Many years ago I bought a collection of Roman beads. There are pieces made of glass, crystal, carnelian intaglio, and other materials that I can't identify. Does anyone have more information about this? Any idea of their price?
This bronze Nummus dramatically illustrates the apotheosis of Constantine I, symbolizing his divine ascension and transition to the celestial realm after his death in 337 AD. The scene breaks with pagan tradition by showing the emperor in a quadriga being welcomed by the Hand of God (Manus Dei) reaching down from the heavens, a powerful fusion of Roman imperial iconography with new Christian symbolism. The presence of the star and the upward direction of the chariot reinforce the narrative that Constantine did not merely pass away but was elevated to eternal glory, consolidating his image as the first Christian monarch to achieve immortality under divine blessing.
Tetradrachm of Philip III Arridaios. It weighs 17.7 g and is 29 mm long. The surface, inscription and edges seem strange to me.
This is now the oldest piece in my collection; I'm fascinated by the earring design and the archaic style of the face. Can someone give me an idea of evaluation in this state?
I find it very interesting and would love a piece like that, but at the same time I have the impression that constant use tends to destroy the coin. Have you had any experience with this type of jewelry?
Silver hemiobols from Caria (specifically from Mylasa, c. 420–390 BC) are fascinating examples of ancient "small change." With a tiny weight of approximately 0.2g to 0.4g, they represented half an obol and were essential to the subsistence economy, allowing people to purchase very low-value items such as a handful of olives, a piece of bread, or access to public baths.
In the context of Caria, under the rule of satraps like Hecatomnus, these coins were not merely instruments of exchange but also symbols of regional authority, maintaining the visual pattern of the lion (a symbol of strength and royalty).
Byzantine gold solidus of Emperor Leo I (457–474 AD), minted in Constantinople. The obverse shows the emperor facing forward in imperial regalia, helmeted, pearldiademed, and armored, holding a spear over his right shoulder and a shield decorated with a horseman motif, symbolizing his supreme military authority. The reverse features a winged Victory holding a long jeweled cross, representing the triumph of the Christian empire. The inscription “VICTORIA AVGGG” and the mint mark “CONOB” emphasize the glory of the Augustus and the high standards of Constantinople’s mint.
Does anyone have more information or interesting facts about this coin? Was $1100 fair?