Life is indeed a series of compromises - coins are no exception.

robinjojo · Aug 16, 2022

Terence Cheesman said: ↑

I guess I could call this a failed compromise. Ar stater of Aegina "turtle" 404-405 BC Obv Land tortoise seen from above Rv Incuse square dived into 5 compartments HGC 438 12.07 grms 21 mm Photo by W Hansen View attachment 1500793
Back in 2018 I was looking to replace my "turtle" however I wanted one that was struck circa 445 BC. This one caught my eye and I decided that I liked it so much that even though it did not meet my criterion I would use it as a replacement for my other coin. Actually that idea didn't last for very long. I ended up keeping both finally replacing the other coin two years later. Oh well it was a good plan while it lasted.
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That's an absolutely amazing stater! I don't recall seeing one with that level of detail.

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marchal steel · Aug 16, 2022

Terence- That is a stunning coin... thanks for posting it for all to see.

savitale · Aug 17, 2022

Terence Cheesman said: ↑

I guess I could call this a failed compromise. Ar stater of Aegina "turtle" 404-405 BC Obv Land tortoise seen from above Rv Incuse square dived into 5 compartments HGC 438 12.07 grms 21 mm Photo by W Hansen View attachment 1500793
Back in 2018 I was looking to replace my "turtle" however I wanted one that was struck circa 445 BC. This one caught my eye and I decided that I liked it so much that even though it did not meet my criterion I would use it as a replacement for my other coin. Actually that idea didn't last for very long. I ended up keeping both finally replacing the other coin two years later. Oh well it was a good plan while it lasted.
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Beautiful turtle!

svessien · Aug 22, 2022

savitale said: ↑

Nice Caesar denarius! I can see why you are attracted to it. The elephant looks a lot better than most. I also like the jellyfish or whatever it is on the reverse.

Nearly every coin I buy is a compromise. I can't afford the best examples. But upgrading is expensive. So I try to look at the probability that a better example will come up within my budget in a reasonable timeframe (a few years). If the probability is low, I buy (or bid). Here is an example.

View attachment 1500337

I really like the portrait on this Otho. The name is complete and the entire legend nearly so. It is well centered and there is very little wear. Pretty much the same can be said for the reverse. But, there is an area of weak strike in the hair. I was willing to accept that comprise because it may be a very long time before I find a similar example with a better strike within my budget.
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This is a great coin, I think. You rarely see Otho coins with such a bold strike on both sides; the reverse is often weak. I actually feel quite jealous, looking at your nice denarius and @robinjojo ’s new pet.

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Life is indeed a series of compromises - coins are no exception.

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Life is indeed a series of compromises - coins are no exception.

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