So I've look at all the online pics I can find for this Roman coin. Most have the obverse wearing a crown but I found a few with the wreath around his head. My difficulty is the reverse. MARS facing left with reeds or some other plant held neck high in his right hand and a spear in his left hand but with his left hand head high. Also he is standing tall with both legs together. Can someone give me a description and/or verification.
It's a silver denarius of Severus Alexander. I would STRONGLY advise beginners to only buy clear, readily identifiable coins. Get some more experience before you go dumpster diving.
So $5 was too much for this coin even though it was marked incorrectly Ardatirion? The guy tossed it in when I was buying some Early US Coppers. So I just said sure because I only have a few Roman coins. Knowing that its silver made the yes slide smoothly out of my mouth. And now I know its true identity. What could be better for this Roman coin beginner.
Thanks for the reply Mat! That wrong label hampered my ability to find the pictures to match. Your identification is much appreciated. The other question I have for you would be price on purchasing Roman coins. Can you go wrong for #5-$10 on any Roman coins? Are there any that it would be a bad deal to purchase at that price? I just pick them up for the Advanced Placement Euro History Teacher to present and teach with so they are not for a collection I am building. I am an Early US Copper Man. thanks again!
Nothing wrong with the coin for $5. The seller was obviously clueless, and its not a VF coin, but for $5 is a cool piece of history.
Severus Alexander AR Denarius Rome Mint 223 AD Obverse: IMP C M AVR SEV ALEXAND AVG Laureate and draped bust right Reverse: PM TR P II COS PP Mars standing left, holding branch in right hand and spear in left RIC IV: 23, BMCRE VI 92, RSC III 231 Size: 19mm, 2.77g Here is what I think to be the correct info on that coin. What do you all think. Remember it for educational purposes.
The coin you posted is fine for $5 but to answer your question yes there is roman/ancient coins price at $5-$10 and they are completely junk/unidentifiable. If you are searching for cheap ebay ancients I advise to ask here before bidding/buying. There is several sites that sell good but common ancients in that range.
Thanks for the info. I have not purchased anything on eBay in the Roman coin realm. As is obvious I have no knowledge of that area. But bringing this history to school is exciting for the students. So I will look to purchase more. Thanks and if anyone reading this has extra items for sale I would love to get a few examples.
Weight could be wrong, each ancient weighs differently but it isnt important for studying by students. And check your PM regarding some ancients available.
