Coriosolites, Stater, ca. 80-50 BC
Billon - AU(50-53) - Latour:6634
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Profile on the right, with hair consisting of three rolls extended at the back with hook-shaped locks and S-shaped locks at the temples. Almond-shaped eyes and a flat nose.
Highly stylised horse with an aviform head, galloping to the right; above, remains of a charioteer symbolised by a profile with the face on a roll of hair, turned outwards, and behind, at the level of the croup, an identical profile, turned towards the horse, with a pointy nose extended by a decorated cord (symbolising the reins?) attached to the mane. Under the horse, a boar to the right.
Reverse with very well-engraved details. The blank is slightly short with the horse's head partially visible, but otherwise the engravings have been very well struck.
4.75 gr
An “AU(50-53)” quality
As in numismatics, it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
About Uncirculated(50-53)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).
