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<p>[QUOTE=&quot;ambr0zie, post: 7914594, member: 80952&quot;]Like most collectors, I try to add also coins with &quot;non standard&quot; reverses. Of course, all Roman Imperial coins reverses have a clear meaning, propaganda, or a deity a certain emperor is fond of, or celebrating a victory, nothing is just random, but for my personal tastes, a reverse escaping from the patterns is a good addition.</p><p><br /></p><p>Coins with animals, either normal or fantastic, are clear goals for me. And I find myself studying them with more pleasure and attention.</p><p>First example that comes in my mind is the flying pig from Klazomenai. I was extremely happy for winning this coin back in February, and the slight centering issue doesn&#039;t bother me at all - it was a must have.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1367116[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>Now, when discussing about surreal animals, the Capricorn is a straight forward&nbsp; example.</p><p>Here is an excellent article on the Forvm NumisWiki section, from Dictionary of Roman Coins</p><p><a href="https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Capricornus" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Capricornus" rel="nofollow">https://www.forumancientcoins.com/numiswiki/view.asp?key=Capricornus</a></p><p>This fabulous animal - half goat half fish - was a favorite for Augustus, being his zodiac sign.</p><p>I knew the reason Augustus issued coins with capricorns but I was not aware that it is the image of Pan.</p><p><br /></p><p>Unfortunately I don&#039;t possess Imperial coins from Augustus with capricorns but this will be my medium-long term target - a denarius with a capricorn to represent Augustus in my 12 Caesars denarii set.</p><p>However I have a provincial from Kyzikos and this is my favorite Augustus coin</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1367117[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>But not only Augustus preferred this symbol on the coins.</p><p>From the mentioned article, Vespasian, Titus, Domitian, Hadrian and Antoninus Pius issued coins with capricorns (plus Gallienus) and also, earlier, Tiberius and Augustus, depicting 2 capricorns supporting the civic crown (or shield).</p><p><br /></p><p>Here is an nice Divus Vespasianus coin (not mine) - I think the portrait is very artistic and the conservation allows us to see the reverse details including the globe and shield</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1367120[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>This image, with 2 capricorns over globe supporting civic crown/shield, quickly became something I considered adding in my collection.</p><p><br /></p><p>In the last months I lost 2 Divus Vespasianus denarii. First one was a big mistake on my behalf as the coin was in an excellent condition, with the SC fully visible and decent wear. I had other goals in that auction so I didn&#039;t bid much on that particular coin and lost it. The hammer price was quite low - of course, one can never tell if I would have won it, but I should have tried.</p><p><br /></p><p>I remained with this type in mind and very soon after, another one appeared in an auction. Just a Fine, without details on globe and no SC on shield, but still a nice coin and I didn&#039;t want to make the same mistake. But the hammer price went up in the sky for the grade of the coin.</p><p><br /></p><p>BUT...</p><p><br /></p><p>3rd time lucky.</p><p>[ATTACH=full]1367121[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>Divus Vespasian</p><p>Denarius AR</p><p>19 mm, 2,71 g</p><p>RIC II, Part 1 (second edition) Titus 357</p><p>OLD RIC II Titus 63</p><p>RSC Titus 497</p><p>Date Range: AD 80 - AD 81</p><p>Obv:&nbsp; DIVVS AVGVSTVS VESPASIANVS, Head of Divus Vespasian, laureate, right / Rev: Capricorns, left and right, back to back, supporting round shield inscribed S C; globe, below</p><p><br /></p><p>Saw this in another auction, decided to have another go and BINGO. And with a decent price.</p><p>This coin has nothing extremely special, the globe is worn and there are no traces of SC on the shield (one of the very interesting things about it, seeing SC on a denarius is not common at all). BUT I simply loved the portrait (not sure if Vespasian is holding a big one, as mentioned in the Follow the coin game thread or he simply listens to somebody telling a good joke).</p><p><br /></p><p>Also I was very interested in this coin type because of the message. By copying the Augustan design, the coin suggests that the felicity of the Roman Empire, under Vespasian and Titus, is similar to the one enjoyed in the Augustan age (found this out from the NumisWiki article citing Dictionary of Roman Coins)</p><p><br /></p><p>Definitely, Vespasian portraits are one of my favorites in ancient coinage. And he has the most expressive facial expressions. I don&#039;t see grumpiness - when I think about Vespasian, I see him like the old funny guy you would enjoy having a few beers with.</p><p><br /></p><p>So quite happy for adding a coin that was on my radar.</p><p><br /></p><p>Please post</p><p><br /></p><p>- coins depicting capricorns</p><p>- Vespasian coins with expressive portraits (this would mean all Vespasian portraits for me)</p><p>- coins with a propaganda message, subtle or not</p><p>- coins you managed to buy after failed attempts</p><p>- anything you feel relevant[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

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