I have been wanting to get a Roman Republic ancient for sometime now but not many really had that "buy me" feel until I saw this one. I loved everything regarding this coin, from the beautiful portrait of the winged Victory, the toning, and the "Mars holding trophy" reverse. It was over my usual budget for coins but I scrimped & saved extra. Besides, the price was very fair compared to lesser quality examples. The coin looks so much nicer in-hand. Tried taking my own pics but the iphone didnt do it justice either. L. Valerius Flaccus, (108 - 107 B.C.) Silver Denarius Rome Mint O: Winged and draped bust of Victory right, Xbelow chin. R: LVALERI / FLACCI (downwards on left), Mars walking left, spear in right, trophy in left over shoulder, apex left, head of grain behind. SRCV I 183, Sydenham 565, Crawford 306/1, RSC I Valeria 11 20.0mm 3.89g
Although I know very little about coins, I know even less about coins from the Roman Republic. It is amazing the history behind those coins. I know people who prefer the coins from the Republic over those from the Empire. In fact, last summer's ANA summer seminar had a whole week course focused on Republican coins. My simple mind, however, requires a picture of the emperor, empress, queen, king, ruler, etc. on it for me to grasp the coin. Nevertheless, yours is a beautiful coin from an interesting time in Roman history. In 107 BCE the Roman general (and reformer of the Roman army) Marius was preparing to defeat the African ruler Jugurtha. Within a couple of years, the German tribes of Cimbri and Teutones were descending on Northern italy, requiring Marius' leadership, again. Exciting. :too-cool-for: guy
I don't know much about the Roman Republic so I went to ebay to see the stock and WOW! Talk about beauty :yes: I'd like to save up some money for one and is this silver? I can only imagine it's silver if the detail has been in such good shape for so many years. Very nice coins for that era.
A question: Does anyone have an opinion on what Republican denarius is the most beautiful? I'm not asking what one you would most like (probably get a lot of EID MAR answers there) but which is the best looking coin? I have several candidates and realize part of the problem is that I mix up which is the best looking type when it is in EF condition and which of my coins I like best since my example of the good types tend to be way less than perfect.
Thats tough, but I think it one below is probably one of the most beautiful. http://www.vcoins.com/ancient/herakles/store/viewItem.asp?idProduct=6414 I also love this one. I would eventually like to get the denarii featuring the Rape of the Sabine Women. Interesting history there. _______________________ Thanks for the replies everyone, it's replaced my Geta Denarii as my new favorite ancient. The coin has a nice shiny sheen to it, which makes me think it has renaissance wax on it but it dont.
It's either between Cossutius (avatar coin) or Cordius Rufus. I've liked Cordius Rufus longer, so I'll say that one by a tad. I can't wait till I own one. It'll look good next to the brockage type I already own :
The coin has a beautiful reverse. I believe it is a "trophy" image. But what is its significance? What victory or military feat did it celebrate? Any insight would be appreciated. guy
Plautius Plancus would be my first choice but for the fact that most of the dies are really not that well done and most coins are not well struck. The link provided http://www.vcoins.com/ancient/herakl...idProduct=6414 is a lot better than average in both ways (and in price!!!). Mine is typically flat struck: The other one is worn and small flan but is the variation with coiled snakes for earrings. Unfortunately you need a better condition on to see snake details.
Mat, that portrait on your coin is terrific. As to decide which of the roman republic is the best looking coin, I stick to the first one for some reasons. First, they are of greek influence and style, second they symbolize very weel the idea of the foundation of Rome, third they are, to my eyes, very elegant : Republic, Didrachm Didrachm minted in Rome c. 269-266 BC No legend, Diademed head of young Hercules right, with club and lion's skin over shoulder ROMANO, She wolf right, suckling Romulus and Remus 7.29 gr Ref : RCV # 24, RSC # 8 Q
I won't. That is a coin in the 'pre-denarius' group the US State Department requires proof that it is not property of the Italians. If you buy an 'agreement' coin in that price bracket, be sure to get full and complete provenance paperwork so you will have the option of selling it legally someday.
Thats not what I meant, its a roman republic with a wolf/twins reverse. Chris knows the one I am referring too.
Very impressive looking coin Mat. I love the obverse portrait especially. I can see why its your new ID coin. Yeah, the coin you showed me mat was a wolf and twins from the Republican period, a denari, not one of the early periods or Magna Gracia coins that are now covered by the stupid new rule. I actually own quite a few early Aes coins, I am wondering what the heck I am going to do about them now. I don't know if I kept the paperwork for them or not, but now that the US has decided to go Orwellian on us, it might be hard for me to ever sell them. Its really sad that the US got bullied into a stupid rule liek that, while European neighbors of Italy have stood their ground and refused. Chris
