It was listed as a "510 /485 BC" Aegina stater. But I think this specimen belongs to the "480-457 BC" group...or maybe even the later "470/440" group. What do you turtle experts think?
Justinian I , 538-539 A.D. ,Nicomedia mint
It took some months to receive my Leu 40-41 win as it got stuck at customs. 355-348 BC Amphipolis.
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A well centered strike was not a priority that day. Using a sharp tool to quickly remove the coin from the die was acceptable. Athens had the sliver but didn't have much time. They knew the persians were coming ...again.
One of the urgently struck coins that was probably used by Athens to buy and build the ships it needed to defeat the Persians at the battle of Salamis.
I bought this denarius recently from Numimatica Barcala. I just couldn't resist a legion VI Ferrata Marc Antony denarius at an affordable price.... as I think it's a legion with amazing history.
It does have this granular aspect on the obverse mainly...only noticeable in the photos but with the naked eye the coin feels and looks quite smooth.
The 2 dark spots are pits/ cavities.
It also is the smallest and the lightest (3 ,34g) denarius I have. Probably consistent with Marc Antony 's really tight resources at the time?
The galley is in fairly high relief compared with other denari of this type, even some pristine ones...another reason this coin really attracted me.