Help with ancients? Please?

Omega

I was in a local BM buying currency (my first passion) when I noticed some world silver in a box on the counter. Curiosity got the best of me and I asked to look through the box. The short version ends with me buying several world silver coins and two other cool coins (and the reason for this post!!). I have NEVER considered ancient coins but could not leave these two behind. So after some online research I think I have a Maximinus II Roman and a Anastasius Byzantine. First, am I correct?? Second, what are the approximate values? I have all of about about $15 dollars into them. I thought $15 was worth the cool factor alone! Thanks!!

Omega

Can anyone help?

lordmarcovan

I think those attributions sound correct.

Your Maximinus looks nice. I'm not so sure about the lettering- it gives me a tiny impression of some Balkan fakes, perhaps, but not a major red flag. Could be just fine. (Edit- probably IS just fine- that thing about the lettering is probably just paranoia on my part.) The flan looks right.

Dunno about Anastasius on the Byzantine but it's definitely a Byzantine follis. I haven't crossed the threshold into that stuff quite yet, though it's beginning to interest me.

For the price, I'd say it's hard to lose. Not much downside risk there, and lotsa historical bang for your buck (or fifteen bucks)!

CIVITAS

The first coin is correctly attributed.

The reason that the lettering looks a bit odd is because the coin was made at Ostia mint. It was a small mint outside of Rome that was only open for two or three short periods of time. It had a somewhat unique style compared the the typical eastern mint coins which are much more commonly seen for Maximinus II.

The Byzantine follis is probably Anastasius, but it could be Justin or Justinian possibly as well. The portraits all look the same and I can't read the legend to tell other wise. Anastasius would look something like D N ANASTASIVS P F AVG. Justin would be IVSTINVS and Justinian would be IVSTINIANVS or similar. It's not unusual to have missing letters or otherwise blundered legends on these.

lordmarcovan

Well, there you have it. When Josh@Civitas or Sapyx weighs in on an ancient coin topic, I tend to consider that the final word.

Omega

Thank you so much! That is why I love these boards!! I will see if I can decipher the legend on the second coin.