Limes

Nice addition! And that;s a great portrait indeed! Dont want to be negative here, but would the original coin, without corrosion on the reverse, weigh more? I think that the wear/pitting also made the coin lighter? I have two AP sestertii. Both nicely round, good portraits, but the weight is off. The reverse of the IMPERATOR II type is a bit corroded too.

Nice additions Martin. Its never bad to wonder off the collecting path. You can find interesting things! Don't have a Elagabalus with such a big eyebrow, interesting touch from the die engraver. The only thing I can add, is my only coin of Geta as augustus below. The thing I like about these portraits of an older version of him, is that you can recognize his younger potrait in it.

Nice tet! Will you be trying to go for the phase 1 type too? 🙂 Never knew they made (I assume printed) calenders. They send these out to customers, or does one need to buy it? Kind of bad for a ancient coins dealer to add a wrong description, on a well known coin, and on a printed calender... no way to easily correct that one 🙄 My budget type of the brutus coin below. I don't think it will score a 5/5 in a plastic tomb though, let alone get an estimate of 5.000. 😁

Thanks for sharing your list. You've definitely plunged yourself in the world of Faustina, hairstyles, and die-studies, and your list consist of coins that will make the heart of experts go faster. Since Im not an expert on Faustina coins, or hairstyles for that matter, I do enjoy watching your coins (and your topics), with a preference for the good looking ones 😉 And in that sense, your no. 8 is my favorite. Beautiful portrait, great patina with appealing browing colouring of the higher areas. Simply lovely! Thanks for your wishes, and I wish you the best in 2023 as well.

Thanks again for the help. I've picked the green tiny spots with a pick, nothing happened that I would expect with BD, so these might turn out to be just some sort of other deposits, or colouring. I'll keep an eye on it nevertheless. About Renaissance wax, not every collector is a proponent of using this. There's an interesting topic about it on CT, see here. Even including someone sharing his/her correspondance with the BM about it. I have some here, used it once, but noticed no significance difference. I dont think I'll use it on the Caligula, too concerned it might trap reoccurring BD. I also ordered a set of small JAX repatinating bottles, to make the corrossion spots more dark again. I've never used that before, and I'll be sure to share pictures once I've applied it, of the result. I dont have verdicare. I looked for it a while ago, it was sold out, and have forgotten about it. It's a coincidence that RC started this topic; i just ordered Gringgott's Bronze Disease Killer a few moments before it after seeing the green spots back on the coin. Good luck with your new coin, those spots look like a case of BD, but you'll know once you see it in hand. Might you need to treat it, I'd be interested in seeing your cleaning process!

Yes, good observation. Some of the coinage of Verus and Marcus Aurelius share the same reverse design. In their early joint reign, I imagine Marcus Aurelius working hard to opposse the rebellion in the east, and contemplating life as a philosopher, while Lucius Verus is dining, gambling and enjoying life with his mistress in Antioch. An iconic issue could be the two shaking hands as well (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=5978010 but also a more afforable sestertius) Since I dont have that type, therefore, from my collection, two with shared reverse design (with a particular strict looking Lucius Verus):

Well, as a dealer, how does the saying go? Never get high on your own supply? 😉 I voted for no. 7, thats some great toning you don't see often on RR coins.

No idea how you managed to get a top 10 from 190 coins, but your selection contains lovely and interesting coins! I voted for the olympia and Ariarathes I, with the first being my personal favorite. And Blargmablark, well, its like the sound my cat makes when some hair is stuck in its little throat... 😉

