Second try with a Lydian trite. UPDATE: I went with "B" :)

Weiss · April 22, 2005 5:08AM

Update:

Thanks to all who weighed in on this decision! Centering of the image is important, but the desirability of these coins is based primarily on three key points: the "wart" above the eye (which I believe is actually the sun), the clarity of the eye itself, and the detail of the mane. All three of those points are crystal clear on "B". And the image is virtually identical to my icon coin, a silver siglos that immediately followed this series.

I spoke with Harlan Berk this morning (Saturday). He called me from the bourse in Rosemont to get my thoughts on the coin. Truthfully, the coin had grown on me considerably over the last 24 hours. The color of electrum is so unique. It's pale without being brassy, yet it's still warm and comfortable to the eye. The coin is tiny in size because it's so thick. But at 4.74 grams, it weighs more than a quarter eagle and just a tad less than a US nickel. But the weight is concentrated in a fine point about the size and shape of a raisin. When you feel that concetration of weight in such a small unit, it really brings home that this is it: the genesis of our hobby. All coins began from this tiny, heavy, pale gold form.

We discussed the coin, Harlan addressed my concerns, gave me his thoughts. I decided it's got to be mine

I know it's been said before, Harlan J. Berk is absolutely top notch. He sent me "B" to look at via FedEx with virtually no notice late on Thursday, and with no obligation, simply based on one previous purchase a year ago (my icon coin). Harlan said he'd continue to seek out one with the centering and flan size of "A" but with the detail of "B", and would take "B" back in trade against it. He also offered to professionally photograph the trite free of charge. He bent over backward to help me out with this purchase and I can't say enough about his service.

______________________________________________
So I posted earlier that I thought I'd found the Trite of my dreams, but Harlan Berk examined the coin and said it wasn't "all that". I believe he's up in Rosemont right now, and was able to not only locate another example, but he FedExed it to me overnight so that I could examine it myself.

The strike is better, but it's on a smaller, thicker flan. Consequently, the image isn't as well "framed" as the other example. I'd like to use the image of the coin I eventually settle on as an icon for my business (The Electrum Group), so having non-numis-people able to at least understand that it's a dog, dragon, or lion without just thinking it's a bunch of lines is pretty important to me.

Which do you like better? A:

or B (keeping in mind my less than stellar photgraphic skills):

Or am I being too picky about detail mushiness and centering?

tbirde56 · April 22, 2005 5:24AM

B looks to be a grade better than A to me.

ccrdragon · April 22, 2005 5:29AM

b - much nicer strike even if a bit smaller flan

Weiss · April 22, 2005 6:45AM

Thanks, guys. It's one of those gut check things where you have to decide it's "the one". It's hard to balance expectations with reality, I just don't know if either will give me the identity that I'm after.

Anyone else?

coinrookie · April 22, 2005 6:45AM

I think B is a nicer example.

Steve

coachleonard · April 22, 2005 7:04AM

coachleonard · April 22, 2005 7:08AM

(ignore previous post)
I like B. But then when i' m at the optometrist i always waffle when they ask 'Is lens 1 clearer.....or lense 2..?

YC · April 22, 2005 8:19AM

I will go for A.

AuldFartte · April 22, 2005 8:41AM

Tough decision. "B" has the better strike, but "A" has the more complete "portrait". I'm certainly no expert, but I rather like "A" better.

JZrarities · April 22, 2005 9:31AM

I like Coin-A better, but the image of B better.

A couple of Photo-shoots of Coin-A on a black background...hmmm...

spoon · April 22, 2005 9:55AM

The strike/condition of B is definitely better. But as you mentioned A has a more complete portrait and better framing. For the collection, I'd say B.

For the business logo, keep in mind that you can digitally enhance your picture: if dealing with the small thick flan, you can enlarge it in the pic; if details are distracting and not conducive to a business aesthetic, you can remove or alter them; etc.

Whatever your choice, enjoy!

coinkat · April 22, 2005 11:01AM

I am not an expert in this time period, however, I just do not think a decision can be made on the images seen here. What is the weight of the two coins? While it looks as if A is the larger coin, it could be but then again, pictures can be deceiving. Both coins are attractive but consider asking about the weight...

Weiss · April 22, 2005 11:15AM

<< <i>What is the weight of the two coins? While it looks as if A is the larger coin, it could be but then again, pictures can be deceiving. Both coins are attractive but consider asking about the weight... >>

Coinkat, the weights for most of the coins in this series are remarkably similar, especially considering their age. That's actually one of the many reasons that those who consider them to be the first "real" coins feel as they do--the uniformity in weight means they could easily have been used in trade, they weren't "random" nuggets, they were intended to have the same "value".

They're all in the 4.7 to 4.75 gram weight. The one on top clocks in at 4.72 (at least that's what their info said). The one on the bottom is listed at 4.74 grams. 2 hundredths of a gram difference on a 2600 year old coin! Can you believe it?

coinkat · April 22, 2005 11:26AM

Weiss:

This even becomes an impossible decision, but based on the photos and the additional information that you provided, I would go with B

SethChandler · April 22, 2005 1:54PM

I like them. Buy both! What do they go for?

Weiss · April 22, 2005 2:03PM

<< <i>I like them. Buy both! What do they go for? >>

Seth, "A" was about $1800. "B" is about $1600.

Aethelred · April 23, 2005 1:10AM

A is well centered on a more full flan, but B seems to be in a bit higher grade, hard call, but I would take A.

Steve27 · April 23, 2005 1:17AM

B (better strike/detail), but they're both nice examples.

DorkGirl · April 23, 2005 1:38AM

I bet I've come back to this thread a dozen times, I like B. That coin has amazing detail and beauty for being that old. I can't imagine the care that was taken to keep that coin in it's state of preservation, totally mind numbing.

Stork · April 23, 2005 2:31AM

I like the look of A better, B (though a better strike/higher grade) looks like it's missing something because of the way it is positioned. Both are cool! If I'd seen either one without the other to compare it to, I'd like it. But now...what are your chances of finding one with the strike of B, but the 'framing' of A?

Cathy