After many months of looking at this coin through my screen & waiting for another to surface on my main dealer sites, it never happened. So with some extra saving and negotiating to knock the price down to my comfort level, I finally acquired the #2 empress I have wanted since collecting, especially with this particular portrait style. As the case it looks nicer in hand, the seller photo makes some of its flaws stand out more. Its a lovelier in-person. Crispina (178 - 182 A.D.) AR Denarius Rome CRISPINA-AVGVSTA Draped bust right, hair weaved in rows and tucked in round coil at back. VE_NVS Venus standing facing, head left, apple in right hand, gathering up drapery on her left shoulder with left hand. 18mm, 2.97g RIC III, 286a (Commodus) RSC 035
I agree great portrait, especially if its better in hand. Definitely a candidate for a "portrait collection" since the reverse isn't as nice as obverse, (which is frequently the case of course). I think its a good move to concentrate on Empresses. They are definitely a ton scarcer than the emperors. Even today the market price is no where near equal to their scarcity. Chris
I still buy what I like & Crispina is one I always liked, lol. I think the empresses in my set are like a side concentration, I still have many earlier emperors I hope to get in the coming months. Ive had the $ for crispina each month but other coins, like my last Republic swayed me to it. Finally I pressed the F-it button & am holding off some men so I could just get her and be done with it.
Lovely style. A bit too much of a cleaning for my taste. Let it alone at the top of the kitchen furniture for a while, it will go back to a pleasant toning (just my opinion, of course) Q
No offense meant Mat. The coin isn't bad at all, it's very pleasant and of terrific style and good conservation. I would love to have it in my own collection of empresses. just (and probably because of the photographying process) I find it a bit to bright :yes:Q
Oh I am not offended, usually you dont reply to my threads so its great to see one from you in general, lol. I told Zach, of Beast Coins, how much better it looked in hand and he agreed. I was hesitant with the chipped edge and such but holding it, its no different then some other ragged flans I have, its really nothing. Also my Maesa has a more of a worn reverse die then this. It seems alot of Venus reverses of her are hit/miss.