Well, its an interesting question, but I think impossible to give the most iconic reverse for all emperors. For one, emperors who reigned long enough struck coins commemorating various highlights of their reign, thus stating which of those was the most iconic would become a subjective matter. And second, some emperors struck various reverses commemorating the same event. Which of those is most iconic? For some of the earlier emperors, I can give you my personal view. And even then, its quite difficult for me to say without a doubt which reverse I think is the most iconic. Below is my go at it. I stopped at Commodus. Do note, most of these issues are not in my collection unfortunately..... - Augustus: denarius commemorating the victory over Mark Antony and Cleopatra at Actium. I think its after that desicive battle outcome, where the principate started. E.g. the denarius showing Apollo on the reverse (IMP X ACT). - Tiberius: not many choices obviously. The Livia reverse is most available and referred to the tribute penny of the bible, many want and will add that to their collection. But personally, I think a DIVVS AVGVSTVS coin is more fitting, honoring his predecessor and the continuation of the dynasty. (E.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=187296) - Caligula: I'd say the sestertius with his sisters Agrippina, Drusilla and Julia. (See e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3359299) (dont want to know what happened there...) - Claudius: in doubt whether it should be a IMPER RECEPT issue (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=3594740), or the issue commemorating his victory over Britain (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=247822) - Nero: I personally think the artistic highlight of coinage of the Julio Claudio dynasty was under Nero. And what coin would be better suitable then him on the reverse playing the lyre, as reference to the story of him burning down Rome... (e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=604444) - Galba: (im skipping vindex and macer here) The sestertius showing Galba on the reverse giving his speech in Carthago Nova, accepting the leadership of the revolt against Nero (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=139417) is quite iconic - Otho: none are interesting in my opinion, but a coin of him is a must have for the 12 C's set - Vitellius: difficult, but I'd say the issue with his children on the reverse, hoping to establish a new dynasty, but failing ultimately (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2663938). - Vespasian: obviously one of the various coins commemorating his victory in Judaea. - Titus: in my opinion, one of the two most iconic of all Roman coins, is his sestertius with the Colosseum reverse (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=7385258). The other iconic issue is of course the EID MAR issue of Brutus. - Domitian: not quite sure, either an issue referring to the Secular Games in 88 AD, or an issue with Minerva on the reverse? Maybe a flavian collector might add his opinion. - Nerva: unlike many, I don't think coinage of Nerva is boring. His very short reign was special, because somehow a civil war was avoided, after the death of Domitian and the end of the Flavian dynasty. He had to be able to manouvre between many factions, knowing that a misstep would cost him his life. I don't think there's an issue commemoration the adoption of Trajan, although there are very rare issues of Trajan commemorating Nerva. An option would be to go for an issue of Nerva, seeking the support of the people, the military, or the praetorians e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2951868 or https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=366642. Other interesting issues are commemorating his social programm, with which he gained popularity amongst the people. - Trajan: known for his military campaigns and expanding the borders of the empire to its largest extent, I think his column, or another conquest issue would fit (e.g Dacian captive issue). - Hadrian: famous for travelling, a travel issue would do. There are many to chose from. - Antoninius Pius: many interesting issues, but difficult to say which one is iconic. Maybe his issue with the temple for Faustina on the reverse, struck for Faustina after her death in 141. This temple still stands in the forum today. - Marcus Aurelius: despite him being known as the philosopher emperor, his reign was marked by more action packed activity of continous battles against invasions of the empire by Germanic tribes, and, earlier, tackling troubles in the east. Especially the campaign in the east would prove to be devestating for the empire, as the troops brought back the plague to Rome. So, I think an Parthian of Germanic issue would be fitting (e.g. https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=5532180) A germanic issue would also be interesting, because of the Hollywood blockbuster movie.... 😉 - Commodus: an issue of him as Hercules (https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=718649 or more affordable https://www.acsearch.info/search.html?id=2122853) Please feel free to add your own opinion!

Lovely lego recreation, and great that they are on display! Unfortunately, Hamburg is not around the corner, the show seems very interesting. My coin (description and photos needs an update): And another issue to the return of the standards. Despite it being struck a bit off the flan, I really like this coin because it has no portrait.

It was pretty bad, but I got most of it away. You can clearly see the areas on the picture. At the back of the head was the worst of it, but it was also on the lip of the portrait, and on the side, at eight o clock. (The scratch at the lip is my fault, I slipped (how to say this?) with the cleaning tool... I cried a bit 😞) I believe there must have been BD already, but that it was covered by repatinating it. When i picked some areas infected, the black patina let go and BD seem to appear. There are other corroded areas on the obverse, where the blackish patina also is gone now, but no BD appeared. E.g. the neck, just below the hairline and in the field in front of the chin of the portrait. Interestingly, the reverse shows no issues and is in XF state with lovely details. It's hard to see, but there are some tiny green spots left on the back of the hair of the portrait on the obverse. I can see it under a magnifier. But im not certain if these are deposits, or something else. Nothing happens when i gently pick at the spots. I will keep it in DW for a couple more weeks, and after receiving the chemicals, gently rub the infected areas. I also read about baking the coin in the oven for a little while. Also that it will make the coin darken. Have you had experience with this? And what setting do you use? thanks!

