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<p>[QUOTE="IMP Shogun, post: 5155863, member: 114683"]Greetings,</p><p><br /></p><p>Here are my top ten of 2020 (in chronological order):</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Augustus, as struck 7 B.C.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>My coin collecting bug had always been in silver and gold, this coin below sparked my interest in bronze and I've added quite a diverse collection of Imperial Roman bronze coins. The portrait is what attracted me to this coin - not without it's flaws - a theme that continues in the following 9:</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/augustus-27-b-c-%E2%80%9314-a-d-as-ric-428.15744/full?d=1606503935" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>Augustus 27 B.C.–14 A.D. as RIC 428 Roma</p><p>CAES[AR AVGVST PONT MAX T]RIBVNIC [POT] [cutoff]</p><p>P LVRIVS AGRIPPA II VIR AAAFF</p><p>SC with triangle mark in between</p><p>25mm (clipped, oval) 11.36g</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Caligula, as struck 37-38 A.D.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Attractive portrait with Vesta on the reverse and a strong obverse legend and interesting patina drew me to this one:</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/gaius-germanicus-caligula-37%E2%80%9341-a-d-as-ric-38.15735/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>Gaius Germanicus (Caligula) 37–41 A.D. RIC 38 Roma CAESAR AVG GARMANICVS PON M TR POT / VESTA</p><p>Vesta between SC seated left holding patera and scepter</p><p>30mm 11.2g</p><p>ex-Sallent</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Trajan, as struck 99-100 A.D.</b></p><p><br /></p><p>I'm officially an as-man (sorry been thinking about that pun for a while...) as 2020 saw a nice collection of bronze come my way from Augustus to Commodus. Portrait, legend, and Mars...check, check and check:</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/trajan-98%E2%80%93117-a-d-as-ric-410.15736/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>Trajan 98–117 A.D. as RIC 410 Roma</p><p>IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M</p><p>TR POT COS III PP - SC</p><p>Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing right, holding inverted spear in right hand and resting left on shield on ground between SC</p><p>26mm 11.6</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><b>Trajan, Antioch ae27 struck 102-114</b></p><p><br /></p><p>So you like hockey pucks, eh? I can feel Doug rolling his eyes at my artistic picture style, but one really needs to see the thickness of this coin combined with the well-struck portrait and obverse wreath designs found in these eastern bronzes. With the legend worn from what we can assume is many transactions the portrait style of photo doesn't detract from the coins representation. But you do need to hold this one, trust me - Justin, am I right?</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/trajan-102-114-ae27-rpc-3595.15737/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>Trajan AE27 RPC 3595</p><p>[ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙϹ ΝΕ]Ρ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ [ΔΑΚ]</p><p>SC BI SC in Wreath, mintmark BI</p><p>27mm 19.5g</p><p>From the Iomega Collection</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Marcus Aurelius, sestertius struck 166-167 A.D.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Really nice strike on this on both sides, rare for a coin of mine as I usually have to give up the obverse for an attractive portrait. This also has a Stoecklin provenance, a factor I had not before considered when purchasing coins via the "me like, me buy" tactic that I employ. Also a big coin, even has more than a few grams on the above ae27:</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/marcus-aurelius-161%E2%80%93180-a-d-sestertius-ric-iii-948.15738/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>Marcus Aurelius 161–180 A.D. sestertius RIC III 948 Roma</p><p>M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX</p><p>TR POT XXI IMP IIII COS III</p><p>Victory in long dress, advancing to left, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and palm cradled in her left arm; S-C across fields.</p><p>30mm, 24.68g</p><p>Ex-Stoecklin, ex-MM</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Septimius Severus, denarius struck after 201 A.D.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>And finally the silver! The obverse appears to be a cowboy carrying two saddles, or a trophy with two shields - depending on one's perspective. Well struck, great curly-faced portrait and demonstrates the militaristic time of external conflict and civil war the empire is entering (don't leave the business to your dysfunctional kids - call me for business advice before one of them gets stabbed in front of their mother!).