Salomons Cat

Ethically and morally, carrying coins that are rightfully yours across borders is completely okay. But the legal aspects and how officials react when they see old coins are often crackbrained and ignorant (see here). Even if you are the rightful owner. To take no risk, I would ask the airport customs administration via telephone if you have to declare them and if this is complicated or not. If they cannot help you there, I would indeed consider just putting the coins in the wallet. But the X-rays are quite precise, so I assume that they could detect coin flips and they might also notice the unusually large size of the coins. Therefore, I would think a bit about how to arrange everything in the wallet to make detection via X-rays unlikely.

I propose streamlining the main page by relocating the extensive list of Benefactors, Patrons, and Supporters. While acknowledging their significance, a condensed link placed at the top of the page would suffice. Constant visibility of this exhaustive list detracts from the clarity and simplicity of the main page, making it overwhelming for daily use.

Interesting. Does this coin also have a reverse? 🙂

Congratulations! I like Vespasians denarii a lot. Unfortunately, the Flavian coins are usually quite expensive. I have 3 coins that bear his portrait. This coin displays a very early portrait. The coin was issued before Vespasian reached Rome, AD 69-70. One day, I will replace my amateurish photo of this coin. It looks better in hand. Another rather early type, RIC 29, struck about AD 70. I will just quote from David Athertons comment on this issue: The seated Pax was likely struck in such vast numbers so early in Vespasian's reign as a propaganda type to help heal the many wounds after a devastating Civil War and the rebellions in Batavia and Judaea. The restoration of the Roman World was a major theme of the fledgling Flavian dynasty. The coinage announced 'all would be well'. Divus Vespasian, struck under Titus, AD 79-80, RIC² 359a. Reverse: E-X; SC on round shield set on column, upon which an urn sits, laurel branch to each side.

In Switzerland, the money equals 30% of a nice 3.5 bedroom apartment in the center of one of the big cities. Garage included. But you'll still need a mortgage for the other 70%.

I'm still quite new here - it might well be that Severus Alexander doesn't even know me. But I really like his posts and coins and I already wondered where he might be. It's metastasized basal cell carcinoma, stage IV and terminal. He told this here. I'm really shocked to hear about his illness. And I hope that the current therapy works well. Here's my most recent coin, Severus Alexander with Jupiter in heroic fighter pose hurling a bolt of lightning. I wish all the best to Severus Alexander and his family!

Congratulations! A hammer price of 1300$ for this attractive lifetime portrait is excellent!

Really good that you pointed this out again. When looking at the most recent posts here (including mine) we obviously started neglecting this fact at some point. But I must mention 1 other thing about the Domitian issue: What HJB wrote here is not entirely true. Or at least the phrasing can be slightly misguiding. Yes - on the ANACS encapsulation, the coin was described a Titus issue which was wrong (which seems a bit funny and concerning for such an expensive coin!). But CNG has already described the coin correctly as a Divus Titus, before the cleaning. So, the cleaning was not necessary to reveal this legend. CNG was just not correct about the fact that the coin was encrusted and not corroded. That's the single new fact that was discovered by HJB. But CNG didn't take the coin out of the slab, so the difference was probably not visible to them. Anyway - my personal conclusion is that everyone should be a bit more precise with their descriptions of these $100'000 items...

I would never call myself an expert. I've just done some 3-minute research. That's how I can tell you that the first coin was auctioned for $85,000 in 2017 (Gemini) and the lower one for $20,000 just half a year ago (CNG). Interestingly, the CNG specimen had a different surface half a year ago. They did some additional cleaning on the second coin. I see 2 reasons. 1) The second coin has undergone some cleaning since the last sale. It might seem safer for HJB to sell it alongside another specimen, allowing for a comparison of styles. 2) I believe there are around 80 specimens (?) of this coin still in existence. @David Atherton likely knows the exact number. However, currently, these two appear to be the only specimens on the market. As usual, when a coin like this enters the market, having two available simultaneously might be overwhelming for the market. Selling them separately could significantly reduce the price. It's much easier to find two persons who really want this coin and are willing to pay any price than it is to find 3 or 4 such buyers. If they are sold together, the price will likely be much higher.

