Ok, guys... What did you buy yourself for Christmas? (We won’t tell.)

About a month ago, I bought several small late Roman AEs; Theodosius II, Marcian, Leo I. You know those fun little 10-12mm tidbits of history. The price was good and all that, but it was not satisfying none the less. I asked myself what kind of coin would I have bought myself from one of those emperors if I was buying myself a Christmas gift. Yesterday, on a short time notice auction here in Europe, I decided to pursue that idea:



Theodosius II 402-450 AD. AV Solidus Constantinopolis, 408-420 AD
Obverse: D N THEODOSIVS P F AVG, Helmeted and cuirassed bust facing slightly right, holding spear and shield decorated with horseman motif
Reverse: CONCORDIA AVGG 0 / CONOB, Constantinopolis seated facing on throne, head right, with foot set upon prow and holding sceptre and globus surmounted by crowning Victory; star to left. 10th officina.
Reference: RIC X 202, RCV 21127
Diameter: 20mm. Weight: 4,33g. Conservation: Original patina, EF

It probably wasn’t a very smart move. At the same time, it’s never a bad idea to aquire a gold coin. So jingle bells, and here we go. Really looking forward to holding it in hand.

Did you buy something for yourself this Christmas? We won’t tell.

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

Beautiful coin. Congrats.

I admit I bought one but won't be posting it till after the new years or later. It hasn't even been mailed since I was worried it would get lost with all the drama going on with shipping right now with the holidays. I can be patient.

 

A beautiful choice. I wish I could tell you that I bought 8 Roman gold coins for myself for Hanukkah, one for each night. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be true. Perhaps if my son ever becomes a wealthy man (unlikely!), he can buy them for me one of these years.

 

..very nice self-gift...i already threaded my Herinnius Etruscus antoninianus and am now waiting for a bronze cob of Carlos ll to come in...imma gonna go for the Spanish Hapsburgs in the upcoming year..to complement my Austrian collection..

 

Hehe! Talk about treating yourself, coingrats!!! That reverse is from a dream
I too treated mice elf
Won days ago and already here (nobody matches Savoca's shipping game. On point):
In hand this little guy shows none of the wear, partially cause it's just so little:


Hekatomnos
Satraps of Karia, AR Hemiobol. Circa 395-377 BC. Forepart of lion right, head reverted left / Forepart of facing lion; trident head below. SNG Keckman 837-840; SNG von Aulock 1819 (Miletos). 0.42g, 7mm, 3h.
Very Fine. Well centered and toned. Ex: Savoca blue 2020

 

I like that one, Ryro. Congrats to you too!

 

My dump bank with the coin machine finally opened their lobby! Dumped a load of half dollars, and to my surprise they had a box of quarters I could get! Will enjoy going through these!

 

Posted in the top 10 thread as well but this was my Christmas present to myself. Arrived yesterday.


Roman Imperatorial period Æ dupondius?(17.0g, 28mm). Julius Caesar, dictator, Autumn 45 BC, Rome. Draped bust of victory right, wearing necklace. Wing visible behind shoulder. Before, CAESAR DICT TER/Minerva walking left with trophy over right shoulder and, spears in left hand and shield decorated with Medusa. Snake at feet. C CLOVI PRAEF around. Crawford 476/1a; Sear HCRI 62; RPC 601; Sydenham 1025; BMCRR 4125.

 

Fantastic example Jordan. Complete, historically significant, and remarkable style. Merry Christmas.

 

That’s a very beautiful sample of that type. Merry Christmas!

 

I usually get a bit of cash at Christmas, so I already have my eye on one or two coins. But two days ago I got this nice little $25 snack from Aegean Numismatics. I like the tiny little hands and high crested ornate helmet.

 

No coin show so i bought the next best thing, some group lots from auctions. These are from Savoca Sunday auction. Merry Christmas.

 

I bought one... or more, but will wait until it / they arrive. I have one scheduled to arrive Monday. My fingers are crossed.

 

No Christmas coins for me this year, but my wife did get me a drum synthesiser, and the in-laws got me a good quality recorder, so I'm very lucky.

Merry Christmas to you all.

 

I bought myself enough coins throughout the year that I didn't feel the need to add to my existing guilt during this period. Nevertheless, I'm finding your handsome prezzie to yourself quite inspirational, and will try to work it into how I organize my purchases next year. Happy X'mas!!

 

Even if I said my numismatic year ended in November, I couldn't resist and bought 24 coins from an auction last weekend and the package arrived yesterday - this added to the surprise!
This would have altered my top 10 list for sure.
12 Greek, 6 Roman Provincial, 6 Roman Imperial.
All of them look better in hand even if the pics were great. Nothng very expensive.
I am 100% happy with all of them, but choosing just some


Apollonia Pontica, Thrace. AR drachm. ca 420-300 BC. 2.73 g. Facing gorgoneion, mouth open, and with protruding tongue. / Upright anchor, crayfish in right field. (No "A"). SNG BM 150-152; SNG Cop. 453; BMC Mysia 2-3.

Much better in hand


Kyzicus, Mysia, AR hemiobol, (9 mm 0.40 g) After 480 BC, Forepart of boar left, tunny upward behind. / Lion head roaring left, small facing panther head above. Rosen 522



Ionia. Ephesos circa 500-420 BC.
Diobol AR 11 mm., 0,92 g
Sear SG 3514




Ionia. Miletos circa 525-475 BC.
Tetartemorion AR Cf. Rosen 407/8.
Klein 430; SNG Tubingen 3001; Rosen 407
5 mm., 0,08 g.

I think this will remain my record coin for smallest and lightest, for a long time


Thrace. Sestos. Domitian . RPC 359
I wanted a coin from Domitian as I had none, a provincial fills the gap for now, also I like the reverse - with a musical instrument.




209-212 AD Geta, AE19 of Ephesos, Ionia. ΠO CE ΓETAC KAI, bare headed, draped bust right / EΦECIΩN, Stag walking right. von Aulock 1901; BMC 288 var

Also a new emperor in my album.




RIC IV Trajan Decius 12b

Dacia reverse, so finally one for me as I was looking for a coin related to Dacia for a while now.

This is just a selection, I am very pleased with everything Santa had it his bag now.

Merry Christmas to all and stay safe.

 

...well, if you're buying something for your collection...and its about Christmas time...POOF!..

 

I’m sure you can get used to the idea.

 

I've had some cash arriving from an insurance a few weeks ago, so the last Leu web auction was an opportunity to cash out some of it. A handful coins are hopefully on their way home. As others I won't post any of them until they arrive (the gods of postal delivery are very touchy...)

Q