I may if I get too deep into these. Wanted to show them to you at Fun but they came to me late on Saturday.
I've had alot of Valentinian AEs over my 6 years of collecting ancients & as much as I would like a silver, my budget keeps me from acquiring one. But I found this one about a month ago & got it pretty cheap and at this time, is my favorite of the AEs I have bought of him. Valentinian I (364 - 375 A.D.) Æ3 O: DN VALENTINIANVS PF AVG diademed, draped & cuirassed bust right. R: RESTITVTOR REIP, Valentinian standing front, head right, holding Victory and standard with X on banner. Mintmark SMKB 20mm 3.38g Cyzicus RIC 10a, B
This one could (ahem) swing both ways. As a numismatic coin or as bullion. For what it's worth, Krause Publishing lists it in their Unusual World Coin Catalog under United States Silver Currency Coinage. I wonder how the government feels about that? Maybe Krause is needling them just a little bit. :>)
Picked this one up today on eBay, but from the dealer I've bought many of my Fugio coppers from. Got it for a fair price. It's Ex: Ted Craige - he bought it for $15 in 1970. Another variety in the bag.
@Mat , everytime I look at this thread, it seems you're adding something to your ancient collection! Based on what you've posted, I believe it to be something special! One day, I plan to buy an ancient. I've bid on a couple at HA, but wasn't willing to commit what it took to win it. Congrats on adding this piece to your burgeoning collection!
@jpcienkus Thanks, and you can get ancients at affordable prices that are real and not worry about slabs. It's always discussed in the ancient forum. What you know with U.S./moderns is pretty much thrown out the door. My favorite is http://bargainbinancients.com/zen/index.php?
Based on those pictures, I would agree: undergraded. IMO, a 62 graded Morgan either has so many contact marks on the devices only a mother could love her and plenty of disturbances in the fields OR it lacks any luster at all. Based on your photos, the fields seem to be very reflective. The devices "seem" relatively clean, but I'm guessing the lighting is hiding many of the contact marks.:
Im no pro photographer obviously, but yes there are more contact marks than what you see. But no where near enough to warrant a 62 grade. Plus it does have two solid mirrors. I mean in my opinion it's borderline PL. If not, than atleast a 63, 64 at most. But hey it's the coin that matters, not the slab.