The server that this site is on fried a few days ago. That is why it has been down for the last few days.
Monthly Archive for December, 2008
Well this site is over two years old now. Thanks to everyone who has visited and special thanks to all who link here.
After several years of collecting ancient coins, I have finally found a focus. It is a weak focus but a focus nonetheless. Roman Republican coins. It should be obvious by my last few months worth of purchases. I will probably have to consign some more coins to pursue this new direction. hehe.
I hope everyone has a most excellent holiday season.
Republican Billon Quadrigatus, 225-212 BC.
Obverse: Laureate head of Janus.
Reverse: Jupiter in quadriga galloping right, ROMA on raised tablet below.
Craw 28/3 var, Syd 68. 18.81 mm, 4.82 gm.
This type of coin is called a “quadrigatus” after the quadrigae, or four horse chariot, on the reverse. In 211 BC. the coinage was reformed. This coin was discontinued and the better known denarius was introduced.
I believe this coin to be a debased Second Punic War emergency issue. It is made of billon, not the normal silver, and it is underweight. I would think that it is too obvious to be an ancient counterfeit. Please correct me if I am wrong.