@Prieure de Sion, excellent write-up, and I'm sorry to hear about this unfortunate outcome. As you pointed out, the coin was previously withdrawn from another auction, likely examined in hand, and it seems to be a double die match to the Demetrios7107 coin. All signs currently point to it being a counterfeit. In my experience, I've only held a fake Roman coin once. In a photograph, it might deceive someone, but the difference was immediately apparent when I physically handled it. I'm intrigued: Have you received the coin yet? What was your impression upon holding it?

Sorry for the late response! I have a lot of work at the moment and a very tight schedule. Thank you very much for your kind words, @JeandAcre and @Steppenfool! Absolutely right! This is a particularly early example from the Rome mint. Vespasian, during his initial year as emperor, stayed in Egypt, only reaching Rome around the middle of 70 AD. The coin's engravers did not have a bust of Vespasian yet and they were evidently struggling with the portrait. There is a broad range of portrait types and styles from that period. Regarding the portrait on my coin, I don't see a resemblance to Galba - the mandible isn't pronounced enough, and the nose isn't sufficiently elongated. It appears to me that the engravers actually attempted a depiction of Vespasian, but they only had a vague idea about what he might have looked like. There's a reverse die match on a coin that CNG previously auctioned, dating the coin to around AD 69-early 70. My assumption is that my coin was minted slightly earlier than the CNG specimen (because of the more insecure portrait and because the reverse die seems a bit fresher). On the CNG specimen they got the nose quite well. But they blessed him with too much hair and with a funny haircut. The Elagabalus coin is indeed a grail coin for me. By the way - I've shown this coin to many people who aren't coin collectors, and they were all fascinated by its story, showing a lot of interest. It's the first time that I got so much feedback for a coin from non-collectors. So if I had to choose a coin from my collection that I wanted to present to non-collectors to capture their interest, it would be that one. I wonder why there hasn't been a Hollywood movie about the entire story yet.

I do not know Star Trek well enough. Although my father is a big fan. What exactly is the difference between the money that we have now and the Star Trek currency? Do I understand it correctly that the Star Trek currency can only be used for goods and services that serve humanity? So, for example, it would not be possible to buy cocaine with it? I think that this would not even be feasible if we switch to some kind of electronic currency. I don't know how this currency that is tied to honor or progress could work in practice. My idea would be artificial intelligence. I know that this is exactly what everyone is afraid of. But what could be better and fairer for something as complex as governing a state? The status quo does not seem satisfactory. I doubt that humans do it better.

I just won this denarius of Severus Alexander. SEVERUS ALEXANDER (222-235). Denarius. Rome, AD 231-235. Obv: IMP ALEXANDER PIVS AVG. Laureate and draped bust right. Rev: IOVIS PROPVGNATOR. Jupiter standing right, hurling thunderbolt. RIC 240. Despite the abundance of well-preserved coins from his era, finding a denarius that truly resonated with me took a few months. I've finally discovered one that appeals to me both aesthetically and historically. The depiction of Jupiter on the reverse particularly intrigues me, as it strikingly contrasts with his predecessor Elagabal's preference. According to Cassius Dio, Elagabal prioritized the Syrian sun god over Jupiter. Given that I primarily collect one silver coin per emperor, I like this one as a representative specimen for Severus Alexander.

Thank you all very much!! It seems that Julius Caesar is leading. So far, 77% have agreed that he should be among the 3 top picks. I love this coin - I like the portrait, the shape, the interesting provenance. Although it's not a lifetime issue, it's a big achievement for me. But I must say that I would have more trouble to find another Elagabalus with Stone of Emesa, a Commodus as Hercules, the Flavians or Nerva denarius in this condition. Really interesting that JC still won. I will never again underestimate the popularity of JC's denarii 😄 Makes totally sense. Picking a favorite is always a matter of perspective. When looking at it like this, then JC must be the winner. Another perspective that I cannot argue against. Yes, I remember it from the "Roman Coins in Reverse - a Chronological Gallery" thread. I was really jealous when I saw the 2 specimens there. At that time I couldn't imagine that I would soon own one, too.

