This Month's Bargain

Obvious for you or for any other collector who knows a thing or two, but it's not a mandatory for a dealer to have knowledge. Or to care.
I have seen people who sell ancient coins (I wouldn't call them dealers, but still, they sell them often) describing them completely wrong.
I remember buying a Quintillus. The seller had no idea. Asked 15 EUR for it and I agreed.


The seller gladly informed me that this is a Gordian. For those who don't know, this is Gordian because the crown has 4 spikes (as per the seller). The only other coins with a crowned emperor are from Antoninus Pius, but those have 3 spikes.
For a second I thought he was joking, but he was extremely convinced. I bought the coin, thanked him for his exceptional info, praised his knowledge and left. In a hurry.

Now in regards to October bargains, this was one of the coins I hunted in the only October auction for me. First being the Aspendos stater in my avatar.



Dupondius Æ
Tiberius, Commagene, AD 19-21, TI CAESAR DIVI AVGVSTI F AVGVSTVS, laureate head right / PONT MAXIM COS III IMP VII TR POT XXI, winged caduceus between two crossed cornucopias
29 mm, 13,70 g
RPC 3869; RIC I Tiberius 90

This was another coin that was offered in a previous auction, won at a low price and ... not paid. I won it with 54 EUR including fees. The coin is decent (although the seller's pics were showing a more beautiful emerald green color) and the portrait is good. But the price I paid was bigger than the one ... the previous winner didn't pay. Not sure if it is truly a bargain.
I don't like Tribute pennies, especially their prices. I think this is a good candidate for my 12 Caesars set. Especially since it's a provincial listed in RIC also and I find this interesting.

 

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I am happy to find two bargain coins during this month of October.

I posted about my RR snake biga in CT last week. In addition to that, I am glad to pickup this Augustus and Agrippa coin as well.

Augustus and Agrippa (27 BC-14 AD).
Æ As (25mm, 10.40g, 9h).
Gaul, Nemausus, c. 9/8-3 BC.
Obv: Heads of Agrippa left, and Augustus right, back to back.
Rev: Crocodile right, chained to palm frond; wreath with long ties above.
RPC I 524; RIC I 158.

Although this coin type is not on my lookout list, I'll usually take a second look when another CT member brings up a good example. Probably because of the rich history behind the coin. At just a little over $80, I like the light bronze color (river patina?) and OK details, including the crocodile chain.

The coin has arrived, and it looks better than I thought. Maybe I'll look for a better example sometime next year, since my 2021 coin budget is basically all used up.

 

My fave! Just when I wasn't looking. You found an excellent one for a really good price. Congrats!