My single victorious bid from the latest Frank Robinson auction. 1) What would you all grade this at? 2) Are there any other details I could put on the flip when I make it? Thanks! RHODES, Hemidrachm, 167-88 BC Helios hd 3/4 rt/Rose in incuse square, magistrate Melantas, thunderbolt left.
Since I know what you paid for it (about 1/2 retail), I have to congratulate you on not only a great coin but a great bargain!
Wow! That rose thunderbolt reverse is stunning My highly professional (unprofessional) grade of your coin is that it's a: Beauty. Coingrats! On the flip I would certainly include that awesome provenance, Former FRC
That's a nice coin @Dougmeister. If you want a little more detail for the flip you could use the reference in the Handbook of Greek Coinage Series published by CNG - I really like these books as they are pretty up to date (some volumes still to be published) and have some background info for each region as well as decent pictures for every coin in the catalog. They are also nowhere near the price of a von Aulock or SNG Copenhagen. I believe your coin is in Volume 6, Handbook of Coins of the Islands, #1463. This series of coins has a date range of 125 - 88 BC assigned to it and is described as a hemidrachm under the plinthoporic standard. You could also note that the rose bud is flanked by the letters P and O. I'm not good on grading but I would be happy to own it!
I love the plinthophoric coinage, they're in the "sweet spot" of the confluence of beauty and affordability, great score!
