Question on a coin your opinions appreciated.

Well I need some help with some opinions on a coin I purchased that will help me make a decision.
I collect mostly Iberian coins and this one particular coin from Castulo has one of the best looking reverse's I have ever seen with Sphinx in high relief and great detail for this type of coin. Now the obverse of the coin the same can almost be said except there is a scrape across where the ear is at and am wondering if you think that it takes away so much that another more worn coin would be more appropriate to have in your collection if you were to only keep one. lets hear your opinions please.

One with nice detail and scrape




My more worn out one.

 

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The scrape is a bit bothersome but at the same time I think this coin is all about the reverse so, for me, I would keep it just for the reverse.

Plus the patina is pretty good outside of the scrape.

 

I favor the worn issue, the scrape would bug me. The reverse on the top one is beautiful though.

 

If I could somehow get the scrape the same color as the rest of the coin it would not stand out so much.

 

KEEPER!!!

 

That scrape is on the large side. If you need a good reverse this coin is it but then, you'd still need a good obverse.

 

My personal feeling is the scrape doesn't bother me that much. It's all about the history and your coin is quite stunning.

 

I only display my coins one side up, so I’d keep it

 

I only have the one myself
Castulo Ae 30 (Unit) c 150 BC Obv Unknown male head right Rv. Sphinx walking right. SNG BM 1298 15.14 grms 30mm Photo by W. Hansen I think the reverse on your coin is exceptional and the inscription is much more clear than even mine. I think the new coin is overall superior to the older specimen. The scratches on the face are a real problem though. However every ancient coin is a dance. You find things that are good and things that are bad. I have not studied these coin much so I would find it difficult to give advice. The only question I would ask; is how likely is it going to be that you will find a superior coin? I think that should determine your answer. Good luck

 

I'm surprised the scrape bothers so many folks. That coin in an absolute showstopper!
And yeah, nobodies looking at the obverse much with a reverse with that kind of relief and artistry!
But take everything I say with a grain of salt as my best (and only) of the type, which I've always been fond of, is this...

 

Here is another one I have but a much heavier version.

 

That scrape doesn't bother me at all. A definite keeper!

 

Sometimes it's all about that back.

 

To me, 99% of the coin's appeal lies in the sphinx. Which is far, far superior on the new coin. So what if there's a scrape on the obverse? I would almost never be looking at that side anyway. So, an easy choice for me.

 

Keepem both. I likem both.

Mine


Iberia Castulo Late 2nd C BC AE As 25mm Bust Nose Hand Sphinx

 

I agree. The scrape looks ancient to me, and really doesn't seriously impact even the obverse. If it were a modern scrape I would be much more concerned.

This said, it really is dependent on you. Many faults are very personal. I don't mind (minor) flan cracks but some consider this a major flaw. The only coins for sale in my collection are the ones that I thought one side was nice enough to offset the issues on the other side. So buy the whole coin. The fact that you are questioning the scrape now suggest it may bother you in the future.

 

If I could get the scrape to have the same color as the rest of the coin then I would be happy. Any ideas as how to touch up the scrape without ruining its value ?

 

You could try just a bit of Jax green, although I've found that green rarely works well.

 

@bcuda, the reverse is amazing and the scrape doesn't bother me. I would certainly keep both as they are different coins (one with crescent one without), this is one of those types that I find particularly appealing....here are two different coins with hand and without (very different sizes too 18.30g and 12.84g ):

 

I find the coin with the scrape has the greater eye appeal overall.