Collectors are willing to pay high prices for common coins that demonstrate attractive die engraving, are well struck, and are in extraordinary condition. The coin pictured below recently sold at Roma E-Sale 88. I've seen well over a dozen examples of the coin type pictured below, Prieur 636, McAlee 1153e, sell at auction over the last 5 years, but none as fine as this coin. The coin had an estimate of 200 GBP ($277.00) but ended up selling for 1,200 GBP (6 times the hammer price), $1,992,82 including the buyers premium ! I was the high bidder on this coin at 240 GBP ($332.00) until the live auction began. It didn't take long for my bid to get steamrolled . Antioch-Syria, Herennius Etruscus as Caesar, AD 251-252, Officina 5 (5 dots under the bust). Billon Tetradrachm: 13.43 gm, 27 mm, 12 h. Ex Nomos AG. I guess I'll have to be content with the example I won at auction about a year ago for $192.00 . Antioch-Syria, Herennius Etruscus as Caesar, AD 251-252, Officina 5. Billon Tetradrachm: 10.88 gm, 25 mm, 5 h. NGC Ch AU, Strike 5/5, Surface 4/5. Ex Heritage Auction #232043, Lot 63135.
I guess someone with more money than sense thought that a slightly bigger flan and slightly sharper details was worth a $1800 premium.
Even though yours is a bit off-center & not the best lettering, I actually like it more than the expensive one. Here is my only Tet of him. Was $46 years ago on ebay. Herennius Etruscus (251 A.D.) Seleucis and Pieria, Antioch Billon Tetradrachm O: EPENNE TPOY ME KY DEKIOC KECAP, Bare headed draped bust right, five dots beneath. R: DEMAPX EXOYCIAC, Eagle standing left, head left, tail to right, wreath in beak, with wings spread, standing on palm, SC in exe. Antioch Mint, 251 A.D. 26mm 13g McAlee 1153e; Prieur 636
Thanks to the generosity of CTer @tenbobbit I have one of those: Herennius Etruscus Bil. Tet. (250-251 A.D.) Antioch, Syria EΡENN ETΡOY [MEK]YΔEKIOC KECAΡ, draped bare-headed bust r., 3 dots below / ΔHMAΡXEΞOVCIAC, Eagle standing left on palm, wreath in beak, SC in exergue. Prieur 632; McAlee 1153c. (11.65 grams / 25 mm)
