Which of these Sardis coins would you folks prefer and why? 1) https://www.ebay.com/itm/202278189771 Obverse..............................Head of Dionysos Reverse..............................Fore part of lion Type...................................AE17 (17mm) Date...................................133 BC Mint....................................City of Sardis in Lydia Weight................................4.41 grams. 2) https://www.ebay.com/itm/292533960660 Lydia, Sardes 2nd-1st Cent BC AE 18 mm Laureate bust of Herakles rt, lion skin knotted at neck / Nude Apollo standing left, holding bird and laurel branch, all within Laurel wreath; SNG Cop 493 3) https://www.ebay.com/itm/312119909626 Sardes, LYDIA, 2nd c. BC. 16mm, 6.2 g., large, thick, and beautifully struck example of SGC-1845 (AE15). Obverse: head of Apollo, laureate, right. Reverse: Greek legend for City Name (SARDI - ANON) around club, all within wreath, monogram at top.
I like 'em all. If I had to pick, I'd guess that third one - something about the color/chunkiness of it appeals to me. Nice lot.
As someone who buys large lots of these Greek bronze types I see quite a few of the second and third piece, but nowhere near as many of the top coin. Add to that it is (to me) in better condition than the other two and it makes it a no-brainer.
Hey Doug, Just for some laughs here's my desk 10 minutes ago. Almost all Greek or Provincial bronzes. Totally out of control.