Happy to announce I received my gift! Thanks Secret Santa 🙂 Now let the wait begin! Curious if other participants have received their package yet?

Nice addition! Despite the wear, the portrait is excellent with the barbaric waving hairstyle. I also like that your issue shows the naked warrior on the reverse, which on some issues is not completely shown. One of these is high on my wantlist, but they demand a very high fee!

Lovely, varied list, congratulations! I like how liberty is actually writing the constitution on the reverse of your no. 10. And the portrait of the divine Vespasian is well rendered, overall a lovely addition.

A very interesting top list @Roerbakmix, and great written descriptions of high quality. And your chart is cherry on the cake, of course 😁 I'm intrigued by your no. 7, showing the confronting busts. Is it supposed to show a dynasty? Or is there something else going on? Your no. 2 is fascinating as well, the depiction of the figure on the obverse would perfectly fit the front cover of a Scandanavian fantasy novel! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

Sorry, missed this one before, but you mentioned it in the other topic! Congratulations on your RR coins. I votes for no 7 and 9. 7 because of the reverse, and no. 9 due to its eye appeal and lovely action packed reverse.

I cant give a straight answer to the posed question. I enjoy watching 'beautiful' coins (even though what is beautiful is different to many). Then there are beautiful rarities, and beautiful 'common' coins, and I enjoy looking at both. Then there are rarities that are so rare, that beauty is not an option. I also enjoy watching those. For me, from the perspective of a collector, it's both. Im very pleased to snatch a rarity in lesser quality, and likely will choose that over a more 'common' coin in better quality. And since my funds are limited, I must choose all the time. My collection is my collection because I collect the coins I like. From your perspective, and the question which coins you should add in your top list, why would you ask our opinion first? Would you change preferences if the outcome of your poll is beauty over rarity, or the other way? I think you should choose yourself; which coins do you like best, either be it beauty or rare. After all, it's your collection and these are your coins. By the way, 190 coins is a huge haul! Perhaps you should consider a top 100 😉

Good job. I just ordered some new chemicals at Noble. BD seems to be back at my Caligula as 😔

No, I did not join the party. Leu seems to attract bidders with deep pockets, maybe too deep. Although some prices realised are fair, and even some coins can be had for a friendly price, the large bulk of the prices are ridiculous if I compare them to other sold or offered items elsewhere. It seems to be going like this since covid and earlier Leu auctions were better from a buyers perspective. But I have no data to confirm this, its a mere feeling. Another problem for me at least, but this also goes for other auction houses, are the rising fees, shipping fees and customs fees. Latter is the case with Swiss (and Britain since brexit too) but also because buyers need.to pay customs clearance costs (?) over all packages, always, and it has become a lot stricter. So, all these fees eat a larger and larger.portion of my budget. So i have to chose more careful when I buy a coin from a non-EU country, and do so on fewer and fewer occasions. In no way is this a complaint, it's a fact and I know it comes with this hobby. Its just a bid sad though, especially the rising buyers fees. And Leu has great material to offer, so that attracts bidders of course. I apologize if this appears as a pointless rant, not my purpose.

