Hello, See this one, Vespasian Antioch, I see prices go from 50 till 500? what about this one, what would you pay for it?
I would be happy to pay $55-$65. The obverse shows a lot of wear, and the legend is 'off-flan'. The reverse is 'soft' and is not a 'central strike'. I hope that helps.
This coin would fit in my collection because of its attractive classicistic portrait, but it would not have priority because it's more than usual off-flan. And there are so many nice coins for sale...
Cyrrhus => hey, how 'bout gazing-through this CNG-link (perhaps it'll give you a bit of an idea?) ... cool OP-coin https://www.cngcoins.com/Search.asp...R_TYPE_ID_3=1&SEARCH_IN_CONTAINER_TYPE_ID_2=1
I don't see these as all that common and many are on bad metal. I do admit that Eastern denarii with a mintmark bring more than ones IDed only by style but I see this as at least a $150 coin (probably more). People for whom any denarius of Vespasian is the same as any other can afford to look at things like the centering more harshly than those who want the mint. They see centering; I see decent metal and a cool reverse layout circle. If they were $75, I'd buy a roll.
The CNG Steve linked shows the results for this type from a variety of mints, so the prices will swing all over the place. Doug is correct regarding what this will fetch at retail. $150-$200 for the example pictured would be very fair, and $250 wouldn't be out of the question. It's a great coin in excellent Antiochene style.
I also would have expected the OP coin to bring at least $100 + commission for the reasons you state, but for the record, it was unsold earlier this month at an estimate of 100 euro.
Vespasian looks a little younger here than I'm used to seeing him. Is that just because the provincial celatores didn't have a good idea what he looked like?
Yep, a steal at less than $100 and I believe the 'Provincials' had far less familiarity with the rulers' actual likeness than the rest of the Imperial mints, as well as having their own stylistic preferences----and old Vespasian couldn't object to looking younger could he?? I personally cringe whenever that 'old man' stares back at me in the mirror LOL
Antiochene engravers would've had a good idea what Vespasian looked like because he spent time in Antioch planning his rise to the purple and it's legions were among the first to declare for him in 69. Not to mention the fact that by the time this coin was struck in 72-73 imperial authorities would already have had official busts sent to the provinces. The difference between this portrait and contemporary ones at Rome I'd just chalk up to separate mint styles.
Interesting 'V' ...And I have to agree with your conclusion. I always wondered just how far a 'Provincial' regional mint might go with their separate styles when they have a bust or sculpture of some sort of the current ruler. Presumably in a way meant to be complimentary and not 'warts and all' as in very early Republican 'art'.