Featured A study in contrast: two $75 purchases - from totally different worlds

Coin 1: Roman Empire, silver denarius of Julia Mamaea, circa 222-235 AD

XF, some light cabinet toning.

Coin 2: "Watermelon Inversion": monster-toned 1965 SMS Lincoln Memorial cent, PCGS SP66 RB

From the WingedLiberty "Color of Money" collection on the PCGS Registry. Population 24 with 3 higher as of 3/2/20.



The previous owner called it "Greenhead Lincoln". I changed the name to "Watermelon Inversion" 'cause it's pink on the outside and green on the inside, and I thought the name sounded more like, rad, man. LOL.

Lovely toning or not, I'd never have bought a Memorial cent for my collection, but "never say never", right? This one is from my birthyear, and, like it or loathe it, you must admit that it's an attention-grabber.

So... quite a study in contrast. Two coins which appeal to two entirely different collecting specialties. Each will have its devotees and detractors. I like both, obviously, or I wouldn't have bought them.

Also, each was bought while on sale (or via bargaining), and each had originally been priced at $100.

(OK, technically the ancient cost me $80 after shipping.)

Which do you like? Both? Neither?

 

@bradgator2 - you know you want to!

 

Brad, Brad - listen to the force Brad ! The power of the dark side shall always win !

And to show you just a few examples of that which I speak -
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/us-coin-market-stagnant.349811/page-10#post-3916284

 

That feeling is probably the biggest obstacle most folks perceive, which holds them back from branching out. But sometimes you just have to take the plunge.

Despite the old "buy the book before you buy the coin" maxim (sound advice, but seldom followed by me), I find that most of my learning happens after I buy the coin. Ownership of a coin makes me more interested in its place in history and geography, and more likely to do the reading.

The "Dark Side"* is nothing if not extremely educational.

("Dark Side" = World & Ancient coins, to you newer folks not yet hip to the slang.)

For example, even though I'm an American, I doubt I could name off all of our presidents in order once you get back before 1900 or so, but I can recite the kings and queens of England back to at least the late 1400s without cracking a book. (Things get a bit murky for me around the Wars of the Roses). And I can name the Twelve Caesars of Rome and their immediate successors for a little while without peeking at Wikipedia.

Think I learned that in my public school education in Georgia? Nope! Coins taught me those things, and much, much more, including my knack for geography.

I'm really glad I branched out into World coins early. I wouldn't have known what I was missing.

You're even allowed to continue your enjoyment of US coins after a switch to the Dark Side.

Why just one or the other? Both, I say!

Don't worry about not knowing enough. The coins themselves will teach you, if you're curious.

 

I noticed the mark on the cheek before buying, and it's the one negative that stood out for me too, but didn't bother me enough to be a dealbreaker, obviously.

I intend to examine that more closely under a loupe when the coin arrives. I'm hoping it's one of those shallower kind of scuffs that might look different in a different photo, or which can be mitigated with some conservation.

We'll see. I liked the coin enough based on the photos to take a chance on it. I know it's relatively common for a 3rd century denarius- if it wasn't, it wouldn't have been available for under a hundred bucks, most likely.

 

I'd write it, but you might wanna take my advice (including any and all above) with the proverbial grain of salt.