Coins acquired in 2023.
AR
AE
AV
But this is a list of top 10, so I’ll pick my top 10 pickups of 2023
#10 Dupondius of Trajan
#9 Double Denarius of Trajan Decius and Son
#8 Denarius of Lucius Verus
Early in the year, I purchase this denarius of Lucius Verus because of a good history and toning.
However, after seeing this statue in person, I impulse purchased the denarius below despite being lower grade because of a finer artistic quality, in my opinion. I am much happier with this portrait than the first now that I have both!
#7 Double Denarius of Philip II
#6 Denarius of Maximus Thrax
Sure he started the third century crisis, but look at that chin.
#5 Denarius of Augustus
#4: Sestertius of Antoninus Pius
I was not expecting this coin to be on my top 10 list for the year. I grabbed it off eBay for 50$ hoping for a quick clean and strong potential, but I should have clued into the green substance was the reason for the low price – Bronze Disease. Nightmare fuel for any ancient bronze collector. Thought this would be a great opportunity to learn how to rid a coin of BD, but I was not expecting it to take 4 months!
Luckily, however, I finally got it. It’s been 2 months its final soak with no sign of return now. This coin is not exactly the most beautiful coin ever, but after spending many hours cleaning it under microscope I have become fond of it.
#3: As of Caligula
Got this one from a local coin shop. Maybe next year I’ll gather the strength to clean it. Dirt in the obverse legends and the reverse elements looks like it might come off after a distilled soak w/ some toothpicks. Might be worth a try… Perhaps a future post. However, this is high risk, high reward. High value clean with a lot to lose.
#2: Solidus of Valentinian
First roman gold coin.
#1: Sestertius of Nero
