just testing ...what do you collect?

That is backwards, my pay was $78 per month.

I was already focused on Roman Imperials and all I could afford were average grade asses or dupondii. I have remained focused on Roman Imperials over the years, mostly bronzes. I think the first coin I purchased at Joske’s was an Augustus altar at Lugdunum as in something like VG condition with evidence of some wear and use but with a pretty nice portrait and complete legends - that is the way I have always liked my coins (plus historical association) - still do. I was mostly a $10 to $15 coin buyer in those days so I probably paid about that for it.

To be continued ……………

 

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Hi everyone, first post from a new Ancient collector.

I've come to the hobby through the route of philosophy, history and literature, and I am a practicing Stoic. This resulted me paying particular attention to the reign of Marcus Aurelius, for obvious reasons, and I've expanded that out to the Nerva - Antonine dynasty.

My first coin was a Divus Marcus Aurelius denarius issued in 180 under Commodus, and I've added a nice As of Trajan which is sitting under the tree waiting for Tuesday.

My wife also got me the Sear book for the period, so I can't wait to get stuck in.

 

A couple of USAF promotions later - around 1953 - I became a $10 to $25 Coin purchaser at Joske’s and bought my first Sestertius - a SPES reverse Claudius - a monumental purchase for me at right around $20. Again, fairly worn, but with great historical association (another mandatory attribute for me). After that I was hooked on Sestertii - I loved their size and heft - the flan size allows for such great depictions and distinctive inscriptional lettering. At first it was any sestertius of Augustus to Antoninus Pius (things started going downhill after him) but eventually I bought and collected mostly Julio-Claudian Sestertii (until I started seriously collecting Tetrarchic folles some forty years later.)

Here is that SPES sestertius:



In general, my Ancient coin collecting and associated experiences have been quite similar to those of Doug Smith.

To be continued with information about coin shows, catalogs, the advent of computers, etc. …………… if there is sufficient interest.

 

Welcome @thejewk. You should start a thread and show us your coins. I,at least, wish to see them.

 

Thanks @Bing I will do when both coins are in my hands and I can get some photos done.

 

Welcome to CoinTalk, @thejewk! Looking forward to seeing your coins and reading your observations and thoughts .

 

Welcome @thejewk ! Looking forward to your postings and pics of your coins.

 

Welcome @The jewk I am also a newbie to this great forum, but I am sure you will love it here!
John

 

Welcome @thejewk I hope to see your coins soon.

 

I have fond memories of such lists, buying coins sight-unseen (dealers had generous return policies and priced their coins fairly). Here's one from Antioch Associates (Henry Clay Lindgren) that I had in a desk drawer:

 

I would like to hear much more about @jamesicus experiences.

I am a bit younger than he but I remember the pre-internet days of collecting, living in a mid size city, which was like wandering in the desert looking for that rare oasis.

John

 

Welcome to the board,@thejewk

 

There is! Keep your stories coming!

 

A wonderful sestertius of Claudius, especially with the context, and "fairly worn" is a great state of conservation to my eyes. A formal and elegant (kore-styled) SPES holding a flower or maybe toasting hope for the new emperor in 41 with a glass of New Year's champagne?

Looking forward to the next chapter in the story.