Deinomenid Posted November 1, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted November 1, 2023 On 10/30/2023 at 3:51 AM, David Atherton said: Aaron Berk estimates there are no more than 80 of these coins in existence today There used to be 81. A Hallowe'en tale. There's a great article in the Celator from Alan Walker on a spectacular discovery he made about one of these these coins. It had the most fabulous provenance back to the 1840's. Initially sold "At midday on the 4th of March. 1847, the choice and reserved collection of Roman First Brass coins and medals of lohn Robert Steuart, Esq." was sold by S, Leigh Sotheby & Co" etc. I won't completely spoil the story, but this coin passed amongst the great, including Sir Arthur Evans & Bunbury, de Sartiges bid on it etc. It took 150 years for anyone (Dr Walker) to figure out the mistake. The coin was apparently first found in the ruins of Pompeii. Destroyed when? 79AD. This coin was minted err in 80-81. It unraveled from there. More here -https://social.vcoins.com/files/file/94-vol-09-no-03-march-1995/ Page 35-37. Sleep tight. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor DonnaML Posted November 1, 2023 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted November 1, 2023 2 hours ago, Deinomenid said: There used to be 81. A Hallowe'en tale. There's a great article in the Celator from Alan Walker on a spectacular discovery he made about one of these these coins. It had the most fabulous provenance back to the 1840's. Initially sold "At midday on the 4th of March. 1847, the choice and reserved collection of Roman First Brass coins and medals of lohn Robert Steuart, Esq." was sold by S, Leigh Sotheby & Co" etc. I won't completely spoil the story, but this coin passed amongst the great, including Sir Arthur Evans & Bunbury, de Sartiges bid on it etc. It took 150 years for anyone (Dr Walker) to figure out the mistake. The coin was apparently first found in the ruins of Pompeii. Destroyed when? 79AD. This coin was minted err in 80-81. It unraveled from there. More here -https://social.vcoins.com/files/file/94-vol-09-no-03-march-1995/ Page 35-37. Sleep tight. Quite a fascinating tale. I can't believe it took 150 years for someone to ask the obvious question! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Octavius Posted November 1, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted November 1, 2023 In my opinion,that is the most fantastic, iconic and amazing Roman coin ever struck. It's on my dream list too ,some day. Congratulations! 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted November 1, 2023 · Member Author Share Posted November 1, 2023 4 hours ago, Deinomenid said: There used to be 81. A Hallowe'en tale. There's a great article in the Celator from Alan Walker on a spectacular discovery he made about one of these these coins. It had the most fabulous provenance back to the 1840's. Initially sold "At midday on the 4th of March. 1847, the choice and reserved collection of Roman First Brass coins and medals of lohn Robert Steuart, Esq." was sold by S, Leigh Sotheby & Co" etc. I won't completely spoil the story, but this coin passed amongst the great, including Sir Arthur Evans & Bunbury, de Sartiges bid on it etc. It took 150 years for anyone (Dr Walker) to figure out the mistake. The coin was apparently first found in the ruins of Pompeii. Destroyed when? 79AD. This coin was minted err in 80-81. It unraveled from there. More here -https://social.vcoins.com/files/file/94-vol-09-no-03-march-1995/ Page 35-37. Sleep tight. I love reading Alan Walker. Thanks for posting this! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julius Germanicus Posted November 1, 2023 · Member Share Posted November 1, 2023 Congratulations to a once-in-a-lifetime coin! Celebrating with not just one, but TWO Lego Colosseums 😀 9 1 1 3 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heliodromus Posted November 1, 2023 · Member Share Posted November 1, 2023 47 minutes ago, Julius Germanicus said: Congratulations to a once-in-a-lifetime coin! Celebrating with not just one, but TWO Lego Colosseums 😀 Now you just need to build the underground parts, complete with working lifts to bring the beasts to the arena! 1 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted November 3, 2023 · Member Author Share Posted November 3, 2023 On 11/1/2023 at 12:23 PM, Julius Germanicus said: Congratulations to a once-in-a-lifetime coin! Celebrating with not just one, but TWO Lego Colosseums 😀 I've always wanted one of those, but the daunting assembly frightened me off! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julius Germanicus Posted November 3, 2023 · Member Share Posted November 3, 2023 4 hours ago, David Atherton said: I've always wanted one of those, but the daunting assembly frightened me off! Note that these are both not the Lego set you can buy , but my own designs (in different scales). 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tejas Posted November 3, 2023 · Member Share Posted November 3, 2023 That is an amazing coin. I really like the video. If these were handed out as souvenirs during the games, this didn't apparently prevent people from using them in day to day transactions. Otherwise, we would not see this kind of wear. I guess this sestertius must have circulated some 50 years to aquire this kind of wear. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Atherton Posted November 3, 2023 · Member Author Share Posted November 3, 2023 6 hours ago, Tejas said: That is an amazing coin. I really like the video. If these were handed out as souvenirs during the games, this didn't apparently prevent people from using them in day to day transactions. Otherwise, we would not see this kind of wear. I guess this sestertius must have circulated some 50 years to aquire this kind of wear. Yes, likely handed out as souvenirs, but later used as currency. The alternative is they were struck as currency to commemorate the opening games and of course circulated as such! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shea19 Posted November 4, 2023 · Supporter Share Posted November 4, 2023 Congrats David! A true “grail” coin, amazing addition to your collection! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nerosmyfavorite68 Posted November 4, 2023 · Member Share Posted November 4, 2023 18 hours ago, David Atherton said: Yes, likely handed out as souvenirs, but later used as currency. The alternative is they were struck as currency to commemorate the opening games and of course circulated as such! Or, perhaps that was the opening day ticket? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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