Author Topic: Ancient Roman Republic, Serrate Denarius, 83-2 B.C. Q. Antonius Balbus, Praetor  (Read 6410 times)

Offline Larry

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Ancient Roman Republic, Serrate Denarius, 83-2 B.C.  Q. Antonius Balbus, Praetor

Q. Antonius Balbus. 83-82 BC. AR Serrate Denarius (18mm, 3.84 grams). (possibly struck at Rome mint, not sure of this.)

Laureate head of Jupiter right, SC behind / Victory driving quadrgia right, holding reins, palm frond, and wreath; X below horses.
PR in exergue.

Crawford 364/1d; Sydenham 742b; RSC Antonia 1.

I have also seen this type referred to as 'Denarius Serratus.'
I believe the coin should grade VF, but will be glad to read your opinions of my coin and your estimated grade. Thanks. : )

I bought this denarius from Harlan A. Berk, Ltd. at the ANA show last week.
I have another example on order from CNG.  I will then have 8 ancient coins.






« Last Edit: August 28, 2011, 01:04:30 PM by Larry »


I have collected U.S coins for many years, and then Civil War Tokens, but am now actively building a collection of Conder Tokens,
the coins that made the Industrial Revolution a whopping success. : )

Offline coinsarefun

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You know what Larry, I have been looking at the ancients for years and have thought about collecting them, after seeing this......I gotta get me some :signcool; Happy(*)

Amazing images!!!

Offline Larry

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Thanks, Stefanie.  It's nice to receive comment(s).  : )
I think a few ancient coins is the way to go.
As with some Conder Tokens, I can't read their Latin, so often refer to websites for translations.
Coin-related sites also offer translations sometimes, or item listings.

I received my latest purchase, from CNG.
It still has some mint luster after 2,100 years.
It is high-grade, perhaps gEF in England, maybe AU in the U.S.

There is another grading system for ancient coins that judges strike and surface.
I've no idea how these coins would grade according to that system.

You should like this example.  This example also has its reverse struck well off center,
and yet I am told that among ancients such strikes are common.
It still commanded an uncommon price. 






« Last Edit: August 28, 2011, 01:27:07 PM by Larry »
I have collected U.S coins for many years, and then Civil War Tokens, but am now actively building a collection of Conder Tokens,
the coins that made the Industrial Revolution a whopping success. : )

Offline Zohar444

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    • My Taler Collection
WOW is all I can say.

Offline coinsarefun

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OMG I really love it Larry and killer images as usual 8)
Would you mind sharing how much these cost?
I don't have a clue as to the prices on them.

PM me if you want with the costs

Offline HoldingHistory

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Nice example. I would grade it a solid VF+. It is hard to find nicer examples than that, and when you do they would be graded as either EF, or FDC, depending on who is doing it.

Yes, it is very common for ancient coins to be struck off center. The better centered coins are usually worth more than coins struck off center. This one is quite well centered though.

Nathan