Democracy is not the best form of government, anyway. Democracy also means that 2 wolves and a sheep can vote what they will have for dinner. We will probably have a better survival rate and a fairer society if we accept artificial intelligence as our ruler.

The nuclear bomb was invented in 1945. If the author had known that, I think that he would not have written this: I could imagine a cold war between both nations. But a ‚hot war’ would probably lead to so much destruction that we wouldn‘t recognize the world anymore. I think that a nuclear war would be so quick and destructive that all other nations wouldn‘t even have time to form a „world state“. If we ever form a world state, then I think that it will be a slow process, like the formation of the European Union. And there is also another reason why I do not agree with his prediction: One problem is that humans usually need an enemy, a feeling of ‚We vs. the others‘. So, a world state will only be possible if we find a common enemy. I hope that at some point everyone will realize that our common enemies are cancer, heart disease, dementia, pathogenic bacteria and viruses, black holes, meteorites… and so on. When all humans come to this realization we can start to create a world state. But it will not be a process that we reach by war. (By the way, if it wasn’t obvious: This is not intended to be about politics. It‘s just pure imagination.)

Here's my (new) Julius Caesar portrait denarius. Julius Caesar. Denarius. Mussidius Longus, moneyer, Rome, 42 BC. Rev: Rudder, cornucopiae set upon globe, winged caduceus, and pileus. Provenance: Ex James Knox Collection (Leu 12/2023) and Herbert Sukenik 'Mayflower Collection' (Hertiage Auctions 2012). If you're interested, here is an article about Herbert Sukenik. Because I find it interesting: Suetonius has left us an interesting and vivid account of some of Caesar's physical characteristics: 'He is said to have be tall of stature, with a fair complexion, shapely limbs, a somewhat disproportionately large mouth, and keen black eyes. His baldness was a disfigurement that worried him greatly. Because of it he used to comb forward his scanty locks from the crown of his head; and of all the honours that were voted him by Senate and People there was none that he accepted or made use of more gladly than the privilege of wearing a laurel-wreath on all occasions.'

Edessa --> Antioch HADRIAN (117-138). Denarius. Antioch. Weight: 3.05g, Diameter: 17mm. Obv: IMP CAES TRAIAN HADRIANO OPT AVG GER DAC. Laureate and cuirassed bust right. Rev: PARTHIC DIVI TRAIAN AVG F P M TR P COS P P / ADOPTIO. Trajan and Hadrian standing vis-à-vis, clasping hands; one emperor holding scroll. RIC² 2959.

Makes sense... Most kinds of interaction with the time lime (with good intentions) would probably speed up human development. And faster development means self-destruction will happen sooner 🤔 But this was specifically not what I wanted to hear 😂 I actually wrote 2100 first, but then I corrected it to sound more optimistic.

Ok, first off topic question. When do you think will be the end of the world? I suspect it might be around 2500 AD. I imagine a scenario where someone like Caligula or a religious fanatic will get his hands on some nuclear bombs, leading to catastrophe. Nuclear bombs were invented only 90 years ago. And not a single day passes without them being mentioned in newspapers as an imminent threat. Please, please! Share some more optimistic views - it‘s not good to start the new year with thoughts about the apocalypse 😄

I know that it is objectively wrong not to choose the Colosseum sestertius as #1. But as a Roman silver coin collector, this one must be my favorite... Such a great coin! 😍 And on top, at least in my opinion, you got it for a good price... Another favorite of mine is the Colosseum Sestertius. As for the third of my favorites, it's difficult for me to decide between the Titus as Caesar Engraver's Error Denarius, the Unique Vespasian Military Mint Denarius, and the Vespasian 'O' Mint Mule. I have a tendency towards the Military Mint Denarius because it's easy to tell an interesting story about the coin and it shows a special portrait - with a lot of hair.

