Hi all, Like to share my first solidus for the year, weighs 4.47g. A coin struck for Valens shortly after after the coinage reform of circa Feb 368. For those interested, Valentinian (brother of Valens) decreed that gold collected as taxes was to be melted and refined before acceptance. Gold subsequently issued by the Roman state was marked with the formula Obryzum (OB), or refined gold. Effectively the state was guaranteeing the purity of the gold coinage. You might be more familiar with the much more common formula CONOB which refers to refined gold (OB) minted in Constantinople (CON). The mint mark of ANOB here indicates that this solidus was struck in Antioch. The Greek theta refers to the numbered division of the mint (officinae) responsible. The engraving of this solidus is very appealing to me. The reverse design closely follows the solidi of Constantius II and features Roma and Constantinopolis seated holding a shield engraved with Vota numbers. I think the photo is a little overexposed though. I will have to try and reshoot it another day.
I do not collect ancients yet, but the grade on that coin is amazing. Does it comes with a super high price too ?
Well, it's a lot cheaper than a 1909-S V.D.B penny: https://www.cngcoins.com/Search.asp..._TYPE_ID=1&VIEW_TYPE=0&MAX_COUNT=10000&PAGE=1 I agree. I really like how Roma is facing forward, and Constantinopolis has her head turned left, toward Roma.
Daaaamn that's a sweet looking coin. If you're ever hurting for some cash let me have dibs! :- ) Rasiel
Your solidus is stunning Panzerman, and it doesn't have any scratches too! It looks really similar to my example but the officinae number is different. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you! I won that one from Tkalec in 2005/ it looks way better then photo. Sadly, Tkalec auctions are no more NFA also was great. John
