Author Topic: Alexandrian FH OTD x2 (Read 3072 times)

Randygeki(h2) · « **on:** January 12, 2017, 07:14:38 pm »

Wanted to share these 2 lovely examples of Falling Horseman from Alexandria.

Sam · « **Reply #1 on:** January 12, 2017, 09:03:42 pm »

The first one is a gem .
Congratulations , and thank you for sharing

Akropolis · « **Reply #2 on:** January 12, 2017, 10:07:49 pm »

I agree. A treasure
PeteB

maridvnvm · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2017, 04:35:09 am »

I have developed a real soft spot for these and the Alexandrian style in particular. These are both lovely examples.

dougsmit · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2017, 04:52:11 am »

What do you make of the fact that your gamma shop coin has two ties at the back of the head while the delta has three? It is not a sign of officina. I have three tie coins from all four shops at Alexandria. There seems to be a code of ties and knots in the ties which I do not understand.

maridvnvm · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2017, 06:12:39 am »

I only have seven coin from different workshops across different issues from Alexandria but all 7 have three ties. I suspect that the two tie versions are simply a whim of the engraver unless a pattern arises.

quadrans · « **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2017, 12:01:15 pm »

Nice examples ...

Q.

Randygeki(h2) · « **Reply #7 on:** January 13, 2017, 02:11:23 pm »

Thanks all ^_^

Quote from: dougsmit on January 13, 2017, 04:52:11 am

What do you make of the fact that your gamma shop coin has two ties at the back of the head while the delta has three? It is not a sign of officina. I have three tie coins from all four shops at Alexandria. There seems to be a code of ties and knots in the ties which I do not understand.

I found with a few quick search that most have 3. Maybe it's an indicator of early issues? I couldnt find any smaller with 2 ties. I haven't a clue though

Antioch mostly used 3 as well. Maybe they had influence on each other, or a rivalry?

SC · « **Reply #8 on:** January 14, 2017, 09:02:32 am »

I love the style of the Alexandrian figures, but find it funny how poor their lettering usually is. Especially the mint mark. I don't buy the idea that it is because they were likely not native Latin speakers. That would apply to all Eastern mints, and besides Greek speakers can write neat letters too. So it must be some sort of tradition there.

As for ties, I don't think there is any code. More a question of mint style.

Antioch and Alexandria seem to be the same. Both use three ties for large FTR and two ties for the small (Phoenix) from the start in of the FTR coinage in 348 until the last few couple of reductions. Antioch seems to then switch to two ties when the reduction from 1/72 L to 1/120 L occurs around November 353. (I am not absolutely sure of this as it is hard to see the details on some of these small Antioch coins but I can't find one from the 1/120 L or 1/144 L series that clearly has three ties.) Alexandria, however, has both three and two ties on the smallest coins. For example of my five FTR FHs from Alexandria from the final (M) series I have three with three ties and two with two, and that includes two with three and one with two from the same officina.

SC

Randygeki(h2) · « **Reply #9 on:** January 15, 2017, 12:17:35 am »

I agree the lettering is not too impressive. The M in Fel temp often looks more like an N.

Of my later Antioch FH, only two that have a clear 3 ties

gallienus1 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 15, 2017, 08:05:56 pm »

The second coin is a great example of the type, but the first one is simply outstanding! When you see an example with dies cut with such Late Empire artistry, with such a good strike and in such a superb state of preservation in makes you appreciate the great dynamic power contained in the reverse design. A museum quality coin.

Best regards,
Steve

Randygeki(h2) · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2017, 02:52:03 am »

Thanks, I was lucky to find it. The photo really doesn't do it justice.

maridvnvm · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2017, 06:52:04 am »

As I have mentioned I have a real soft spot for the Alexandrian output for some reason.

Here are mine from early issues through a little later.

RIC VIII Alexandria 72. I wish I could amalgamate them all into one decent example.
Gamma

Delta
Uneven strike

Not a great portrait

RIC VIII Alexandria 75
Smaller. Not as refined in style.

RIC VIII Alexandria 80
Smaller still. Even more crude
Alpha

Gamma

Regards,
Martin

Randygeki(h2) · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2017, 02:14:36 pm »

Quote from: maridvnvm on January 16, 2017, 06:52:04 am

I wish I could amalgamate them all into one decent example.

Regards,
Martin

Those are all great examples but I know what you mean. I feel that way about my Arles FH

SC · « **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2017, 05:58:02 pm »

Nice coins Martin. I especially love the one from the 4th series (

on obverse). I think it is the best example from this series from Alexandria I have ever seen.

Shawn

okidoki · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2017, 01:27:50 pm »

Sharp en bloody very nice Randy

dougsmit · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2017, 09:59:41 pm »

Does anone have an opinion on the relationship between the officina and styles? Did A have a different team of cutters or do we find a mix and match suggesting that one group of die cutters made dies for all shops? My favorite coin of the group remains my distinctly styled ALEA. It is hard to separate our desires for style from strike and condition. A little uneven striking or doubling can ruin a good die.

quadrans · « **Reply #17 on:** January 19, 2017, 10:46:20 am »

Really great coin Martin and Doug..

Q.

Randygeki(h2) · « **Reply #18 on:** January 19, 2017, 03:38:04 pm »

It is interesting how they all are of Alexandrian style, but all are distinct from each other as well.

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Author Topic: Alexandrian FH OTD x2 (Read 3072 times)