Then I would have 50'000 of these here. Not bad. Might be my coin with the highest market value. But which ancient coin collector would want to have an exact copy of another coin? 🤔

Over the past year, my Roman silver coin collection has seen remarkable growth, making it arguably the most prolific year in terms of acquisitions that I may ever experience. My journey with Roman coins began two decades ago, starting with a humble and modest assortment. However, it was only in the past year that I started acquiring high value coins and participating in auctions. Below, I present my top 10 acquisitions from the past year, arranged in chronological order. Postumius Albinus, 81 BC. This coin shows the first documented personification of Hispania. Julius Caesar, 42 BC. Ex James Knox collection. But this coin also has another special provenance as a part of the ‘Mayflower collection’. The name refers to the Mayflower Hotel where Herbert Sukenik lived in 2004. He was intellectually brilliant, embittered, lonely and refused to leave the Mayflower Hotel when investors planned to take it down to make place for something else. He only agreed to move out after they purchased a park-view apartment for him at $2 million and additionally compensated him with $17 million. Numerous online newspaper articles about Sukenik imply that his resistance was probably not even financially motivated; he neither needed the money nor intended to share it. Most likely, he just wanted to maximize inconvenience for anyone who was involved. Sukenik passed away in 2011, and his coin collection was subsequently auctioned by Heritage Auctions in 2012. Nero, AD 65. This tetradrachm shows my favorite portrait of Nero. Vespasian, AD 69-79. A very complete Judaea capta denarius. Titus as Caesar, AD 72-73. This Judaea Capta denarius, struck in Antioch, exhibits the typical Antioch style with a thick and small flan and featuring a high relief. Julia Titi, AD 80-81. David Atherton notes that her denarii were not minted in large quantities, suggesting that RIC's frequency rating of 'C2' (very common) could be an overestimation. From my experience, this was the only denarius of hers in such condition I came across in the past year within my budget. Fortunately, I was able to purchase it. Nerva, AD 96. The reverse “concordia exercitum” can be interpreted as a wish for harmony and common interest between the emperor and the army. It is not known if Nerva himself participated in Domitians assassination. Despite being assassinated, Domitian had been extremely popular with the army. The Praetorian Guards mutinied under their commander, Casperius Aelianus, in October 97 and they demanded that Nerva hand over Domitian's assassins. Nerva was forced to comply and he was so shaken by this that he decided to adopt a strong, military heir. He chose Marcus Ulpius Traianus (Trajan), a highly successful commander and also the governor of Upper Germany. Trajan's promotion was extremely popular with the Rhine legions. Hadrian, AD 134-138. Hadrian spent half of his 21-year reign on the road, visiting almost every province of the vast empire. In Egypt, Hadrian’s beloved young companion Antinoüs, drowned in the Nile under mysterious circumstances during the emperor’s visit in 130. NILUS, the personification of the river is shown on the reverse. Ex CNG 1989. Commodus, AD 191-192. This coin features a clear and high relief, which is quite uncommon for this type. Additionally, it boasts a beautiful golden toning. Ex Jeremy from NumisForums. I also managed to acquire another exceptional denarius of Commodus as Hercules from Prieure de Sions shop, which has been showcased here before. Both coins are among the finest specimens documented on acsearch. Notably, a Commodus Hercules coin is ranked #83 in HJB’s 100 Greatest Ancient Coins. Elagabalus, AD 218-219. This coin is among the finest examples listed on acsearch. I was pleasantly surprised to secure it at a recent auction for an exceptionally reasonable price. A coin featuring Elagabalus and the Stone of Emesa ranks #76 in HJB’s 100 Greatest Ancient Coins. If anything could make it even more iconic, then it is certainly @TIF's brilliant post on cointalk from 2014, including her dramatic reenactment. Truly genius! 😃 A very late but sincere "Thank you" from my side. I love this coin. Ex Jay Smith Collection of coins of Elagabalus. I’m very curious about which ones are your favorites.

Capable, strong, brutal to the environment, attention to details. When I look at it, I see Domitian. This is clearly the automotive equivalent of a Domitian denarius 😃

Elagabalus (Source)