Picked up this MS example from Roma yesterday I have another Solidus from Antioch ex: Tkalec Auction. Western Roman Empire AV Solidus ND (367) 4.46g. 22mm. 6h Nicomedia Mint Valens 364-78 Pearl-diademed/ draped/ cuirassed bust right DN VALENS PF AVG Emperor standing right/ holding Labarum with Christogram/ and Victoria on Globe RESTITVTO RIEPVBLICAE RIC IX 2c Depeyrot 18/2 Valens and his army where annihilated at Adrianople in 378AD by the Goths. The Goths where fleeing from the murderous Hunnic Armies, and asked the Emperor for sanctuary/ which was refused. This led to the climax at Adrianople. Please add your Valens..... The first coin win Naumann was a AV 1/8 Dukat
View attachment 1422508 John, Great way to start out the year ! The tiny 1/8 ducat looks to be gem state with beautiful engraving on both sides. The solidus of Valens is a handsome coin too despite the scrape over the eye. I didn't notice the scrape until I enlarged the photo. Pictured above is my only coin of Valens, a rather humble looking coin . I bought the coin because it came from a famous hoard .
Thanks Al/ the Stolberg 1/8 Dukat/ is rare, but super rare in MS quality. Love the "Hirsch" deer on their coinage. I remember getting a FDC Valens from Tkalec in 2005 for 2800 Swiss frs. This was from Antioch and rarer type. The coin from Roma is common from most mints. The reverse is one of the most pristine I have ever seen. The price was 1100 pounds. Not bad. I think the tiny scrape should not be that noticeable on a 22mm. coin. Probably, he looked much worse for wear after his battle with the Goths
