Augustus AR silver denarius.

I'm watching this coin on eBay and want to know if it is worth paying 240 for. A lot of the important parts are there and it is a beautiful coin. What do you think?

 

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I would say heck no. You can find that coin complete for that.

 

No way

 

Btw op, having an incomplete or very damaged flan like that is a huge devaluation. If you know US collecting, its equivalent or worst than a harshly cleaned coin.


Ancient collectors put up with some condition issues but things like that will kill valuation.

 

Thanks. Just needed some reaffirmation. It was pretty tempting because the bust is pretty nice with full legend.

 

I'd value this the same as a coin with a hole. If I owned it, I'd not throw it out but I try not to buy these unless there is something going for the coin that offsets the problem. For example if the type were rare in any condition, I'd buy it for a reduced price or, if cheap enough, perhaps I'd overlook the issues. At $24, yes; $240, no way.

 

I'd consider it for well under a $100

 

OP, I know you wish to collect the 12 Caesars. Well, for that list Augustus is one of the easiest to acquire. I would wait for a very nice example. If this coin were an Otho, you might have to consider it.

Btw, if you know you wish to stick to the 12 Caesars and some Republican, I would highly suggest Vol I of Sear's "millenia" version of Roman coin and their values. More up to date than the 1988 version, and much more information for you. I believe it was printed in 1999 or 2000, and sometimes on Ebay it is around $60, or you can buy it direct from David Sear, (autographed too), for around $90 I believe.

 

Darn I already ordered the 1988 version

 

It is still a good book overall for Roman Imperials. If you get a lot deeper into the 12 Caesars only, the Vol I might be good for you as well. At the very least keep an eye on Ebay for a cheap copy. I have seen them go as cheap as $35.

 

Thanks medora will do! It's good that I've finally narrowed down my interest. So that books will be helpful. Hopefully the 1988 version will be useful for the time being.

 

TRUST me, if you get into even the 12 Caesars you will find other Roman imperial you like as well. Its hard to see a gorgeous Trajan sestertius and walk away.

Look at some pic of just a few Romans I have posted before. I don't even COLLECT ROMANS! I keep trying to say that, and then a deal comes along I cannot pass up.

Talk to us in a year or two and we will see how good you are doing with sticking to a narrow area of collecting. Bet you a denarius you can't do it. There are just way too many great coins that, like sirens, call to us.

So, I am guessing the 1988 Sear will come in very handy anyways.

Chris

 

Thanks yea I see your point. I've already bought a bunch of very different coins ranging from medieval England to nazi germany and Ancient Rome. But I am developing an affinity for nice ancients including Greek coins from Alexander the Great. I'm sure a year from now my collection will be varied indeed.

 

Swervo513, are you just trying for silver right now? Because there are allot of really nice bronze coins.

 

Mostly looking for silver but I'm not discriminating against bronze or copper in good condition

 

In my eyes, the prettiest and most interesting Roman coins are the large brass sestertii. Find a sestertii with hard green patina and fall in love, (at least until you see the price tag ).

 

I would pay about £40 or £50 but I don't like paying the full price of coins, I never do usually.

 

I don't remember what its called but I love the brass coin of Augustus with an eagle reverse.

I did bid on one once but I didn't win it unfortunately.

 

Boy, prices must be really inflated on eBay. I can't get anything Augustus or Julius Caesar for less than 200 and in really bad shape.

 

Most prices are...

Just a few common stuff I was watching that usually goes for $50 max was going to $68 - $104, not high grade either, just common empresses that can be bought cheaper on vcoins no less.

Guess some folks got some x-mas money to play with :/