My name is pretty straightforward. I collect Roman coins and I could show any number of them. You all have seen my Avatar coin a zillion times, so here's a Roman coin you have never seen: Hadrian, AD 117-138. Roman AR denarius, 2.96 g, 18.6 mm, 7 h. Rome, AD 119-125. Obv: IMP CAESAR TRAIAN HADRIANVS AVG, laureate bust of Hadrian with drapery on his left shoulder, facing right. Rev: P M TR P COS III, Aeternitas, draped, standing facing the front, head facing left, holding up the heads of Sun and Moon in her right and left hands respectively. Refs: RIC 81b; BMCRE3 162-163; RSC 1114; Sear --; Strack 120.
Well mine is straightforward as well... my interest in Roman history started when reading Robert Graves amazing historical fiction novel I, Claudius about 25 years ago. I read the book before I knew of the BBC TV series - which everyone knows was fantastic. Took another two decades + to stumble across ancient coins... and I have been stumbling ever since.
Entertaining idea for a thread @Alegandron, as I sit delayed in airport catching up on CT. No cool name here, the source of my name is not hard to guess, given my interest in the Roman republic - especially 1st century BCE. I’ve changed avatars a couple of times - no clever reason for choosing the current coin - other than “I like the coin” Cn. Lentulus; 76-75 BC, Denarius, on the right Obv: Genius of the Roman people right, GPR above Rev: EX SC divided by globe, rudder and scepter, CN LEN Q below My earlier “Celator” avatar was from a collection of plate slides which I posted here.
1786 New Jersey Maris 15-J Rarity-4 VF25. Variety with a Straight Plow Beam. Ten points sharper but there is a shallow dig at the right foot of the second A in CAESAREA and a few tiny planchet chips at the bottom of the P in PLURIBUS (as struck). Rather glossy medium chocolate brown, the reverse showing more gloss than the obverse. Nicely struck. The date and legends are all bold. Weight 156.0 grains. Listed on page 69 in the "Redbook." Estimated Value $400-UP View details and enlarged photos Realized $575 Disclaimer: this is not my coin or coin image, just my chosen avatar, because I'm from NJ
I have had the same avatar/handle name for many years. It's source is this coin from the years when my collecting passion was early US copper. The reverse label with raised rims is quite rare. I no longer own the coin but retain the handle as a matter of tradition:
Fun thread. My avatar name is pretty obvious. The avatar coin is about the worst Marsyas in my collection, but it was my first and I kind of like the wear/tone patterns on it. Not my best, but perhaps my favorite Censorinus denarius. When I signed up, almost three years ago (!), I wasn't sure I was going to stick around, so I didn't put a lot of thought into a name - I think I was just learning about the legend of Marsyas and how he got skinned by Apollo. It was captivating - who hasn't been skinned by the gods now and again? However, spelling "Marsyas" on a regular basis was very annoying for the first year or so. I keep an eye out for Marsyas and I now have three or five. Here is Severus Alexander: Severus Alexander Æ 24 (222-235 A.D.) Deultum, Thrace M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG, laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right / COL FL PAC DEVLT, Marsyas standing right, holding wineskin over his shoulder and raising right hand. SNG Bulgaria 418-23; Var. 2319 (7.81 grams / 24 mm)