Ancients => until tomorrow

Wow, that is the most amazing Alexander Denarii I have seen..Serious eye appeal & with Sol.

 

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Thank you Severatus. It was one of my buys that cost me less than taking my wife out for an average dinner. I love it when I can snag something like this.

 

Super hard to pick a favorite. Probably my Orbiana.

Love the cheeks.

 

Not my overall but one of my favorites:

Theodahad, Ostrogothic Kingdom
AE decanummium
Obv: INVICT-A ROMA, Roma helmeted, facing right
Rev: DN / THEODA / HATHVS / REX within wreath, X below
Mint: Rome (struck 534-536 AD)
Ref: COI 90

 

=> I am recharging the battery in my camera (oh, and although you seem to be the only one interested, I am definitely going to try and show you the pretty-side ... I like you)



=> yah, that baby is worth more than any of my ancients!! (that's when I was livin' large and blowin' cash like water out of a Killer whale's blow-hole!!)

 

Hey Steve, cool with you if I post more of my fav coins?

 

=> ABSOLUTELY NO WAY!!

.... wha?

Why would I care, my friend?

Post as many cool photos as you'd like => I love hangin' out with you guys!!

"Impress me!!!"

 

Hahahahaha... you will make Steve's day

 

I'll post my favorite new book, arrived today. I've been looking to add this one to my library, but it's a college textbook, and I could never find a used copy for less than $150. Last week a seller in Poland put a bunch of various books concerning Middle Eastern history up for sale, and this was among them. Got it for $50!

 

Lovely coin. Olbia was a hottie. Too bad she got thrown into that creepy Oedipal business between S. Alexander and J. Mamaea.

 

OK, it's after 6pm, so my favorite has changed to:

CONSTANTINE II
AE Follis
OBVERSE: FL CL CONSTANTINVS IVN N C, bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust right
REVERSE: PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS, the prince in military dress standing right, holding globe and spear, F-T across fields, mintmark BTR.
Struck at Trier 317-8 AD
3.2g, 19.5mm
RIC VII 173

 

Beautiful coin, Bing. I have the other PRINCIPI IVVENTVTIS type of Constantine II...

 

Yes sir. Thats what I like to hear. Good catch.

 

Speaking of books, @Ancientnoob recommended this and I bought the giant tome on Amazon for a buck fifty ($5.50 with shipping). It arrived today. Guess what I'm doing tonight

 

I want!!
... Oops, meant to say that about JA's Nabataen art book instead.

J/k ... Seriously, that Nabataean book looks very interesting as well. You guys are making me jealous.

 

That big book of mythology is high on my list as well. The Nabataean Art book actually analyzes numerous examples of coinage, and places the coinage in the larger context of architecture, pottery, statuary, etc.

From the excerpts I saw on google books, I was hoping it would provide a wealth of insight to help me develop the analyses on my website. I've only read the first chapter, but so far it has exceeded my expectations.

You really can't divorce the coinage of any civilization from its larger cultural context.

 

Hell yea!

 

Seriously though Sev Alexander was the first emperor I collected and I really dont think I have seen a Denarii that nice.

Usually only the Gold Aurei would have that kinda detail & style.

 

=> if you "click" on them, they get really large (sorry that it's kinda blurry)

You're correct ... it is the pretty-side, eh?

REVERSE: Commerce & Industry Allegory ... Seated male showing ship to child, clock and industrial scene in background

 

IMO this coin represents a blend of both east and west. The reverse legends are in Latin and was made by a Catholic state, while the style is Byzantine and Christ's name is abbreviated in Greek:

Doge Reneiro Zeno, Republic of Venice
AR grosh
Obv: Christ enthroned, facing, wearing nimbus and holding book of gospels.
Rev: RA CENO DVX - S M VENETI, doge standing left and receiving banner from Saint Mark standing right, holding book of gospels.
Mint: Venice (struck 1253-1268)
Ref: Gamberini 32; Biaggi 2775