Hi all! I was browsing the Roma catalogue, and saw this coin. It is an antoninianus of Gallienus, LIBERAL AVG reverse. However, bidding starts at £400. There are currently no bids I searched the same type on VCoins, and found this one, which can be bought right now for 20EUR I'd even say the VCoins one is slightly better condition. Why is the Roma coin so highly priced? It is cited as being "Ex Roma e sale 72", but it didn't even sell then (bidding started at £500)
I don't get it either. Perhaps a Gallienus expert can confirm there is something very special about it? High silver content? The BI antoninianus description (3.77 g)? I see opening bid £ 240 on the website, but this also seems way too much for my non expert eyes.
It does have more silver wash remaining than most Gallienus antoniniani, but I see nothing justifying that sort of price level.
According to RIC and catbikes site, all ric 227 are rated "common". The OP coin has the bust type "radiate only" compared to the Vcoins example. Does it make a big difference in scarcity ???
The starting bid appears to be 240 pounds not 400. I got the one in my avatar for 24 EUR. The corrosion made 90% of the coin value to vanish, apparently
Though the description doesn't say so, maybe they thought the coin had a much higher silver content than usual so was worth a premium. Offering it at £500 in one sale and then £400 in today's sale makes me think they meant the high price.
The VCoin is off center on the obverse. On the reverse the legend at 12:00 is only partial. While slightly better condition, I would rather have the auction piece. Not 350 Euro/Lb. difference, but I would much rather have it than the VCoin.
