Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;dougsmit, post: 677167, member: 19463&quot;]<b>grading ancients</b></p><p><br /></p><p>The Arcadius here has several problems that I would never accept from some rulers but bother me less here.&nbsp; As it is, the portrait is nicer than many $9 Arcadius coins.&nbsp; The exact same types used by Arcadius were also used for co-emperor Honorius and many coins are found that are weak enough in legend that you have to guess which one issued it.&nbsp; This coin is clearly Arcadius.&nbsp; I mentioned above that I would have prefered a coin with a readable mintmark but those of us who spent the cash for a copy of the reference book on these (Roman Imperial Coins, in 10 volumes) like to be able to assign a catalog number and that requires a mintmark).&nbsp; Christian collectors might have prefered a coin not having a pit in the reverse field that wiped out the Christian symbol that was there.&nbsp; Others would take the coin to task for being cracked.&nbsp; </p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>On the other hand, the same seller listed several other ancient coins under $10.&nbsp; Some were better looking.&nbsp; Some weren&#039;t.&nbsp; His Constantine I death commemorative lacked most of the legends and was not all that good looking; his Constans was decent looking and easily readable but very common; Constantius II had a slightly more unusual palm device in the field but otherwize was a less pretty coin and not easily identifiable by beginners.&nbsp; To me, the Valens was best of the bunch but I&#039;m not sure Valens is the level of emperor I&#039;d want for my only coin.&nbsp; He became emperor because his brother appointed him and died fighting barbarians (that was easy to do in those days).&nbsp; Perhaps some would prefer the coin of his brother Valentinian who died from getting very mad during an audience with barbarian envoys.&nbsp; The point is that all of these coins are more or less average, late Roman, lower grade examples of what should bring under $10.&nbsp; Each of us will value different things and might select a different coin.&nbsp;&nbsp; Ancient collecting is a rather analog thing.&nbsp; Given a grade of &#039;Fine&#039; you have no idea what the coin will look like.&nbsp;&nbsp; The choice you made was fine.&nbsp; I hope it will lead you into a desire for more, and more, and more....[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in