ANCIENT - Lady Luck and another Victory - Arados. Phoenicia

It wouldn't be the first coin sniped by Ancientnoob, but it sure was gratifying. I strongly oppose paying to much for coins and even a coin I really want. I have long sought out this coin. For whatever reason I could never acquire one, weather coin was too worn, too expensive, lost by the seller or I was committed to another piece.

For me this coin will be the end of a numismatic goal. I wanted both the Sidon Shekel and Arados Tetradrachm, both coins feature Lady luck, Fortuna or Tyche depending on the kind of kool-aid you drink. She was the god of luck, wealth and random events.

These coins are about 26- 28 mm and 15 g of good silver minted in between the second and first century BC in the city of Arados (Aradus, Ardus, Ardos) in what is now modern Lebanon.


I won the auction today and should have in hand soon. These are the sellers photos, clipped and pinned together by me.

I selected this specimen because I thought it was centered enough for my liking, it has a strong 'mean' Tyche bust which I wanted. The reverse has the name of the city on the reverse right field, and on the left the date, and both Greek and Phoenician letters. Monogrammed MS. Nike (Victory) standing left holding wreath. Dated to 89 BC.

I am eager to see what this coin looks like in "my hand" if it looks like the picture I would be more than pleased with the toning and condition of the coin.

 

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Congrats on getting a coin you've wanted, always a nice feeling. Real nice coin, congrats.

 

Good looking coin, congrats!

 

A-Knob => wow, that's an absolutely "amazing" looking coin!! (you've outdone yourself with this baby!!)

... I'm very jealous of this purchase (good on ya, my friend)

Cheers!!

:cheers:

 

good one AN, tyche does look stern....like! :thumb:

 

I agree with you on the attributes of that coin: a strong portrait, great centering, sharp detail, and excellent color. I don't think you're going to be disappointed. Now you'll have two coins to cuddle with at night.

 

The First Meris Tetradrachm doesn't like competition.

 

I like Tyche, and this one is a beuty even if she needs a little lovin to put a smile on her face. Glad for you, sad or me. I'm jealous. Congrats:thumb:

 

Congrats. Cool coin for many reasons. I am always amazed how many cultures had coins with Tyche on them.

 

Wow Master Anoob, you give us great history, great coin's and something new. I'm glad you finely got your lady, i know jw wants one of these as well... this coin has the eye appeal, well centered, well done my Ancient coin friend..well done..:thumb:.:thumb:.:thumb:

 

Now that i 'my on my wife's computer, i can get to my pictures..

Here's my mine..
Arados..138 - 43..BC.
AR Tetradrachm..
29mm x 14.97g

 

John, now there's a coin you can trade to me!!!!

 

Ya'll got good taste.
Eng you know that coin is phat and the envy of many collectors. This really is a fabulous series of coins.

 

Nice coin. I need to get one of those one day. I still don't own any Greek coins yet.

 

Alright I wanted to try and figure the date out myself of these coins based on the inscription. Which does have a legible City year on both mine and Eng's coins.


I have been trying to improve my coin dating skills. Please correct me if I am wrong.


Eng's Coin:

I read Xi - Rho or year 160 since the Arados era began in 261 BC this would place his coin 101/100 BC.

My Coin:

I read Gamma - Koppa (a letter no longer used often seen on Corinth Staters) - Rho or year 193 since Arados era began in 261 BC this would place my coin 69/68 BC.


Help or correction would be much appreciated.

 

Any one?

 

Ooh. Sorry, not my field of expertise. Your analysis sounds very professional however.

 

wha?

 

The first is dated CY 193 (67/6 BC), as indicated by the Γqp at the top left.

The second is dated CY 160 (100/99 BC), as indicated by the ΞP at the top left.

So, ancientnoob was correct, but I'm using a different starting date for the civic era of Arados. Please, please, please don't make me dig out a citation.

 

Wonderful!! Thanks Ardaterion, no need.
I appreciate you taking a look.