I'm hooked on ancients. This one is a Roman silver denarius - details are from wildwinds.com R6013 - Roman Republic, T. Mallius (or Maloleius), Ap. Claudius Pulcher, and Q. Urbinius (c.111–110 B.C.), Silver : Ap. Claudius Pulcher, T. Mallius or Maloleius, and Q. Urbinus. Ca. 111-110 BC. AR denarius (4.02 gm). Head of Roman right, wearing winged helmet with griffin crest, quadrangular device containing pellet behind neck / Victory in triga right, T. MAL. AP. CL. Q. VR (MAL and VR in monogram) in exergue. Cr. 299/1b. Syd. 570a. RSC Mallia 2.
One word of caution - try to avoid referring to Republican moneyer's in short hand, like in the title of the thread. There's just too many of them, and most people aren't even remotely familiar enough with them to know just from "Mallius." But a good coin! Are you developing an interest in any particular area of the ancient world yet?
Not really.... I've been buying what I like... what appeals to me in the designs but I'll more than likely concentrate on the Greek coins just because I have a tie with Greece through work. There are so many beautiful ancient coins out there, it's really hard to focus on just one country/Empire.
Another ive been eyeing. Glad to see I am not the only one who hasnt made a particular area of interest. Buy what you like!
Suggestion: Don't change. I started collecting ancients in the 1960's. In the years since then, I have specialized in several things but always try to keep an open eye (and mind) to buying things that 'I like' when the opportunity occurs. What you like will change but there is nothing more destructive to enjoying the hobby than kicking yourself for passing up something because it was not the flavor of the month and to later discover that you can't find another. Right now my current 'flavor' is Central and South Asian issues but my last three Roman coins have been Constantius II falling horsemen (probably the most common ancient coin but one that comes in a thousand variations). I have trouble explaining why I like them but I do like them. Buy what you like and you have a better chance at liking what you buy.
Nice one I like them quite a bit too. I'm not sure though if its more because they are common and cheap, or because I like them , but I sure do have alot compared with other types I have.
Great suggestion doug. Very pretty coin ikandiggit. I really like the portrait of Roma on the obverse. I have wanted a Roman Republic Denarius with a nice head of Roma on the obverse for quite some time.... ever since I started collecting Roman coins in fact.... but have yet to aquire one. I'm sure one will come around when the time is right, and I see one I like.
If someone wants a good read illustrating Doug's advice, I would suggest Confessions of a Numismatic Fanatic by Frank Robinson. Great read and illustrates the open mindedness Doug refers to. I have had plenty of mini collections drop into my lap because I am not dead set on what I collect of what interests me. Best part of this idea is that you are always learning, and never get bored. Depth is wonderful, if that is what you like, but buying whatever strikes your fancy and then learning about them is also a great time. Chris
About ten years ago I set my database to count coins purchased from various dealers and Frank Robinson came out as my #1 supplier. That may have changed in the last decade since his success caused more coins to sell over my meagre bids and the bargains of the old days were less frequent. Frank's book is highly recommended even though it covers ancients very lightly and is aimed at a more general collector. If you are not tired of this yet, you soon will be if you hang around me. My favorite numismatic quote appeared at the bottom of a page on one of Frank's lists ling ago. "Love your coins for what they are, not what they are worth."
"Love your coins for what they are, not what they are worth." That really is a great Numismatic quote.
