TIF Top Ten of 2020

Terence Cheesman · Jan 2, 2021

Interesting group. The Geta from Amasia is a Delaison L' Atelier D' Amaseia du Pont 554 The obverse is quite different than what is the norm from this mint. Glad to see that you are doing okay

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SeptimusT · Jan 2, 2021

Fantastic taste and acquisitions that leave me envious, as always!

Cicero12 · Jan 3, 2021

All excellent pieces, but it’s number three for me all the way! What a marvelous reverse.

Al Kowsky · Jan 3, 2021

TIF said: ↑

Goodbye, 2020 and Happy New Year, everyone! Let’s hope 2021 brings healing and prosperity to all.

Life has been generally good for me in the last year but I just haven’t had time for coins and CoinTalk. I feel fortunate to have a work-from-home job now but between the new job and other time-consuming necessary projects, I don’t expect to have much time for coins in 2021. I hope to pick up a few coins here and there and I’ll try to make more time for CT this year.

I bought 25 coins in 2020… a lot, really, but far less than in previous years. Of these purchases only a few ever made it to the light of CoinTalk. I still haven’t photographed some of them and none have had the investigation and consideration that was intended. Sigh. In past years I’d post the year end list with a link to their respective CT threads but I only started one or two threads in 2020!

Here’s a basic breakdown of my coin year:

25 coins, ranging from 500 BCE to 268 CE.

7 Greek
1 Roman Republican
3 Roman Imperial
2 Roman Provincial (non-Egyptian)
12 Roman Egypt

Pedigrees include Giovanni Dattari (of course ), Henry Clay Lindgren, Phil Peck (aka “Morris Collection”), Kerry Wetterstrom, James H. Joy, E.E. Clain-Stefanelli, Garth R. Drewry, Rocky Mountain Collection of Alexandrian, and Vinyeard Collection. Nine of the coins had no pedigree information. Several coins are rare and one is previously uncataloged.

As is usually the case, the order is only somewhat representative of favorites. My #1 probably belongs there but you could argue first place for other coins in the list, and some which didn’t make the cut might be placed on the list if I were to take another look tomorrow .

...

10. Macedonia, Stobi. Caracalla, the abduction of Persephone. Who doesn’t like a nice mythological reverse? This is my second of the type. The first one, acquired last year, was nice for the price but this one is much nicer in all respects. You can see them both here.

View attachment 1228485
MACEDON, Stobi. Caracalla (198-217)
AE 24 mm, 8.25 gm
Obv: M AVR ANTONINV; laureate and cuirassed bust right
Rev: [MV] N I CIP [STOBE]; Hades in galloping quadriga right, carrying off struggling Persephone
Ref: AMNG III 12 var. (bust seen from front); Varbanov 4052 (R5, same dies)

9. Nero tet/Roma contemporary counterfeit. Contemporary counterfeits of Alexandrian coins are uncommon. I painfully missed out on one in 2015 (Curses, Clio!) and it grated on me ever since. Naville, the main source of pedigreed Alexandrian coins in the last several years, had a small run of ex-Dattari contemporary counterfeits this year and I was very happy to grab one . This coin may be from a small hoard of contemporary Alexandrian counterfeits acquired by E.T. Newell in Luxor, 1908, and written up by William E. Metcalf (“Two Alexandrian Hoards. 1. A Hoard of Forgeries from Luxor,” Revue Belge de Numismatique Vol. CXXII, 1976, pp. 65-69).

View attachment 1228486
EGYPT, Alexandria. Nero
Contemporary counterfeit
billon tetradrachm, 23.5 mm, 12.14 gm
c. 66-67 Regnal year 13 (66/7 CE)
Obv: radiate bust right, wearing aegis
Rev: AYTOKPA; helmeted and cuirassed bust of Roma right.; LIΓ in right field
Ref: RPC 5293; Dattari-Savio Pl. 316, 34 (this coin); Metcalf, Two Alexandrian Hoards. 1. A Hoard of Forgeries from Luxor," (Revue Belge de Numismatique Vol. CXXII, 1976, pp. 65-69) Obv. IV/Rev. 4
ex Dattari collection (Giovanni Dattari, 1858-1923)

8. Gallienus zoo series antoninianus with criocamp. I’ve wanted one of these since seeing @zumbly's. The man has a knack for finding unusual coins. You can’t go wrong coin-stalking Z! This was the first purchase of 2020 and I didn’t hesitate one second when I saw it in Marc Breitsprecher’s new inventory. I mean, who wouldn’t want a ram-fish, right? Also, this zoo series type is not very common so its scarcity further fueled my coinlust.