</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/septimius-193%E2%80%93211-a-d-den-ric-iv-176.15739/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>Septimius 193–211 A.D. RIC IV 176 Roma</p><p>SEVERVS PIVS AVG / PART MAX P M TR P VIIII</p><p>Trophy of arms; captive seated to left and right, hands in front supporting their heads, each in attitude of mourning.</p><p>19mm 3.39g</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Elagabulus, denarius struck 220-221 A.D.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>This denarius is well-struck and lustrous. While not my favorite silver coin, it is in the best condition of any of my silver coins. This time period does provide an opportunity to add affordable well-struck coins. Quite a bit of detail on the obverse and he's got that little stash going. I saw an off-Broadway play where the main protagonist would randomly yell out Anthony in a drawn out way, for some odd reason this coin reminds me of that even as Broadway remains closed. The flan isn't perfect and I'm still trying to get a handle on grading ancients but the legend and strike look really good and may not be properly relayed in my limited photography language:</p><p><b><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/elagabalus-218%E2%80%93222-a-d-den-ric-iv-107.15740/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /> </b></p><p>Elagabalus 218–222 A.D. den RIC IV 107 Roma</p><p>IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG / LIBERTAS AVG</p><p>Libertas standing left, holding pileus and vindicta; star to right</p><p>19.5mm, 2.65g</p><p>From the El Medina Collection</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Maxentius, follis struck 309-312 A.D.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Maxentius likely <a href="https://www.ostia-antica.org/dict/topics/mint/mint09.htm" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.ostia-antica.org/dict/topics/mint/mint09.htm" rel="nofollow">moved the mint from North Africa to Ostia</a> to prevent it from being lost to his enemies in this on-and-off civil war between freinemies. The story behind this coin is <a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/augusti-of-the-tetrarchy.369840/#post-5090076" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/augusti-of-the-tetrarchy.369840/#post-5090076">documented in a thread on the tetrarchy period </a>where I was looking for ways to represent the mints and rulers of the time, this community is very helpful sharing ideas and helping out. Feels like somebody is trying to either represent military strength on coins or pumping them out to pay for a standing army and a strong <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Turin_(312)" target="_blank" class="externalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Turin_(312)" rel="nofollow">cavalry that got clubbed to pieces:</a></p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/maxentius-italy-306%E2%80%93312-a-d-follis-ric-vi-35-mostq.15741/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>Maxentius (Italy) 306–312 A.D. follis RIC VI Ostia (likely formerly Carthage)</p><p>IMP C MAXENTIVS PF ABG</p><p>AETERNITAS AVG N</p><p>Castor and Pollux standing facing each other leaning on scepters holding bridled horse</p><p>Mintmark: MOSTQ</p><p>25mm, 6.9g</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Magnentius, ae3 or centenionalis likely struck 350-353 A.D.</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>Continuing the unique mint theme is this barbarous-like product of Amiens. Magnentius is an interesting character with his wife ending up being married to Valentinian I (is this Game of Thrones or history?) makes me think his support didn't go away after his military defeats. Also marks a period of time when Roman and Germanic (Frankish/Saxon/Gallic) cultures are already blurred. Chi Rho also represents that the support Magnentius received was due in part to religious as well as cultural changes disrupting the empire - although it was ultimately a pagan revival that brought him support and ultimately defeat (good thing Contsantius stayed away from the battle and did all that praying).</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/magnentius-350%E2%80%93353-a-d-ae3-cent-ric-27.15742/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>Magnentius 350–353 A.D. ae3 RIC 27 Amiens</p><p>bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust right, A behind head</p><p>D N MAGNEN-[TIVS P F] AVG</p><p>VICTORIAE DD NN AVG [ET CAE]</p><p>two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT-V-MVLT-X in four lines above altar, chi-rho above shield. Mintmark AMB*</p><p>24mm, 4.13g</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Honorius, solidus</b></p><p><b><br /></b></p><p>The fall of Rome is a very dynamic period of time and attracts quite a bit of interest. Having read Gibbons, and other sources, and really enjoying playing Honorius in Rome Total War: Atilla are some of the reasons I acquired this solidus. It also adds a coin type I did not have at a reasonable pricing point for the type in a period where the quality of the bronze is in decline and the