One of my favourite reverse for Domitian is the Minerva holding victory. There are only 3 denarius types with this reverse (RIC 29, RIC 30, and RIC 99). I already had RIC 29 and RIC 99. However when this one popped up I knew I had to have it. The portrait is unusual and interesting. It is a very well struck coin, it is also quite scarce. Please post coins you have upgraded. Here is the first one I grabbed. And here is the upgrade... Domitian AR Denarius 82 CE First Issue Rome (18mm 3.68g) Obv: Head Laureate right; IMP CAES DOMITIANVS AVG PM Rev: Minerva stg left with victory and spear, at feet shield; TR POT COS VIII RIC 99 (R) Ex: Naville Numismatics Live auction 57 April 26, 2020 Lot 484.
Nice. Congrats! I picked up two rr denarii: Cn Domitius Ahenobarbus. Denarius 116 or 115, AR 19mm., 3.89g. Helmeted head of Roma r.; behind, X and before, ROMA. Rev. Jupiter in prancing quadriga r., holding sceptre and hurling thunderbolt; in exergue, CN DOMI. Babelon Domitia 7. Sydenham 535. Crawford 285/1 P. Laeca. Denarius circa 110 or 109, AR 19mm., 4.00g. Helmeted head of Roma r.; below chin, mark of value *. Behind, P – LAECA and above helmet, ROMA. Rev. Military governor standing l., placing hand over citizen before him; behind him, attendant standing r. holding rods; in exergue, PROVOCO. Babelon Porcia 4. Sydenham 571. RBW –. Crawford 301/1. Two decent coins for a reasonable price. I like the coins with a reverse refering to the political life in the republic. I wonder if D. Ahenobarbus may be one of the ancestors of Nero. So that will be a research project. And it’s my birthday. So I deserve coins....
Thank you! I celebrated yesterday with climbing and hot dogs I’m so old I can hardly get up these walls any more...
Wonderful upgrade @Orfew! That new Domitian is a real showstopper Here's an upgrade from a while back:
I somehow misunderstood the OP, thinking it was a «post your coins from Naville»-thread. Sorry about that. I think my only upgrade of a specific ancient coin is this one: There’s so much history and ancient mischief around that moneyer and coin, I wanted it extra fine.
This was an upgrade from an eBay purchase in 2012 to Vauctions (Triskeles) in 2017: Denarius of Manlius Acilius Glabrio Obv. SALVTIS - Laureate head of Salus right Rev. MN. ACILIVS III. VIR. VALETV - Valetudo (Salus) standing facing, head left, leaning on column and holding serpent Mint: Rome (49 BC) Wt./Size/Axis: 4.07g / 18mm / 5h References: RSC 8 (Acilia) Sydenham 922 Crawford 442/1a HCRI 16 ATB, Aidan.
Nice that you took it. It's indeed a beautiful type, that is worth an upgrade. I also had a goal in that auction. But I was blown away even before the live bidding started. And I refuse to pay prices for coins that are not in line with the market.
Well the coin arrived today and I am thrilled with the condition this coin is at least near ef if not better. Plus it has the strange and interesting portrait. My photo captures what it really looks like.
