One of the problems I have is letting go of coins when I get an upgrade version. When I bid on my new coin I thought my old one was a different workshop but now I believe they are both TRS so I should be able to move the lesser one to the trade stock. It is never that simple. While the new coin is pretty it loses a lot of legend to a flat strike on the left side. The old one has all the letters with just a little clipping on the mintmark (still readable). The old one has more hair detail but rougher surfaces. I have no trouble preferring the smooth flat coin but you always hate to give up details even if gaining eye appeal. So which is it? Keep one or both? I know, I should find a perfect coin and get rid of them both. I'm probably too cheap to do that.
Definitely different dies, so I wouldn't be in a hurry to move either one Doug. However, considering the source, you may want a second opinion. Btw, love the dark toned one.
If you had to pick 1 to keep, I'd say the left/top one. Otherwise, keep em both til you get one that shares the good qualities of both. edit: hmm I do like the style of the other better though
The top is in better condition. That's why I picked it , but the missing victory, legend, and style almost makes me want to side with the other.
At the very least post them on your website as examples of style variances. To me, while the bottom coin is more complete in legends, etc, the darker coin has everything else going for it. This is especially true of the style. The darker coin die was crafted by one of the last good die crafters of the Romans. Look at the hair at the back of the neck, the artistry in the face, etc. This was a skilled engraver. The second one is not horrible style, just average LRB style. I would never give up the darker coin unless you found a better example from that set of dies.
