Bronze vrs Silver: What to do?

[ickster]

I'm torn. A lovely EF denarius or large "F" bronze. I love the feel and weight of the larger coins, but also like the portrait and detail of the silver.

Obviously, looking for an EF bronze is the best answer, but being constrained by resources (money), I need to compromise. 

The intent is to finish my collecting goal, then upgrade to better pieces. I have some nice, OK, and not so nice pieces now, but nothing with the "wow" factor I see here, but I've only been at it a short time.

Thoughts?

[Andrew McCabe]

I'm torn. A lovely EF denarius or large "F" bronze. I love the feel and weight of the larger coins, but also like the portrait and detail of the silver.

Obviously, looking for an EF bronze is the best answer, but being constrained by resources (money), I need to compromise. 

The intent is to finish my collecting goal, then upgrade to better pieces. I have some nice, OK, and not so nice pieces now, but nothing with the "wow" factor I see here, but I've only been at it a short time.

Thoughts?

Pretty much impossible to say without specifics. You might think I'd argue for bronze I'm as keen as the next person on EF silver. Give us your specific examples and let us consider (but just don't name prices or dealers as we ain't allowed to pre-screen purchases here - present it as an 'either-or' choice between two obviously decent coins).

I recall a torn-between debate about 3 different Galba (or were they Vitellius?) denarii a while back, and I think the discussion on Forum helped in the end to steer the confused person towards the numismatically most interesting coin.

[Molinari]

What Andrew says is true- we'd need specifics, although I'm tempted to say bronze (I thought Andrew would).  If you're looking for the Wow factor, maybe hold off and save a little more?

[Lucas H]

I recall a torn-between debate about 3 different Galba (or were they Vitellius?) denarii a while back, and I think the discussion on Forum helped in the end to steer the confused person towards the numismatically most interesting coin.

You could be referencing another discussion, but I asked about a rare/worn coin versus a more common/better looking coin one time when I was deciding which Otho to buy from the forum.  I think they were similarly priced.  There were some good pros and cons discussed.  The discussion is here:  https://www.forumancientcoins.com/board/index.php?topic=72528.0

That time, I opted for the more rare coin in a lesser condition, a left facing Otho:  https://www.forumancientcoins.com/gallery/displayimage.php?pos=-70984

we ain't allowed

Not sure where you are, but you're ready to visit us down here in the deep south anytime!   

[ickster]

Thanks for the replies. I should have linked in what I was looking at.

I do recall that thread about the Otho, and I could see you dilemma there.

There is nothing rare about the Maximinus Thrax coins I'm thinking of. All rather common, I'm afraid.

I do like this one:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?param=48398q00.jpg&vpar=735&zpg=57614&fld=https://www.forumancientcoins.com/Coins2/

but the flan crack works against it.

And then there's this one:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?param=57154q00.jpg&vpar=735&zpg=69425&fld=https://www.forumancientcoins.com/Coins2/

but obviously much more worn, hence the $100 lower price tag.

As for the silver, those are extremely common, with many in EF condition for $100-$150, such as this one:

https://www.forumancientcoins.com/catalog/roman-and-greek-coins.asp?param=56059q00.jpg&vpar=735&zpg=68002&fld=https://www.forumancientcoins.com/Coins2/

I know I should probably wait and save a bit more and until an even nicer large bronze shows up, but I'm not sure if I'm that disciplined. 

[Jay GT4]

You'd do fine with any of the ones you linked to.  Personally I'd take the denarius out of the three...

[David Atherton]

I like the denarius best too...however, the first sestertius you linked is the best of both worlds.

[ancientdave]

I'd go for that first sestertius, I say the flan crack is part of it's charm. Although tommorrow I might very well pick the denarius. They all are very nice and would make fine additions.

[ickster]

Gents,
Many thanks for your replies.

Jay GT4: Is it the portrait and condition that lead you to the denarius, or an affinity for denarii over the larger series?

Mr. Atheron: I'm assuming you think sestersius is approaching in quality to the denarius, so that condition is your motivating factor.

So, where has this thread got me: Right now I'm thinking thrifty and EF denarius, or go bigger and spend the bucks on the nicer Sestersius. The discussion has, so far, knocked the lesser conditioned bronze out of the running.

[David Atherton]

Mr. Atheron: I'm assuming you think sestersius is approaching in quality to the denarius, so that condition is your motivating factor.

Actually it's the overall eye appeal I like about it. It's a very tough coin to say no to!

[Lucas H]

I like the denarius as well.  It's well centered, has an excellent portrait, even the beaded edge is in good shape.  To my eye, the silver shows the devices and legends better.  Finally, it's cheaper than the sestertius, but still an excellent coin.  That's my opinion, but go with your guy on what you like that is within your budget. 