Dynastic issues are interesting issues, and the issues served several puproses. E.g., for emperors these coins were a way to show the start of a new dynastic era, by promoting family members or adoptive family members as emperors-to-be. Another reason to issue dynastic coins was to honor family members that passed away and giving them divine status, or to boost your own image by honoring a notable and famous ancestor. The practice was already present in the times of the Republic (e.g., Brutus honoring his ancestor), and continued in Imperial times. Below you mag find two issues I added to my collection this year. Please show me your dynastic issues! Trajan's father, M. Ulpius Traianus, came from Italica in Baetica (souther Spain) and commanded Legio X Fretensis under Vespasian during the Jewish War. He was later granted patrician rank by the Emperor Vespasian and honoured with a consulship, probably in 70 AD. Governor of Syria for several years in the mid-70s, the highly successful public career of Trajan senior culminated with the prestigious proconsulship of Asia during the reign of Titus. His death probably occurred around 100 AD, but his deification and appearance on the Imperial coinage did not occur until late in the reign of his son, Emperor Trajan. Philip Hill argues that, similar to various other coin types of Trajan, the reverse of this coin was copied from a statue. The reign of Severus was unique for the production of an extensive series of coins combining the portraits of various members of the Imperial family in a variety of combinations - many of great beauty and exceptional iconographic interest. Issued mostly in the middle years of the reign, the aurei and denarii feature effigies of Severus himself, his wife Julia Domna, their sons Caracalla and Geta and Caracalla's wife Plautilla. All are rare to vary rare today. After the death of Septimius Severus at York, in Britain, on 4 February 211 AD, his sons Caracalla and Geta succeeded him. The joint rule would prove ill-fated however. After their fathers death, both Caracalla and Geta returned to Rome where they lived seperatly and talked about dividing the empire. Their relationship was marked by hatred and envy towards each other, but their mother, Julia Domna, exerted a great effort to mediate their differences. Her efforts would prove futile, as Caracalla on February 1, 212 AD, had Geta murdered in the arms of his mother by a deputation of centurions. Following Geta's murder, Caracalla ordered the proscription of Geta's supporters; by some accounts some 20.000 were executed. This coin also replaces my older Dynastic issue, shown below. It will be offered for sale soon next year.

Yes, I think more than half of the coins in my collection have been added because of their reverse. I like coins which show buildings on the reverse, or refer to a specific event. I have a wishlist which comrpises of mainly reverse types, which is comrpised of types I will most likely never gain, to the more 'common' types of which I just have not found the right one (yet). Some examples of coins in my collection, I got because of the reverse: edit: @CPKmentioned the coin of Titus, I have a specimen in my collection. It makes for a perfect stand in for a sestertius with colosseum reverse 😉

Crossed this issue of my want list a couple of weeks ago. Despite the marks on the reverse and the wear, I enjoy the details of Nero's market building. In his book Monumental coins, Marvin Tameanko notes that in 59 AD, Nero dedicated a new market building on the Caelian Hill, in Rome. The Macellum of Nero was designed by his court architects, Severus and Celer, two professionals who are mentioned by Tactitus as "having the genius and audacity to attempt by art what nature had refused" referring to the dome, and the Macellum of Nero indeed shows an impressive dome. Tameanko notes that the original dome might have measured 36 meters in diameter. The market building is last heard of in the 4th century. Whether or not the church of S. Stefano Rotondo was built over the remains of the Macellum of Nero is debated. According to Tameanko, Rome (had) possessed at least three Macellums, market buildings. The first, burned down in 210 BC and rebuilt in 179 BC, was removed to make way for the new imperial fora. Another market building, the Macellum Liviae, was built by Augustus and dedicated by Tiberius in 7 BC, and was located on the Esquiline Hill. The two-story market building of Nero would have contained various shops for luxury goods and foods, but also would have housed service providers such as bankers, loan brokers and other commerce businessess. Historians believe the building would have been part of a larger open structure, housing various stalls, a covered portico and animal pens. Philip Hill notes (p. 40) that MAC AVG stands for MACELLUM AVGVSTI, the market of Nero (ref. Mattingly).

Wow! That's a huge haul in 2022! And all are exquisite coins as well, beautiful! They are not in your top 10, but for example your coins of Domitian, Nerva and Verus are marvellous and really stood out for me. When it comes to your top 10, I really like the portrait of Nero, with a little bit of chin hair shown. And your tribute penny is a beautiful specimen as well.

I think the reverse is described as: DACIA, Dacia standing left, holding draco standard or vertical staff surmounted by ass's head. I don't have RIC, so basing it on online resources.

Nice catch! I can image that the sound of dozens of those carnyces in the dark woods of Dacia would have been very impressive (and scary)! I don't have a specimen of your coin, but here's a coin with the carnyx on the reverse: