Happy first full day of spring to all of you. It’s good to revisit the CT Ancients Forum (CTAF) once again. During the years I actively participated here, my focus was primarily on Judaean coins. I often refer to my Judaean collection as my ‘David Hendin Collection’ because, at the outset of my journey into ancient coin collecting, I used David Hendin’s Guide to Biblical Coins as both a wish list and a shopping guide. To date, I’ve amassed over 100 different coins, each corresponding to a number in Hendin’s catalog. The inspiration and knowledge I gained from fellow CTAF members have certainly fueled my enthusiasm, providing invaluable insights and encouragement in my collecting pursuits. I’m still collecting Judaean coins, but my focus has now shifted to Imperial Roman silver denarii and antoniniani. Here’s a virtual montage (featuring both obverse and reverse images) of my collection near the end of 2023. I’ve surpassed my original goal, which was to collect coins from 50 different Roman Imperial rulers. My preference is for coins in the VF to XF range. I’ve added approximately 10 coins this year, which are not featured in the virtual montages. I’ll be sure to post updated versions soon. When I first became interested in the denarii of the Roman Empire, I thought I would make an attempt to collect a denarius featuring every Roman Imperial emperor, or rather a ‘One of each’ collection. I quickly realized, as I’m sure the experienced collectors here are well aware, the enormous cost such a pursuit would entail. I was happy to settle for the 50-ruler goal instead, so that I could concentrate more on acquiring coins in the best condition I could afford. I’d love to see your virtual denarii or any virtual groups you’d like to post.
Hi Ray, it's good to see you post again. I've also been gone (for over a year) battling a serious illness. It's very good to see some old friends again!! Your collection (and photo editing skills) are as usual...terrific!
We seem to currently have very similar collecting goals, @Deacon Ray ! Though your collection far surpasses mine. Great coins and visual presentation, as always!
DR, that virtual tray is really gorgeous (as usual with you, should I add). At some point I have put together a virtual tray of 30 denarii (go figure ) Q
Glad to see some great friends return to CT. And, most everyone has seen this virtual tray of mine, but I will post it again.
Although as with @Deacon Ray, my over-arching theme is biblical coins which includes MANY Judaean coins, my collection also includes several subsets -- including Roman portrait coinage in silver (but also in bronze). In terms of numbers I'm tied with @Cucumbor at 30 rulers' silver denarii and antoniniani. But I have over 50 different Roman ruler portraits when combining my silver and bronze issues. Anyway... with the exception of my Twelve Caesars subset collection, I have never taken the time to produce a digital tray. But I do love to look at the fruit of doing so -- such as Ray's in his O.P., as well as the others above. Love it! I have come around to that criteria also. Glad to hear that!
John, you have always been an inspiration to me and provided great advice. You were one of the first to comment on my earliest posts on the CT Forum and your knowledge and enthusiasm for ancient coin collecting has deepened my appreciation for the hobby. You’ll always have my positive thoughts and prayers, my friend and brother collector.
Great coins, yours looks to be a “CH” (Choice) and beautiful collection of regal portraits, @Cucumbor , thank you for posting!
Oh nooo! Why settle? The fun of putting together a set of all the rulers is getting as far as you can Rasiel
Thank you, @philologus_1 ! Your kind comments are like rocket fuel to my creative drive. Best wishes, my friend!
In that case, I’ve gone as far as I can. How are your finances holding up in today’s market for ancient coins? ‘Settle’ may not have been the precise term; ‘alter course to avoid running out of fuel’ might better capture the sentiment. Should I come into a substantial sum of money, enough to acquire a Roman Imperial AR coin in XF condition for every emperor, I might not pursue that path. Instead, my focus would likely shift to high-end Judaean coins from the Bar Kokhba revolt.
I put this together of the 12 caesars. It's a mixed bag with not all of them silver. I have never been willing to part with the money for a Callegula denarius.