Gallienus
struck 267-268 CE, Rome mint, 8th officina, 10th issue
AE antoninianus; 3.40 gm, 20.7 mm
Obv: GALLIENVS AVG; radiate head right
Rev: MERCVRIO CONS AVG; criocamp (sea ram) right; H below
Ref: MIR 36, 741b; RIC V (sole reign) 242; Wolkow 21a8 (R); Cunetio 1389

7. Volteius denarius, Ceres driving a serpent biga. This type had languished on my hit list for many years-- a necessary coin for the Alternative Modes of Transportation set . They aren’t uncommon but it can be tough to find one with good centering on the reverse. I’m very happy with this nicely toned beauty and love the bizarre serpents. Duck heads? Rooster heads? That engraver must’ve been trippin’!

Roman Republic
Moneyer M. Volteius M.f., 78/75 BCE
AR denarius, 18 mm, 3.91 gm, 6h
Obv: Head of Bacchus or Liber right, wearing ivy wreath
Rev: Ceres standing in biga of snakes right, lit torch in each hand; crescent upward behind; in exergue, M•VOLTEI•M•F•
Ref: Crawford 385/3; Sydenham 776; Volteia 3.
Removed from slab, NGC Choice VF 5/5 - ⅘
Ex Phil Peck (“Morris Collection”)

6. Thasos “running” satyr diobol. These are hard to find with good strikes and good preservation. This is the best example of “running” that I’ve seen. The anatomy and activity are both quite clear so let’s just call it what it is: wanking satyr. I understand that sexuality and nudity were viewed differently back then but a coin depicting this? Really, Thasos?! I’d love to have a better understanding of why. Six or so years ago I recall reading a web page discussing this iconography but I can’t find it now. It may have been a Reid Goldsborough article and his website appears to be mostly defunct now. Do any of you remember such an article?

I bought two of these in the same auction. There were several, which in itself is unusual. I picked out the two best-- one clearly the best of the bunch. The best one was the last and, not wanting to miss altogether, I bid on my second favorite which came hundreds of lots before the primary goal. I won it but was still compelled to chase the better one and I won it as well . Below is the better of the two.

View attachment 1228488
ISLANDS OFF THRACE, Thasos
500-480 BCE
AR 13 mm, 1.29 gm (diobol? trihemiobol?)
Obv: Satyr “running” right
Rev: Quadripartite incuse square
Ref: HGC 6, 333. Le Rider, Thasiennes 4. (I do not have these reference works)

5. Caracalla denarius with Four Seasons reverse. I’ve wanted one of these for a while because I find them simply charming. They’re not plentiful and this one has the typically poor dies, strike, and general workmanship. I’d really hoped for a nicer example but was happy enough to snag this one… doesn’t mean I won’t get a second one someday .

View attachment 1228489
Caracalla
AR denarius; 19 mm, 3.19 gm, 1h
Rome mint, 206-210 CE
Obv: ANTONINVS PIVS AVG; laureate head of Caracalla right
Rev: FELICIA TEMPORA; the Four Seasons depicted as children at play
Ref: RIC IV.I 153
Removed from NGC slab; Choice XF 3/5 - 4/5.
Ex Phil Peck (“Morris Collection”)

4. Domitian obol with sphinx reverse. Sweeeet! Another one for my riddle of sphinges subcollection. I love these Egyptian sphinx coins-- the ones in a pose similar to the Great Sphinx of Giza. I have three now: Domitian, Antoninus Pius, and Marcus Aurelius. I’m gunning for one from each issuer so expect me to bid against you when they appear at auction .

EGYPT, Alexandria. Domitian
Æ obol; 17.5 mm, 3.40 gm
RY 11 (91/92 CE)
Obv: laureate head right
Rev: Andro-Sphinx seated right; L A in exergue
Ref: Dattari (Savio) 570-1 var. (same); K&G 24.181 var. (same); RPC II 2645; Emmett 326.11; Köln 395 var. (position of date)
ex Rocky Mountain Collection of Alexandrian, purchased from William M. Rosenblum

3. Pontos, Amasia. Geta, Altar of Zeus Strateus. This one placed high on the year-end list for many reasons. Bottom line: I simply love it. It’s one of the few coins I wrote up for CoinTalk this year so I won't rehash those details here. https://www.cointalk.com/threads/a-geta-provincial-more-questions-than-answers.365737/

