I have these 4 old coins that I can not identify. No Idea where they are from or how old. Anyone got any idea?
The top one is Byzantine. The other three are late Roman Imperials. If someone doesn't give you a more thorough answer I'll do so when I get a minute.
Thank-you, that is more than I knew about them an hour ago. I have been told that these coins were dug up by my wifes grandpa while in Saudi Arabia while working on a oil pipeline. Look forward to learning more. What is the best way to take care of coins like these?
Ok, as I said the first one is Byzantine. I've got basically no experience with them so I'm not sure of the ruler, perhaps Justin II, Tiberius II or Maurice Tiberius, but thats just a guess from looking at some pics of other coins. The second coin is Roman... Arcadius (383-388 AD) - Constantinople Mint Obverse: D N ARCADIVS P F AVG, diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right Reverse: VIRTVS EXERCITI, emperor standing facing, holding spear & sheild, being crowned by Victory standing left, CONSB in exergue. The third & fourth I had some trouble making out the complete legends (someone else might have better eyes), but here's what I guess... Third - Constantine I ~ Campgate Reverse (can't really read the mint mark) Fourth - Constantine II with VOT X Reverse (could be one of his brothers, but I think it's him) These pics from my gallery will give you a better idea of what the Campgate & VOT reverses look like... http://www.brianeberling.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=20&pos=3 http://www.brianeberling.com/gallery/displayimage.php?album=20&pos=2
The Byzantine coin looks like this one on the Wildwinds data base for Phocas (AD 602-610): Phocas AE Follis. Struck year 8 (609/610 AD). Antioch mint. Crowned facing bust of Phocas, wearing consular robes; holding mappa and eagle-tipped sceptre Large M; THEUP in exergue. DOC II 90; MIB II 84a. Sear Byzantine Coins and their Values # sb0672 Wildwinds Link: http://www.wildwinds.com/coins/sb/sb0672.html
The only differance I see is on the reverse right side. My coin has what looks like two " II " above each other. As the wildwinds has a " G " over a "III" ? Do you know what any of that means?
Campgate mint mark is SMNA, which means it was minted in Nicomedia and is RIC VII 90 Constantine I AE3. 324-325 AD. CONSTAN-TINVS AVG, laureate head right / PROVIDEN-TIAE AVGG, campgate with two turrets & star above, no door, SMNA in ex.
I THINK it is (TSBVI) Thessalonica Mint RICII 128 Constantine II AE3. 324 AD. CONSTANTINVS IVN NOB C, laureate, draped & cuirassed bust left / CAESARVM NOSTRORVM around wreath containing VOT X, TSBVI in ex. the scan for the reverse of this coin is upside down
upside down, oops! shows how much i know. any ideas about value? or do i need to post that question in the other thread? also what do i need to do to take care these coins? Thank-you all for your help
