My primary specialty is US coins, so I don't have much experience with ancients. Many years ago, I bought this coin out of a dealer's "junk" box because it looked interesting. It seems to be a silver denarius of Domitian with a Minerva reverse. Are these relatively common coins?
I have a 'gut' feeling that the dealer does not have much experience with ancient coins, either.
The reverse rough fields in particular seem to suggest that it may be a silver plated cast coin. Pictures make the fields look a little 'greasy'; 'greasiness' can indicate that it could be a cast copy, but pictures can be deceiving. Need to get some highly detailed edge on pictures for further comment. I will not dismiss this coin just yet, but I am doubtful.
How many years ago did you buy it, and for what price? I bought a nice genuine denarius for a reasonable price, (less than $10), but that was many decades ago.
Not fully sold on this coin as well. I know this coin is faked a lot from a quick search on the fake coin reports. Didn't find a match though - maybe someone else will.
Thanks for the responses, everyone. I picked it up about 25 years ago, around 1993 or 1994. I think I paid about $10 for it. It seems genuine to me and looks hammered rather than cast. Anyway, if it is a fake, at least I didn't overpay for it!
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