I recently purchased a problem coin. Domitian as Caesar Æ As, 11.26g Rome mint, 72 AD (Vespasian) Obv: CAESAR AVG F DOMITIANVS COS DES II; Head of Domitian, laureate, bearded, r. Rev: VESTA; S C in field; Temple, round, containing statue RIC 492 (R2). BMC 648. BNC -. Acquired from Forvm Ancient Coins, April 2020. This coin has the distinction of two Flavian firsts - it's from the first issue of coinage struck for Domitian Caesar at Rome in 72 AD (here he is one of the designated consuls for 73), and it's the first appearance of the rare Temple of Vesta reverse type on the coinage during the Flavian era. This is the sixth incarnation of temple, the fifth was destroyed in the great fire of 64 AD, which originally appeared on the coinage of Nero after his restoration of the structure. Vespasian likely embellished it, which perhaps explains its reappearance on the coinage. It was a round temple mounted on a high podium and a narrow stairway approach. The columns were fitted with their own plinths and the surrounding intercolumniations laced with grillwork. The summit of the coned roof is flattened, presumably to hold a statue. The interior featured a cult statue of Vesta and the sacred eternal flame. The Flavian interest in her cult can best be explained by their desire for connection and continuity with Rome's sacred traditions after the horrors and tragedies of the recent Civil War. The Vesta type is considered to be quite rare, as are all Domitian Caesar's first issue coins at Rome. This specimen is also a double die match with the BM's example, a good indication of the type's rarity. The hole located at 12 o'clock on the obverse indicates the piece may have been used as Jewellery, perhaps as a pendant. IMHO, it gives the coin a neat second life - whether in an antiquity or at a somewhat later date. More recently someone felt the need to return it to its original status as a coin and filled the hole. The hole made this coin a heck of a lot cheaper than if it was problem free example. There is still a lot of eye appeal left and the hole isn't too distracting. I believe it's a worthy trade off. What do you think - a deal-breaker or not? Show off your own 'problem coins'.
This denarius of Mark Antony and Octavian was either dropped or crushed in the mail at one time. Originally sold by CNG before being broken I bought it off of eBay at a reduced price. It definitely wasn't a deal breaker for me considering the coin type and purchase price. Mark Antony (Triumvir) Gens: Antonia Moneyer: M. Barbatius Pollio Coin: Silver Denarius M ANT IMP AVG III VIR R P C M BARBAT Q P, - Bare head of Mark Antony right CAESAR IMP PONT III VIR R P C - Bare head of Octavian right. Mint: Ephesus (Spring 41 BC) Wt./Size/Axis: 3.00g / 19mm / 12h References: RSC 8 Crawford 517/2 CRI 243 Sydenham 1181 sear5 #1504 Provenances: Classical Numismatic Group, Inc. 424/352 Acquisition/Sale: imperatorcoins-and-estatesales eBay 424 #352 $0.00 07/19 Notes: Nov 20, 19 - The Gary R. Wilson Collection (Coin broken probably from crystallization and repaired.) M ANT IMP AVG III VIR R P C M BARBAT Q P = Marcus Antonius, imperator, augur, triumvir (Rei Publica Constituende) = of state. M. Barbatius Pollio, moneyer. CAESAR IMP PONT III VIR R P C = Caesar imperator, pontifex, triumvir (Rei Publica Constituende) = of state.
Congrats, @David Atherton ... That is not a problem coin, it is steeped in History, with an ADDED Bonus that someone REALLY wanted this coin. We can only speculate why yours was holed. The hole is positioned so that it makes MINIMAL damage to the design...Relative of Domitian? Someone close to Domitian? Someone just wanting emergency money around the neck? I have NO problem coins. Each has a cool reason, even if damaged. I left the "problem" coin concept back when I dropped modern collecting. They are too busy worried about commodity values of their coins. Yours is pure History to be discovered. Here is a Holed Coin: Why would a lower value BRONZE coin be holed? Was this an Ex-Legionary from the Colony, and he wore this as a proud Roman soldier who settled in Spain? RImp Spain Lepida-Clesa Lepidus 44-36BCE C Balbus L Porcius Colonia Victrix Ivlia Lepida Victory - Bull holed RPI 262 plate 19
There is no deal breaker on any coin per se. I bet tons of people would buy a G, corroded, offcenter lifetime JC. We have to remember these things are THOUSANDS of years old. It is not like granny's "ancient" set of dishes bought in the late 1880's people treat like ancient artifacts. I look at all coins holistically. Are others available in much better condition reasonably, how long have I been searching, would I be happy to own it, price, etc. I admit I no longer pay attention to low grade late romans at all since they are not my specialty and I own hundreds upon hundreds in better shape already. Really corroded coins I do not really squint very hard to try to make them out, since I want a coin I can see. However, I firmly believe there is a collector for every coin, and yours I would be proud to own, especially given the history, ESPECIALLY if I were into Domitian. My only real interest in the emperor is his fantastic issues with rhinos, and I will always be grateful to him for those.
Here is a siliqua of Constantius II from around 342, holed and afterwards filled with pewter(?) to be reinserted into circulation, likely after 353.
Athens New Style Tetradrachm 83/2 BC Obs : Athena Parthenos right in tri-form helmet 29 mm 16.82 gm Thompson issue 82 Thompson catalogue:ll69a Rev : ΑΘΕ ethnic Owl standing on overturned panathenaic amphora on which month mark Θ control ΔI below 2 magistrates : ARCHITIMOS DEMETRI RF symbol : Isis All surrounded by an olive wreath Chipped and glued. Who cares? This post Sullan New Style is rare, I have not found another one for sale anywhere in past sales.
Great coin David, I wouldn't worry about the hole as it's part of the coins history... it makes it unique. Congrats on a fantastic buy.
There are some coins that come from a time and a place where holes are often part of the average coin. When collecting coins of the 17th and 18th Centuries from Latin America and the Caribbean I had no problems with holed specimens if they were otherwise attractive.
I would so love to know that history! In my mind's eye I picture someone from the Renaissance wearing my coin as a pendant.
I would be remiss if I did not mention this figure could also be a visual representation of Vesta's eternal flame. Thank you everyone for all the kind words and posting your 'problem coins'.
Interesting coin, @David Atherton ! I have a temple of Vesta coin, too. It's not exactly FDC, either ... Julia Domna, AD 193-217. Roman Æ as, 9.85 g, 25 mm. Rome, AD 214. Obv: IVLIA PIA FELIX AVG, diademed and draped bust, right. Rev: VESTA SC, Temple of Vesta with four Vestals in scene of sacrifice; lighted altar in center. Refs: RIC 607; BMCRE 232-33; Cohen 234; RCV 7137.
