Ok, I have been surfing around just finding coins and then looking them up. I was curious as to variations in a
Marcus Aurelius I came across. This one is actually being sold on
eBay. I have no intention of
buying it, but was seriously interested in the
reverse type on the coin.
The first picture is the coin on
eBay. It is described as
RIC 429a. The
obverse seems to match, but the
obverse legend is in a different place. In particular, the S in
COS. Looking at
RIC 429b, the
reverse seems to match. The only difference I can see in
RIC 429a and b is the
bust type. In particular right facing and left facing respectively.
Is it that this coin is struck with the
reverse dye of
RIC 429b and
obverse dye of
RIC 429a, or is it common for the legends to be moved like this? I would say significantly, since it is on the opposite
side of the
arm.
Second pic.
RIC 429a
Third pic.
RIC 429b
Thanks all! I think this may be a
good example for noobs like me to learn from!
Ohh, it also seems like the draping matches that with 429b too. Looking at the draping on the right
side of the coin as viewed, it appears rounded like 429b and not as straight as in 429a.
It appears the two
types were minted in the same years too.