My First Ancient.......How did I do?

kryptonitecomics

Ok...I know as a coin collector you should by the book before the coin......but after watching some very fascinating shows on Ancient Rome and Gladiators etc.......I was compelled to purchase my first Silver DENARII.

I am not really concerned with whether I ripped the coin or not....I didn't buy it for the value per say....but I would like opinions on if it's a decent specimen, and any info on Dealers that are reputable in this area etc.

Thanks


Ebay

ajaan

linked

Nice obverse.

CIVITAS

Very nice coin. It is not a denarius however, it is an 'antoninianus' of Gordian III. An antoninianus is a denomination introduced by Caracalla in 213(?) A.D. It was tariffed as a double-denarius.

$35.00 is pretty much right on the money for Gordian III's antoniniani in this grade.

coinmickey

Nice detail on the obverse....

kryptonitecomics

So this coin is older than the advertised date?? Is their any info on-line or do I just need to go and by a book on Ancient Roman Coins? Any suggestion on the book I should by??

I really want to purchase more of these.....and I would like to have a lot more info at my disposal so any help is greatly appreciated

AuldFartte

That one is neat, Shane

kryptonitecomics

<< <i>That one is neat, Shane >>



Your a bad.....or should I say Dark influence on me man!!!

CIVITAS

<< <i> So this coin is older than the advertised date?? Is their any info on-line or do I just need to go and by a book on Ancient Roman Coins? Any suggestion on the book I should by??

I really want to purchase more of these.....and I would like to have a lot more info at my disposal so any help is greatly appreciated >>



The coin is attibuted to the correct emperor and dates, it's just listed as the wrong denomination. Kind of like listing a half dollar as a quarter.

A few book recommendations for the beginner:

Roman Coins and Their Values by David R. Sear (get an old edition for attribution purposes as the values listed are pretty irrelevant and it'll be MUCH cheaper).

Ancient Coin Collecting Volumes 1 and 3 by Wayne G. Sayles (we carry both of these).

kryptonitecomics

Great info CIVITAS....thanks a bunch!!!

BigAlan

Gordian III was 13 when he was elevated to the rank of Augustus in 238. He was one of 6 men to hold the rank of Augustus in the year 238. His 6 year reign was also the longest of any of the 6.

Maximinus 235-238
Gordian I 238
Gordian II 238
Balbinus 238
Pupienus 238
Gordian III 238-244

None of the 6 died "in bed of old age."

Danegeld

You did GRRRRRREAT

Have Fun
Ben

Aethelred

I was going to sat that it is an Antoninianus not a Denarius, but as usual Josh beat me to it. I think the price you paid is fair and the coin has a nice bust of Gordian III. I would also suggest David Sear's "Roman Coins and Values," but unlike Josh I think you should go ahead and spring for the new ones as the old numbering system used in the first to fourth editions has been changed in the 2000 edition and a lot more coins are now listed.

There are two things on my website that may also be of some limited help to you:

Reading Ancient Roman Coins

The Rulers of Ancient Rome

kryptonitecomics

Just a great wealth of knowledge here......I knew you guys would come through for me.........................I can see my bank account dwindling as I type...................I am not one for moderation after all

I found a few sites on my own that broke down the denominations etc for me...which is helpful and I think I will stick with Silver coins for now......but I am sure that won't last for long

kryptonitecomics

Sorry...just got the coin and had a few more questions.................who is on the back and what are they holding? Looks like a scale in the right hand and I can't make out what's in the left? Also what would you grade the coin? Looks stronger than a VF....but don't know if it makes it to EF since I have no experience grading Ancients?

Thanks

JZrarities

A MUST place to go: Wildwinds.com

Here's a Link to Gordian III