Before i pull the trigger... which Postumus double sestertius is better?

I'm looking for a Postumus upgrade, and i think the denomination that best represents him is one of those magnificent double sestertii that he minted. I have narrowed my search down to these two candidates:

A:



B:



Both have their problems. Both have minor pitting on the reverse side.

Like you have one in your collection which is problem-free!

I like the portrait better on the first, but love the reverse galley on the second.
The second is quite a bit more expensive than the first. But i am a portrait collector, so do i care about the reverses?

What do you think? Pull the trigger on A or B?

 

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I am a sucker for boats.

 

Seems pretty clear that of the two, coin A is a better fit for you (and it really is a great portrait).

 

If you're after portraits pick the one you like the best.

 

Ah you all make this a no-brainer! Thanks @TIF and @Jwt708 and @Pishpash

 

I gotta go with A. The galley is superb but if it's portraits you want A is the choice. The clearer legend of Postumus helps too.

 

Hard to compete with @Jwt708 's portrait though. Stunning.

 

[Killjoy warning]

My real vote is for coin C.

Greg, you have a great collection. While both of these coins are okay, it's really not that difficult to find a Postumus sestertius in better condition and with a very nice portrait. I don't know the price on the two you've shown but I'd like to see you wait for an overall better coin .

Love and kisses,
TIF

 

Haha you are a killjoy @TIF

I'm pretty impatient though. The main criterion is i have to love the coin, and I love both of these.

If I don't love a coin, it will be back on the market pretty soon.

There may come a day when I upgrade my upgrades, but that day is certainly an Antinous medallion and a Julius Nepos solidus away.

 

Option D buy them both! Then whichever you get tired of first you can donate.


To me

 

Haha love it. I will have a Postumus antoninianus looking for a new home soon!

I'm back from travels in Iraq and Iran, so i have leftover budget to buy some coins!

 

Aw shucks!

Listen to TIF. Wait. You have a stronger budget than I do!

 

Well I do still need a Postumus in my collection
I'm always amazed at the places you travel. I'm sure you're asked a lot but man how safe is it?

 

It felt safe. There's airport-style security even in nightclubs. The pershmerga kept me safe:

 

What's the nightclubs like in Iraq?
Funny thing about this picture, you got buddy decked out in military garb armed to the teeth ready to fight but wearing sandals? Lol good times.

 

Unless there is something really special about the galley reverse, I think the first one--the portrait is better, the legend is better and it has more eye-appeal.

 

Nightclubs are in Christian neighbourhoods and they're exactly like nightclubs at home - same kinds of drinks.. wine, beer, spirits... with some local varieties. Just x-rays and metal detectors, and full body searches, before you get in. Otherwise oddly normal.

 

And i've pulled the trigger Feels so good!

 

Yeah I suppose the news can really skew our perception of places that aren't deemed normal.
Glad you went with A it was the nicer of the two imo

 

Good call on A!

Why are you wearing only socks???

More travel pictures please, they are ancient coin related area for sure!