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 Replies: 18 / Views: 9,225 |
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Bedrock of the Community
United States
11951 Posts |
A local coin shop got in a group of ancient coins. I picked up a couple, most are in pretty bad condition. One that I picked up is in such good condition that I am thinking it might not be real. On the holder is written "Hadrian Sestertius" It weighs 25 grams and is 34mm wide, also it is a thick coin. If I am reading the letters correctly Obverse - Imp Caesar Traianvs Hadrianvs AVG Reverse - FONTMAX TRPOTCOS IJ FORTRED S C      |
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Pillar of the Community
 United States
3098 Posts |
The bust and legends look soft to me. While I can't be sure from a photo I would suspect that there is a good chance this is a cast copy.
I did not, however, find a match to this coin at the Ancient Coins Forum fakes website.
Paul Bulgerin
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Moderator
 United States
23731 Posts |
I agree with Paul, compare the bust detail to the script. The high point of the bust shows more detail than the text which is soft and unclear.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
7066 Posts |
Edited by Kamnaskires
07/23/2014 5:16 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
While a photographic examination can never be certain about these things I am inclined to think it is genuine. I see no obvious signs of it being a cast copy and I have seen other 'good' bronzes with a similar sort of look about them. I believe the coin may have had a heavy thick layer of patination which someone decided to remove. Often the removal of this sort of patination removes much of the original detail and leaves the bare metal surface looking rather 'fuzzy'. The color of the coin suggests it is bronze but I can see a bit of the "orichalcum" shinning through in spots.
My inclination is that the coin is genuine but has been stripped down to bare metal and then re-toned chemically to make it look more acceptable.
But of course without actually holding the piece it is difficult to say with certainty.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
I wonder if that's not a casting seam between 9:00 and 11:00 on the photograph of the obverse side of the coin. I've blown it up for a better look. It would help if we could see that part of a side view of the coin.  Paul Bulgerin
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
If you check the second link provided by Bob L you will see a similar sort of grainy surface which I believe is from the removal of heavy encrustation and/or patination. Cleaning off 'things' is often a difficult choice. Sometimes it need be done (bronze disease) but over cleaning makes the task of determining authenticity all the more difficult.
Nothing like a nice thick patina to show real antiquity.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
I believe the 'seam' to be simply reflected light.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3098 Posts |
This has been an interesting and insightful thread.
GR58 - I hope you are able to determine if the coin is authentic or not.
Thanks for sharing your Hadrian with the group.
Paul Bulgerin
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Bedrock of the Community
 United States
11951 Posts |
Thank you all for the opinions you have posted. Am I right in thinking the size and weight could be correct for this coin? I understand what FV is saying about the softness of the details. I have over cleaned Indian head and large cents that I have found metal detecting with similar results. The very old lady that sold these coins to my LCS did say her husband that had collected these coins .. did so 30 to 50 years ago. Just saying a long time for a coin to tone back out after a cleaning. And the price he had written on the holder was a good amount for that long ago. Would this coin have enough value, that sending it into a TPG would make it worth getting authenticated? I would like to say, it looks much better in hand then my pictures show. |
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Pillar of the Community
Canada
579 Posts |
I agree with FR. To me it looks like the patina was stripped and then repatinated.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
The size and weight are about correct for the period. Between the reigns of Claudius (AD 42) and Antoninus Pius (died AD162) saw the great period for this denomination. Sizes generally top off around 35mm (more usually 32-33mm) and weights between 24-28 grams. Lighter examples do occasionally show up as do a few heavier ones later on.
If I saw the coin for sale I would consider it (providing it was cheap !) but due to the "soft" look I would not be lusting after it !
David Sear offers a service which does not slab (real collectors hate them) but it will set you back $50. Now I suppose one of those "other" services might be better if your intent was to maximize return. Investor collectors have less qualms about the aesthetics and simply want an expert to tell them what they should know already.
Edited by FVRIVS RVFVS
07/23/2014 7:04 pm
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Pillar of the Community
United States
3444 Posts |
I would add that with the approval of someone like Sear I would have no problem paying around $100 for something like this. But I am "famous" for waiting for something to 'steal' ........ I rather prefer paying the prices the guy selling it paid !
Someone else would pay double or more. But in that case you need to find the right pidgeon.
What the coin is worth is only what one of us fools will pay
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1569 Posts |
That is a nice coin! The problem is the lacquer that has been applied after cleaning. It does appear a little 'iffy' from the pictures provided but when placed next to another genuine example it is clear that it is a good, genuine coin.  Obviously, and also for the benefit of any moderators, this is only my humble opinion and because I have only held, cleaned and sold a few thousand should in no way be taken as fact. You will never soar like an eagle if you hang around with turkeys.....
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Moderator
United States
23731 Posts |
I'm probably wrong, I often am but I still have some doubts.
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Pillar of the Community
United Kingdom
1569 Posts |
I think it may be the pictures Ron. When I first saw it I thought it was a copy, but after looking at a few I have it's not so far off the mark, just a little 'shiny'.
You will never soar like an eagle if you hang around with turkeys.....
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Replies: 18 / Views: 9,225 |
Posted 07/23/2014 5:13 pm