PONTOS, Amasia. Geta (Caesar, 198-209)
Dated CY 208 (208/9)
AE, 31 mm, 16.73 gm
Obv: [Π?] CЄΠTIMI ΓЄ[TAC + illegible under bust] sandwiched between dotted borders; bareheaded, draped and cuirassed bust right
Rev: AΔ CЄV ANT AMA[illegible] / ЄT CH; Altar of Zeus Strateus, surmounted by eagle standing facing, head left, wreath in beak, with wings spread; tree to left.
Reference: W. H. Waddington, Recueil général des monnaies grecques d'Asie Mineure, Volume 1, Part 1, p. 40, #96 (variant; obverse legend and style; reverse legend)

2. Caracalla diobol, Agathodaemon on horse. Another Snake Cowboy, and a Caracalla (!), and previously unknown for regnal year! Of course it placed high on the list . Sure, it’s not in great shape but it’s a freakin’ Caracalla Alexandrian (Alexandrian tets, drachms, etc are rare for most of the Severans). I can see now that I’m going to have to acquire one of every issuer for the Snake Cowboy type. My all-time favorite, and one of my tip-top all-time favorite coins of the ones I own, is a Domitian Agathodaemon on horse Many of you are familiar with that thread but I jump at pretty much any opportunity to mention it so here's that link once again: https://www.cointalk.com/threads/so-these-exist-snake-cowboys.314032/

View attachment 1228490
EGYPT, Alexandria. Caracalla as Caesar
RY 9 of Septimius Severus, 200/1 CE
Diobol
Obv: [illegible but probably AVT] KMAVPHΛANTωNINOCCEB; laureate draped bust right
Rev: Agathodaemon standing erect right, "holding" grain ear; atop horse galloping right; LΘ below
Ref: Dattari 4050; Emmett 2774. This rare type was previously known only for Caracalla’s 10th regnal year.

1. Cossura bronze, c. 1st century BCE. This goes well with my coins of Melita. Cossura is another tiny island off Sicily, in this case an 83 square kilometer island halfway between ancient Carthage and Sicily. There are only two basic types of coins struck on Cossura and they have similar obverse iconography. The earlier type has a Punic inscription on the reverse. My coin was struck during the second period of coinage. The coin certainly deserves a nice write-up… maybe someday. Instead I’ll tell the tale of its arrival. It will take some space though so I’ll plop that tale in this thread as soon as I post this list.

View attachment 1228491
Islands off Sicily, Cossura
AE 25 mm, 10.07 gm
1st century BCE
Obv: Nike crowning bust of Isis to right; thymiaterion in field to right; REG counter-stamp to right
Rev: symbol of Tanit; COSSVRA below; all within wreath
Ref: Lindgren III, 37 (this coin); RPC 675. Calciati 6.
Ex: MM Germany, Stuttgart, James Joy collection, Auction 2007, lot 222
Ex: NAC, Zurich, Auction 64, 2012, lot 2157
Ex: Künker, Auction 318, 2019, lot 451
Click to expand...

TIF, You scored some fascinating & rare coins this year ! The Cossura bronze deserves 1st place . Do you know anything about the counterstamp on the coin ? The unpacking episode is amusing . Was Ed Waddell just playing with you or is he suffering with extreme insecurity ? I love #7, the Republican denarius. The reverse composition is a product of imagination on steroids' ! Your article on the "Snake Cowboys" was a great read .

David Atherton · Jan 3, 2021

Glad to see that you had time to post a list @TIF. And what a list!

Hands down that Domitian Sphinx is my favourite. Simply superb.

Cucumbor · Jan 3, 2021

After having been TIFless for months we are now fulfilled !
Thanks for posting those marvellous coins @TIF

I relly love your #3, #4, #5 and #7
The others aren't bad either

Q

thejewk · Jan 3, 2021

Good to hear from you TIF, and a great selection of coins. The Domitian Sphinx is the standout for me, but they are all interesting for sure.

Roman Collector · Jan 3, 2021

So many wonderful coins, @TIF! It's hard to choose favorites! I have always coveted one of these Abduction of Persephone coins to upgrade my humble example of Soaemias from Sebaste, and yours is an excellent example of that reverse type. I like your snake biga denarius, the Domitian/Sphinx obol, and the criocamp "zoo" coin. But most of all, I like your #1: the Isis/Tanit AE 25 of Cossura.

ancient coin hunter · Jan 3, 2021

Great additions @TIF - particularly like the snake on the horse.

medoraman · Jan 3, 2021

I have to tell you @TIF, you got my blood pumping when I saw that huge box and mentioned bronzes. I love getting huge boxes of ancient coins. I was a bit let down when I saw it was one coin. I was thinking you had joined the dark, dark side as a new buyer of large ancient group lots.

ominus1 · Jan 3, 2021

TIF said: ↑

While I don’t have an educational writeup yet for the Cossura, I do have a story about its unboxing. This cumulative tale won’t give Senex Caecilius a run for his money but hopefully you’ll find it amusing .

