Hey guys, I've been on these forums (mostly in the periphery) since late 2018 and I just need to share some gratitude to all members (especially @Valentinian - see more below). Full stop, four years ago I was in an American prison due to a substance abuse crime that I committed trying to get one more. I served 14 months at age 32 and I just celebrated my 4 years clean on 2/8/20. Part of my recovery has been learning about coins/history, while buying and selling some (to make my collection bigger). I have learned a lot in the past few years and I just want to thank you guys for helping me in my recovery and helping me with a hobby that keeps me grounded and out of trouble. Also, something happened this week that I am really taken aback about and I just wanted to share it with you all. I want to give a huge shout out to CT member @Valentinian. About a week ago I got a message asking me for my postal address as he wanted to send me a 'low-quality duplicate from a horde'. I was a bit nervous giving out my address, but then I did and I expected an AE3 Constantine The Great coin without a legible legend - because to me, that's a low-quality duplicate. Apparently, @Valentinan has a VERY different idea than me for the meaning of a low-quality duplicate than me! This is what he sent! For more info about Triskeles Coins, go to http://augustuscoins.com/ed/interesting/triskeles.html Needless to say, I'm really shocked. This coin is from the City of Aspendos from 465-430BC. Asia Minor's very first coin type, a very thick archaic silver stater. 10.86 grams of silver; Hoplite warrior right with spear and shield, "Triskeles" which is three human legs around a center, running right, club in field. Sear Greek 5381. I am just very thankful to have such an awesome coin that I can learn more about today and appreciate having on my desk while I'm stressed at work I spent a lot of time reading on the augustuscoins site as well. I am really grateful for @Valentinian and the rest of you that have helped me and I look forward to learning more and understanding this great hobby. Thanks and God Bless
Holy cow! That's a great coin! Kudos to @Valentinian for the gift and kudos to you for the sobriety. I say it every time, the people in the Ancients forum are top-notch!
Exodus, Congratulations for staying clean ! To bad it cost you 14 months & who knows what else, but it's all history now. Ancient coins are a legal narcotic .
Wow! What a story and what a gift!! Congratulations on turning your life around. You might want to get to know @Deacon Ray who has a somewhat similar life story .
Congrats on the sobriety & ancient coins are a wonderful distraction & can keep you busy for many years to come. That was very nice of, Warren. Great gift. Mine was bought not too long ago. Pamphylia, Aspendos (465 - 430 B.C.) AR Stater O: Warrior advancing right with a spear and shield. R:Triskeles 10.86g SNG Cop 174
Glad to hear you've found something that helps, and congratulations on the lovely gift. It's a great one.
So nice to hear about your life, @Xodus. I’ve been in recovery mode for 38 years. Some ups and downs but life does get better in the long run. Nice gesture @Valentinian! Stuff like this makes CT one of my go-to places most days. Steve
Nice coin. And thank you for sharing your story - generosity and redemption. Very good things indeed.
Publius Furius here.....I want to add my appreciation for Valentinian's virtues to that of Xodus. I also have been the fortunate recipient of Valentinian's generosity over the past six years as he has tutored me in collecting Romans. I cannot recount how many phone calls and emails he has shared with me. A retired math professor, he is the consummate teacher. Each time I came away with another mystery opened to me, another piece of history made plain to me. Once he was traveling and made a 300 mile detour to visit me for an hour or two in order to explain some things that I did not previously grasp. As friends go, as mentors go, it does not get any better than Valentinian.
Congrats on the sobriety, I know it can be hard as I'm working on mine too. I don't collect ancients, but the triskeles is prominently featured on the coins of the Isle of Man.
Hi, This very touching post reminded me of Time Team's episode 5 of season 20, where wounded, traumatized and depressed veterans used archaeology as a means to turn their lives around. Good luck with your road ahead and it's worth noting that the benevolence in this forum is astounding, second to none.
Thanks for sharing this Steve. It's nice to know I'm not the only one in this fight. I can't imagine what kinds of things will happen in 38 years of recovery, but I know that in the 4 years there's been so many great things I never thought I'd ever see I look forward to see what else is there.