silver is wicked expensive. The <a href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/alarics-lost-booty.367292/#post-4891483" class="internalLink ProxyLink" data-proxy-href="https://www.cointalk.com/threads/alarics-lost-booty.367292/#post-4891483">wars with the goths and internal drama with Stilicho</a> further made me want to "invest" in this one:</p><p><img src="https://www.cointalk.com/media/honorius-395%E2%80%93423-a-d-solidus-ric-x-1287d.15743/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006" class="bbCodeImage wysiwygImage" alt="" unselectable="on" /></p><p>Honorius 395–423 A.D. solidus RIC X 1287d Ravenna</p><p>DN HONORIVS PF AVG</p><p>VICTORI-A AVGGG R|V//COMOB</p><p>Honorius standing right, spurning captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe</p><p>22mm, 4.43g</p><p><br /></p><p>I've enjoyed everyone sharing their 2020 collecting journeys and hope you enjoy mine as well. Here's to at least 10 more in 2021![/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="IMP Shogun, post: 5155863, member: 114683"]Greetings, Here are my top ten of 2020 (in chronological order): [B]Augustus, as struck 7 B.C.[/B] My coin collecting bug had always been in silver and gold, this coin below sparked my interest in bronze and I've added quite a diverse collection of Imperial Roman bronze coins. The portrait is what attracted me to this coin - not without it's flaws - a theme that continues in the following 9: [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/augustus-27-b-c-%E2%80%9314-a-d-as-ric-428.15744/full?d=1606503935[/IMG] Augustus 27 B.C.–14 A.D. as RIC 428 Roma CAES[AR AVGVST PONT MAX T]RIBVNIC [POT] [cutoff] P LVRIVS AGRIPPA II VIR AAAFF SC with triangle mark in between 25mm (clipped, oval) 11.36g [B]Caligula, as struck 37-38 A.D. [/B] Attractive portrait with Vesta on the reverse and a strong obverse legend and interesting patina drew me to this one: [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/gaius-germanicus-caligula-37%E2%80%9341-a-d-as-ric-38.15735/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006[/IMG] Gaius Germanicus (Caligula) 37–41 A.D. RIC 38 Roma CAESAR AVG GARMANICVS PON M TR POT / VESTA Vesta between SC seated left holding patera and scepter 30mm 11.2g ex-Sallent [B]Trajan, as struck 99-100 A.D.[/B] I'm officially an as-man (sorry been thinking about that pun for a while...) as 2020 saw a nice collection of bronze come my way from Augustus to Commodus. Portrait, legend, and Mars...check, check and check: [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/trajan-98%E2%80%93117-a-d-as-ric-410.15736/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006[/IMG] Trajan 98–117 A.D. as RIC 410 Roma IMP CAES NERVA TRAIAN AVG GERM P M TR POT COS III PP - SC Mars, helmeted, in military dress, standing right, holding inverted spear in right hand and resting left on shield on ground between SC 26mm 11.6 [B]Trajan, Antioch ae27 struck 102-114[/B] So you like hockey pucks, eh? I can feel Doug rolling his eyes at my artistic picture style, but one really needs to see the thickness of this coin combined with the well-struck portrait and obverse wreath designs found in these eastern bronzes. With the legend worn from what we can assume is many transactions the portrait style of photo doesn't detract from the coins representation. But you do need to hold this one, trust me - Justin, am I right? [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/trajan-102-114-ae27-rpc-3595.15737/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006[/IMG] Trajan AE27 RPC 3595 [ΑΥΤΟΚΡ ΚΑΙϹ ΝΕ]Ρ ΤΡΑΙΑΝΟϹ ϹΕΒ ΓΕΡΜ [ΔΑΚ] SC BI SC in Wreath, mintmark BI 27mm 19.5g From the Iomega Collection [B]Marcus Aurelius, sestertius struck 166-167 A.D. [/B] Really nice strike on this on both sides, rare for a coin of mine as I usually have to give up the obverse for an attractive portrait. This also has a Stoecklin provenance, a factor I had not before considered when purchasing coins via the "me like, me buy" tactic that I employ. Also a big coin, even has more than a few grams on the above ae27: [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/marcus-aurelius-161%E2%80%93180-a-d-sestertius-ric-iii-948.15738/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006[/IMG] Marcus Aurelius 161–180 A.D. sestertius RIC III 948 Roma M ANTONINVS AVG ARM PARTH MAX TR POT XXI IMP IIII COS III Victory in long dress, advancing to left, holding wreath in outstretched right hand and palm cradled in her left arm; S-C across fields. 30mm, 24.68g Ex-Stoecklin, ex-MM [B]Septimius Severus, denarius struck after 201 A.D. [/B] And finally the silver! The obverse appears to be a cowboy carrying two saddles, or a trophy with two shields - depending on one's perspective. Well struck, great curly-faced portrait and demonstrates the militaristic time of external conflict and civil war the empire is entering (don't leave the business to your dysfunctional kids - call me for business advice before one of them gets stabbed in front of their mother!). [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/septimius-193%E2%80%93211-a-d-den-ric-iv-176.15739/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006[/IMG] Septimius 193–211 A.D. RIC IV 176 Roma SEVERVS PIVS AVG / PART MAX P M TR P VIIII Trophy of arms; captive seated to left and right, hands in front supporting their heads, each in attitude of mourning. 