I just recently picked up this coin. It's in amazing condition. Clearly Choice Uncirculated with highly lustrous surfaces. Excellent centering with a sharp strike. Superb in all respects. Kings of Macedon, Alexander the Great (Alexander III) AR Drachm. Struck 325-323 BC. Miletos mint. Obverse: Head of Herakles facing right wearing a lion's skin headdress. Reverse: Zeus seated left, holding an eagle & a scepter. Legend at rear of throne. Triangle inside H in left field.
That gives me hope that I can own something like that one day. I thought it would be worth thousands or tens of thousands of dollars. It looks like it ought to be in a museum. When I think about what type of US Coins you could buy for $475 I'm blown away. I would rather have something a couple of thousand years old than a couple of hundred. I think I'm definitely going to lean towards collecting ancient and world coins. Again, an absolutely stunning coin. Congratulations.
A splendid example, gmarguli. I would get one myself, but they seem so common! I guess I just keep procrastinating. :-D acl864 - lower grade specimens of these coins are commonly available for near (and sometimes under) $100. IE - http://www.vcoins.com/ancient/dmitrymarkov/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=1240&large=0
I'm saving up. I'll have to have one of those. I'm sort of a history buff and never realized artifacts from that era would be anywhere near my price range. Thanks for the link! Andy
Andy, You'd be amazed on how inexpensive these types can be. I myself have a lifetime issue Alexander the Great, which only cost me about $140.00 (see my Avatar). They're out there, if you know where to look.
Fred, The relative affordability of these coins still has me shaking my head. Due to having two young kids (see my avatar-lol), funds are tight right now. I'm saving up though. Alexander the Great is one of my favorite historical figures and your avatar is a beautiful coin. I hope to own one as nice one day. Andy
Andy, I understand about kids, as I've got 3 daughters myself (9,11,and 14). The thing about ancients is that depending on what you're looking for they can be very inexpensive. I've got a bunch on Roman Adoptive Emperors which some have cost me anywhere from 15 to 90 bucks depending on type. When you ready, you'll know.
This is very true. I've purchased many ancients that are in superb condition for relatively little money. I generally go for coins that would be graded uncirculated by US standards and I've found many that I call Choice Unc - Gem Unc for under $50. It just takes a little searching.
Greg, In truth, the first time I purchased an ancient coin, I think I paid $7.00 plus S/H. I was stunned to think that something so old, could not be worth tons on money. But, you learn as you go, and you find that each piece is special no matter the cost.
Any advice as to where to begin searching? I'm definitely very interested in collecting ancient coins. Andy
http://www.vcoins.com http://www.forumancientcoins.com http://www.freemanandsear.com http://www.harlanjberk.com http://www.ancientcoins.ca Be very careful if you go to ebay. Lots of fakes out there.
I highly recommend this site... www.forumancientcoins.com I trust them to sell only genuine ancients, and there is a boat load of useful information as well.
Nice grade. I tend to find that the higher grade examples of this issue are less attractive, as they reveal the crude quality of the engraving, but if you like it, it is a very nice coin for you.
