This came today Its rough but I very much wanted it. Octavian, Triumvir and Imperator, Augustus 16 January 27 B.C. - 19 August 14 A.D RR38515. Silver denarius, Fair, rough, Italian (Rome?) mint, weight 3.495g, maximum diameter 18.5mm, die axis 270o, c. 29 - 27 B.C.; obverse IMP CAESAR, Octavian, holding olive branch, driving triumphal quadriga right; reverse Victory standing right on prow, wreath in right, palm over shoulder in left RIC 264, RSC 155 - RSC 115?, sear5 1555 "This coin commemorates Octavian's victory at Actium and his triumph. The silver for this issue may have come from the Ptolemaic treasury" Battle of Actium http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Actium "The Battle of Actium was the decisive confrontation of the Final War of the Roman Republic. It was fought between the forces of Octavian and the combined forces of Mark Antony () and Cleopatra. The battle took place on 2 September 31 BC, on the Ionian Sea near the Roman colony of Actium in Greece. Octavian's fleet was commanded by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa, while Antony's fleet was supported by the ships of his beloved, Cleopatra VII, Queen of Ptolemaic Egypt." heres a view of a much nicer one http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sear5/s1555.html#RIC_0264
I'll stop short of saying how beautiful it is but it is an interesting coin and, compared to my Augustus below, at least nobody hammered a nail through it. It is interesting how really desirable coins are available in lower grades for people (like me) not quite in the market for the uncirculated ones.
I actualy wana get a coin that had a nail through it, I like yours There was a denarius or julius caesar that was drilled and a loop for a necklace what put in it for sale on forvm (sold now ). was great condition and fairly cheap, but not cheap enough for me lol, but I;d imagine if I ever get one, it would not look as good as that. I'm very thankful that there are many coins with in my budget though the dernaius of Octavian was a lil bit over mine and some times we get lucky too Thanks
Great pictures, interesting coins, thanks for sharing them and all the information. Question: do you have any idea why the nail hole is in this place on the coin pictured above? If it was for jewelry, I would think they would want to center the hole above the image. But this nail hole is to the left of the neck. Maybe there is no answer, I am just curious and I like to think about what has happened to coins that don't arrive to us in perfect condition.
I have no idea why. I discussed it a bit on my page on ugly coins but do not know anything certain: http://dougsmith.ancients.info/feac59ugl.html My ugly page is devoted to coins that were special enough to me to make me want them despite their appearance. Each tells a story. Some tell stories that mint state examples could never tell but it would be hard to turn down a trade if someone offered a mint state example. The Septimius LEG XXII PRI is coin number #35 in my collection. I have owned it a while. It is the most hard to find of the Septimius Legionary numbers and I remain proud of having recognized that fact when I bought it out of a coin show junk bin. Since then I have added others of the type but it will never be 'replaced' (unless you have a mint state, full legend one to trade).
It is still a nice coin randy, from the details standpoint. But, as you say, the main significance is the history it represents. Thank you for sharing it with us. Enjoyed reading Doug's page too. Interests comments which I wholeheartedly agree with.
You make a compelling case for collecting these kinds of coins on your site, thanks for the link. Your suggestion that these were used as amulets makes sense. I would never have guessed that coins were so commonly nailed onto wooden objects.