...

This Is the Bronze Coin That Ed Sent

This is the large box containing the bronze coin that Ed sent.
View attachment 1228499

This is the medium box that lay in the large box containing the bronze coin that Ed sent.
View attachment 1228500

This is the bubble mailer that lay in the medium box that lay in the large box containing the bronze coin that Ed sent.
View attachment 1228501

This is the papered box that lay in the bubble mailer that lay in the medium box that lay in the large box containing the bronze coin that Ed sent.
View attachment 1228502

This is the bubble wrap that lay in the papered box that lay in the bubble mailer that lay in the medium box that lay in the large box containing the bronze coin that Ed sent.
View attachment 1228503

This is the corrugated mailer that lay in the bubble wrap that lay in the papered box that lay in the bubble mailer that lay in the medium box that lay in the large box containing the bronze coin that Ed sent.
View attachment 1228504

This is the coin flip that lay in the corrugated mailer that lay in the bubble wrap that lay in the papered box that lay in the bubble mailer that lay in the medium box that lay in the large box containing the bronze coin that Ed sent.
View attachment 1228505

This is the clear sleeve that lay in the coin flip that lay in the corrugated mailer that lay in the bubble wrap that lay in the papered box that lay in the bubble mailer that lay in the medium box that lay in the large box containing the bronze coin that Ed sent.
View attachment 1228506

This is the bronze coin that lay in the clear sleeve that lay in the coin flip that lay in the corrugated mailer that lay in the bubble wrap that lay in the papered box that lay in the bubble mailer that lay in the medium box that lay in the large box containing the bronze coin that Ed sent.
View attachment 1228507

…

I’m told by an older customer of Ed’s that this is less packaging than he used in past years!
Click to expand...

...kool coins & story TIF!...good ta C ya again!

AuldFartte · Jan 3, 2021

That Volteius denarius is fabulous!

Fugio1 · Jan 3, 2021

@TIF My favorite is all 10 at once. Such a variety of interesting types is appealing in itself. Hope to hear more from you in 2021.

PlanoSteve · Jan 3, 2021

@TIF, you never disappoint!!!....Thank you!

7Calbrey · Jan 3, 2021

Superb and exceptional coins, just like the owner. Congrats..

Shea19 · Jan 3, 2021

Great coins and great to see you back. My favorites are the Caracalla/Persephone and the Geta with the altar, but all of these are excellent!

Orfew · Jan 3, 2021

Great to hear from you @TIF I really like all of your coins. I agree with @David Atherton, that Domitian Sphinx is amazing. That is a very enviable acquisition!

Carausius · Jan 3, 2021

TIF said: ↑

I’m told by an older customer of Ed’s that this is less packaging than he used in past years!
Click to expand...

Experienced this many times myself. A source of endless amusement, and lotsa frustration when I'm in a hurry to see the coin. Still, good to fool the FedEx driver that they are delivering an article of clothing rather than a valuable coin.

Limes · Jan 3, 2021

Lovely, interesting and varied list. Since I'm mainly an Imperial guy (you could now guess my preference when it comes to sides in Star Wars ;-)) I obviously have to vote for the Caracalla denarius. I really like that reverse design, but it seems that type is out of my financial reach unfortunately. I have to say however, that I also really like your Domitian with sphinx reverse, and have seen it before. So, if I understand your post correctly, you wont bid on another Domitian sphinx coin? I will remember that ;-)

TIF said: ↑

This Is the Bronze Coin That Ed Sent
Click to expand...

Wow, that's some hardcore packaging. I wonder though, are the shipment costs hardcore too?

panzerman · Jan 3, 2021

Belated Merry Christmas! Happy New Year!
All great coins, my fav. is the snake biga RR Nice to see a coin so securely packed
May, 2021 bring you many more nice coins.
John

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TIF Top Ten of 2020

Terence Cheesman Well-Known Member

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TIF Top Ten of 2020

Terence Cheesman Well-Known Member

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Cicero12 Well-Known Member

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David Atherton Flavian Fanatic

Cucumbor Well-Known Member

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Roman Collector Well-Known Member

ancient coin hunter 3rd Century Usurper

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7Calbrey Well-Known Member

Shea19 Well-Known Member

Orfew Draco dormiens nunquam titillandus

Carausius Brother, can you spare a sestertius?

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