DetectingWales.com

Doc, Roland anyone else what are your thoughts on this.

Bronze, 24mm. Obv. Facing bust (IMP CARAVSIVS PF AVG).   with PAX reverse (PAX AVG)

Pictures do not do it true justice but a bit nibbled granted.

Can't find parallel been told could be very rare as well.....over to you guys please.

My thought are, its a  very nice Roman coin well saved  ;0)

Cheers Phil, more research needed.

Cracking coin  ;D

Hi Paul - it was me that did the ID on the other site - I get around a bit lol.

Will be interesting to see what Roland says about this one.

As I said in the other place, I have spotted a couple of these facing bust Carausius types online with Salus reverse (RIC 400), but I am pretty sure the reverse legend on this one is PAX AVG, which I can't find anywhere with this obverse.

Here's the image from Wildwinds of the Salus reverse coin:

Thanks Doc, I had a feeling you were the same person lol. Be interested to see what Roland says. Once again thanks for your ID ..

I hadn't seen any of these until recently but there was a sale of Carausian coins - might have been DNW that had two of these - I'm pretty sure I saved the link as they were ones I liked the look of - it is a rare type.

Here's a link - although the two coins were both Salus. I think the prices paid were very high - as a collector I'd always prefer the denarii but here they are:-

https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=2469&lot=76 (https://www.numisbids.com/n.php?p=lot&sid=2469&lot=76)

Was that the correct sale price or was it a typo ? Even if you knock a 0 off it’s a lot of money.
Paul’s Coin has a different reverse doesn’t it ?

Yes, that was the correct sale price - I'd have been willing to pay a couple of hundred for them, as facing busts are always more sought after.

The first coin is the Salus reverse - the second coin - well I couldn't tell you what it was - it could be Salus, it could be Pax.

Pax is the most common of the Carausian coins - about 95% had pax as the reverse, so it would make sense that there is a facing bust type with Pax. -

I've just looked at Shiel, 'The Episode of Carausius and Allectus' but sadly it concentrates on the silver and gold, so nothing mentioned there and there's nothing  in the other book 'Carausius & Allectus, the British Usurpers' - by PJ Casey.

Think I can feel a Xmas hols break coming on Paul  ;D

Hi Roland thank you for your comments and particularly the auction link. Both yourself and Doc are always on the ball with information and Id's.
So what makes this coin rare is having Pax on the reverse and forward facing....I have e mailed Sam Moorehead st the BM as he is the expert on Roman coins, he's back in the office tomorrow so I will update on his comments.

Possibly Val, time will tell I will keep you informed also there is a story behind the coins discovery  is interesting  ;)

I was on a dig with Sam in 1993 in Israel - he helped me buy a few prutah in Jerusalem (one of which I still have) - nice chap.

Just had a reply from Sam At the BM...apparently there are 7 recorded facing busts but all have Salus as reverse. He is back in the office Wednesday and will give me more information.
Dare I think this coin is a one off?? Be nice time will tell.

I think your obverse is a die match to the Salus one referenced.

The Pax reverse looks has similarities to the Salus one - but is definitely different :) - you can just imagine someone picking up the wrong die after having a heavy night :)

Are you having sleepless nights Paul ? I feel quite excited about all this  ;D
Please let us know EVERYTHING that happens. 👍. Or. 👎

Thanks Roland, appreciate your thought as always.

Should know more tomorrow Val, I will update you.  ;)

If its worth allot of money, are you going to take us all out for a slap up meal ???
 ;D

Slap up meal at Mrs Miggings pie shop Nobby  :D

Hi Paul - did you get more information from Sam Moorhead?

Hi Peter. Sam is really excited and has recorded it on finds.org ( FASAM 6ACF3C)  he says...It confirms another incomplete PAX piece I have seen so yours is the only complete one known. The only other front facing busts 8 of them all have SALUS as a reverse...

I will put a post up l8tr explaining the finding of the coin as it's a bit different and rather lucky.

Wow, great news - looks like it is unique as a complete coin  :)

 ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D.   ::)   :-*

Well here's the latest on the coin. ....I have taken it to Salisbury Museum to the new Wiltshire FLO. He has taken a photo for  Sam Moorhead so he can update the data base and include the white background with a scale alongside it.

I have been in touch with a Dix Noonan Webb, who wants the coin for there auction should I wish to sell, they have said they would sell the coin for 0% commission that amazed me. They are happy to make their  commission from buyers premiums, it would be catalogued and shown to collectors at the upcoming Coinex event soon.
Whilst the reverse of PAX is unknown with this bust, it's the facing bust apparently that collectors want hence the crazy price the last lot sold for, but I guess clearly the PAX reverse would also be high on the collectors wish list...

Pax by itself constitutes 95% of Carausian types - it's the facing bust that's the critical bit :) Mind you the price paid for those two was pretty crazy, although I'm sure yours might do as well.

I bet you’re still feeling the ‘big buzz’ eh Paul. You know, that lovely warm glow.
I guess you’ll be feeling it for a while yet. There’s more to come, your moment in the spotlight, as they say.
We’ll all be watching with EXTREME interest for future developments. I’d best order a copy of Searcher  ;D ;)

Just a quick update for those who are interested in this coin

It has been recorded by Sam Moorhead on the database as FASAM-6ACF3C...Roman coin expert Sam Moorhead at the British Museum said " It confirms another incomplete PAX I have seen,so yours is the only complete example known. The only other facing bust (8 of them)have a SALUS reverse.
I have sent the coin to DNW auction house in London where the two others sold early this year, they have put an estimate on the coin from the photos, but I will wait to see what they say after appraising the coin.

Since I sent the coin to London a coin dealer of note has said he has a collector should I Wish to  sell to him for...£10,000.

Peter Spencer of the Searcher has also asked if he could do an article on the coin on behalf of the Searcher, as in his words its an incredibly rare coin, obviously I have agreed and look forward to his write up.

Well guys that's it for now, the moral of the story (Always check your finds boxes) I'm glad I did....Spikey

Let me be the first to congratulate you Paul (publicly )

I’m sure we’re all waiting, with baited breath for the next up-date.

In theory it should be worth more than the example Roland gave us a link to. I seem to remember the estimated value of the others was very low. Time will tell.

Thanks for the up-date 👍

Gravy chips and peas with my Pie then please Spikey.... ;D

keep us updated! Well found and saved!

Great result Spikey. I feel an urge to check my meagre Roman collection now. that said I have given quite a few away without real knowledge of them!

Keep the updates coming and Congratulations!

Cheers
Neil

Mite chuck a roaster in aswell nobby. Sod the exspense.. ;)

Thanks Matt... ;)

Will do Neil.  ;)

Nice one, very well done to you.