I was searching for musical instruments in my ancient coins a couple of weeks ago and missed this one. I’ve never posted it singularly and never really spent time studying it. I aquired it in a group and must have been distracted by the others. Anyway, having owned it for a year or so—I suddenly recognized it’s beauty so thought I’d post it. The graceful and elegant imagery on the Seleucid coins has always captivated me.
Don't you love cherrypicking yourself? Or noticing previously unnoticed details? I'm notoriously unobservant much of the time. Lovely coin. Nice new avatar (again ). I really like Seleucid coins. That one has amazing surfaces. And design/style. I wouldn't throw that out of my own Eclectic Box, to give you some idea.
Here's one I bought as a Christmas gift for my grandson who plays the guitar. MACEDON, Chalkidian League. Circa 383/2 BC. Tetrobol (Silver, 15 mm, 2.39 g, 6 h), Olynthos. Laureate head of Apollo to right; behind, monogram (?). Rev. XAΛKIΔEΩN Kithara. CNG E-Auction 255, 4 May 2011, 23 (same dies). Robinson & Clement Group H. SNG ANS -. A rare variety. Very fine.
Excellent term, Your Lordship—and you can’t beat the price of discovering a treasure that you’ve already paid for
Good question, @PeteB ! I’ve been calling these Seleucid bronzes drachms for lack of another term. I’m not an expert. What denomination are these? This was purchased on VCoins and like others I have purchased, there is no denomination mentioned, only Æ. What do you think, Sir? Please tell me what to call this other than drachm. Thanks in advance. Thoughts are welcome from all
Where denominations/values are shown, such as on some coins of Moesia Inferior, e.g., the Greek numbers of Β,Γ,Δ,Ε, the denominations are known as assaria. The vast majority of bronze Greek and Roman provincial coins have no known denominations. Hence, they are simply described as Æ (bronze) plus their diameter. You have shown the Æ but not the diameter. Another example of known bronze denominations are those of Egypt. Silver and gold coins are another matter, where denominations are pretty well known.
Ahhh, now I get it—sort of. That is an excellent and detailed explanation! I think I'll go back to using the word denomination for now. Thank you, and have a Blessed Holiday, @PeteB ! I appreciate your knowledge!
I think it would be more descriptive to the observer if you placed the diameter of the coin after the AE, e.g., AE 24....... meaning 24 millimeters. This is the accepted practice in the numismatic community, where the denomination (like "assaria") is not known. Even then, some show the diameter as well as, say, 5 assaria. That serves to nail down a more precise description of THAT coin. GREAT coin, by the way.
That’s excellent information, Sir. Many thanks! I’m still a beginner with these things but I love the hobby and I think Seleucid coins are beautiful. I plan to have more in the coming year to share with the Forum.
Great coin, and I can relate to rediscovering and having new found appreciation for a coin. I am in awe of your elegant and engaging presentation style and graphics.
