Medoraman

Funny you would say that. I think of Byzantine and Chinese similarly, both are not attractive to those who only collect for artistry, but for what the coin is and represents. I find they have more in common than Byzantine and Greek tetradrachms do.

Sorry for late reply. My wife says three crabs, MegaChef or Red Boat are all really quality brands if you want to compare.

Good topic. I guess maybe my first ancient, a pretty emerald green Larissa bronze, or such items I lucked into like a XF Alexander tet with a Bowers and Ruddy flip. I bought a whole collection of Greek bronzes from Stacks that were all bought in the 60s and 70s, still listing the dealer lot numbers. That is pretty cool. Then, there is the literal definition of irreplaceable. I own a few items identified as unique. I guess that is the other answer.

I find that all coins have a taste or interest that can be acquired. The one I have never caught yet is Islamic except for pre-reform coinage and Turkomen figural bronzes. I just haven't gotten into the script types, don't know why. I do find disassociated collections help maintain an interest in numismatics. I get bored with all sections I collect, usually due to no material on the market then, so rotate through them based upon availability. Sometimes I can go years without seeing areas for sale like Parthian bronzes, then a lot hit the market and I buy a lot of them. This keeps me from getting bored like I am sure I would if only collecting a narrow hobby. But, I am also a hoarder. My latest purchase was actually a stone, lapis lazuli weighing 6.3 pounds in the black hills, so I guess I will always find something to buy lol.

Good summation. I have to say basically Sear is the one book "catalog", and Grierson has information no other one volume, (or any volume), has. Those would by my 2 choices starting out if I had to choose 2. The Witting book can be had cheap on Ebay at times, and for a lower price good to pick up.

Shhh man, quit advertising them. Geez, keep this on the downlow and maybe we can keep this area to ourselves and just a few others! Seriously, it's a fascinating area. Not a lot of material on the market, though, for anything other than a few common issues. I am only somewhat tongue in cheek about keeping it quiet. Not much material, just a little more interest and prices would skyrocket

Congratulations on the Ai Khanoum pieces. I would have lusted after them, (I did buy an extremely nice early contemporary derivative piece a few years ago from Roma), but was able to first buy a nice one, then a group lot of decent ones from Album a while ago. They are very important pieces, both from an important mint but also as prototypes for dominant Samarkand coinage later. Roma is my go to source for coinage of this era/area, and have nothing but good things to say about them there. Unfortunately I just got back tonight from the big summer vacation with the family. 😞

I cannot imagine, without a definitive recipe being found, and considering it was made by thousands of producers across the empire, it would be much different than Thai Nam pla. That is what they have used for untold centuries. Basic garam, from what I have read, is similar. Layer in small fish like sardines, layer of salt, layer of fish, salt, repeat until full. Then put weight on lid and wait for fermentation, strain, and use. Please, I am curious, get a good bottle of Nam pla and let me know if it is similar.