I had a few visitors while I was packing my exhibit. I let them hold some 150 BC coins (from my half As collection). For being attentive listeners, they received Alexander Jannaeus Star & Anchor Prutah.
The show had an excellent example of an oxymoron. The grading service tables were next to the ancient coin dealer section!
I picked up two coins. Both are lower grade than I normally buy, but both had something I liked. The first is a denarius of Sextus Pompeius. Roman Imperatorial denarius, Sextus Pompeius, 42 - 40 BC Obv - head of Neptune tied with band, trident over shoulder[MAG.PI]VS.IMP[.ITER] Rev - Trophy made with all kinds of cool stuff - trident, anchor, prow stem, aplustriam, Scylla! Most of the legend is worn off, or off the flan - PRAEF.CLAS.ETOR.AE.MARI.TEX.S.C. 3.7 grams, toned F (I might call this one G or aF), scarce Post your navel trophy coins.
I also picked up an early struck Sextans. It is a large one at 26 grams, but it is so ugly only a mother would like it. I'd like to say it is better in hand, but that is not true. The coin has lots of surface rust / dirt. I wonder if it is a candidate for more cleaning? The details seem to be on the coin, but under the coating. Roman Republican Sextans, Struck, semilibral series, 217 - 215 BC Obv - Mercury with way cool flat hat with wings, two dots above Rev - Prow R, above - ROMA, below - two dots 26 grams, 30 mm The seller did not grade this one. I give it a F, fine, due to features that can be seen with a lot of work. At first glance it is a lower grade. Cr 38/5