19mm 3.39g [B]Elagabulus, denarius struck 220-221 A.D. [/B] This denarius is well-struck and lustrous. While not my favorite silver coin, it is in the best condition of any of my silver coins. This time period does provide an opportunity to add affordable well-struck coins. Quite a bit of detail on the obverse and he's got that little stash going. I saw an off-Broadway play where the main protagonist would randomly yell out Anthony in a drawn out way, for some odd reason this coin reminds me of that even as Broadway remains closed. The flan isn't perfect and I'm still trying to get a handle on grading ancients but the legend and strike look really good and may not be properly relayed in my limited photography language: [B][IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/elagabalus-218%E2%80%93222-a-d-den-ric-iv-107.15740/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006[/IMG] [/B] Elagabalus 218–222 A.D. den RIC IV 107 Roma IMP ANTONINVS PIVS AVG / LIBERTAS AVG Libertas standing left, holding pileus and vindicta; star to right 19.5mm, 2.65g From the El Medina Collection [B]Maxentius, follis struck 309-312 A.D. [/B] Maxentius likely [URL='https://www.ostia-antica.org/dict/topics/mint/mint09.htm']moved the mint from North Africa to Ostia[/URL] to prevent it from being lost to his enemies in this on-and-off civil war between freinemies. The story behind this coin is [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/augusti-of-the-tetrarchy.369840/#post-5090076']documented in a thread on the tetrarchy period [/URL]where I was looking for ways to represent the mints and rulers of the time, this community is very helpful sharing ideas and helping out. Feels like somebody is trying to either represent military strength on coins or pumping them out to pay for a standing army and a strong [URL='https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Turin_(312)']cavalry that got clubbed to pieces:[/URL] [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/maxentius-italy-306%E2%80%93312-a-d-follis-ric-vi-35-mostq.15741/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006[/IMG] Maxentius (Italy) 306–312 A.D. follis RIC VI Ostia (likely formerly Carthage) IMP C MAXENTIVS PF ABG AETERNITAS AVG N Castor and Pollux standing facing each other leaning on scepters holding bridled horse Mintmark: MOSTQ 25mm, 6.9g [B]Magnentius, ae3 or centenionalis likely struck 350-353 A.D. [/B] Continuing the unique mint theme is this barbarous-like product of Amiens. Magnentius is an interesting character with his wife ending up being married to Valentinian I (is this Game of Thrones or history?) makes me think his support didn't go away after his military defeats. Also marks a period of time when Roman and Germanic (Frankish/Saxon/Gallic) cultures are already blurred. Chi Rho also represents that the support Magnentius received was due in part to religious as well as cultural changes disrupting the empire - although it was ultimately a pagan revival that brought him support and ultimately defeat (good thing Contsantius stayed away from the battle and did all that praying). [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/magnentius-350%E2%80%93353-a-d-ae3-cent-ric-27.15742/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006[/IMG] Magnentius 350–353 A.D. ae3 RIC 27 Amiens bare-headed, draped, cuirassed bust right, A behind head D N MAGNEN-[TIVS P F] AVG VICTORIAE DD NN AVG [ET CAE] two Victories holding shield inscribed VOT-V-MVLT-X in four lines above altar, chi-rho above shield. Mintmark AMB* 24mm, 4.13g [B]Honorius, solidus [/B] The fall of Rome is a very dynamic period of time and attracts quite a bit of interest. Having read Gibbons, and other sources, and really enjoying playing Honorius in Rome Total War: Atilla are some of the reasons I acquired this solidus. It also adds a coin type I did not have at a reasonable pricing point for the type in a period where the quality of the bronze is in decline and the silver is wicked expensive. The [URL='https://www.cointalk.com/threads/alarics-lost-booty.367292/#post-4891483']wars with the goths and internal drama with Stilicho[/URL] further made me want to "invest" in this one: [IMG]https://www.cointalk.com/media/honorius-395%E2%80%93423-a-d-solidus-ric-x-1287d.15743/full?lightbox=1&update=1606496006[/IMG] Honorius 395–423 A.D. solidus RIC X 1287d Ravenna DN HONORIVS PF AVG VICTORI-A AVGGG R|V//COMOB Honorius standing right, spurning captive, holding labarum and Victory on globe 22mm, 4.43g I've enjoyed everyone sharing their 2020 collecting journeys and hope you enjoy mine as well. Here's to at least 10 more in 2021![/QUOTE]
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