Sallent's Epic Top 10 Coins of 2016

Last one for tonight is

#4:


Thrace, Cherronesos Lion
AR Hemidrachm

This humble little coin scores high on my list for 2016 mainly because of the lizard on the reverse (it's my only ancient with a lizard on it) and also the 3-d effect on the lion's face. I've always liked the theme on these coins and wanted one since I started collecting, so netting this one on May of 2016 was a huge occasion for me.

It's far from perfect. It appears to me like it's probably crystalized on the inside, plus it does have two interconnected mineral deposits on the reverse which form a discoloration that look like a B.

However, despite the downsides, the upsides are huge for me. Killer style, excellent preservation (despite those condition issues I noted), good strike, well centered, and lizard on the reverse. It's definitely a winner in my book, I hope it's one in your book too.

 

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Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls...and furries (I don't discriminate):

It's time for #3 on the countdown of top 10 coins for 2016, and this one's got everything. Foreign enemy (Philip V of Macedon), equestrian statute holding a wreath, mark of value on obverse and reverse, and excellent style and eye appeal. Judge for yourself!

#3:

L. Philippus 113-112 B.C.
AR Denarius 19mm. 3.80g.
Rome Mint
Head of Philip V of Macedon r., wearing royal Macedonian helmet; (phi) under chin, ROMA monogram behind.
Equestrian statue r., base inscribed L.PHILIPPV, flower below horse; In ex.: X
Craw 293/1; RSC I Marcia 12
Note: Lightly toned with much remaining lustre. Faint scratches

 

Cool Philippus!

 

Ladies and gentlemen, and those who self-identify as vending machines (I don't judge, I too like to have my buttons pressed on occasion)

SPECIAL MENTION


Philip I
Antioch Mint (148 CE)
Billon Tetradrachm

A special thanks to my coin bro @Cucumbor for what has to be one of my coin highlights of the year. This is as good as it gets. I've wanted one for such a long time and I still can't get over the fact that I finally own a provincial tet with a nice imperial eagle on the reverse.

And now, coin #2 of 2016:

#2

PHOENICIA, Tyre. Trajan, 98-117 AD. AR Tetradrachm
Laureate head with eagle below / Head of Melqart draped in lion skin.

I believe this coin originally belonged to @Ancientnoob . At any rate, I got it through @John Anthony . She may not be the shinniest, she may not be the most perfect, but I get so much joy out of this coin that it simply has to be #2 on my list. I love Trajan, and the eagle and club on the obverse, combined with the toning which serves to highlight the designs, make this coin an absolute beauty to behold. The Hulk Smash looking Melqart on the reverse is a nice touch too.

I don't know what it is about this chunky and large coin, but I just love looking at it and holding it. I don't care if I have prettier or shinier coins, I just flat out love this one.

 

Those are his John Lennon shades.

 

A really great set of coins you selected this year Sallent.

 

Thanks, it's been a fun ride all year long. I've enjoyed the wild adventure through ancient and medieval coins, and I've acquired coins from all over the world that I didn't even know existed a year prior. Stay tuned for #1's reveal tomorrow. I hope I built enough interest in the big reveal. It should be fun.

 

Awesome coins buddy!

 

Thank you. I've been lucky in more ways than one, landing some coins that I never thought I'd own so soon when people just didn't bid on them at an auction, or the coin suddenly presented itself on a dealer's website at a very competitive price that was obviously means to sell fast, etc.

 

Not me Sir, Santa did all the job !!
I'm glad you like it (not anxious about that though). If I may, the date should be 248 CE rather than 148 CE (smart ass at work )

Lovely 2016 highlights overall, and proud to have been part of them
Q

 

I'm not an ancient collector, but I must say.... Damn! These are some nice coins... Looking forward to numero uno.

 

LOVE 'em all @Sallent !!!! But that Philippus keep drawing me back for another look..

 

OK ladies and gentlemen, and aliens from the 5th dimension, time to reveal my top coin of 2016.

#1

Attica Athens
AR Tetradrachm (22mm, 17.10 g)
Athens Mint, 4rth Century BCE
Helmeted head of Athena, r.
Owl standing r., head facing, olive sprig and crescent to l; AOE in r. field.
SNG Copenhagen 63ff.

I think this speaks for itself. Like most other people who enter this hobby, chances are the Athenian owl was one of the few coins you knew about beforehand. It is just that iconic. Although they are relatively common, the demand for these is so high prices are always red hot. So when I had the chance to get a good one at a decent price, you better believe I jumped on it.

 

Fantastic man! All the coins you've posted have been exceptional. I think the Cherronesos Hemidrachm is my favourite. Great year for you!

 

#1 is a very nice example of the period of owls I like the least but style is a matter of preference. It is centered better than most and has decent surfaces lacking the faults that so many of that period show. Mine was not so lucky.

 

Do we know how the ancients made these test cuts? Did they use a metal file or a chisel tool of some kind?

 

Wow, Lawyer => you had an amazing 2016 coin-season (coingrats) ... oh, and I love your #1 owl-choice (very cool addition)

A Greek dude with his sharp dagger, I'm assumming

 

Great owl @Sallent. I find it funny we both have an owl as #1 coin for 2016 my new coin bro' !! (Cucumbor's six - 2016 review)

Congrats on a great coin year my friend
Q

 

So many cool types in this thread. I wish I was in a more-financially-sound position to find some of these for myself. I guess I will wait another five years or so.

Coin-grats of a fantastic year @Sallent !

 

Great choice for a #1 !!! From your initial post I recall thinking you snagged a terrific bargain as well. Everyone should have at least one of these cool silver coins!

Although my end of year purchase of the type is a lower grade it fit perfectly into my prevailing budget at the time and I love the archaic/old style....