My friend has a coin he is interested in selling and I may be interested in buying. I can't seem to id it so i am coming to you folks for help on an id and maybe a value. it measures 19.3mm and weighs 7.8 grams thanks for your help Richard
EGYPT, Alexandria. Diocletian potin tetradrachm Regnal year 8 (CE 291/2) Obv: ΔΙoKΛHTIANOCCEB; laureate bust right Rev: Zeus seated left on throne, holding patera and sceptre; eagle at feet; L H across fields Ref: Emmett 4089.8, R1 (most common) A few currently for sale on Vcoins: https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/sh...hm_diocletian_zeus_seated/446358/Default.aspx https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/pa...k_ad_290291zeus_enthroned/221592/Default.aspx (year 7; also R1) https://www.vcoins.com/en/stores/ae...cletian_284305__tetradrachm/1324/Default.aspx I think the coin you showed is a relatively nice example. The obverse legend is fully readable, and that isn't always the case . The reverse could use a bit of cleaning and maybe some Verdicare.
I'd call the coin a bit nicer than average for this period near the end of the line for Alexandrian tetradrachms. TIF mentioned 'Verdicare' because the photo shows a green spot or two that might be bronze disease but that is very hard to say from a photo. You need to poke at the green on the reverse and see if it is powdery (bad) or hard and solid (good). The coin is common but worth saving even if it has a little active corrosion that needs attention. These late tetradrachms often do have BD problems but the photo makes me suspect this may be OK. Value is really hard to tell since ancients just don't follow a 'Red Book'. The demand for this may not be great and opinions will differ. It is nicer that the $14 and $20 ones TIF linked and the seller of the 35 pound coin is dreaming. You will find many dreamers in the coin business but setting a high price allows you to have a half price sale and still get what you wanted. Paying your friend $25 would not be out of line if the green is hard and stable.
It doesn't look like powdery BD to me, based on the photo-- but I apply Verdicare to all of my potin tets.
