These were part of a lot of coins that we bought at the coin shop. I don't know ancients, but was hoping that someone might tell me if they can identify them and if so, are they worth anything
1.) Crispus AE3 as Caesar - Campgate reverse. 2.) Caracalla AR Antoninianus - Emperor on horseback reverse. 3.) Faustina 1 AR Denarius - Pietas reverse 4.) Licinius AE3 or Follis - Genius reverse.
The first is a very common follis in poor shape. A $5 junk bin coin. The second is actually a denarius, not an antoninianus, and it's a scarcer type. The photo isn't great but it appears to be in decent shape - at least a $50 coin.
Should we point out that two different obverses of Faustina I are shown but only one reverse. the reverse of the same Caracalla denarius is shown twice in different but equally awful photos. I tend to value the lot at less than JA but it is hard to say not seeing the reverse of the Faustina with edge break at right. $50 for the lot might be conservative but closer to my opinion assuming the worse for the missing side.
I think $50 is fair for the Caracalla. I grade it Fine. VF examples range $80 to $100, XF in the hundreds. Check this acsearch page for a comparison. (Note: not all the coins on that page are of the same type.) The only coins that would interest me as a collector are the Caracalla and Faustina, unless the Licinius was a rare variety. We'd have to see the reverse to determine that.
After being confused by the photos, I read the answer in Doug's post---duplicates and missing an obverse. As usual, I fall somewhere in the middle of Doug's and JA's estimate of value as shown (i.e. about $65 for the lot) if it were a package deal.
After looking at the vcoins five of the type (both nicer and more expensive) I'll yield to the $50 number for Caracalla. It is a better type and nicer than mine which cost me $30. That leaves the question of the Faustinas. The reverse of the one shown is common. I doubt any dealer would be anxious to buy it. $35 retail, $15 wholesale? After my experience trying to sell my duplicates at the recent show, I'd be careful to designate whether you are quoting buying these from an acsearch contributing dealer or selling them to a local dealer who may have trouble finding a buyer. The demand for ancients not nice enough to slab is weak.
I'll try to post some better pics next week when I'm at the shop. Thanks for the help. You guys rock!
