Some coin types are very common, but that does not mean they can't have artistry and remarkable style. Witness this coin: It is a common silver obol from Cyzicus (Kyzikos) in Mysia. It is 12 mm and 0.78 grams, pretty small. Nevertheless, the boar looks very fierce and the lion even fiercer. Look at his mane, eye, and teeth! Sear Greek 3848v. (The Sear type does not have a retrograde "E" on the boar's shoulder that this one has) SNG Copenhagen Mysia 48 (also no E) SNG von Aulock 1214 (This one does have the retrograde "E", possibly from the same dies). I call it common. It is certainly one of the most common Greek silver fractions and readily available. Furthermore, the same type comes in lighter and heavier denominations. If you want a Greek fraction to add a small silver coin to your collection, this type is a likely candidate. However, most have only good style and not quite this outstanding artwork Show us a coin of a common type where the artwork is wonderful.
Although my example is worn, the artistry is plain to see in the pose of both Herakles and the lion. Also, another small coin coming in at 11mm and 1.6g. TARAS, CALABRIA AR Diobol OBVERSE: Head of Athena in crested helmet left decorated with Skylla REVERSE: Herakles kneeling right, strangling lion Struck at Taras 380-334 BC 1.2g, 11mm Vlasto 1316
The most common type of Roman coin is possibly the Falling Horseman so I'l show one with a well cone reverse from the Antioch mint.
LRB is as common as it get, when there is enough detail left that you can actually see what the engraver put into it and it isn't just a worn slug...they look pretty darn good to me me, I like the style.
ahhhhh, doug beat me to it!! that's what i get for not finishing my post before i get a snack! DOOOOOOOOOOOOOUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGG!
Hmmm, well I've always loved this sweet example of a fairly common coin ... Constantinopolis Commemorative (330-333 AD) ... one of my very first ancient purchases (still makes me smile)
Constantius II Coin: Bronze Centenionalis D N CONSTANTIVS P F AVG - bust right, wearing pearl diadem, between A and star CONCORDIA MILITVM - emperor standing left, holding two standards inscribed Chi-Rho, star above his head, A in left field Exergue: Mint: Siscia (350 AD) Wt./Size/Axis: 4.70g / 22mm / - References: RIC VIII 284
Great topic! There are many reasons people collect ancient coins and why they acquire a specific coin: rarity, historical value, style, condition, etc. Of those factors, I'm more often drawn to coins of unusually good style. It's nice when all four of those factors are present, of course . That doesn't happen very often, at least not within my budget. Tetradrachms of Roman Egypt are not the first thing that comes to mind when discussing fine style but here are a some I feel are exceptions: EGYPT, Alexandria. Claudius II Gothicus year 1, CE 268 tetradrachm Obv: AVTKKΛAΔIOCCEB; laureate draped bust right Rev: eagle standing right, head left, wreath in beak; L- A in right field Ref: Emmett 3878(1), R1 EGYPT, Alexandria. Diocletian year 11, CE 294/5 tetradrachm, 19 mm, 7.6 gm Obv: ΔIOKΛHTIANOCCEB; laureate head right Rev: Draped bust of Selene right, crescent before; L IA behind Ref: Emmett 4080.11, R5 EGYPT, Alexandria. Severus Alexander year 12, CE 232/3 tetradrachm, 23 mm, 13.87 gm Obv: AKAIMAAVPCEVAΛEΞANΔPOCEV; Laureate, draped, and cuirassed bust right Rev: Alexandria standing facing, head left, holding vexillum and grain ears; palm frond to left, L IB (date) to right Ref: Emmett 3088.12 (R4); Köln 2474 var. (obv. legend); Dattari (Savio) 4264; K&G 62.172 var. (same) The obverse of the next coin isn't anything special but I think the rendering of Tyche is remarkable. EGYPT, Alexandria. Claudius II Gothicus year 3, CE 269/70 tetradrachm, 20 mm, 10.2 gm Obv: AVTKKΛAVΔIOCCEB (In theory: what I can read on this coin doesn't quite match what the legend is supposed to be. Probably just engraver error or die deterioration); laureate head right Rev: Tyche standing left with rudder and cornucopia; L Γ in left field Ref: Emmett 3896.3, R4 ... Tetradrachms of Alexander III were struck in incredible numbers. Styles range considerably. Here's one of fine style. KINGS OF MACEDON, Alexander III AR tetradrachm, 17.14 gm late lifetime issue, struck in Aradus c. 324/3 BCE Obv: Head of Herakles right, wearing lion skin headdress. Rev: BAΣIΛEΩΣ AΛΕΞΑΝΔΡΟΥ; Zeus seated left, holding eagle and scepter; I in left field; AP monogram below throne Ref: Price 3325 ex Colosseo Collection (images by Colosseo Collection) This tetras, while not exactly common and despite the surface deposits, has good style. I'm charmed by it every time I see it Sicily, Syracuse. Dionysios I 390 BCE Æ tetras, 14 mm, 1.8 gm Obv: head of nymph facing slightly left, wearing necklace Rev: octopus Ref: CNS 29; SNG ANS 385
Here's a common silvered AE Centenionalis of Julian II minted in Antioch. It has an exceptionally well-rendered portrait:
