What Your Budget Buys - $400 Edition

So, this is going to be our second last price bracket in this series of threads. At this level we're not close to (and in many cases not even close to a fraction of) what it costs to buy things such lifetime Julius Caesar portrait denarii, Greek tetradrachms and Roman sestertii in EF grade, most gold ancients, etc etc. Still, I think all the past threads have already well demonstrated that there are plenty of beautiful and fascinating ancients to collect at the more affordable budget levels. I'm sure this price category will be no different. But enough of that...

Please go ahead show us some of your $400 coins (or anything between $350 - $450).

If a coin is an older purchase (ie., not bought in the past few years), please let us know roughly when bought it. If the coin was part of a bulk or large lot purchase, it would be helpful to mention that too.

I don't have many coins at all in this price range. It took me awhile to find this next one, a tetradrachm of the First Meris of Macedon. They're fairly common and you can find affordable examples in the $200 range (and more easily at $300), but I paid $400 for this one because I thought the portrait of Artemis was outstanding, and the overall eye appeal of the coin was strong despite some wear. In the highest grade, this type may sell for more than $1000, but I've only seen the fine style portrait of the obverse die used for my coin matched by one or two other dies in the entirety of this very extensive series.

MACEDONIA, Roman Protectorate, First Meris
AR Tetradrachm. 16.84g, 32.7mm. MACEDONIA (as Roman Protectorate), First Meris, Amphipolis mint, circa 167 - 149 BC. SNG Cop 1313; Prokopov 127. O: Diademed and draped bust of Artemis right, bow and quiver over shoulder, in the center of a Macedonian shield. R: Club; monogram above, two monograms below, MAKEΔONΩN above, ΠPΩTHΣ below; all within oak wreath, thunderbolt to left.

This next one is a dolphin-rider nomos of Tarentum, a small sub-collection of which I started some time ago. These are really really plentiful, but the general type was produced over the course of some centuries, and a plethora of varieties exist. Condition can also run the gamut from extremely high grade and extremely fine style, to poorly-struck examples in crude style using very worn dies to boot. This one cost me about $420 and is far from perfect. Looking at my pictures I think I may have overpaid, but in hand, the coin itself convinces me that I didn't .

CALABRIA, Tarentum
AR Nomos. 7.50g, 20.2mm. CALABRIA, Tarentum, circa 325-281 BC. Fischer-Bossert 870c (this coin); Vlasto 607; SNG Copenhagen 849; SNG France 1800 (same obverse die). O: Nude rider on horse galloping to right, stabbing with spear held in his right hand and holding two other spears and shield with his left; below, ΣΑ. R: TAPAΣ, Phalanthos riding dolphin to left, holding kantharos in his right hand and trident in his left; below, little dolphin leaping left; K in left field.
Ex Schweizerischer Bankverein 29 (28 January 1992), lot 12

 

Log in or Sign up to hide this ad.

ATTICA ATHENS
AR Tetradrachm
OBVERSE: Helmeted head of Athena right, in crested Attic helmet decorated with three olive leaves over visor & a spiral palmette on the bowl; eye in profile
REVERSE: AQE, owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig & crescent behind
Struck at Athens 350-300 BC
16.9g, 22mm
Sg2537
Cost: $408

 

$400, $450, $465 (oops)




Details in the gallery

 

My only coin in this category. This is a German imitation of an English short-cross penny. England had a reputation for a high standard of silver coinage which was not debased, and so many European mints copied English coins, however it's mostly the later long-cross or new pennies of Edward I which are imitated. There was a short time when the short-cross Coins were imitated following the capture and ransom of Richard I. So many English coins entered into Germany after paying his ransom that some mints began copying this type. It's hard to find these imitations today, let alone in such good shape where nearly all the elements can be seen. This one is particularly interesting since it came from an ecclesiastical mint, and changed the portrait of King Henry II to that of St. Peter, complete with changing Henry's Scepter with Peter's key.


German States, Osnabrück
Bishop Konrad I von Velber, r. 1227-1239 (1236-39)
AR Pfenning, 17.71 mm x 1 gram
Obv.: SANCT' PE[T']. Head of St. Peter facing holding key
Rev.: +CON[RAD]VS EPC'. Voided short cross with quatrefoil in each angle
Ref.: De Wit 1837 variety
Note: Imitation of Short Cross Sterling.

 

I make an effort to stay out of this neighborhood. It is dangerous. I have shown my only $400 coin from this year several times
https://www.cointalk.com/threads/to-get-a-geta-or-not-to-get-a-geta.298685/#post-2778664
so all I'll say is that most people would not want it and there are not enough of them to supply one for everyone so it is a good thing. There are better ones but Stratonicaea large AE of any type tend to be well used. I call it "Where's Geta".
Stratonicaea, AE34, Caracalla without Geta / Hekate
Where else can you get a rough surfaced, damaged, part legend coin for $400 and be happy with it?


Compare to similar examples:
https://www.cngcoins.com/Search.asp...R_TYPE_ID_2=1&SEARCH_IN_CONTAINER_TYPE_ID_4=1

Of course I would like the ultimate upgrade but $400 won't quite cover it.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severan_Tondo

 

These are both outstanding coins!

John

 

I may have overpaid for this one, but I am glad I bought it anyway. It is nicer than my photo shows and is on the list for a re-shoot.


Bruttium, Rhegion
AE20, 351-280 BC, 6.24g
Obverse: Facing lion scalp.
Reverse: Laureate head of Apollo right; uncertain symbol to left.
References: HN Italy 2534a; cf. SNG ANS 687, Sear 684
$395

This one is going to David Sear in my next batch of submissions. I think it is a die transfer forgery because the weight is too high, the deeply impressed reverse is not typical for the issue, and the way the devices fade out before the edge of the flan. It is pretty anyway.


Himera , Sicily. AE Hemilitron (20mm, 9? g), c. 430-415 BC.
Obverse: Pan riding goat right, holding thyrsus over left shoulder and blowing on a conch shell; below goat, a Corinthian helmet.
Reverse: HIMEPAION, Nike flying left in long chiton, holding aphlastion right; to left, six pellets.
References: Calciati I, 41, 31; Boutin 1049
Probably a transfer die forgery
$400

The obverse is pretty worn but I love this type.


Sicily, Leontini
AR Tetradrachm
Obverse: Fine classical style laureate head of Apollo right.
Reverse: Lion head surrounded by four barley corns, tripod to left, LEONTINON around.
References: SNG ANS 256.
$400

John

 

I have a few in this category.

Divus Julius Caesar Denarius. 40 BC. Q Voconius Vitulus, quaestor.
(20.39 mm, 3.36 g)
Obv:Laureate head right
Rev: Q•VOCONIVS above, S-C to sides, VITVLVS•Q / DESIG below, bull-calf advancing left.
Crawford 526/4, Sydenham 1133. SRCV I (2000) 1428, RSC 45
Ex: Frank Robinson.
Paid 455.00 USD
Purchased from Frank Robinson Coins Auction September 15, 2015.



Vespasian, 69-79 A.D. AR Denarius, 3.16g. 21.41mm. Rome, 73 A.D.
Obv: IMP CAES VESP AVG CENS. Laureate head of Vespasian to right.
Rev: MAXIM PONTIF. Nemesis walking to right holding caduceus over snake.
C 385, RIC 544. SRCV I (2000) 2304
Ex: E. E. Clain-Stefanelli collection. Ex: Numismatica Ars Classica - Auction 92 Part 2, Lot 2133 May 24, 2016; Ex: Ed waddell
Coin depicted in the Wildwinds.com database.
Paid: 400.00 USD



Roman Empire, Vespasian 69-79, Denarius,
(17.49 mm 3.24g)
Obv: Laureate head of Vespasian right "IMP CAESAR VESPAS AVG COS II TRPPP" Rev: "AVG" within an wreath, Phi-Alpha monogram above ties. "AVG" in the center. RIC 1414. Ephesos mint, Some roughness on the reverse.
Ex Savoca Auction #9, lot 533 8/21/16, realized 350 Euro + buyer's fee
Lot 152 Aegean Nuismatics Agora Auctions July 20. 2017.
Coin depicted in the Wildwinds.com database
Paid: 386.56 USD



JUSTINIAN I (527-565). Struck 527-538 GOLD Solidus.
(21.74 mm, 4.45 g)
Constantinople.
Obv: D N IVSTINIANVS P P AVG.
Helmeted, draped and cuirassed bust facing, holding globus cruciger and shield.
Rev: VICTORIA AVGGG Θ / CONOB.
Angel standing facing, holding long staff surmounted by cross and globus cruciger; star to right.
Sear 139.
Condition: Very fine.
Ex: Numismatik-Nauman auction 48, Lot 693 November 20, 2016.
Paid: 300 Euro


MAURICE,GOLDSolidus, AD 582-602
(21.16 mm 4.55 g)
Obv: Facg bust, DN MAURC TIB PP AUG
Rev: Angel stg, VICTORIA AVGGB;
EF, not badly struck with only minor crudeness, sharp portrait details.
Sb 478,
Frank Robinson Auctions August 15 2017 Lot 443
Paid: 436.80 USD

 

Wonderful posts!!!

Shipped, this denarius falls within that price range...$365.00


M. Plaetorius M.f. Cestianus. 57 B.C. AR denarius (18 mm, 3.88 g, 6 h). Rome. CESTIANVS behind, turreted and draped bust of Cybele right, forepart of lion behind; below chin, globe / M · PLAETORIVS AED · CVR · EX · S · C, curule chair; in left field, scropion. Crawford 409/2; Sydenham 808; Plaetoria 3. Lustrous. Nearly extremely fine.



And this of Romulus---$400.00

AE Follis of Romulus; Ostia mint, Circa 309-312 AD
6.09 grams 25 mm; 2nd officina, Ist emission?
Bare head right,DIVO ROMVLO NV BIS CONS
Domed roofed Shrine, right door ajar, surmounted by eagle
AETERNAE MEMORIAE; MOSTS; RIC 34



More to follow.....later

 

This price range is mostly outside my reach so my only example in this price range is this denarius of L Hostilius Saserna which I picked up for $368 after fees via CNG earlier this year. Interestingly on most coins of this type the oak branches form a wreath on the head of the obverse but on this one and a handful of other obverse dies the banches completely cover the head.


Roman Imperatorial period AR denarius(4.04g, 18mm), L Hostilius Saserna, moneyer, 48 B.C., Rome mint. Diademed female head(Pietas or Clementia?) right, wearing oak wreath / Victory advancing right, holding winged caduceus and trophy. Crawford 448/1a; Sear HCRI 17; Sydenham 951; Hostilia 5.
Ex CNG e-auction 393 Lot 228, March 15, 2017, ex Dr. Lawrence D. Sporty Collection, ex CNG e-auction 259, July 6 2011, lot 287

 

$350-$450



Roman Imperatorial, Marc Antony Legionary.
AR Denarius, 18mm, 3.4g, 12h; Military mint moving with Antony (Patrae?), 32-31 BC.
Obv.: ANT•AVG•III VIR•R•P•C•, praetorian galley to right.
Rev.: LEG XVI, Aquila between two standards.
Reference: Crawford 544/31; CRI 372; RSC 48


Ionia. Klazomenai.
Circa 480-400 BCE
AR Drachm – Pentobol. 3.54g. 13mm.
Obv: Forepart of winged boar right
Rev: Facing gorgoneion within incuse square.
Ref: Cf. SNG Copenhagen 12 (diobol); Traité II 1986; Jameson 2256.
Pecunum Rare.


AR denarius T. Deidius / Didius, Rome 113-112 B.C. -- gladiatorial scene-
Grade: VF Material: SilverWeight: 3.81 g
Diameter: 18.00 mm
Obverse: Helmeted head of Roma to right, star below, ROMA in monogram behind
Reverse: T.DEIDI Two gladiators fighting each other, the one on the left uses a whip, the one on the right, a sword


L. Manlius Torquatus and L. Cornelius Sulla. 82 B.C. AR denarius (17 mm, 3.72 g, 12 h). Military mint moving with Sulla. L · MANLI before, PR[O · Q] behind, helmeted head of Roma right / [L · SVLLA · IM in exergue, Sulla, togate, driving triumphal quadriga right, holding branch and reins; above, Victory flying left, crowning Sulla with wreath. Crawford 367/3; Sydenham 759; Manlia 7. Nicely toned, light rub on cheek.


Balbinus, AD 238
AR Denarius, 20mm, 3.7g, 12h; Rome, AD 238.
Obv.: IMP C D CAEL BALBINVS AVG; Laureate, draped, cuirassed bust right.
Rev.: VICTORIA AVGG; Victory standing front with wreath and palm.
Reference: RIC 8


Diva Julia Titi AE Sestertius, 90-91 A.D. Rome.
Ox: Carpentum drawn r. by two mules, DIVAE IVLIAE AVG. DIVI TITI F., SPQR in exergue
Rx: IMP. CAES. DOMIT. AVG. GERM. COS.XV CENS. PER. P.P. around large S C
A very nice example with much of the legend legible. The design is quite clear and well-centered. 33mm, 20.4gms


SELEUKID KINGDOM. Seleukos I, 312-280 BC. AR Tetradrachm (14.46 gm) of Seleucia on the Tigris. Laureate head of Zeus / Athena driving chariot drawn by four horned elephants. SC.130. Toned, VF, some tooling.


RR L Livineius Regulus AR Denarius 42 BCE 3.8g 19mm Regu bust - Gladiators in Arena Cr 494-30 Syd 1112 Sear 489


Roman Empire -
Pertinax (193 A.D.)
AE sestertius. Rome mint, 19,60 grs. 28 mm
Obv: LAETITIA TEMPORVM COS II.
IMP (CAES P HELV - PERTINAX AVG) Head, laureate, to right..
Rev: LAETITIA TE -MPORVM COS II / S - C Laetitia standing l. holding wreath and sceptre.
Ref: RIC 17. C. 21.

 

Augustus, Lycian League, 27 – 20 BC
Silver Drachm, Cragus Mint, 18mm, 3.35 grams
Obverse: Bare head of Augustus right.
Reverse: Lyre with palm frond to right, L Y above, K P below.
References:
RPC 3307 // SNG vonAulock 4311-2 // BMC 25
Cost:
$425
Provenance:
CNG 381, August 2016, Lot 316
Tom Cederlind List 179 and 162

 

Well, at least they threw in the countermarks for free. Just kidding . It's a fascinating piece and it's clear that demand is consistently high for them. The 'uncorrected' $150 estimates in the CNG sale records look comical next to the hammer prices.

 

Each purchased more than 15 years ago, but in this price range.

Julia Titi denarius from Stephen M. Huston:



And a sestertius of Didia Clara from Pegasi Numismatics:


Lest anyone think it's a tooled Julia Domna, note it was struck with Woodward obverse die 3 (Arthur Woodward, "The Coinage of Didius Julianus and his Family." In: Numismatic Chronicle. Band 121, 1961, S. 71 ff).

 

My only 2017 purchase in this category

https://www.cointalk.com/threads/is...at-looked-like-a-diadochi-tetradrachm.294408/

 

some great coins have been posted & I am sure there are more out there

@Alegandron nice T.DEIDI, that one has been on my wish list for a long time. I like the reverse scene. I can remember watching Roman movies as a kid when I see that.

Shortly after I started collecting cast bronze, I saw this piece. I had a coin with a knucklebone on it. It spoke to me, and I bought it! It is still one of my favorites.

Roman Republican. Aes formatum. AE/AG knucklebone. Etruria or Latium, 6th-9th century BC. AE/AG?. g. 59.80 RRR. About EF. Silver alloy? Silvered? Partial green patina. Apparently unpublished.
I have seen at least one other silver piece this size in an auction. It had been cleaned and had several bankers marks. I like mine in this condition.

 

This is a great thread, even though all I trust myself on in this price range is whether to click the "like" button at the bottom of everyone else's posts.

As the prices climb over $200 the coins get more and more spectacular.

Thanks to everyone for posting them.

 

$400

$400

 

Beautiful


Livia (+ AD 29), Dupondius Rome mint, AD 22-23 under the reign of Tiberius
SALVS AVGVSTA, draped bust of Salus (Livia) right
TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVG P M TR POT XXIIII, around large S C
13.90 g, 27 mm,.
Ref : RCV # 1740 (450), Cohen # 5 (6), RIC I, 47.



Francois I° (1515-1547) - Teston du Dauphiné deuxieme type Atelier de Romans (point secret sous la deuxième lettre, R couronnée au revers)
+ (triangle) FRANCISCVS.DEI.GRA.FRANCOR.REX (triangle) buste cuirassé et couronné a droite
+ (triangle) SIT.NOMEN.DNI.BENEDICTVM.R.(Mm) (triangle). Ecu ecartelé de France et Dauphiné. Grande F sur l'ecartelé (après le 8 octobre 1528, date à laquelle une lettre F brochant sur l'écartelé fut ajoutée sur les testons (source CGB VSO 09/1067))
9,25 gr - 26/29 mm
Ref : Ciani # 1141v

Q

 

Alexander Tetradrachm.. my 2nd most expensive coin at a little under $400