red_spork Posted July 16, 2022 · Member Share Posted July 16, 2022 I recently picked up a victoriatus which brings the total count in my collection to 18 different varieties. That may seem like a lot but I'm actually only about a quarter of the way to completing the series and still missing both many of the most common varieties and many of the rarest ones. This type is one of the scarcer varieties with a mintmark LT. Unlike the much more common L mintmarked victoriati, these with LT probably weren't minted at Luceria but instead, represent the transition away from Luceria to another mint, likely still in Apulia but closer to the fighting and where the money would be spent(contra Crawford, who thinks T may just refer to a mintmaster). Andrew McCabe suggests that mint might be Herdonia under Quintus Fabius Maximus filius and the abrupt change in style does suggest that it is a different mint. As you can probably tell from the picture, this coin did come slabbed. Normally I try to avoid buying slabbed coins, but this coin was very attractively priced because this dealer inexplicably listed a large group of slabbed victoriati in economy(no strike/surface) slabs and priced them all based on the slab grade - so every "MS" coin, whether it was off struck and missing half the reverse or badly corroded or had a massive die crack running across it cost the same. Most were overpriced but this was a bargain. Of course, I made sure to crack it out as soon as it got home, and while I haven't had time to take my own good photographs of it or a video, I did take some quick "in-hand" shots because this coin is truly breathtaking, particularly the well-detailed reverse. Roman Republic AR Victoriatus(3.81g), Anonymous("LT" series). ca. 214-212 B.C., Central Apulian mint under, perhaps under Quintus Fabius Maximus filius at Herdonia. Laureate head of Jupiter right. Border of dots / Victory standing right, crowning trophy with wreath; LT between. ROMA in exergue. Line border. Crawford 98a/1b Formerly slabbed by NGC 4374477-040 graded MS In-hand shots: 27 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antwerpen2306 Posted July 22, 2022 · Member Share Posted July 22, 2022 beautiful coin with all details.I am really 'jealous' of your collection of 18 different varieties, but y interest is particulary the Dioscuri coins. I have two victoriati in my collection, but I am not sure for the reference Cr 44,1 Cr 53/1 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Steve Posted July 22, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted July 22, 2022 Wow, that's a beauty, red_spork (hi) Congrats on adding that OP-winner! Ummm, I had a pretty sweet example back in the day as well ... wanna see it? Roman Republic, Anonymous AR Victoriatus (Rome mint) Date: After 211 BC Diameter: 17.9 mm Weight: 2.9 grams Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter Reverse: Victory standing right, crowning trophy References: Crawford 53/1 Characteristics: Good style, perfect centering and high grade … It was voted best of type in Forvm galleries in 2014 (and may still hold the title?) Ex-stevex6 … From the Professor James R. Eaton Collection 14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted August 20, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted August 20, 2022 Super Victoriatus, @red_spork! I really enjoy the mint-mark variation... I wonder where it was? I only have a few of these little gems. This one is a favorite, as it has a pig... Jordan, when I review ACSearch, I see many of these described as "Rare". However, they list 14, and I have seen these offered a few times. I know that Auctions and Sellers like to hype "Rare and Scarce," etc. But, I thought the Sow series was a little more common, maybe "scarce". Your thoughts? I like my worn Jupiter as it loos as he is clean-shaved. Maybe a "rare"-day for Jupiter to be clean-cut... RR Victoriatus 206-195 BCE AR 16-5mm 2-61g Jupiter r Victory crowning trophy sow r in ex ROMA Syd 253 Russo RBW 554 Cr 121-1 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Benefactor Phil Davis Posted August 20, 2022 · Benefactor Benefactor Share Posted August 20, 2022 10 minutes ago, Alegandron said: Super Victoriatus, @red_spork! I really enjoy the mint-mark variation... I wonder where it was? I only have a few of these little gems. This one is a favorite, as it has a pig... Jordan, when I review ACSearch, I see many of these described as "Rare". However, they list 14, and I have seen these offered a few times. I know that Auctions and Sellers like to hype "Rare and Scarce," etc. But, I thought the Sow series was a little more common, maybe "scarce". Your thoughts? I like my worn Jupiter as it loos as he is clean-shaved. Maybe a "rare"-day for Jupiter to be clean-cut... RR Victoriatus 206-195 BCE AR 16-5mm 2-61g Jupiter r Victory crowning trophy sow r in ex ROMA Syd 253 Russo RBW 554 Cr 121-1 Imo, a lot of dealers are a bit too quick to throw "rare" around. "Scarce" is correct for your coin, although I suppose it really comes down to definitions of the terms. By any definition, all the victoriati with symbols are at least scarce. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alegandron Posted August 20, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted August 20, 2022 7 minutes ago, Phil Davis said: Imo, a lot of dealers are a bit too quick to throw "rare" around. "Scarce" is correct for your coin, although I suppose it really comes down to definitions of the terms. By any definition, all the victoriati with symbols are at least scarce. Thank you Phil! Yeah, I figgerred so, especially when dealers and auctions want to "market" their wares. 🙂 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prieure de Sion Posted August 20, 2022 · Member Share Posted August 20, 2022 Victoriatus of the Roman Republic Period 211/210 BC * Material: Silver * Mint: Apulia * Reference: Crawford RRC 102/1 * Obverse: Laureate head of Jupiter, right. Border of dots * Reverse: Victory, right, crowning trophy. Line border. Controlmark Q. The Inscription reads: ROMA Oh an Victoriatus Thread" Thats fine - here is mine. 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
antwerpen2306 Posted September 10, 2022 · Member Share Posted September 10, 2022 @Prieure de Sionthats fine, but very complicated because , for me, Crawford is not evident and, looking the pictures in my book, it is not clear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edessa Posted September 11, 2022 · Supporter Share Posted September 11, 2022 Roman Republic. Anonymous. 207 BC. AR Victoriatus (17mm, 2.86g, 3h). Crescent (first) Series. Rome mint. Obv: Laureate head of Jupiter right. Rev: Victory standing right, crowning trophy; crescent between; ROMA in exergue. Ref: Crawford 57/1; Sydenham 220; RSC Anon 24d; RBW 217. One of the first ancients I bought way back in 1992 from Argos. 6 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.