[Mark Z]

The intent is to finish my collecting goal, then upgrade to better pieces. I have some nice, OK, and not so nice pieces now, but nothing with the "wow" factor I see here, but I've only been at it a short time.

Thoughts?

ick,

As Andrew mentioned, you have not alluded to your collecting goal. Are you doing a "one per" of the emperors? Or are you covering a specific time period? Going for rarity or quality of portrait? Size?

Whatever the case, may I suggest going for quality right from the start as "filling in" and then going back can be a pretty time- and money-consuming process (I name myself as "Exhibit A") unless of course that is what you want or like to do!

Bronze v. silver? Difficult decision, for sure, but one that has to be made at some point or you will make yourself crazy (crazier?). How about one of each for each emperor? I think 'benito' is doing something like that.

As far as anxiety about it goes, don't worry as which way you want to go will come to you eventually. Hopefully you won't spend too much money in the process, though.

As far as the coins you offered as examples of what to buy, if you ask 100 people you will get 100 different answers. My answer is the Max sestertius. Why? I'm a "big bronze" guy and this one is really nice. I'd buy it but I already have one (sorry Joe!).

Good luck!

mz

[benito]

"Bronze v. silver? Difficult decision, for sure, but one that has to be made at some point or you will make yourself crazy (crazier?). How about one of each for each emperor? I think 'benito' is doing something like that."
Yep Mark.
1 RR per gens ( only silver)
4 coins per emperor when possible (two in bronze - one provincial-, two in silver -one provincial-). From Augustus to Eugenius.
Deviations do happen. i.e. Overweight in some gens and (God pardon my sins) Flavians.
Collection almost finished.

[ickster]

Some great points from all, and I thank you for your time. I am indeed embarked on a "one per emperor" campaign (plus some side tracks - I'm border line A.D.D.) that I've made some good progress on. I have matured a bit since the start and now quality of portrait is what I tend to look for, but I do understand the "eye appeal" alluded to by Mr. Atheron.

I fully understand what Lucas is speaking to when he talks about the quality of the denarius. It does have the superior portrait, but I am also in Mark Z's camp of liking the heft of the large bronzes.

I think Benito, however, has pointed the way ahead for me. Collect more than one of each. I won't aim for 4 of each, but rather will strive for one silver and one bronze of each for those emperor's where that is practical and attainable. No matter what I do pick, I'll always know I'm going to get  the other eventually.

I may never get there, but it's about the journey. Plus, searching gives me a reason to research and look at coins.    I have a good many years left on this planet, so it should be an attainable goal.

Getting that Model A may slow things down for a year, but I don't have much left on the list. 

[benito]

 I think Benito, however, has pointed the way ahead for me. Collect more than one of each. I won't aim for 4 of each, but rather will strive for one silver and one bronze of each for those emperor's where that is practical and attainable.

Good thinking, two coins per emperor. With  less than 200 hundred coins you will have a full collection . Once finished you can include wifes,mothers,relatives, and  a bunch of usurpers.
Try to get all type of coins ie. sestertius,dupondius,semis, etc...in bronze ,denarius,quinarius,cistophorus,tets, etc.....in silver. Also try to avoid repetition of reverses ( I have been somewhat careless ).
Do avoid getting into greek. You will get nowhere if you don't specialise and grandeur is better than glory.
Good luck.

[Molinari]

[/quote]


Do avoid getting into greek. You will get nowhere if you don't specialise and grandeur is better than glory.
Good luck.


[/quote]

I'm all about glory, so I disagree

[benito]

Do avoid getting into greek. You will get nowhere if you don't specialise and grandeur is better than glory.
Good luck.
[/quote]
I'm all about glory, so I disagree
[/quote]

All about glory    Where do you leave the grandeur of your  LRBs?

[Molinari]

Do avoid getting into greek. You will get nowhere if you don't specialise and grandeur is better than glory.
Good luck.

I'm all about glory, so I disagree
[/quote]

All about glory    Where do you leave the grandeur of your  LRBs?
[/quote]

Haha..those were just for fun.

[Lucas H]

(God pardon my sins) Flavians.

Oh, no you didn't!

Whatever the case, may I suggest going for quality right from the start as "filling in" and then going back can be a pretty time- and money-consuming process (I name myself as "Exhibit A") unless of course that is what you want or like to do!

Then I would be exhibit "B," just check what's left in my "duplicate" file in my gallery, and that's after consigning some to Joe, and giving a few away.  After trial, and expensive experience, I'll stick with quality to begin with except for the more rare or scarce issues in the Flavians, thank you very much Benito.