Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;dougsmit, post: 993236, member: 19463&quot;]Coin collectors are famous for &#039;flyspecking&#039; or finding minute differences between their coins.&nbsp; They are also famous for prefering coins in good condition.&nbsp; This post is to see how you feel about these things.</p><p><br /></p><p>Below are two coins of Roman Emperor Constantius II struck circa 353 AD in the mint at Arles which was at that time called Constantia.&nbsp; The standard catalog of these coins is the Roman Imperial Coinage, a ten volume work written by a number of different authors.&nbsp; These coins can be found on page 219 of volume VIII.&nbsp; Both of thse coins have a mintmark that reads PCON but also come SCON and TCON distinguishing the three workshops that made the coins.&nbsp; RIC lists all three with the same number but includes a set of columns confirming which coins are known to exist with which mintmark.&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Unlike most other RIC contributors, J.P.C. Kent felt the need to assign different numbers for some minor differences in letter spacing.&nbsp; This particular coin comes in four variations, each with a different RIC number, according to where the head of the soldier interrupts the reverse legend FEL TEMP REPARATIO. In most volumes of RIC, all four would be the same but in vol. VIII we get number 215 and 222 on these two.&nbsp; RIC 215 (top) is listed as &#039;C3&#039; which means &#039;as common as dirt&#039; while 222 (bottom) is S (scarce).&nbsp; Almost no one collects these by such minor variations.&nbsp; The prices of the two coins would probably be determined by which one was considered to be better looking or higher grade.&nbsp; </p><p>Questions:</p><p>1.&nbsp; What do you think? Is it silly to collect by such a minor variation?</p><p>2.&nbsp; Would you pay more for the scarce variety or the common one with better detail?</p><p>3.&nbsp; The common coin has a &#039;sand patina&#039; overlaying the dark green below while the scarce one has a smooth brown tone.&nbsp; Which is better?&nbsp; Would you pay more for that?</p><p>4.&nbsp; All ancient dies were cut individually so there are always minor variations in the scene that mean absolutely nothing to. 99.9% of collectors.&nbsp; This scene shows a barbarian horseman being attacked by a Roman soldier.&nbsp; Catalogs recognize four major variations of the scene but both of these are classed FH3 where the barbarian reaches back to fend off the spear.&nbsp; Those really into the type take note of whether the falling horseman is dressed as a Persian or a Goth or whether he is grabbing the spear or knocking it away with his arm.&nbsp; Do you find such differences interesting or is that a bit like seeking out coins with doubled letters or an extra millimeter spacing between two letters on the coin?&nbsp; </p><p><br /></p><p>Same or different?[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in