Hello and welcome to the first round of the 2017 CoinTalk Coin Imperator Tournament. If you aren’t aware of the tournament then you can read about it here. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/an...intalk-coin-imperator-tournament-2017.293824/ Please take a minute to appreciate the excellent coins shown below and cast your votes. A BIG thanks to both our contestants for sharing these cool examples! #2 @Bing MARCUS ANTONIUS AR Denarius, Patrae 32-31 BC Dia.: 17 mm Wt.: 3.19 g Obv.: ANT AVG III VIR R P C, Praetorian galley, thyrsos behind prow Rev.: LEG III. Legionary eagle between two standards Ref.: RSC 27 Price: $75 (Purchased in 2017) Why It’s Cool: Legio III Gallica was levied by Julius Caesar around 49 BC, for his civil war against the conservative republicans led by Pompey. The legion took part in all Julius Caesars campaigns against his enemies, including the battles of Pharsalus and Munda. Following Caesars death, III Gallica was integrated in the army of Mark Antony for his campaigns against the Parthians. They were included in the army levied by Fulvia and Lucius Antonius to oppose Octavian, but ended by surrendering in Perugia, in the winter of 41 BC. After the battle of Actium and Antonys suicide, the III Gallica was sent again to the East, where they garrisoned the province of Syria. III Gallica was used in Gnaeus Domitius Corbulos campaign against the Parthians over the control of Armenia. Corbulos successes triggered emperor Neros paranoia of persecution and eventually the general was forced to commit suicide. After this, III Gallica is transferred to Moesia province, in the Danube border. #15 @gsimonel Probus, A.D. 276-282 AE Antoninianus, Serdica mint Obv: IMP M AVR PROBVS AVG - Probus, radiate and helmeted bust, left, holding shield and spear over right shoulder. Rev: S-O-LI INVICT-O - Sol in spread quadriga, holding whip. KA[dot]Gamma in exergue. Price: $3 (as part of a batch of 20 coins for $60 – Recent purchase) Why It’s Cool: This coin was an unrecognizable black blob--around 1/4" think--when I received it, and I cleaned it up using electrolysis. There were several other coins in the batch that cleaned up very nicely, too, but this was easily the best. The comment section of this thread will be open for shameless lobbying, good natured discussion and for anyone to explain their voting logic if they choose. I know that I don’t have to tell you fine, upstanding ladies and gentlemen this but remember to keep the banter civil, respectful and POSITIVE lest the mods become upset with us. Remember this is all in fun and will benefit a good cause no matter who wins …and of course PLEASE post your relevant examples pile on style!
Amazing cleaning result on that Probus! Nice type too. I don't have an Antony legionary denarius yet. I want to check out the various legion numbers and see which ones are the coolest (historically), but I haven't done that yet. Sounds like III Gallica is definitely one of them! (Other suggestions are most welcome.)
Nice legionare coin @Bing I usually see them with more wear. I lack any, but always looking for one in budget. I do have a different style but a Probus Sol driving quadriga The silvering is way better in hand. Difficult coin to photogragh.
Awesome cleaning on that Probus Ant. Looks beautifull. Mark Anthony denari are tough to obtain, nice coin Bing Great writeup....
Although @Bing's legionnary denarius has a great historical interest (to my eyes), @gsimonel did a great artwork by cleaning his Probus ant : a tough battle to say the least, both having their own merits Good luck to both of you ! Q
One thing about these Antony galley coins that Bing is onto, they are a collectors theme on there own so many types and grades, here's mine one day I will stop using seller's pics and photograph it properly.
Probus coins would get more Interest votes if Probus had spent more time blowing his horn and less time trying to save the Empire. The coin has nice style for the period and unusual frontal chariot, KA purity mark and military bust make the coin a great deal more appealing to me than the fact that it only cost some fraction of $60. Many people try to collect the set of Legions by number but a few are also into Probus by wardrobe. He was quite the dude tramp. There are hundreds of varieties including some that sell for sky high prices (I don't have them). Few will cost $3 so this one is a keeper. I love that little shield. The one below was $25 and I though that was a good price.
Very tough! The Probus was a great score from an uncleaned lot and came out very well from this picture. The legionary denarius is very interesting historically.
This is a tough one.... The Probus Ant is an exceptional value at only $3.00 and has terrific eye-appeal, but I LOVE the 'Legio' series and all the historical context that comes with each and every one---and the details are still quite strong for this 'well traveled' type. Both are Great buys!!!
I think we owe a debt of gratitude to Curtisimo for starting this awesome competition, hopefully we can keep this going in future, after this initial contest ends. Maybe even get more members involved next time.
Hello everyone! Sorry for the delay in announcing the results. This was an interesting match-up that was fun to watch. Thank you to both of our players. Results: @gsimonel: 87 (WINNER) @Bing: 61 Bing comes out ahead in the Interest category but gsimonel wins the Eye Appeal and Value of Money categories to carry the match. Congratulations to gsimonel. I'm looking forward to the start of round 2 tomorrow!
