Arnoldoe's 10 best coins of 2018.

It is really interesting to see the differences between opinions on matters like the Athena nose. My earliest influences in the hobby required the nose to be on flan and no other features could offset the loss. There are people who feel that way about the crest and owl feathers but what I consider important is a nose fetish to some. Similarly, I love the patina on Crispina and would never trade that coin for an EF+ for wear with normal surfaces. It is a good thing there are so many opinions or we would all bid on the same lots in every sale and 90% of coins would go unsold.

 

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I am glad you got that coin @arnoldoe - it was one of my favorite Constantius folles - it is comforting to know it went to a good home!

 

Well, the fact that I was interested in a couple of coins that attracted @arnoldoe must mean that my taste is improving. If it’s any consolation, I think I had pre-bid up to something like 75 CAD for the follis I won. Still a bargain from a great collection.

 

And I am very happy to see that you captured that coin, Gavin! Several years ago during one of our many discussions relating to London Mint Tetrarchic coins, Hugh Cloke told me that he wanted to compose an illustrated article mapping how the rapidly declining health of Constantius (he was always sickly) could be followed through the years by examining his London Mint coin portraits (which changed significantly) in succeeding issues. I don’t know if Hugh ever did that (I will ask him at the next opportunity) but I think it would make a fascinating study. My observation is that this coin (now yours) depicts him middle-aged and exhibiting noticeable physical decline.

This how he looked shortly before he died (of an unknown ailment)

RIC VI, Londinium, follis, No. 47, Constantius, Augustus of the West:
CT (Cloke & Toone), No. 4.02.003, 1 May 305 - 26 July 306

 

Oh, and excuse my oversight @arnoldoe - very nice collection indeed!

 

Very nice selection of coins! I really like the first two, could easily see that in my collection