Since we've moved into posting SOL INVICTO, here's my only: Constantine I, AD 306-337 Æ follis, 22mm, 2.9g, 12h; Rome mint, AD 314-315. Obv.: IMP CONSTANTINVS P F AVG, laureate, draped and cuirassed bust right. Rev.: SOLI INV-I-CTO COMITI, Sol standing half left, radiate, nude but for chlamys over shoulders and left arm, raising right hand commanding the sun to rise, globe in left hand, R over X on left, F on right In Ex.: RS And my only Probus, far from Lugdunum: Probus, AD 276-282 Potin, tetradrachm, 7.5g, 20mm; 11h; Alexandria, AD 276/277 (regnal year 2) Obv.: A K M AVP PPO-BOC CEB; laureate cuirassed bust right Rev.: LB; Dikaiosyne standing left holding scales & cornucopiae
That coin is worthy to be your one and only SOL INVICTO. Wow, beautiful coin, and I love the detail and sharpness on Sol. Here's my example of your coin, third officina: And to keep with the OP theme, here's my one and only Probus. This one is special because it is minted in Tripolis.
I was a little obsessed with the GLORIA EXERCITVS. I like the subtle differences. Here's a tray. I'm no where near @randygeki 's level though.
I must admit that I wasn't expecting to resurrect this thread quite so soon. But.... this has just arrived.....one of my gaps above is filled! Obv:– IMP C M AVR PROBVS AVG, Radiate draped and cuirassed bust right Rev:– SPES AVG, Spes standing left, holding flower and raising robe Minted in Lugdunum (Retrograde C in left field) Emission 9, Officina 3. January to August A.D. 282 Reference:– Cohen 702. Bastien 405 (2 examples). RIC 127 Bust type C Weight 3.43g. 22.25mm. 180 degrees
Obsession, Yes.! Every time I complete the goal of the collection I raise the bar. I started collecting Empresses on Roman Imperial coins, then one coin that I acquired started this obsession. Took me weeks to figure out what it was. One thing I did was keep my original album of Forum, I did this because of the comments of friends of mine in the hobby who have sadly passed on, it is an interesting time capsule on how my collection has evolved since then. Here is my collection when it was 5 years old in 2006. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=26 and now the collection literally has 100's of coins, this gallery contains only my best examples. https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=5633 I am now trying to figure of the riddles of the denomination such as how was it used, why the huge weight variations on official issues. Part of this is studying the coins I have and acquire and the rest is keeping up on the little bit of academic literature written that involves the denomination. Obsession , Yes!
Coin obsession is a good thing My collectiing has no rhyme or reason, I love Canadian/ US obsolete/ chartered banknotes, also coins from all historical periods. I crave Transylvanian Dukats as much as Macedonian Staters, they are all really nice. If I had deep pockets, my definate ambition would be to acquire mint state aurei/ denari from all emperors/ empresses/ usurpers. But in the real world, that is only a "dream".