it! A couple of months ago my 19yr old nephew left to join the military. I wasn't sure what to get him as a going away gift. I ended up buying him a book on Alexander's military tactics and included the coin with a little write up on it's history. You never know if anyone will appreciate something like that - but it was heartfelt. I received call from his mother a couple of weeks later. He wouldn't stop talking about it whenever they exchanged messages. I was very glad he appreciated this bit of history. I have since sent his mother a Marcus Aurelius bronze with a copy of Meditations - to give to him when he gets stationed. He's away from home for the first time, just learning to become a man and maybe he will appreciate some of the wisdom as he makes his way in life. Added bonus is that I get to replace my Alexander! I just picked up these two lower end beauties. If anyone has any additional info on them please let me know - just received them so haven't had a chance to fully attribute - thought I would ask for some guidance on that front.. Bronze - envelope says Salamis mint. 5.30g, 16.6mm Drachm 3.92g, 17.46mm Lower end - yes ..but love 'em! Not sure if I should do any cleaning on the Drachm or not?
O, kool Clavdivs!.. and what nice gesture and great gift for your nephew! ...i don't think it'd hurt to clean the silver one..it might clean up a little better, but idk..let some other peeps ring in..ol' Ryro will like those!.
Nice! The books and coins sound like they were perfect gifts for your nephew. The Pella database turns up a few hits for bronze units from Salamis: http://numismatics.org/pella/results?q=salamis+unit+club Yours would be a "unit" rather than a "1/4 unit". Click on the reference numbers on the search results (eg.,Price 3143) and it'll take you to a page of detailed info and pictures for the type. I'm not sure about that drachm. You'd probably be able to nail it if you can find a match for that monogram below the throne. Also, not sure if there's a control symbol below the eagle that has worn away.
